Patents Issued in June 12, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080134752
    Abstract: An oxygen analyzer system includes first and second internally calibrated sensors each for detecting oxygen levels, and a processing subsystem responsive to the sensors. The processor is configured to calibrate the first sensor while the second sensor detects oxygen levels, and to calibrate the second sensor while the first sensor detects oxygen levels. The processor is further configured to compare the oxygen level detected by the first internally calibrated oxygen sensor and the oxygen level detected by the second internally calibrated oxygen sensor, to output an error signal if the oxygen levels detected by the first internally calibrated sensor differ from the oxygen level detected by the second internally calibrated oxygen sensor by a predetermined amount, and to output the oxygen level detected by either the first or second internally calibrated oxygen sensor if the oxygen levels detected thereby do not differ by a predetermined amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Theodore J. Krellner
  • Publication number: 20080134753
    Abstract: Provided are a micro gas sensor for measuring a gas concentration configured to achieve a high heating and cooling rate of a gas sensitive layer, achieve temperature uniformity, and achieve durability against thermal impact and mechanical impact; and a method for manufacturing the micro gas sensor. The micro gas sensor includes: a vacuum cavity disposed in a substrate; a support layer covering the vacuum cavity; a sealing layer sealing the support layer and the vacuum cavity; a micro heater disposed on the sealing layer; a plurality of electrodes disposed on the micro heater, insulated from the micro heater; and a gas sensitive layer covering the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Chi-Hoon JUN, Sang-Choon KO, Hyeon-Bong PYO, Seon-Hee PARK
  • Publication number: 20080134754
    Abstract: A process purifies raw biogas created from a renewable source into pipeline grade natural gas and/or D.O.T. specification, or other predetermined specification, gas. The automated scrubbing processed employed and the particular attributes of the system allow the system to function under extreme weather conditions by employing specific tools to control the temperature of the scrubbing water to allow for efficient and effective removal of the carbon dioxide gas. The system also employs specific measures to use recycled scrubbing water, thus eliminating the need for excessive water generally needed to economically employ this type of scrubbing process. The recycled water is continuously de-carbonated to allow the recycled water stream to effectively scrub the raw biogas. Treated gas from the process is then dried, and compressed for introduction into storage tanks or a natural gas pipeline delivery system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Michael N. Funk
  • Publication number: 20080134755
    Abstract: A method of analyzing a gas specimen mixture includes measuring the concentrations of inert components in the gas specimen mixture and the pressure and temperature of the gas specimen mixture. A number of sample gas mixtures are generated with varying percentages of hydrocarbon gases, each including the measured inert component concentrations. For each generated sample gas mixture, the method includes calculating the speed of sound therein based on the measured pressure and temperature and the particular percentages of hydrocarbon gases therein, measuring the speed of sound in the gas specimen mixture, and iteratively comparing the measured speed of sound with the calculated speed of sound in different sample gas mixtures until convergence for a particular sample gas mixture. The molecular weight of the particular sample gas mixture is calculated, and set the molecular weight of the gas specimen mixture to the calculated molecular weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Yufeng HUANG
  • Publication number: 20080134756
    Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a target analyte gas concentration using a photoacoustic spectroscopy cell comprising: i) a modulatable light source which provides optical radiation at an absorption wavelength of a target analyte; ii) a resonant acoustic chamber for containing said analyte; iii) a microphone positioned within said chamber whereby the acoustic reactance of the microphone is a substantial factor in determining the acoustic resonant frequency of the acoustic chamber and where the magnitude of the acoustic reactance of the microphone is at least two times the acoustic resistance of the microphone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Alfred Riddle
  • Publication number: 20080134757
    Abstract: A gas sensor and method of gas sensing, e.g., of a type as useful with downstream sensor elements for determining the plasma conditions (e.g., plasma etching end point) in a semiconductor etching facility that utilizes halogen-containing plasma and/or oxygen-containing plasma. Such sensor elements are capable of exhibiting temperature change in the presence of energetic gas species, e.g., fluorine, chlorine, iodine, bromine, oxygen, and derivatives and radicals thereof that are generated by the plasma, and correspondingly generating an output signal indicative of such temperature change for determination of the plasma conditions in the etching plasma processing facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Ing-Shin Chen, Jeffrey W. Neuner, Frank Dimeo, Philip S.H. Chen, James J. Welch, Jeffrey F. Roeder
