Patents Issued in June 26, 2008
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Publication number: 20080148811Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for compensating a mass air flow signal produced by a mass air flow sensor in fluid communication with an air intake passageway of an internal combustion engine. A mass air flow signal produced by the mass air flow sensor is monitored and an expected oxygen concentration of exhaust gas produced by the engine is determined. A compensation parameter is determined as a function of the expected oxygen concentration and a measured value of the oxygen concentration of the exhaust gas. A compensated mass air flow value is determined as a function of the mass air flow signal and the compensation parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Michael J. Ruth, Stewart D. Sullivan
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Publication number: 20080148812Abstract: A solid particle counting system for measuring solid particle number concentrations from engine or vehicle exhausts in real-time includes a diluter arrangement, a particle counter, and a flow splitter. The diluter arrangement mixes the dilution gas with flowing sample gases. The flow splitter receives the output flow from the diluter arrangement, provides a portion of this flow to the particle counter, and provides a by-pass flow that is received by a vacuum pump. A second flow route to the particle counter includes a valve arranged such that opening the valve during the starting of the vacuum pump reduces a pressure pulse at the particle counter caused by the starting of the vacuum pump, thereby avoiding work fluid backflow from the particle counter prior to the vacuum pump stabilizing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Qiang Wei, Scott T. Porter, Ichiro Asano, Montajir MD. Rahman, Takeshi Kusaka
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Publication number: 20080148813Abstract: An exhaust gas measuring bag which can smoothly exhaust gas and perform back purge and back dump in a short period of time without leading to an increase in size and costs of the system is provided. The exhaust gas measuring bag includes a gas connection part which is connected to an external passage flowing measurement gas therethrough for analyzing various components included in the exhaust gas. A pipe is connected to an internal passage of the gas connection part and a plurality of gas ejection holes for ejecting the gas are formed on the pipe. A bag body is deformable and has an internal space for storing at least a connection side of the gas connection part to the pipe, and the whole of the pipe therein. The pipe encloses the gas ejected from the gas ejection holes into the internal space therein. A gas exhaust port is provided, at the gas connection part or a member separated from the gas connection part, and exhausts the gas enclosed in the internal space to the external passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: HORIBA, LTD.Inventors: Masaru Miyai, Tetsuji Asami
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Publication number: 20080148814Abstract: A heat switch for remote self-contained gas chromatography is disclosed. The device mechanically separates a hot or cold reservoir from the chromatography column when heating or cooling is not needed. The column needs a cooling system to obtain initial temperatures below ambient. At other times the column needs to be heated to relatively high temperatures, during which time the cooling system is preferably detached. The heat switch allows for rapid temperature changes while minimizing the peak cooling power requirement.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Neil William Bostrom, Shigeo Daito, Jagdish Shah, Robert L. Kleinberg
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Publication number: 20080148815Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are described for preconcentrators, chemical sensing systems and gas chromatographs. A preconcentrator is described that comprises a hollow enclosure containing a sorbent material. The enclosure may be a capillary tube that can be formed in to a desired shape and that may be heated. Heating may be accomplished by passing an electrical current through the capillary or other hollow enclosure form. The sorbent material can be a liquid, a solid, a porous ceramic material and/or a chemiselective polymer. The sorbent material can be coated to the inner wall of the enclosure. The hollow enclosure may be maintained in an insulated chamber. The preconcentrator acts to concentrate a vapor passed through the preconcentrator to a chemical sensing array that can detect chemicals present in the vapor. A gas passed through the hollow enclosure can provide a chemically concentrated input to a chromatographic column.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: SEACOAST SCIENCE, INC.Inventors: Jonathan Day Lucas, Manna Leon Warburton, Todd Mlsna, Sanjay V. Patel, Stephen Terrence Hobson
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Publication number: 20080148816Abstract: An environmental monitoring system and method is disclosed. The system includes one or more environmental measuring instruments, a controller in communication with the one or more environmental instruments, and a device located remotely from the controller capable of displaying data generated by the one or more environmental measuring instruments.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventor: Bruce D. Groves
