Patents Issued in September 18, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080223113
    Abstract: A cap (10) comprising a female threading (11) matched with that (2) of a first element is made up onto the first male threaded element (1) of a component to be tested so as to compress a sealing ring (16) between metal surfaces (7, 15) of the first element and the cap, and a test pressure is established inside said component, the male element (1) having an annular lip (3) which is capable of deforming radially outwardly under the effect of said test pressure. Between the radially outward surface (6) of the lip (3) and the facing surface (19) of the cap, at the end of makeup there exists a clearance having a value (j) which has been selected sufficiently small so that, under the effect of the test pressure, the lip bears on said facing surface without undergoing plastic deformation. Application to tubular string accessories for hydrocarbon wells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: VALLOUREC MANNESMANN OIL & GAS FRANCE
    Inventor: Pierre Dutilleul
  • Publication number: 20080223114
    Abstract: An engine oil viscosity measurement system is provided. The system includes: a solenoid response module that determines an actual response time based on a position signal; an expected response module that determines an expected response time based on a system voltage and engine oil temperature; and a diagnostic module that diagnoses viscosity of the engine oil based on the actual response time and the expected response time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: William C. Albertson, David R. Staley, Mike M. Mc Donald, Bryan K. Pryor
  • Publication number: 20080223115
    Abstract: A method for mixing and dispensing homogeneous compounds on a surface, at least one reactant in a carrier fluid in laminar flow, and cell (3) for implementing the method. The cell includes reaction chamber (16) having at least one reaction surface (13) where the reactant can be fixed, directly or indirectly, optionally reversibly, at least three fluid inlets/outlets (25, 26), at least one fixed volume reservoir in communication with the reaction chamber and outside the reaction chamber via injection orifice (27), a fluid loop including at least one feeding port, at least one extraction port and at least one reservoir whose volume is variable and adapted to communicate independently with the reaction chamber via each of its inlets/outlets; device for circulating fluids in the reaction chamber and the fluid loop. The method and cell can be used to prepare homogeneous surface films, or to carry out “target-probe” identification reactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: BIOTRAY SAS
    Inventors: Vincent Dugas, Jerome Broutin, Eliane Souteyrand
  • Publication number: 20080223116
    Abstract: A drug release cell useful in testing the drug release of a product in a liquid includes a first chamber and a second chamber with a membrane positioned in between such that the first chamber is located above the membrane and the second chamber is located below the membrane. The membrane has pores sized to permit a liquid and a released product, such as an insulin suspension, disposed in the second chamber to pass therethrough. When the drug release cell is filled with liquid and product is present in the second chamber the liquid is mixed with a mixing device to circulate the liquid and disperse released media throughout the liquid. Samples are taken at predetermined times from the first chamber through a sampling port to determine the concentration of the product in the liquid. The concentration data may then be utilized to create a drug release profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Emad Alkhawam, Mankit Ho, Jin Qiang Xia, Satheesh Papineni
  • Publication number: 20080223117
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of using an accurate three-dimensional shape without damaging a sample by making a probe contact the sample only at a measuring point, lifting and retracting the probe when moving to the next measuring point and making the probe approach the sample after moving to the next measuring point, wherein high frequency/minute amplitude cantilever excitation and vibration detection are performed and further horizontal direction excitation or vertical/horizontal double direction excitation are performed to improve the sensitivity of contacting force detection on a slope of steep inclination. The method uses unit for inclining the probe in accordance with the inclination of a measurement target and a structure capable of absorbing or adjusting the orientation of the light detecting the condition of contact between the probe and sample after reflection on the cantilever, which varies a great deal depending on the inclination of the probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Masahiro Watanabe, Toshihiko Nakata, Shuichi Baba
  • Publication number: 20080223118
    Abstract: A scanning probe apparatus includes a measurement probe tip and an auxiliary probe tip that is movably positionable with respect to the measurement probe tip. The measurement probe tip and the auxiliary probe tip may be positioned juxtaposed, so that an electrical discharge may be effected between the measurement probe tip and auxiliary probe tip to remove a contaminant from the measurement probe tip. The auxiliary probe tip may be integral with a sample support plate within the scanning probe apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lin Zhou, Dmitriy Shneyder
  • Publication number: 20080223119
    Abstract: A high-bandwidth SPM tip scanner is provided that additionally includes an objective that is vertically movable within the scan head to increase the depth of focus for the sensing light beam. Movable optics also are preferably provided to permit targeting of the sensing light beam on the SPM's probe and to permit the sensing light beam to track the probe during scanning. The targeting and tracking permit the impingement of a small sensing light beam spot on the probe under direct visual inspection of focused illumination beam of an optical microscope integrated into the SPM and, as a result, permits the use of a relatively small cantilever with a commensurately small resonant frequency. A high-bandwidth tip scanner constructed in this fashion has a fundamental resonant frequency greater than greater than 500 Hz and a sensing light beam spot minor diameter of less than 10 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Nghi Phan, Craig Cusworth, Craig Prater
