Patents Issued in August 5, 2008
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Patent number: 7406836Abstract: A misting system for a vehicle having a water pump uses a connector for splicing into a water line of the vehicle. A valve is coupled to the connector for activating and deactivating the misting system. Opening the valve causes pressure in the water line to be lessened thereby causing the water pump to activate and supply more water to the water line. A filter is coupled to the valve for removing particulates from the water in the water line. Piping is coupled to the filter. The piping will have watertight quick connect/disconnect connectors for quickly assembling the piping. Misting nozzles are coupled to the piping for spaying a fine mist of water in the air.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Inventor: Harry A. Sylvia
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Patent number: 7406837Abstract: An ammonia/CO2 refrigerating system having a liquid pump for feeding the liquid CO2 cooled in a brine cooler by the utilization of the vaporization latent heat of ammonia in an ammonia refrigeration cycle to a cooler, which comprises a liquid receiving vessel 4 for receiving a CO2 brine cooled in a brine cooler 3, a liquid pump 5 capable of changing the rate of the feed of a liquid, a rising piping 90 provided between the liquid pump 5 and a cooler 6, and a communication pipe 100 for communicating the top of the riser pipe 90 with the CO2 gas phase in the liquid receiving vessel 4, wherein the discharge pressure of the liquid pump 5 is set so as for the CO2 recovered form the cooler 3 or the liquid receiver 4 in the state of a liquid or a gas-liquid mixture, and the level of the rise in the rising piping 90 is set at a level being the same as or higher than the highest storage level for the CO2 brine in the liquid receiving vessel 4.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Mayekawa Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Nemoto, Akira Taniyama, Shinjirou Akaboshi, Iwao Terashima
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Patent number: 7406838Abstract: An ice-making machine includes a control faceplate and formed with a water tank and an accommodating hollow. The water tank has a water intake connected with the feed water pipe of the accommodating hollow. The accommodating hollow is bored with a draining channel communicating with the water tank and has an insert hole in a side and a trigger switch on an outer side. A water trough pivotally assembled in the accommodating hollow has a push plate at the front side and a pivot at the opposite sides to be fitted with the trigger switch. A freezing system installed in the machine body is composed of a compressor, a condenser, an electric magnetic valve, a dryer with a capillary tube, a vaporizer with plural ice-making rods and a liquid reservoir. The water tank has an ice-collecting box.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Inventor: Ching-Hsiang Wang
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Patent number: 7406839Abstract: A system for cooling a medium includes a line having coolant flowing therein, and a sub-cooling unit in fluid communication with the line. The sub-cooling unit receives a portion of the coolant diverted from the line to cool coolant flowing in the line. A method of cooling a medium is further disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: American Power Conversion CorporationInventors: John H. Bean, Jonathan M. Lomas
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Patent number: 7406840Abstract: A length adjustable, multi-function chain composite for use in the apparel, jewelry, and accessory industries. The length adjustable, multi-function chain composite includes at least two chain segments that are separate and independent of each other, and apparatus that is operatively connected to the at least two chain segments and replaceably attaches the at least two chain segments end-to-end collinearly so as to allow the length adjustable, multi-function chain composite to be reconfigurable for being multi-functional.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2002Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Inventor: Theresa M. Brancato
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Patent number: 7406841Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a glass-ceramic with a defined zero crossing of the CTE-T curve (CTE: coefficient of thermal expansion), and glass-ceramic products produced using the process according to the invention.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Schott GlasInventor: Ina Mitra
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Patent number: 7406842Abstract: A washing machine includes: a steam generator for generating steam; a circulation pump for pumping circulation water discharged from a tub and re-supplying it into a drum; a spray nozzle for spraying steam generated from the steam generator and the circulation water pumped from the circulation pump into the drum; and a back-current preventing branch unit connected to the steam generator by a steam supply line, connected to the circulation pump by a circulation line, and connected to the spray nozzle. With this structure, circulation water circulated by the circulation unit and steam generated from the steam generator are sprayed to the laundry through one spray nozzle, so that a system can be simplified and a fabrication cost can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2004Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Soo Young Oh, Kyung Chul Woo, Jin Woong Kim, Si Moon Jeon, Na Eun Kim