  • Publication number: 20080134758
    Abstract: A gas sensor comprises a sensing element detecting a gas concentration, a heater heating up the sensing element, an element-holding body holding the sensing element, and an atmosphere-side insulator. A pair of contact fittings is arranged between a base end part of the sensing element or the heater and an inner wall surface of the atmosphere-side insulator, and contacts a pair of electrodes disposed on the sensing element or the heater so as to press thereof. The contact fitting is provided with a base plate contacting the inner wall surface and an electrode contact member located to each of the electrodes and contacting the electrode. The gas sensor comprises suppressing means for suppressing the contact fittings from shifting relative to the electrodes in directions crossing the longitudinal direction. As an example, suppressing means are a plurality of fixing spring members pressing the inner wall surface from inside the insulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masanobu Yamauchi
  • Publication number: 20080134759
    Abstract: The invention concerns a sensor for detecting and/or measuring concentration of electric charges contained in an atmosphere. The sensor comprises a field-effect transistor structure including a bridge, which forms a gate and is suspended above an active layer located between drain and source regions. A gate voltage having a specific value is applied on the bridge. A so-called air gap region is included between the bridge and the active layer or an insulating layer deposited on said active layer, and has a specific height. An electric field (E), defined as the ratio between the gate voltage and air gap height, is generated in the air gap. The electric field generated in the air gap has a value not less than a specific threshold, sufficiently important for the electric field (E) to influence the distribution of electric charges contained in the atmosphere and present in the air gap, and to enable high sensitivity of the sensor to be achieved through accumulation of the electric charges on the active layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: UNIVERSITE DE RENNES 1
    Inventors: Tayeb Mohammed-Brahim, Anne-Claire Saluan, France Le Bihan, Hichan Kotb, Farida Bendriaa, Olivier Bonnaud
  • Publication number: 20080134760
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method having applications for oil exploration and CO2 storage of determining the three-dimensional distribution of the absolute permeability of a heterogeneous sample. The method includes: determining a 3D porosity map of the sample; carrying out a viscous miscible displacement experiment during which the evolution of the differential pressure on either side of the sample is determined; from this evolution, determining a 1D absolute permeability profile along the sample and constructing a first 3D permeability map from the 3D porosity map; estimating a simulated differential pressure by simulating numerically a viscous miscible test from the first permeability map and from the 1D permeability profile; determining the three-dimensional distribution of the absolute permeability of the sample by modifying at least once the first permeability map so as to minimize the difference between the simulated differential pressure and the differential pressure measured over the course of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Patrick Egermann, Mickaele Le Ravalec, Amir Soltani
  • Publication number: 20080134761
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for the interception, collection, and containment of a leakage of petroleum products from an above ground pipeline or piping. A simply formed grooved channel together with a sorbent material with oleophilic and hydrophobic properties are strapped to the underside of the pipe. A preferred material for the duct is a simple preformed sheet metal or high density polyethylene (HDPE). A second function of the sorbent pad is to prevent the intrusion of wind, dust, water, or snow into the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Peter W. Bryce
  • Publication number: 20080134762
    Abstract: An airtight test method is provided. The method includes the following steps. First, an opening structure is provided, wherein the opening structure is formed on a building structure. A seal structure is subsequently pressed against the corresponding opening structure, wherein the opening structure and the seal structure compose a chamber. Next, a pressure supply unit is connected to the chamber. A pressure difference is subsequently generated in the chamber by the pressure supply unit. Finally, a measured flow rate between the pressure supply unit and the chamber is detected to measure the airtightness of the opening structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Ching-Yuan Lin, Meng-Chang Cheng, Hsing-Hsiang Huang, Jian-Jyun Li
  • Publication number: 20080134763