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Publication number: 20080148817Abstract: Air leaks in a vacuum bag are detected using a leak detection film covering the inside face of the bag. The film includes a gas permeable binder carrying oxygen sensitive material that changes in physical appearance at the location of an air leak. The film may be adhered to the inside face of the bag or may form a separate membrane that is placed over a layup being molded in the bag. The film may be illuminated with light having a wavelength selected to cause the film to luminesce.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Finley B. Miller, Michael E. Benne
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Publication number: 20080148818Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for a system for maintaining hydrogen purity in an electrical power generator where the system monitors the health of the electrical generating system by calculating the time remaining until preventative maintenance is required based on hydrogen usage. The system also monitors the health of the system by detecting the occurrence of major leaks within the electrical power generator and adapting the operation of the system to maintain a desired operating environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: PROTON ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: A. JOHN SPERANZA
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Publication number: 20080148819Abstract: An inner sealing portion seals a tubular port, which is provided to a receiver that receives water, at a first location of the tubular port. An outer sealing portion seals the tubular port at a second location of the tubular port spaced from the first location on an outer side of the inner sealing portion. A sealed space is formed between the inner sealing portion and the outer sealing portion. A tracer gas for performing a leak test of the outer sealing portion is enclosed in the sealed space. An amount of outwardly leaked tracer gas, which leaks from the sealed space through the outer sealing portion, is measured with a leak test device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: DENSO CorporationInventors: Hiroaki Sasaki, Yasutoshi Yamanaka
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Publication number: 20080148820Abstract: Methods of estimating concentration of solids in a slurry comprising solid material, liquid material, and optionally also gaseous material comprise passing a first ultrasonic pulse through a portion of the slurry, measuring amplitude of the first ultrasonic pulse, removing solid material from a portion of the slurry to provide a filtered liquid, passing a second ultrasonic pulse through a portion of the filtered liquid, and measuring amplitude of the second ultrasonic pulse. Measuring devices comprise a measuring device body having a passageway extending therethrough, and a sending transducer which sends ultrasonic pulses and which is mounted on the measuring device body. A system for estimating concentration of solids in a slurry comprises a containment structure defining a space for receiving a portion of the slurry, a containment structure defining a space for receiving a liquid material included in the slurry, and receiving transducers mounted on each of the containment structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Lawrence L. TAVLARIDES, Michael Norato, Alexander Shcherbakov, Ashok Sangani
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Publication number: 20080148821Abstract: A sample receiving chip comprising a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region. The energy imparted into the sample fluid is transduced by the sample region to produce an output signal that indicates energy properties of the sample fluid. The sample receiving chip also includes a channel formed in the substrate, the channel configured to collect the aliquot volume of a sample fluid and transfer the aliquot volume of sample fluid to the sample region.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: OCUSENSE, INC.Inventors: Eric Donsky, Benjamin Sullivan
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Publication number: 20080148822Abstract: A fluidic gating device may have a plurality of test flow paths, each with an end region. The device may include a fluid reservoir or sample application region provided upstream from at least one indicator flow path. The fluid reservoir or sample application region may be separated from the indicator flow path/s by at least one obstacle to flow. The obstacle to flow may be operably associated with the end region of a test capillary flow path, such that the presence of the test liquid at the end region of an associated test capillary flow path reduces or abolishes the obstacle to flow, thereby allowing a liquid to flow from the fluid reservoir or sample application region and along an indicator flow path.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Andrew Peter Phelan, Aman Khan
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Publication number: 20080148823Abstract: A microwave resonator for or on a textile machine, especially a card, draw frame, combing machine or the like, for attachment to a measuring device for measuring the mass and/or moisture content of textile fibre material conveyable continuously through a resonator chamber, has a housing with wall elements, wherein through-openings in spaced wall elements lying opposite one another are coaxially connected by a tubular element and the interior space of the housing is hollow. In order substantially to simplify manufacture and permit an uninterrupted resonance field, the housing comprises a hollow profile with profile walls in which at least one tubular element connects through-openings in opposite profile walls with each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: Trutzschler GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Steffen Peters, Frank Sundermeier