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Patent number: 7406843Abstract: An automatic washer comprises a remote sump fluidly connected to a drain pump and a recirculation pump, and a separator comprising an array of regularly-spaced fins oriented upstream of the recirculation pump for intercepting foreign objects in wash liquid. The remote sump also comprises a wash liquid heater. The separator is automatically purged when the drain pump is operated.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2004Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Edward L. Thies, Matthew C. Parsons
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Patent number: 7406844Abstract: A golf club lock apparatus for securing at least one golf club having a club shaft with a narrow segment and two shaft ends and a club head secured at one shaft end includes an interconnection line; two club shaft engaging mechanisms secured in spaced apart relation to the interconnection line, each shaft engaging mechanism having a locking and retaining structure for lockingly retaining at least one club shaft. Each shaft engaging mechanism preferably is a padlock having a lock mechanism case and a lock U-bolt having two U-bolt legs, one U-bolt leg extending slidably into the lock mechanism case and the other U-bolt leg lockably slidable into and out of the lock mechanism case and sized to closely fit around a narrow segment of a golf club shaft, so that the padlock must be opened to release the club. Each U-bolt preferably includes two U-bolt legs which are separate members interconnected by a hinge structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Inventor: Michael Haimm
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Patent number: 7406845Abstract: A steering column lock assembly and a method of operating the same, the steering column lock assembly including a steering column having a gear portion and a rotatable shaft; an actuator operably attached to the steering column, the actuator being free to translate with respect to the steering column; and a lever arm operably attached to the steering column; wherein translation of the actuator engages the lever arm with the gear portion to lock the steering column.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Chrysler LLCInventors: Melonee Wise, Richard D Zielesch, Jr., Richard Stuedemann, Michael Laraia, Timothy Gasparski, William J Elliott, Mark O Minty, Travis D Bechtel
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Patent number: 7406846Abstract: An electronic lock incorporating one or more shape memory metal wire segment as its electromechanical transducer. An electronic control circuit injects electrical current into the shape memory metal wire, causing it to heat up and contract. A gate is positioned by the action of the shape memory metal wire(s) to either allow or block the movement of a locking bolt that affect locking or unlocking. Millions of operational cycles are achieved by limiting the stretching of the shape memory metal wire at low temperature to small percentages of its total length. The design lends itself to miniaturization, with commensurate reduction in power consumption, that is useful to the evolution of future electronic locks.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Nanotechnology, Inc.Inventor: John Wun-Sing Chu
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Patent number: 7406847Abstract: A cylinder lock capable of normal unlocking operation by an authorized key to a locking mechanism which has been illegally operated by an unauthorized key or the like, the cylinder lock comprising an engaging portion that engages a rotor in the rotational direction only when the cylinder moves toward the unlocking member is disposed to a cylinder to engage the rotor and the cylinder thereby rotating the rotor upon subsequent insertion of an authorized key to connect the rotor and the connection member thereby enabling normal unlocking operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Honda Lock Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuo Yuhi, Takashi Ishitsuka
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Patent number: 7406848Abstract: An emergency door opening tool set includes a screwdriver for removing a latch assembly cover plate, a second and a third tool for opening a locked door. The second tool includes an elongated bar with a mass of metal at one end thereof and an opening or recess in the shape of an outwardly projecting portion of the lock. A transverse force is applied to the elongated bar to break off the outwardly projection of the lock. The third tool includes an elongated bar, a T-shaped handle at one end thereof and a latch turning element at the opposite end. After removal of the broken off portion of the lock the third tool is inserted into the lock assembly and turned to retract a latch bolt from the striker plate. The set also includes a pouch or bag to carry the tool set.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Inventor: Hussain Bumi