    Abstract: A vascular prosthesis tester (10) for inducing stresses upon a vascular prosthesis (22) having a channel extending through the vascular prosthesis is disclosed. The tester includes a pump (18) adaptable to pressurize a fluid disposed within the channel to induce a radial stress upon the vascular prosthesis. The tester may further include a bend applicator (16) operable to induce a bending stress, a torque applicator (12) operable to induce a torque, a linear force applicator (52) operable to induce a linear force, and/or a stop (28) for inducing a lateral push stress upon the vascular prosthesis. A method of fatigue testing a vascular prosthesis contained within a fluid conduit is also disclosed. The method includes injecting a fluid within the inner channel and inducing a torque, bending stress, linear stress, and/or later push stress upon the vascular prosthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Michael R. Moreno, James E. Moore
  • Publication number: 20080134764
    Abstract: The present invention provides a test tee device for leak testing a pipe line system. In structure, the tee test device comprising a tee fitting. The tee fitting comprises a tubular section with first and a second opposing openings, a third opening with the tubular section of the tee fitting, and a removable insert attached in the tubular section and blocking the flow through said first opening. The tubular section has an inside diameter greater than the inside diameter of the first and of the second opening, and the removable insert is larger than the inside diameter of said tubular section. The tubular section also contains a notched section to allow for movement of the pull tab portion of the removable insert. The present invention also provides for a test tee device wherein the removable insert comprises a threaded blockage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Tony L. Brock
  • Publication number: 20080134765
    Abstract: A micro-rheometer for measuring flow characteristics such as viscosity, elasticity, and flow rate of a sample liquid combines well defined micro-fabricated flow channels having geometry changes forming a constriction region therein to a monolithically fabricated pressure sensor arrays. The pressure sensor array positions pressure sensors to measure the viscosity of the sample liquid while flowing in a uniform length of the flow passage and to measure the extensional viscosity while flowing through the constriction region of the passage. The invention can improve the measurement accuracy of the flow rate, viscosities, or elasticities over a wide range of shear rate. The accuracy of the viscosity over a broader range of shear rate or flow rate measurement over broader range of flow rates can be accomplished by employing monolithically integrated pressure sensors fabricated with different sensitivities disposed in a known manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Seong-Gi Baek
  • Publication number: 20080134766
    Abstract: The invention relates to air traps 13, particularly for chromatography systems, chromatography systems using such air traps and methods of using such chromatography systems, in which the air trap comprises a liquid inlet pipe 33, a liquid outlet pipe 35, a substantially cylindrical reservoir 25 between the inlet and outlet pipes 33, 35, and an air outlet opening, the air outlet opening being openable and closable by means of a valve, wherein the liquid inlet and outlet pipes 33, 35 connect to the reservoir 25 substantially tangentially to the reservoir wall 27, the inlet pipe 33 at a distance above the outlet pipe 35, arranged such that during use incoming liquid at a the maximum permitted flow rate travels a spiral path from the inlet pipe 33 to the outlet pipe 35.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: GE HEALTHCARE BIO-SCIENCES AB
    Inventor: Urban Andersson
  • Publication number: 20080134767
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a Langevin type quartz sensor which is high in measurement sensitivity, suppresses the influence of the surface tension of a sample solution during measurement, and enables an installed quartz resonator to stably oscillate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Shunichi Wakamatsu, Mitsuaki Koyama, Tsuyoshi Shiobara
  • Publication number: 20080134768
    Abstract: An electronic device having an enclosure is disclosed. The electronic device includes a hole disposed at least partially through the enclosure. The electronic device also includes a detector configured to provide at least one visual indication after being immersed in water. The detector may include a moisture-indicating portion and a light-permitting moisture-proof membrane. The detector may be disposed inside at least one of the enclosure and the hole such that at least a portion of the detector is visible through the hole from outside of the enclosure without dismantling or opening the electronic device. The distance between the light-permitting moisture-proof membrane and an opening of the hole in the enclosure may be less than the distance between the moisture-indicating portion and the opening of the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Emery Sanford, Stephen P. Zadesky, Philip M. Hobson, M. Evans Hankey, Stephen Brian Lynch, Tang Yew Tan, Erik L. Wang
  • Publication number: 20080134769
    Abstract: A transplanar liquid transport tester for fabrics, comprising: a liquid reservoir; a liquid-permeable support member having a first surface for supporting a fabric test sample, and a second surface for interfacing with liquid in the liquid reservoir; and means for maintaining a constant hydrostatic pressure in the liquid reservoir at the second surface of the support member for replenishing liquid through the support member to the first surface during testing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Jintu Fan, Xiaoming Qian