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Publication number: 20080148824Abstract: A data storage device comprises a storage medium for storing data in the form of marks and at least one probe for scanning over a storage medium. The probe comprises a spring cantilever being during operation of the probe mechanically fixed to a probe holding structure, a tip with a nanoscale apex and an actuator for lateral positioning of the tip.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Gerd Binnig, Evangelos Eleftheriou, Mark Lantz
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Publication number: 20080148825Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting presence of a coating on an item such as a magnetic head. Points on a surface of the item are contacted with an electrically conductive object. A determination may be made as to whether an electrical connection is made between the electrically conductive object and one or more of the points on the surface of the item, an extent of an electrical connection made between the electrically conductive object and any of the points on the surface of the item, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventor: Jason Liang
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Publication number: 20080148826Abstract: A method for determining cylinder-specific combustion features of an internal combustion engine, the cylinder-specific combustion features being ascertained from a variable which represents the crankshaft speed, especially being ascertained from a signal of a crankshaft sensor or camshaft sensor. The cylinder-specific combustion features include a combustion position of at least one cylinder and/or a torque of the crankshaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Franz Raichle, Peter Skala, Andreas Rupp, Wolfgang Fischer, Michael Kessler, Mohamed Youssef, Joerg Breuninger, Haris Hamedovic, Axel Loeffler
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Publication number: 20080148827Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for operating an electronically controlled internal combustion engine in a vehicle to perform at least one rationality check on at least one sensor to detect impending sensor failure and verify component functionality. The engine is equipped with an engine control system (ECS) having a memory and in electronic communication with various sensors. The sensors transmit data signals to the ECS indicative of associated engine and vehicle component functionality.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Donald E. Keski-Hynnila, Jeffery S. Hawkins, Harald Wedler, Reinhard Pfundt, Frank S. Groer, Mark A. Zurawski, Dennis J. Grace, Heather A. Staley, Jimmie L. Priest, Min Sun, Jason T. Barton, Zhiping Han
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Publication number: 20080148828Abstract: A method for setting a mass flow rate of air to be provided in a charging mode; in the charging mode (where a throttle valve is open), the pressure prevailing in an induction pipe only being set via an adjustable mass flow rate of supplied air; a requested torque corresponding to a mass flow rate of air into a cylinder, the mass flow rate of air into the cylinder being adjustable via the pressure in the induction pipe; to set the mass flow rate of air into the cylinder, the pressure in the induction pipe being adjusted by a control system in accordance with a specifiable dynamic charge response characteristic.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Kristina Milos, Lutz Reuschenbach, Sabine Wegener, Lanouar Chouk, Patrick Menold
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Publication number: 20080148829Abstract: A method and a device for operating a drive unit, which make possible a diagnosis of a function of a coolant pump in a coolant circulation of an engine in an after-running of the drive unit, independently of various external and internal conditions of the drive unit. A malfunction of the coolant pump is detected, in this instance, as a function of a variable characterizing the battery voltage of the drive unit and/or as a function of a variable characterizing a curve over time of a variable influenced by the operation of the coolant pump in the after-running of the drive unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventor: Carl Bohman
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Publication number: 20080148830Abstract: A method to diagnose an exhaust gas sensor (16) disposed in an exhaust gas region (13) of an internal combustion engine (10), whereby a test is made at said sensor to determine whether a change of at least one exhaust gas component, which is detectable by the exhaust gas sensor (16), results in an expected change of the sensor signal (s_Mes), and a device for the implementation of the method are proposed. The diagnosis is only implemented if a specified change in at least one operating parameter (Md, n, agr) of the internal combustion engine (10) and/or at least one parameter (ms_Abg, NOx, ms_NOx) of the exhaust gas in the running operation of the internal combustion engine (10) are detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Stefan Wickert, Jochen Schoenthaler