  • Publication number: 20080223120
    Abstract: The invention concerns a microscopic system with atomic force, comprising a probe tip placed on one end of a lever arm (2), oscillating means (1) a to oscillate said probe tip substantially based on the fundamental frequency of said lever arm, said system including control means (7) for controlling said oscillating mean to vary the oscillation frequency of said tip based on a plurality of harmonics of said lever arm. The invention is characterized in that said control means comprise an input receiving a parameter representing an operating threshold of said system, to vary the oscillation frequency of said tip based on at least one harmonic of said lever arm when said signal corresponds to a state of said system higher than said operating threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Paul Girard, Michel Ramonda, Richard Arinero
  • Publication number: 20080223121
    Abstract: An atomic force microscope and a method for detecting interactions between a probe and at least one sensed agent on a scanned surface is provided. The microscope has a scanning probe with a tip that is sensitive to a property of said scanned surface; a nucleic acid aptamer tethered to the tip of the probe; and a device for simultaneously recording the displacement of said probe tip as a function of time, topographic images, and the spatial location of interactions between said probe and the at least one sensed agent on said surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Liyun Lin, Hao Yan, Yan Liu, Stuart Lindsay
  • Publication number: 20080223122
    Abstract: A scanning probe microscope, capable of performing shape measurement not affected by electrostatic charge distribution of a sample, which: monitors an electrostatic charge state by detecting a change in a flexure or vibrating state of a cantilever due to electrostatic charges in synchronization with scanning during measurement with relative scanning between the probe and the sample, and makes potential adjustment so as to cancel an influence of electrostatic charge distribution, thus preventing damage of the probe or the sample due to discharge and achieving reduction in measurement errors due to electrostatic charge distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Masahiro Watanabe, Toru KURENUMA, Hiroshi Kuroda, Takafumi Morimoto, Shuichi Baba, Toshihiko Nakata, Manabu Edamura, Yukio Kembo
  • Publication number: 20080223123
    Abstract: A method of monitoring air flow restriction in an air intake of an internal combustion engine includes recording a predetermined number of pre-throttle pressure samples, recording a predetermined number of mass air flow samples, which respectively correspond to the pre-throttle pressure samples and determining a slope based on the pre-throttle pressure samples and the mass air flow samples. Whether an air filter is inducing an air flow over restriction is determined based on the slope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Wenbo Wang, Michael A. Kropinski, Kurt D. Mc Lain
  • Publication number: 20080223124
    Abstract: Method for the indirect tire pressure monitoring in which an analysis of the natural oscillation behavior of at least one tire is performed and at least one pressure loss analysis variable (fFL, fFR, fRL, fRR), in particular a natural frequency, is determined, in which case a temperature compensation (4) of the pressure loss analysis variable (fFL, fFR, fRL, fRR) is performed, and in which case a tire temperature (Ttire) calculated by means of a temperature model (1) is used to determine a compensation quantity (2), in particular the quotient of variation of the pressure loss analysis variable and change in temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Markus Irth, Andreas Kobe, Christian Sussmann, Franko Blank, Vladimir Koukes
  • Publication number: 20080223125
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a fluid from a subterranean formation are disclosed. An elongated probe is coupled to a carrier, and the probe engages a borehole wall to form a seal therewith. The elongated probe has an inner wall defining a cavity within the elongated probe. A sleeve member extends axially through the cavity, the sleeve member having a fluid flow path within the sleeve member, the flow path being in fluid communication with the cavity. At least one fluid moving device is associated with the sleeve member and the cavity that urges fluid from the formation into the elongated probe. The fluid moving device operates on fluid entering the probe to control a first flow rate in the cavity and a second flow rate in the sleeve member flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Matthias Meister
  • Publication number: 20080223126
    Abstract: A cylindrical collector of the rain gauge has a vertical distinctively colored stripe extending parallel to its vertical axis a focal length from its central axis on the opposite side of the rain gauge from rainfall indications. With this arrangement, the rain water in the rain gauge appears to have the color of a stripe which makes the water height easier to see. An open end of a parallelopiped interface receives the rain and has an area larger than the cross sectional area of the cylindrical collector to which it supplies the rain it receives. The numerals on the rain gauge indicating rainfall are scaled in proportion to the ratio of the area of the open end of the interface and the cross sectional area of the cylinder for easier reading. The parallelopipe design was selected to reduce the size of the shipping container and the dimension perpendicular to the holder is less than the width to permit the gauge to lie flat against a surface for hanging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Robert C. Geschwender
  • Publication number: 20080223127