  • Publication number: 20080134770
    Abstract: A deposit removal probe for monitoring the effectiveness of a chemical at removing deposits from the internal surface of a pipeline used to transport fluids comprising a chamber constructed from mesh having a pore size sufficient to retain a sample of said deposit in said chamber while also allowing the deposit to be removed from the chamber with the action of the chemical and liquid flow through the pipeline and methods of using the probe to determine the effectiveness of a chemical at removing deposits from the internal surface of a pipeline and monitor corrosion rates of surfaces in contact with the deposit and in the bulk fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: David I. Horsup
  • Publication number: 20080134771
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining material properties of a contact formed between a measurement tip of a microscopic probe and a sample surface of a sample material. According to the method, a distance modulation is applied for modulating a distance between a support of the microscopic probe end the sample surface in a direction essentially normal to the sample surface and wherein a normal force signal indicative of a normal force is measured and demodulated. In the method it is proposed that the material properties be determined using measurement data comprised in the demodulated normal force signal and related to a (concave) buckling deformation of the microscopic probe relative to and away from the sample surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Universität Karlsruhe (TH) Forrchungsuniversität Gegründet 1825
    Inventors: Thomas Schimmel, Matthias Muller
  • Publication number: 20080134772
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine having at least two combustion chambers, the internal combustion engine having at least one sensor for detecting a parameter partially characterizing the course of combustion, in particular a parameter correlating with an internal combustion chamber pressure. The sensor is situated in a region of the internal combustion engine between two mutually adjacent combustion chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Kessler, Mattias Schueler, Martin Buchholz
  • Publication number: 20080134773
    Abstract: A vehicle testing system includes a wheel plate constructed and arranged to support a vehicle wheel. A linear electromagnetic actuator has a moving magnet mechanically coupled to the wheel plate constructed and arranged to impart a controlled substantially vertical force to the wheel plate. A spring may be mechanically coupled to the wheel plate to support at least a portion of a static mass of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Bose Corporation
    Inventor: James A. Parison
  • Publication number: 20080134774
    Abstract: A production logging tool for measuring at least one property of a surrounding fluid in a wellbore, comprising a shaft and a rotatable member coupled to the shaft, the rotatable member comprising a sensor component, the arrangement being such that on rotation of the member the sensor moves in a path transverse to the length of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gary Martin Oddie
  • Publication number: 20080134775
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for obtaining downhole well pressure during wellbore operations. One method comprises providing a well intervention tool comprising a straddle sealing assembly having upper and lower annulus sealing elements and a fluid injection port positioned therebetween, the well intervention tool comprising a fluid injection bore having positioned therein a pressure measurement tool; placing the tool in straddle position about a wellbore region to be intervened, with the pressure measurement tool fluidly connected to a wellbore region below the lower annulus sealing element; and performing the wellbore intervention operation while communicating fluid from below the lower annulus sealing element to the pressure measurement tool, thus obtaining a pressure measurement below the lower annulus sealing element during the wellbore intervention operation. This abstract will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Douglas Pipchuk, Michael H. Kenison
  • Publication number: 20080134776
    Abstract: A pressure and liquid level sensing system for a tank container or tank vehicle comprising a vessel for containing a liquid substance, such as Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), etc. The pressure and liquid level sensing system comprises a pressure sensor for measuring a gas pressure inside the vessel and a liquid level sensor for measuring a liquid level inside the vessel, the pressure sensor and the liquid level sensor comprises a first and a second pressure sensitive elements and a first and a second printed circuit boards respectively. A circuit on the first printed circuit board converts a pressure signal into an electric signal, a circuit on the second printed circuit board converts pressure signals of a gas-phase space and a liquid-phase space into electric signals of 4-20 mA or 0-10V standard. In this way, the pressure and the liquid level can be accurately measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: China International Marine Containers (Group) Ltd.