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Patent number: 7406849Abstract: A preform with edges overlapped and jointed each other and first and second outer members for forming outer surfaces of a hydroformed product, and reinforcement members that are jointed to the first and second outer members to form reinforcement ribs that divide a hollow cross section of the outer surfaces, the reinforcement members having dimensions capable of suppressing elongation in a tensile direction due to a tensile force that develops during hydroforming.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuto Ueno, Kazuhiro Mitamura, Satoru Majima, Takashi Haraoka, Masaaki Yoshitome, Hideto Kanafusa
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Patent number: 7406850Abstract: The present invention discloses a coolant header for hot rolled strip cooling devices, which cools a hot rolled strip fed from a finish rolling mill.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: POSCOInventors: Pil Jong Lee, Joo Dong Lee, Myung Jong Cho, Hui Seop Kwon, Sung Sup Eom
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Patent number: 7406851Abstract: A die cushion controlling apparatus for controlling an operation of a cushion pad, which comprises a pad drive mechanism for driving to raise or lower the cushion pad while applying an upward energizing force, a load measuring unit for measuring a load generated in the cushion pad, a time detecting unit for detecting a generating time and a vanishing time of the load, and a control unit for controlling the pad drive mechanism so that a load measured value measured by the load measuring unit follows a preset load pattern during a period from when the time detecting unit detects the generating time of the load until when the time detecting unit detects the vanishing time of the load.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignees: Komatsu Ltd., KOMATSU Industries Corp.Inventors: Kazuhiko Shiroza, Yukiyoshi Takayama, Hiroaki Honma, Seiji Seki
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Patent number: 7406852Abstract: An upsetting method capable of executing diameter expansion of a diameter expansion scheduled portion of a raw material unevenly in a peripheral direction is provided. A guide 20 having an insertion hole 21 for receiving and holding the diameter expansion scheduled portion 2 of the raw material 1 in a buckling preventing state is prepared. A diameter expansion preventing protruded portion 22 protruded in an axial direction of the guide 20 is integrally formed at a part of a tip end portion 20a of the guide 20. The diameter expansion scheduled portion 2 of the raw material 1 secured to the fixed die 10 is inserted and held in an insertion hole 21 of the guide 20.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.Inventor: Atsushi Otaki
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Patent number: 7406853Abstract: In the transverse wedge rolling machine as claimed in the invention the drive motor is a permanent magnet motor, especially a torque motor. Furthermore the rotational speed of the rollers is controlled depending on their rotary position.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Langenstein and Schemann GmbHInventors: Guenter Hofmann, Stelios Katsibardis, Sigfried Hausdoerfer, Henry Zwilling, Guenther Vogler, Herbert Rueger
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Patent number: 7406854Abstract: A gas sensor is provided that is delimited from the environment with a preferably replaceable cap (8) made of a porous, gas-permeable and water-impermeable material, especially sintered PTFE. The gas sensor is protected against environmental moisture and can be permanently provided with the cap (8) and with a special calibrating adapter (9) both during the gas measurement and during the necessary calibration. Due to the special design of the cap (8) and the calibrating adapter (9), the gas sensor offers the possibility of remote calibration, which can be carried out with high accuracy and is independent from weather effects, especially wind.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaAInventors: Björn Lange, Nils Haack, Lars Wulf, Rigobert Chrzan
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Patent number: 7406855Abstract: A method and a sensor device for determining particle emissions from exhaust gases of a combustion engine substantially during the use in an exhaust pipe system or a corresponding exhaust gas duct, in which method emitted particles contained in the exhaust gases are charged and the particle emissions are determined by measuring the electric charge carried by the emitted particles in the exhaust gas duct. The emitted particles are charged by varying the way of charging or the charging power with respect to time in such a manner that as a result of the charging, emitted particles brought into at least two different electrical charge states are present, wherein the charge of the emitted particles is further determined as a difference value/values measured from the emitted particles brought into said at least two different electrical charge states.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2004Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Dekati OyInventors: Juha Tikkanen, Mikko Moisio, Kauko Janka, Kimmo Pietarinen, Jorma Keskinen, Antti Rostedt
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Patent number: 7406856Abstract: A metal oxide semiconductor gas sensor and a method for production thereof. The sensor comprises a sensor-active metal oxide thin layer applied to a substrate, in contact with at least one electrode. The sensor-active metal oxide thin layer comprises a chromium/titanium oxide (CTO) layer with a thickness of about 10 nm to about 1 ?m. The chromium and titantium layers are applied over each other using thin layer technology and are subsequently tempered.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2002Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V.Inventors: Harald Bottner, Jurgen Wollenstein, Gerd Kuhner