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Publication number: 20080148831Abstract: Current based methods and systems for testing an electromagnetically actuated fuel injector of an engine are provided. In at least one embodiment, an injector is commanded to actuate, data about a current associated with the command is collected, and a determination is made regarding whether the injector is functioning properly based on the data.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: FORD MOTOR COMPANYInventors: Harry Kekedjian, Roderick Simpson, Alexander Marrocco
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Publication number: 20080148832Abstract: A system and method for testing the operation of fuel pump is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pressure measurement portion, a flow measurement portion, an electrical diagnostic portion, and a fault simulation portion, where a user can simulate a number of potential fuel system failures to determine the diagnostics of the fuel system. The method includes the steps of measuring an electrical value related to said fuel pump, measuring a pressure related to said fuel pump, measuring a fuel flow related to said fuel pump, simulating a fuel system failure condition, and determining an operating status of said fuel pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Baker, James M. Merlotti
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Publication number: 20080148833Abstract: In one embodiment, a sensing apparatus senses rotation of an engine component (e.g., a crank shaft) relative to an engine body. The sensing apparatus includes a sensor, and a bracket configured to position the sensor in a fixed location relative to the engine body. The starter ring has (i) a support portion configured to rotate in tandem with the engine component, (ii) a starter interface mounted to the support portion, the starter interface being configured to receive drive from a starter motor during operation of the starter motor, and (iii) a trigger portion mounted to the support portion. The trigger portion is configured to provide a series of indicators during rotation of the engine component. The series of indicators (e.g., a series of magnetic field perturbations during rotation of the engine component) is readable by the sensor thus enabling identification of component positioning and speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: Lycoming Engines, a division of Avco CorporationInventors: Ken Kremer, Forrest Lysinger, Jason Rogers
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Publication number: 20080148834Abstract: A detection apparatus has an intake air temperature detection part less prone to receive an adverse influence due to hear generation in an intake air pressure detection part. The apparatus includes an exterior resin integrated with a terminal having one end exposed therefrom, a sensor module received in the exterior resin and having a lead frame connected to the other end of the terminal, an intake air pressure detection part electrically connected to the lead frame for detecting air pressure in the intake pipe, an intake air temperature detection part electrically connected to the lead frame for detecting an air temperature in the intake pipe, and a base having a base end connected to the exterior resin and a vent hole for introducing the air in the intake pipe to the intake air pressure and temperature detection parts. The intake air pressure and temperature detection parts are formed separately from each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventor: Izuru Shinjo
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Publication number: 20080148835Abstract: The engine misfire detection apparatus of the invention successively determines whether a rotational fluctuation difference Nxd360 as a difference between a rotational fluctuation Nxd at a certain crank angle CA of an engine and a rotational fluctuation Nxd at a 360 degree-prior crank angle CA exceeds a predetermined reference value A1 (step S150) and whether a rotational fluctuation difference Nxd720 as a difference between the rotational fluctuation Nxd at the certain crank angle CA and a rotational fluctuation Nxd at a 720 degree-prior crank angle CA exceeds a predetermined reference value B1 (step S160).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hikokazu Akimoto, Osamu Harada, Takahiro Nishigaki, Akihiro Katayama
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Publication number: 20080148836Abstract: A tire is provided with a force measurement device embedded, for example, in an isolated element such as a tread block. The device may be a stud-type device. The device includes a rigid stem connected to a deformable substantially flat membrane, which includes a detector for detecting a deformation of the membrane. The stem further includes a portion designed to be in contact with an element on which a force can act. The stem also includes an anchor that collaborates with the element. The anchor functions to improve the transmission of a load to the deformable membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.Inventors: Patrice Rey, Philippe Robert
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Publication number: 20080148837Abstract: Ink-jet inks and methods for security and anti counterfeiting utilities are described. The inks are fluorescent with a particular characterizing emission when illuminated with ultraviolet or other interrogating light and then fluoresce with a different characteristic upon illumination with bright light such as from a copying machine. The inks comprise a fluorescent dye, an aqueous liquid vehicle comprising water and organic solvents in sufficient amounts to achieve an ink viscosity and surface tension effective for application of the ink to a substrate in a predetermined pattern by ink-jet printing, wherein the inks are characterized in that after exposing under Xenon lamp of 3,150,000 J/m2, the fluorescent strength of the ink diluted 100 times existing between about 500 nm and about 700 nm by excitation of ultraviolet radiation, decreases by at least about 50%.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Judith D. Auslander, Richard A. Bernard, Shunichi Higashiyama, Michiko Aoyama