    Inventors: Shouqin Zhou, Zhangui Duan, Tao Peng, Pingan Jiang, Jie Gao
  • Publication number: 20080134777
    Abstract: An improved single threshold liquid level sensor is disclosed which provides a signal to indicate a level of liquid within a container. The sensor uses a small amount of power, has low-weight, utilizes small space and utilizes a single hot and cold thermocouple junctions being spaced along a line extending either in the direction in which the liquid level may vary or in the perpendicular direction in which the liquid may move.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Josef Maatuk
  • Publication number: 20080134778
    Abstract: A device for determining and/or monitoring the fill level of a medium in a container, including: a first conductive element; a second conductive element; and a sealing ceramic. The sealing ceramic being arranged in a region between the two conductive elements, for the purpose of process separation. A first seal, which is provided between the first conductive element and the sealing ceramic, a second seal, which is provided between the sealing ceramic and the second conductive element, and a control/evaluation unit, which determines the fill level of the medium in the container on the basis of a capacitance measurement or on the basis of a measuring of travel time of measurement signals are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Dirk Osswald, Ralf Reimelt
  • Publication number: 20080134779
    Abstract: A solution metering apparatus used in a solution storage vessel for measuring the height of solution comprises a substrate; a sensor layer consisting of a first sensing member and a second sensing member where the first sensing member and the second sensing member respectively have, in horizontal direction, a plurality of sidewardly extended parallel strip lines that are alternately arranged, and the sensor layer is disposed on one side surface of the substrate; a protective layer overlying the sensor layer to determine the height of the fluid in the vessel based on the physical characteristics of the fluid as detected by the sensor layer, particularly its capacitance characteristics, and then determine whether to feed more fluid into the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: CHUN-CHIN TUNG, Yung-Lieh Chien
  • Publication number: 20080134780
    Abstract: A liquid measuring device which affixes to vitamin, supplement or other types of bottles with a screw top. This device allows a measurement of the liquid to be filled into the device for consumption or use. This device is useful when the user needs to take a particular amount of liquid vitamins, medicine or other type of supplement. Rather than use a second apparatus such as a spoon or a syringe this device, allows the user to always measure out an exact portion of liquid for consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: MICHAEL MICHELI
  • Publication number: 20080134781
    Abstract: Proposed is a horizontally located angular velocity sensor hardly affected by a translational acceleration in a lateral direction, and in which a fixed section is easily fixed. The angular velocity sensor includes a fixed section fixed on a support surface. On both sides of the fixed section, an arm section of an upper detection arm and a pair of upper drive arms extending along a plane parallel to the support surface, and an arm section of a lower detection arm and a pair of lower drive arms extending along the plane parallel to the support surface are coupled, respectively. The upper detection arm and the pair of upper drive arms are coupled without the fixed section in between, and the lower detection arm and the pair of lower drive arms are coupled without the fixed section in between.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: TDK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takao Noguchi, Kenichi Tochi, Ken Unno, Tatsuo Namikawa
  • Publication number: 20080134782
    Abstract: In order to provide a compact, multifunctional sensor element, a sensor element for acquiring the acceleration of a motor vehicle is additionally equipped with a distance measurement device for measuring the distance between the motor vehicle and a foreign object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2005
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Alfred Kuttenberger, Matthias Wellhoefer
  • Publication number: 20080134783
    Abstract: An inertial sensing input apparatus is disclosed, which includes: an accelerometer module, capable of detecting accelerations with respect to a Cartesian coordinate system of X-, Y-, and Z-axes; and a gyroscope, used for detecting a rotation measured with respect to the Z-axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Sheng-Wen Jeng, Shun-Nan Liou, Ming-Jye Tsai
  • Publication number: 20080134784