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Patent number: 7406857Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an electronically controlled humidity chamber with temperature controls: to determine, by vapor desorption, high capillary pressures of core samples; to produce core samples with a high capillary pressure for testing electrical properties; and, using a curve of high capillary pressures from vapor desorption data, to transform a curve of high capillary pressures determined from high pressure mercury injection.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Inventor: Kent E. Newsham
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Patent number: 7406858Abstract: According to the present invention, a continuous layer liquid used as a continuous layer of a diffusion phenomenon is injected into the first reservoir, and passed through the channels to the second reservoirs to fill the plurality of radially formed channels with the continuous layer liquid. Then, a predetermined amount of diffusion experiment reagent, for example, a coloring liquid used as a diffusion substance of the diffusion phenomenon is injected into the first reservoir. This causes the diffusion experiment reagent to be diffused from the first reservoir to the second reservoirs only by the diffusion phenomenon. At this time, the radially formed channels have the different sectional areas, and thus the diffusion experiment reagent is diffused through the channels at different velocities. This allows the diffusion phenomena that occur in the micro channels or the diffusion velocities to be observed or measured with ease using an inexpensive device.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Yasunori Ichikawa, Tomohide Ueyama, Fumiko Shiraishi, Akira Kato
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Patent number: 7406859Abstract: An improved nanomanipulation system is provided for performing nanomanipulation operations in relation to a sample surface. The system includes: an atomic force microscope having a probe for performing nanomanipulation operations on the sample surface, where the probe includes a cantilever having a layer of piezoelectric material; a position detector configured to ascertain deformation of the cantilever during a nanomanipulation operation; and an adaptable end effector controller adapted to receive data indicative of the deformation from the position detector and implements a control scheme based on the deformation data. The control scheme produces a control signal that is applied to the piezoelectric material of the cantilever, thereby maintaining the straight shape of the cantilever during the nanomanipulation operation.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State UniversityInventors: Ning Xi, Guangyong Li, Jiangbo Zhang
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Patent number: 7406860Abstract: A topographic profile of a structure is generated using atomic force microscopy. The structure is scanned such that an area of interest of the structure is scanned at a higher resolution than portions of the structure outside of the area of interest. An profile of the structure is then generated based on the scan. To correct skew and tilt of the profile, a first feature of the profile is aligned with a first axis of a coordinate system. The profile is then manipulated to align a second feature of the profile with a second axis of the coordinate system.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Lin Zhou, Huiwen Liu, Dale Egbert, Jonathan A. Nelson, Jianxin Zhu
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Patent number: 7406861Abstract: In a method and device for characterising the return stroke of injectors, in particular piezo-injectors of an internal combustion engine provided with a common rail system, when the internal combustion engine is switched off, a constant pressure is dropped in the rail, thereby making it possible to measure the rail pressure and to adjust the injectors by corresponding power. The actuating power is increased until a discontinuity in a temporal progression of rail pressure occurs. The actuating energy applied for the state and a pressure available in the make it possible to measure the return stroke of corresponding injector.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2007Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Uwe Jung, Janos Radeczky, Michael Wirkowski
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Patent number: 7406862Abstract: An apparatus and a method for inspecting a brake system of a two-wheeled vehicle are provided, which not only can reduce the time required for each inspection of the two-wheeled vehicle to efficiently perform inspection of the two-wheeled vehicle, but also remarkably improve the inspection accuracy. Each wheel of the two-wheeled vehicle is supported by respective corresponding support rollers and an anti-lock brake system and a front and rear wheel interlocking brake system acts on the wheels. Data for rotational speeds of the rollers supporting the wheel acted upon by the anti-lock brake system are measured by measuring encoders 20, 31. Data for temperature of a brake actuating part 45 of the wheel acted upon by the front and rear wheel interlocking brake system is measured by a measuring sensor 46.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Giuseppe Madonna