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Publication number: 20080148838Abstract: A fluid sampler operable for taking at least one fluid sample in a subterranean well and associated methods. A fluid sampling method includes the steps of disposing a fluid sampler at a first target location in the well, receiving the fluid sample into at least a first sample chamber of the fluid sampler, pressurizing the fluid sample in the first sample chamber using a pressure source of the fluid sampler, retrieving the fluid sampler to a surface location, isolating the fluid sample in the first sample chamber from the pressure source of the fluid sampler and supercharging the fluid sample in the first sample chamber using a pressure source on the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.Inventors: Cyrus A. Irani, Adam D. Wright, Charles M. MacPhail, Vincent P. Zeller
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Publication number: 20080148839Abstract: Characterizing atmospheric conditions is accomplished by measuring at least one varying spectral characteristic of sound at a plurality of intervals from a sound source with the point of measurement and the sound source in relative motion and separated by altitude. The spectral characteristic of the sound at each interval is attributed to a path traveled by the sound and a plurality of simultaneous equations is created for the plurality of paths using a second plurality of altitude segments for each path, each segment having a particular vector as a variable on the spectral characteristic, the initial coefficients in each vector assumed based on predetermined atmospheric models for each altitude segment. The resulting calculated vector and the predetermined atmospheric model are iterated for a minimized cost function in a variational analysis to determine the vector for each altitude segment, the vector providing atmospheric properties for the associated altitude segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2008Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Brian J. Tillotson, Bronwyn A. Jackson
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Publication number: 20080148840Abstract: A thermo-anemometer-type fluid flow rate sensor design and a method for its operation that overcome the response time limitations of prior known fluid flow rate sensors is disclosed. The fluid flow rate sensor includes a probe having a detection module adapted to change condition in response to the presence of the flow of the fluid, a control module that is electrically connected to the probe that monitors the condition of the detection module over time (e.g., a temperature), determines a rate of change of that condition over time, and generates an output that is indicative of the rate of flow of the fluid, and a I/O module connected to the control module to provide a means for communicating the output of the control module to another device or a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: THERM-O-DISC, INCORPORATEDInventors: Bernd D. Zimmermann, Tung-Sheng Yang, Lance A. Bostic
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Publication number: 20080148841Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal mass flowmeter, which comprises a heating unit disposed on an outer peripheral surface of a capillary tube, and a pair of temperature-sensing units each provided as a separate component from said heating unit. The temperature-sensing units are disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the capillary tube at respective positions equally distant from the heating unit toward an upstream side and a downstream side of the capillary tube. Each of the temperature-sensing units has a structure in which a temperature-sensing element is covered by a protective resin molded around the temperature-sensing element. The temperature-sensing element consists of a thermistor or a resistance temperature sensor. The temperature-sensing element is disposed to be displaced to a contact surface of the molded resin with the capillary tube relative to a center of the molded resin.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATIONInventor: Masumi SAKAI
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Publication number: 20080148842Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate; a flow sensor having a first heater for detecting a flow rate of fluid; and a humidity sensor for detecting a humidity of the fluid. The flow sensor and the humidity sensor are disposed on the semiconductor substrate. The flow sensor is disposed around the humidity sensor. The humidity sensor is disposed on an upstream side of the first heater. Since the device includes the humidity sensor, moisture in the fluid is compensated so that detection accuracy of the flow rate is improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Teruo Oda
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Publication number: 20080148843Abstract: A system and method for the integration of lead frame technology within an electro-mechanical switching device. An integrated thermostat system can be formed, which includes a lead frame substrate, at least one electro-mechanical lead frame configured upon said lead frame substrate, and an electro-mechanical switching device associated with the electro-mechanical lead frame, wherein the electro-mechanical lead frame is integrated with said electro-mechanical switching device within said electro-mechanical switching device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Colin Drummond, Vipin J. Pillai