    Abstract: An inertial input apparatus with six-axial detection ability, structured with a gyroscope and an acceleration module capable of detecting accelerations of X, Y, Z axes defined by a 3-D Cartesian coordinates, which is operable either being held to move on a planar surface or in a free space. When the inertial input apparatus is being held to move and operate on a planar surface by a user, a two-dimensional detection mode is adopted thereby that the gyroscope is used for detection rotations of the inertial input apparatus caused by unconscious rolling motions of the user and thus compensating the erroneous rotations, by which the technical disadvantages of prior-art inertial input apparatuses equipped with only accelerometer can be overcame and thus control smoothness of using the input apparatus is enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Sheng-Wen Jeng, Shun-Nan Liou, Shih-Ching Huang, Ming-Jye Tsai
  • Publication number: 20080134785
    Abstract: A micromechanical inertial sensor having at least one seismic mass which may be deflected relative to a substrate, and at least one electrode surface which in terms of circuitry, together with at least portions of the seismic mass forms at least one capacitor having a capacitance which is dependent on the deflection of the seismic mass. At least one additional auxiliary electrode is included which is located outside the region which forms the capacitor and which may be set at a potential that deviates from the potential of the seismic mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Odd-Axel Pruetz
  • Publication number: 20080134786
    Abstract: A seismic sensor includes a frame, a pendulum pivotably mounted to the frame, a mechanism for sensing angular position of the pendulum, and a monolithic flat spring oriented between the frame and the pendulum for balancing the pendulum at an equilibrium position. The monolithic flat spring includes: (i) an operating region for providing a restoring force to the pendulum proportional to an angular displacement of the pendulum; and (ii) a suspension region for transmitting a force to a portion of the operating region and applying a negligible bending moment to the portion of the operating region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Nanometrics Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Jonathan Brice Hayman, Bruce Leigh Townsend, Nicholas Jason Ackerley
  • Publication number: 20080134787
    Abstract: A vibration reducing device, including an inertial mass actuator adapted to be mounted on a vibration damping object, that applies a vibration damping force on the vibration damping object, the vibration damping force being a reactive force generated due to displacement of an inertial mass. A vibration state detector detects the vibration state of the inertial mass. A controller is connected to the inertial mass actuator and vibration state detector. The controller determines the displacement and velocity of the vibration damping object at a part where the inertial mass actuator is mounted, and the displacement and velocity of the inertial mass, based on the vibration state of the inertial mass. The vibration damping force is controlled based on the determined displacement and velocity of the vibration damping object at the part where the inertial mass actuator is mounted, and the displacement and velocity of the inertial mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Asahara, Kazuto Sato, Yusuke Sato
  • Publication number: 20080134788
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium, and includes a sensor unit, a feedback electronics and a supplemental electronics. The sensor unit, feedback electronics and supplemental electronics form a first oscillatory circuit, which oscillates with at least one resonance frequency (?1) and/or with a resonance frequency (?res) within at least one resonance frequency range. The feedback electronics and the supplemental electronics form a second oscillatory circuit, which oscillates at a resonance frequency (?cablebreak), which differs from the resonance frequency (?res, ?1) of the first oscillatory circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Brutschin, Sascha D'Angelico
  • Publication number: 20080134789
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle having at least one sensor unit, including at least one sound receiver, the sound receiver converting sound waves into an electrical signal. Sound waves of the internal combustion engine are recorded using the sound receiver of the sensor unit and converted into an electrical signal, and the electrical signal is used for the diagnosis of the operating state of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Marcus Schneider, Markus Becker, Thomas Scheuerle
  • Publication number: 20080134790