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Patent number: 7406863Abstract: A contact-state obtaining apparatus for obtaining a contact state in which a tire of a wheel of a vehicle contacts a road surface, the apparatus including a deformation detecting device which is supported by the wheel and which detects a deformation of the tire that is caused by a force exerted to the tire in a direction parallel to the road surface; and a contact-state obtaining portion which obtains, as the contact state, (a) a slipping state of the tire relative to the road surface and/or (b) the force exerted to the tire in the direction parallel to the road surface, based on the deformation of the tire detected by the deformation detecting device.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Atsushi Ogawa
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Patent number: 7406864Abstract: Mechanical overloads in a reciprocating gas compressor can cause irreparable damage to compressor components if the source of the overloads is not repaired. A method of detecting mechanical overloads includes forming a mechanical fuse that is configured to strain under overload conditions, and observing a condition of the mechanical fuse. The condition of the mechanical fuse is indicative of whether the compressor experienced a mechanical overload. By simply observing the mechanical fuse, overload conditions can be checked during routine inspections and maintenance checks.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Nuovo Pignone Holdings, S.p.A.Inventors: Hamid Reza Sarshar, Vinh K. Do, Simone Pratesi, Nicola Campo, Jeffrey Raynal
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Patent number: 7406865Abstract: A level measurement arrangement for measurement of a level of a product in a container comprising: a level sensor, comprising: a conductive probe, a mounting element, comprising, and a process connector, for mounting the mounting element on a ferrule on the container, is described, wherein electrical isolation of the conductive probe from the ferrule is ensured via a dielectric insert, which is inserted in the ferrule, fills all cavities inside the ferrule, and extends through the ferrule into the container.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Dan Klees, Rob Vermeulen, Lewis Bryant
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Patent number: 7406866Abstract: A micromachined device has a body suspended over a substrate and movable in a plane relative to the substrate. The body has a perimeter portion, a first cross-piece portion extending from one part of the perimeter portion to another part of the perimeter portion to define at least first and second apertures, a first plurality of fingers extending along parallel axes from the perimeter portion into the first aperture, and a second plurality of fingers extending along parallel axes from the perimeter portion into the second aperture.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: John A. Geen, Donald W. Carow
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Patent number: 7406867Abstract: A gyroscope that lies generally in a plane, for detecting rotation rate about a gyro input axis. The gyroscope has a substrate, and a generally planar support member flexibly coupled to the substrate such that it is capable of oscillatory motion about a drive axis that is orthogonal to the input axis. There is also a generally planar gyro member coplanar with and flexibly coupled to the support member such that it is capable of rotary oscillatory motion relative to the support member about an output axis that is orthogonal to the plane of the members. There are one or more drives for directly or indirectly oscillating the gyro member about the drive axis, and one or more gyro output sensors that detect oscillation of the gyro member about the output axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Milli Sensor Systems + ActuatorsInventor: Donato Cardarelli
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Patent number: 7406868Abstract: A compensating accelerometer includes a housing, and a sensing element mounted in the housing. The sensing element includes a pendulum flexibly mounted on a base. The sensing element includes a coil mounted on a movable plate, a curtain having a slit, and a load mass affixed to the curtain. An angle sensor within the housing includes the curtain, a fork, a light source and a differential light detector. A momentum sensor within the housing includes a permanent magnet, an inner magnetic conductor, an outer magnetic conductor and the coil. The permanent magnet is magnetized in a direction of an axis of the pendulum. A stopper is used to adjust position of the fork. A spring is on opposite side of the fork, for taking up slack in the fork. A fixator has an eccentric, for adjusting a gap between the curtain and the light detector.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Innalabs Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mykola G. Chernyak, Gennadiy A. Skrypkovskyy