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Publication number: 20080148844Abstract: The invention relates to a superconducting level measuring apparatus for liquid hydrogen in liquid hydrogen vessels, in particular vehicular tanks, a superconductor (1) based on magnesium diboride MgB2 being arranged vertically or inclinedly to the vertical in a liquid hydrogen vessel (5), and a controllable heat source (2) being arranged on the upper region of the superconductor (1), the superconductor (1) being electrically contacted with a controllable current source (3) as well as a voltage measuring apparatus (4) and the level being measured by measuring a voltage. The MgB2 material is preferably employed as a filament wire. Continuous level measurements of high spatial and temporal resolution can be implemented in uncomplicated fashion. The level measuring apparatus and the method are also suitable for level measurement of liquid neon.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventor: Christoph Haberstroh
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Publication number: 20080148845Abstract: A material level detection sensor (10) having a continuous ultrasonic sensor (12) and a capacitive proximity sensor (13). The capacitive proximity sensor detects the material only when the material is at or within the dead zone (15) of the ultrasonic sensor, at which point it switches the ultrasonic sensor off. The ultrasonic sensor transmits a level detection output signal until it is turned off by the capacitive proximity sensor. The capacitive proximity sensor transmits a level detection output signal only when it detects the material, and it will switch the ultrasonic sensor on when it does not detect the material. The material level detection sensor transmits only a single level detection output signal at any given time, providing an accurate and reliable estimate of material level. The device is particularly useful for measuring inventory and consumption of particulate solids and powders in bins or silos (11).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventor: Brett Crider
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Publication number: 20080148846Abstract: Operation of a planar resonator gyroscope with in-plane parasitic modes of vibration to obtain improved performance is disclosed. A planar resonator gyroscope, such as a disc resonator gyroscope, may be operated with embedded electrodes. The embedded electrodes may be disposed adjacent to the planar resonator and proximate to one or more anti-nodes of a parasitic vibration mode. A sensed amplitude of the parasitic mode is applied in differential signals used to operate the gyroscope. A feedback controller for damping the parasitic mode applies a drive voltage generated from the proportional voltage to one or more drive electrodes adjacent to the planar resonator disposed proximate to one or more anti-nodes of the parasitic vibration mode of the planar resonator. Parasitic in-plane modes may be thus damped in operating the gyroscope with active damping applied through an analog operational amplifier or digital feedback.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: David Whelan, A. Dorian Challoner
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Publication number: 20080148847Abstract: A vibration gyro sensor, including: a vibrating element; a pair of drive electrodes for driving the vibrating element; at least two detection electrodes for detecting Coriolis force applied to the vibrating element; a monitor circuit coupled with one of the pair of the drive electrodes, so as to output a monitor signal; a drive circuit for amplifying the monitor signal so as to output the amplified signal to the other of the pair of drive electrode; a differential amplifier circuit for differentially amplifying at least two signals obtained from the detection electrodes of the vibrating element, so as to output a differential amplified signal; a synchronous detection circuit for synchronously detecting the differential amplified signal with respect to the monitor signal, so as to output a detected signal; a filter circuit for outputting a filtered signal in which a noise of the detected signal is removed; and a ratiometric circuit which receives the filtered signal varied in proportion to a variation of a powType: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: EPSON TOYOCOM CORPORATIONInventors: Kenji SATO, Tatsunori NAKAMURA, Yukihiro UNNO
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Publication number: 20080148848Abstract: An angular velocity sensor of a horizontally located type, which can easily remove the translational acceleration influence thereto from the lateral direction, is provided. It includes a fixed portion fixed to the surface of a sensor element supporting portion of a casing, an upper detection arm and a lower detection arm, each of them being connected to the fixed portion on sides opposite to each other and extending along a plane parallel to the surface place of the sensor element supporting portion, and a pair of upper vibration arms connected to the fixed portion in such a manner as to form a pair of arms with the upper detection arm in between and extending in a direction parallel to the extending direction of the upper detection arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: TDK CORPORATIONInventors: Takao Noguchi, Kenichi Tochi, Ken Unno, Tatsuo Namikawa