    Abstract: Deterioration of reinforced concrete pipes is checked and the deterioration progress level is classified. Based on the inspection result, a portion to be inspected in detail in an inspection area is selected. With respect to the selected portion to be inspected in detail, the pipe thickness and the diameter of reinforcing bars are measured and the location of reinforcing bars in the portion to be inspected in detail are checked. Using the data of the thickness of a pipe, the diameter of the reinforcing bar and disposition of the reinforcing bars, structural analysis is carried out and the strength of the reinforced concrete pipe is calculated. The calculation result is used as information for evaluating the deterioration state of the reinforced concrete pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Nozaki, Takushi Minagi
  • Publication number: 20080134791
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method which is used to detect defects on a component of a turbine. Said method comprises the following steps; at least one ultrasonic signal is emitted and captured by means of a group beam examination head on a flat region of the component which is to be examined. The invention is characterized according to the following steps: the group of the beam examination heads are distributed into several virtual examination heads and at least one ultrasonic signal is emitted and captured by at least two of the virtual examination heads which ii directed to an individual flat region which is to be examined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Clossen-von Lanken Schulz, Michael Opheys
  • Publication number: 20080134792
    Abstract: Provided are an interdigitated electrode (IDE) for an electronic device, which includes a plurality of anodes and a plurality of cathodes arranged radially in an alternating fashion for electrical insulation from one another, and an electronic device using the same. The IDE in which the anodes and the cathodes are arranged radially in an alternating fashion is fabricated and applied to the electronic device, so that the entire fabrication process can be simplified compared to that of a typical electronic device in which an upper electrode is different from a lower electrode. Also, circular or polygonal IDEs can be applied to systems that are driven or measure values on their central axes, thereby enhancing the performance and efficiency of the systems. Furthermore, the circular or polygonal IDEs can be employed in systems such as acoustic sensors, pressure sensors, micro-speakers, biological sensors, and acceleration sensors, so that the structure and operation of the systems can be simplified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Sung Q. LEE, Hye Jin Kim, Kang Ho Park, Jong Dae Kim
  • Publication number: 20080134793
    Abstract: A modular sensor assembly and methods of fabricating a modular sensor assembly are provided. The modular sensor assembly includes a sensor array coupled to an electronics array in a stacked configuration. The sensor array comprises a plurality of sensor modules, each comprising a plurality of sensor sub-arrays. The electronics array comprises a plurality of integrated circuit modules, each comprising a plurality of integrated circuit chips. The sensor modules may be coupled to the electronics modules via flip chip technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Charles Gerard Woychik, Rayette Ann Fisher, David Martin Mills, Scott Cogan, David Richard Esler, Robert Gideon Wodnicki, Jeffrey Scott Erlbaum
  • Publication number: 20080134794
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dosimeter for vibration measurements for a driver of a vehicle. The dosimeter is adapted to be attached to at a superficial skeleton part of the body of a driver, for the best possible vibration measurements. The dosimeter measures and stores the body vibrations, measured on the body, during the working day of the driver. A driver can immediately observe if a limit value or an input value is exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Jonsson
  • Publication number: 20080134795
    Abstract: a piezoelectric sensor includes a ceramic material that has the formula of [Bi2O2][Am?1BmO3m+1], where m=2, A is mono-, di-, or tri-valent ions or a combination of them, B is transition element such as Fe3+, Ti4+, Nb5+, Ta5+, W6+, Mo6+ or a combination of them. The ceramics have high Curie temperature of 900˜940° C. The sensors claimed in the present invention utilize [Bi2O2][Am?1BmO3m+1] ceramics parts as sensing elements in various shapes and dimensions and can be used to sense force, acceleration, and pressure at very high temperatures of 600˜800° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Hongxi Zhang
  • Publication number: 20080134796
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for differential pressure measurement across a fluid conduit flow area change. The apparatus may include a particulate filter, a differential pressure sensor, and a fluid conduit size change downstream of the particulate filter. The apparatus may include a tube configured to place the downstream differential pressure sensor port in fluid contact with a uniform flow region of the fluid conduit downstream of the particulate filter. An apparatus is thereby provided to measure differential pressure across a fluid conduit flow area change such that the differential pressure measurement is minimally affected by the change in flow characteristics induced by the change in cross-sectional flow area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: James C. Clerc, Patrick M. Klein, Timothy M. Doyle