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Patent number: 7406869Abstract: The movement detector having six degrees of freedom comprises a support on which three position sensors are arranged according to three orthogonal axes. Each sensor comprises a rigid body (3), a deformable element (4) which is electrically conductive, and four conductive areas (6b) which are disposed on rigid walls (3). The deformable element (4) is balanced around the centre part thereof and has a rest position and four active positions wherein it is temporarily in contact with two of the conductive areas (6b) of the rigid body (3). The deformable element (4) of a sensor moves from a rest position to one of the active positions in response to a predetermined directional or axial translation or votation.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2004Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Commissariat A l'Energie AtomiqueInventors: Laurent Jouanet, Patrice Rey
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Patent number: 7406870Abstract: A semiconductor sensor is disclosed that includes a proof mass, a frame that is arranged around the proof mass, a beam that is arranged at the surface side of the frame and is configured to support the proof mass, plural piezo-resistive elements arranged on the beam, plural metal wiring patterns and pad electrodes that are arranged on the surface of the frame and are electrically connected to the piezo-resistive elements, a cover plate that is fixed to the surface of the frame and is arranged to be spaced apart from the proof mass and the beam, and a cover plate fixing region for fixing the cover plate to the surface of the frame, the cover plate fixing region including a formation region for the metal wiring patterns.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Masami Seto
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Patent number: 7406871Abstract: A fuel tank is allowed to hold any of types of liquid fuels and currently hold one type of liquid fuel. A light emitting element outputs a light beam of a predetermined emission spectrum to the liquid fuel of the fuel tank. The liquid fuel changes the light beam to a reflected light beam of a reflection spectrum according to spectral characteristics of the liquid fuel. The reflection spectrum is peculiar to the type of the liquid fuel of the fuel tank. A light receiving element detects the reflection spectrum, and a control circuit receives the detected reflection spectrum from the light receiving element. The control circuit collates the detected reflection spectrum with a referential reflection spectrum corresponding to each fuel type and identified the type of the liquid fuel of the fuel tank according to a collation result.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Makiko Sugiura
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Patent number: 7406873Abstract: An electromagnetic acoustic transducer (12, 24) has one or a plurality of magnets for applying a DEC magnetic field to a material (4, 25) under test, and an electrical coil (2, 23) supplied by an alternating current source for, providing an AC magnetic flux within the material under test. A wear plate (16, 26) engages with an slides along the surface of the material under test. The wear plate (16, 26) is of electrically conductive ferromagnetic material and has apertures (17, 31) therein. Thus, both the DC field and the ACT flux can penetrate the material under test and create ultrasonic vibration of that material.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2004Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: PII LimitedInventors: David Paige, Robert Andrew Mercel, Ian Sowerby
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Patent number: 7406874Abstract: A corrosion fuse is a device connected with a compressed air tank in order to provide a predictive indication of corrosive activity occurring within the compressed air tank. The corrosion fuse includes a corrosion detector established as a thin-walled metal tube closed on one end and open to an environment outside the compressed air tank on the other end. The joining of the corrosion fuse with the compressed air tank is enabled by the connection of a plug with a fitting (i.e., flange). The plug connects to the open end of the corrosion detector and with the flange. The flange is connected to the compressed air tank about a tank receiver disposed on the compressed air tank. The tank receiver allows the corrosion detector, connected with the plug, to at least partially extend inside the compressed air tank, when the plug is connected with the flange.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2004Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Steven E. Carnal, Lew Tobias
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Patent number: 7406875Abstract: A pressure sensor is provided with a housing which has an opening portion for communicating an interior of the housing with an exterior, and a pressure detecting unit which has a detection surface for detecting a pressure applied thereto through the opening and is arranged in the housing. One of a perimeter of the detection surface and that of the opening portion has a protrusion portion which protrudes toward other of the perimeters. The other of the perimeters has a groove, into which a tip of the protrusion portion is inserted. A seal member is arranged between the groove and the protrusion portion, to seal therebetween and buffer stress caused by relative displacement between the housing and the pressure detecting unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Shingo Wanami, Kazushige Suematsu, Toshihito Nonaka, Minoru Fujioka, Taiki Katsu