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Publication number: 20080148849Abstract: A micromachine includes a movable section formed of a conductor and a support section formed of a conductor, wherein the movable section and the support section are separated from each other, an insulating layer is provided on the conductor, a conductive layer is provided on the insulating layer, and the conductive layer is formed so as to straddle the movable section and the support section.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: Ryoichi Yoshikawa
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Publication number: 20080148850Abstract: A three axes MEM accelerometer system includes three MEM accelerometer sensors and a MEM sensor board including a MEM sensor control circuit for the accelerometer sensors. The accelerometer sensors are mounted mutually orthogonally. At least two coplanar mounting members have a first surface coplanar with a connection pad on the surface of the sensor board. A second surface is inclined to the surface of the board for mounting a MEM accelerometer sensor. An electrical conductor array interconnects the MEM accelerometer sensor with the connection pad on the board.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: David S. Hanson, Richard S. Anderson, Thomas F. Marinis, Joseph W. Soucy
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Publication number: 20080148851Abstract: A long-period weak-motion inertial sensor includes a frame having a frame mounting surface, a movable mass having a movable mass mounting surface, a transducer for sensing displacements of the movable mass with respect to the frame, and a monolithic flexure element for suspending the movable mass in the frame. The monolithic flexure element includes: a stiff frame integral clamp attachable to the frame mounting surface of the frame, a stiff movable mass integral clamp attachable to the movable mass mounting surface of the movable mass, and a stiffest flexible region for operatively connecting the frame integral clamp to the movable mass integral clamp. The frame and movable mass mounting surfaces do not overlap the stiffest flexible region, thereby minimizing the generation of creep and hysteresis noise. The variation in stiffness of the monolithic flexure element is controlled by varying thickness along the length of the flexure element.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: Nanometrics Inc.Inventors: Nicholas Jason Ackerley, Geoffrey Stewart Bainbridge
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Publication number: 20080148852Abstract: An acoustic transducer system for use in the measurement of longitudinal sound velocity in a cement sample that is maintained at high temperature and pressure. The acoustic assembly is separate from the end plugs to optimize acoustic coupling between the individual elements of the assembly, to increase the amplitude and consistency of the acoustic signal and to provide an ability to replace the transducers as a separate assembly. The transducer includes an acoustic transmission line and utilizes a pressure isolation method to optimize the material and the manufacturing process to enhance the acoustic signal required for the measurement. The transducer assembly includes a high temperature piezoelectric ceramic and a load mass that improve the signal amplitude and provide the required electrical connections. The transducer improves the ability to measure the longitudinal wave velocity in a cement sample at elevated temperature and pressure for determining the sample's compressive strength.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Voldi E. Maki, John Jeffery Moon
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Publication number: 20080148853Abstract: A tank having a system for monitoring the structural conditions of the tank. The tank includes: an inner liner adapted to contain a gas thereinside and to prevent permeation of the gas therethrough; a shell surrounding the inner liner; and a plurality of diagnostic network patches (DNP) attached to the outside surface of the shell. Each DNP is able to operate as a transmitter patch or a sensor patch, where the transmitter patch is able to transmit a diagnostic signal and the sensor patch is able to receive the diagnostic signal. The diagnostic signal received by the DNP is analyzed to monitor the structural conditions of the tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2008Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventor: Hyeung-Yun Kim
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Publication number: 20080148854Abstract: Ultrasonic measurements of porosity in manufactured parts or materials are calibrated using reference standards in which parallel holes are drilled in the backside of a body of material. The holes simulate voids in a part which attenuate incident ultrasonic energy. The number, size and location of the holes determine the simulated level of porosity that may be used to calibrate an ultrasonic tester. Multiple reference standards representing different levels of porosity can be produced in the form of individual coupons, or in a single body having multiple groups of holes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Gary E. Georgeson, Joseph Hafenrichter, David A. Lilienthal, James C. Kennedy, Walter J. Harris