  • Publication number: 20080134797
    Abstract: An occupant load sensor for a vehicle includes a strain member, a connecting member fixed at the strain member, a strain gauge attached to the strain member, an upper bracket having a fixed portion and an attachment portion connecting each fixed portion and extending at a side of the strain member in a lateral direction of the seat, an amplifier case attached to the attachment portion and arranged in parallel with the strain member, an amplifier substrate enclosed in the amplifier case and placed on an identical plane to the strain member, an FPC substrate connected to the strain gauge and the amplifier substrate, a coating portion for coating a connection portion between the FPC substrate and the strain gauge; and a low pressure molded portion molded with a hot melt resin by low pressure molding in the amplifier case to cover the amplifier substrate and the connection portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Satohiko Nakano, Mutsuro Aoyama, Akira Enomoto
  • Publication number: 20080134798
    Abstract: A method of determining the flow rate of a fluid in a conduit. Ultrasonic energy is directed through the conduit along multiple paths. The ultrasonic energy is detected and measured using a range gated Doppler technique to determine the velocity of the fluid at several points in the conduit. These point velocities are used to calculate the average flow rate of the fluid in the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Xue-Song Scott Li, John Albert Umina, Xiaolei Shirley Ao
  • Publication number: 20080134799
    Abstract: A method of measuring the retention force of a biomedical specimen coupled to a carrier includes the measurement of the force required for magnetically decoupling the specimen from the carrier. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing the specimen with an electrically conductive structure; creating an external alternating magnetic field near the specimen; increasing the amplitude and/or frequency of the magnetic field; detecting the start of the movement of the specimen on the carrier; and calculating the retention force of the specimen by determining the applied magnetic force on the basis of the parameters of the magnetic field. In other embodiments, the magnetic field may remain constant and the biomedical specimen may be moved through the field at varying speeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: ABBOTT LABORATORIES VASCULAR ENTERPRISES LIMITED
    Inventor: Harry Zscheeg
  • Publication number: 20080134800
    Abstract: A mechanical torque wrench including a wrench body defining an elongated interior compartment and a wrench head including a bar extending therefrom being pivotally secured to a first end of the wrench body. A hand grip located on a second end of the wrench body, the hand grip being non-rotationally fixed to the second end of wrench body, and a set spring is disposed within the wrench body. A pawl is disposed between the bar and the set spring. Rotation of a dial screw in a first direction compresses the set spring and rotation in a second direction allows expansion of the set spring. A set ring is operatively connected to the dial screw and rotatable relative to the wrench body. A resistive element produces an output signal that depends on a position of the dial screw relative to the resistive element. A processor converts the output signal into an equivalent torque value in a selected system of units for display on a user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Easco Hand Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: T. Kenneth Escoe, Muniswamappa Anjanappa, Awad Aly Gharib, Xia Chen
  • Publication number: 20080134801
    Abstract: A tactile sensing for human robot interaction device and a method thereof are provided. The tactile sensing device at least includes a touch interface, a tactile sensor module, a controller, and an actuating unit. The tactile sensor module coupled to the touch interface is used to sense an external touch, so as to generate a series of timing data corresponding to the external touch. The controller coupled to the tactile sensor module is used to receive the series of timing data, and to determine a touch pattern based on a geometric calculation, so as to generate a control signal. The actuating unit coupled to the controller responses an interactive reaction corresponding to the touch pattern based on the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Kuo-Shih Tseng, Chiu-Wang Chen, Yi-Ming Chu, Wei-Han Wang, Hung-Hsiu Yu