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Patent number: 7406876Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detecting characteristics of an elastic structure (13, 22, 23, 32, 33, 93, 1202, 1302, 1402), said structure being provided with at least one sensor (111, 112, 14, 211, 212, 311, 312, 911, 1211, 1311, 1411) and said system comprising at least one detector (16, 416, 516, 916, 1316, 1416). The sensor comprises a deformable member, which upon deformation generates a signal convertible to a signal representing said characteristic, said sensor further comprises a passive transmitter and said detector a receiver for receiving said signal representing said characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2004Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Vasensor ABInventors: Anatol Krozer, Christer Johansson, Sofia Johnsson, Brodde Wetter, Henrik Danielsson, Gustav Perers
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Patent number: 7406877Abstract: Uniaxial deformation-measuring device includes a section of optical fiber equipped with a Bragg grating aligned with the measurement axis, and a test body subjected to the deformations to be measured., this device includes the fixing points for attaching the fiber to the test body. The fixing points are separated by a distance (Lfib) having a variation (?Lfib). When the test body is stressed by the deformation, the effective length (Lce) of the test body has an elongation (?Lce). The length (Lfib) of the section of optical fiber and the effective length (Lce) of the measurement body are such that the longitudinal deformation (?Lfib/Lfib) of the section of optical fiber is strictly greater than the originating deformation (?Lce/Lce) of the test body, thus defining an amplification factor K which is strictly greater than 1 and which is equal to the quotient (?Lfib/Lfib)/(?Lce/Lce) in the first order.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2004Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Commisariat A l'Energie AtomiqueInventor: M. Laurent Maurin
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Patent number: 7406878Abstract: For measuring a medium, the medium flows through at least one inline measuring device measuring tube joined into the course of a pipeline, especially a measuring tube which vibrates, at least at times. Using an inline measuring device sensor arrangement arranged on the measuring tube and/or in its vicinity and reacting, at least mediately, to changes of the at least one physical parameter of the medium, at least one measurement signal is produced, which is influenced by at least one physical parameter of the medium in the measuring tube. Additionally, pressures effective in the medium are registered, in order to determine repeatedly a pressure difference existing in the flowing medium at least in part along the at least one measuring tube.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Alfred Rieder, Wolfgang Drahm
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Patent number: 7406879Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for measuring static pressure in a warm gas flow while minimizing particulate deposit formation includes a housing containing the flow of gas, a pressure sensor, and a heated pressure sampling tube attached to the sensor, with the tube sampling the gas flow. The heated sampling tube reduces the temperature gradient between the gas and the tube, reducing thermophoretic forces that contribute to deposit formation. The sampling tube extends through the housing into the gas flow in one embodiment, enabling the gas to heat the tube and locating the open end of the tube in a higher-flow area of the gas, further reducing deposit formation.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.Inventors: Mark P. Adams, David M. Grimm, Jeffrey T. Sedlacek, Christopher M. Cremeens
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Patent number: 7406880Abstract: A process flow device includes a self-averaging pitot tube type of primary flow element for measuring, by a differential pressure process, the volumetric rate of fluid flow at a point in a fluid carrying conduit where the velocity profile of the fluid is asymmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis of the conduit. The improved flow element comprises an annulus having a central opening and a pitot tube type flow-impeding device disposed transversely across the central opening and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conduit. The pitot tube type flow-impeding device includes a plurality of total pressure ports in an upstream facing surface, a plurality of static pressure ports in a downstream facing surface, and total and static pressure plenums connected in fluid communication respectively to the total and static pressure ports.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2007Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Dieterich Standard, Inc.Inventors: Charles T. Orleskie, Terry X. Beachey
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Patent number: 7406881Abstract: A touch panel has an upper substrate, a lower substrate, an elastic layer, plural conducting wires, and a gel layer. An upper conductive layer is formed at a lower surface of the upper substrate, a lower conductive layer that faces the upper conductive layer with a gap in between is formed at a top surface of the lower substrate, and the elastic layer is formed at a top surface of the lower conductive layer. The conductive wires are partially buried in the elastic layer and are disposed in a manner vertically oriented with a gap from the upper conductive layer. The gel layer is formed between the upper conductive layer and the elastic layer. With this construction, the touch panel is obtainable that suffers less wrong operation and allows reliable operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Koji Tanabe