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Publication number: 20080148855Abstract: To inspect a part (1) by a non-destructive ultrasound inspection, the part is immersed in an acoustic wave conducting medium and an incident ultrasound wave (3) having a wide beam of section ? is emitted into the ultrasound-conducting medium towards the part. The characteristics of the waves (4, 5) reflected by faces (11, 12) of the part to be inspected are measured on at least a small section ?, the characteristic dimensions of which are substantially less than those of the section ?. The location of the section or sections ? is determined such that, despite the possible variations of the position of the part (1) and the relative slopes of its faces (11, 12), the section ? is always located in the volumes passed through by the reflected waves (4, 5), for example substantially in an area close to the axis 31 of the incident beam (3) when the incident beam is controlled to be oriented substantially in a direction perpendicular to a face (11) of the part.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: AIRBUS FRANCEInventors: Pierre Barbeau, Guillaume Ithurralde
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Publication number: 20080148856Abstract: A self-aligning probe assembly has one or more ultrasonic transducers adapted to transmit an ultrasonic shear wave into the inside surface of the hollow structure such as an aircraft fuse pin and to receive the shear wave emerging from the inside surface of the hollow structure. The nature of the received shear wave indicates the presence of flaws or damage in the inspected part. The probe assembly can be used to inspect fuse pins on aircraft without having to remove the aircraft engines.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Gary E. Georgeson, James H. Lee, Morteza Safai, Martin L. Freet
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Publication number: 20080148857Abstract: Sticking of a substrate occurs in a reaction chamber for processing the substrate placed on a surface of a substrate-supporting device provided with lift pins for moving the substrate up and down with respect to the surface of the substrate-supporting device. A method of detecting the occurrence of the sticking of the substrate includes: monitoring a vibration propagating in or through the reaction chamber by a sensor, which vibration is indicative of or specific to sticking of the substrate on the surface of the substrate-supporting device when being moved up from the surface of the substrate-supporting device with the lift pins; and initiating a pre-designated sequence if the vibration is detected while processing the substrate in the reaction chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: ASM JAPAN K.K.Inventors: Kazunori Furukawahara, Katsutoshi Ishigami
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Publication number: 20080148858Abstract: A frequency measuring device measures a natural frequency of a reactor jet pump sensing line supported by a sensing line support bracket in a nuclear reactor. The frequency measuring device includes a base member, a sensing line clamp attached to the base member that attaches to the sensing line support bracket, and at least one actuator attached to the base member. The actuator is positioned relative to the sensing line when the sensing line clamp is attached to the sensing line so that the actuator can strike the sensing line. A proximity probe attached to the base member measures vibration of the sensing line and outputs a vibration signal. A processor receives and processes the vibration signal from the proximity probe to determine the natural frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: James Kasik, Swaminathan H. Sundaram
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Publication number: 20080148859Abstract: A liquid container includes; a liquid containing portion for containing liquid therein; a unit case, including a liquid inlet communicating with the liquid containing portion, a liquid outlet for supplying the liquid outside, a flexible diaphragm that covers an upper opening of the unit case and that is displaceable depending on liquid pressure between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet; a movable member attached to the flexible diaphragm and that has a pair of shafts formed to protrude from opposite sides of the movable member: a sensor assembly attached to a bottom opening formed in a bottom plate of the unit case and used for detecting that the liquid in the liquid containing portion is exhausted to a predetermined amount; and a pair of shaft receiving portions that is provided on the unit case for receiving the pair of the shafts to fix the movable member in a predetermined position in an initial state where the liquid has not flowed from the liquid inlet to the detection portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventors: Yuji AOKI, Hitotoshi KIMURA
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Publication number: 20080148860Abstract: A pressure sensor has a polygonal cylindrical stem having a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls including a remarked side wall, a diaphragm constituted by a portion of the remarked side wall, and a sensing element attached to the remarked side wall. Each of the side walls extends along a longitudinal direction of the stem so as to face a hollow of the stem. A center axis of the hollow along the longitudinal direction is shifted from a center axis of the stem toward the remarked side wall so as to differentiate a thickness of the remarked side wall from those of the other side walls. The diaphragm is deformable in response to a pressure of a medium introduced in the hollow. The sensing element senses a deformation of the diaphragm and outputs a sensing signal indicating the deformation of the diaphragm.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshifumi Murakami, Kiyoshi Otsuka