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Patent number: 7406882Abstract: A meter cable mounting structure having a shaft portion of an inner cable and a fitting hole of a revolving shaft that can be easily aligned for facilitating the mounting operation. The meter cable mounting structure includes a meter cable having an inner cable with a shaft portion of a square shape in cross section at least at one end thereof. A pinion includes a fitting hole of a square shape in cross section that corresponds to the shaft portion of the inner cable at the end thereof with a tapered inner wall portion being provided in a periphery of an open end of the fitting hole. The tapered inner wall portion is reduced in diameter gradually toward the open end and includes a guide projection for guiding the shaft portion when mounting the meter cable to the pinion by fitting the shaft portion into the fitting hole.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasunori Okazaki, Tetsuaki Maeda
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Patent number: 7406883Abstract: The invention concerns a device for measuring the speed and direction of rotation of an object (3) near to which it is placed. It comprises: a magnetic detection device (2) that delivers, in response to a rotation of the object (3) generating a magnetic field variation, signals representative of its speed and its direction of rotation, a conductor (4) intended to be connected to a power source to supply current to the magnetic detection device (2) at least, current receptor means (6) placed between the magnetic detection device (2) and the conductor (4) that create, from signals coming from said magnetic detection device (2), a modulation of the current (Iout) flowing in the conductor (4), said modulated current (Iout) reflecting both the speed and the direction of rotation of the object (3). Application particularly in the oil industry.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2003Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Marian Faur, Jacques Sellin, Bernard Parmentier
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Patent number: 7406884Abstract: A device determines a torque that is exerted on a shaft, the shaft having a first shaft section and a second shaft section, the two shaft sections being rotatable in relation to one another. The device comprise a multi-pole magnetic ring and a stator support that is fixed to the second shaft section. Two stator elements are fixed to the stator support and each stator element has fingers that project in an axial or radial direction, are uniformly distributed at least over part of the circumference and are interspaced by gaps. The magnetic ring is situated between the fingers of one stator element and the fingers of the other stator element. A second magnetic ring is located on one of the two shaft sections and a magnetic sensor is mounted on one of the two shaft sections.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Valeo Schalter und Sensoren GmbHInventors: Frank Jerems, Dirk Rachui, Ekkehart Froehlich, Christian Ruetz
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Patent number: 7406885Abstract: A partial flow dilution tunnel in a gas sampling system is connected to the exhaust from an internal combustion engine. More accurate gas sampling results are enabled for accounting for a delay from when the engine produces an exhaust change to when that transient arrives at a probe location. Thus, an estimated time delay is determined, and the gas sampling system is operated at least in part based upon that estimated time delay for the exhaust to arrive at the sampling location.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Russell R. Graze, Jr.
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Patent number: 7406886Abstract: An injector has a sample chamber for retaining a small amount of sample, wherein a position of the sample chamber is controlled by transmitting light through the sample chamber and detecting the transmitted light so as to recognize the position of the sample chamber. It is possible to reduce detection error compared to the conventional injectors that indirectly control the position of the sample chamber by transmitting light through the light passage which is adjacent to the sample chamber. A method for injecting a sample comprising the steps of: providing an injector which has a sample chamber for retaining a sample with an open month; transmitting light through the sample chamber; detecting the transmitted light so as to recognize a position of the sample chamber; and controlling the position of the sample chamber by using the detection result to connect the open month of the sample chamber to an open month of a sample receiving member in order to inject the sample into the sample receiving member.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2007Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignees: Chemco Scientific Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takao Tsuda, Eiji Iizuka, Motonori Munesue