    Abstract: A capacitive rain sensor for a motor vehicle is provided that includes a printed circuit board with sensor structures laminated thereon and with electronic components, wherein the sensor structures and the electronic components are arranged on different sides of the printed circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Martin Blaufuss, Jochen Gans, Thomas Polzer, Maik Rienecker
  • Publication number: 20080223128
    Abstract: Capacitive gauge comprising interdigital electrodes on an insulating substrate having the form of a hollow cylinder having an internal surface and an external surface, the interdigital electrodes being disposed on the internal surface of this cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Systems Research
    Inventor: Volodia Naydenov
  • Publication number: 20080223129
    Abstract: A flow measuring system combines a density measuring device and a device for measuring the speed of sound (SOS) propagating through the fluid flow and/or for determining the gas volume fraction (GVF) of the flow. The GVF meter measures acoustic pressures propagating through the fluids to measure the speed of sound ?mix propagating through the fluid to calculate at least gas volume fraction of the fluid and/or SOS. In response to the measured density and gas volume fraction, a processing unit determines the density of non-gaseous component of an aerated fluid flow. For three phase fluid flows, the processing unit can determine the phase fraction of the non-gaseous components of the fluid flow. The gas volume fraction (GVF) meter may include a sensing device having a plurality of strain-based or pressure sensors spaced axially along the pipe for measuring the acoustic pressures propagating through the flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Patrick Curry, Douglas H. Loose, Thomas E. Banach
  • Publication number: 20080223130
    Abstract: A sensor for measuring density of a liquid that comprises a float unit having a sealed hollow casing that contains a first magnet and a strain-gauge unit having a sealed hollow casing that contains a strain gauge and a second magnet arranged coaxially to the first magnet. Coaxiality of the magnets is provided by means of a guide rod installed on the casing of the strain-gauge unit and used to guide the float unit by inserting the guide rod into the central opening of the float unit casing. A characteristic feature of the sensor is that changes in the density of the liquid that cause displacement of the float cause detectable deformations of the strain gauge via forces of magnetic interaction between the first and second magnets without physical contact between the magnets. Since the elements of the sensor are located in sealed casings, they are not subject to damage and do not require maintenance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Gregory Dixon Snell, Thomas Lorincz, Mike Ravkin
  • Publication number: 20080223131
    Abstract: A system captures motion data in natural environments. A set of sources and a set of sensors are arranged on an object such as a human body. Each source emits ultrasonic signals detected by the sensors. A driver module is also arranged on the body. The driver module generates the ultrasonic signals for the set of sources and timing signals for the set of sensors. Distances between the set of sources and the set of sensors are measured based on a time of flight of the ultrasonic signals. Three dimensional locations of the set of sources and the set of sensors are determined from the distances. The distance measurements are refined using inertial components that provide rotation rates and accelerations. All these measurements together yield poses or configurations of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Giovanni Vannucci, Wojciech Matusik, Daniel Vlasic
  • Publication number: 20080223132
    Abstract: A vibration piezoelectric acceleration sensor including a pair of diaphragms linearly and oppositely disposed on a frame, a support body supporting the diaphragm, and a holding part holding the support body slidably in a linear direction, and another pair of diaphragms disposed linearly and oppositely crossing the pair of diaphragms detecting acceleration in two axes, i.e. X and Y directions. The diaphragms are extended and retracted by the acceleration transmitted to the support body through the holding part, changing a natural oscillation frequency. Accordingly, a high change ratio of resonance frequency can be provided with the detection of the acceleration, and the acceleration in two axes directions can be detected without being affected by a change in temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Jiro Terada, Masaya Nakatani, Takami Ishida
  • Publication number: 20080223133
    Abstract: An impact resistant speed sensing object having an inner body with a processor and at least one speed detecting sensors adapted to engage the inner body and adapted to interact with the processor for determining the speed of the impact resistant speed sensing object. The impact resistant speed sensing object further includes an impact resistant housing having apertures adapted to receive the inner body and the speed detecting sensor. The impact resistant speed sensing object has an aperture adapted to receive the impact resistant housing with the inner body and speed detecting sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Greg Nichol
  • Publication number: 20080223134
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device (10) for testing the stability and/or bending strength of masts (11), especially non-guyed masts (11). According to said method, a) the test is performed dynamically, b) the mast being excited by means of an artificially generated florce so as to perform movements particularly vibrations, and c) the movements of the mast (11) are determined with the aid of one or several sensors (acceleration sensors, (13, 14)) which are disposed on the mast (11) and detect acceleration values in the respective position thereof on the mast (11). The device (10) comprises a) a) an imbalance exciter (12) that may be is attached to the mast (11), for generating a force to be applied to the mast (11) that is to be tested, b) one or more acceleration sensors (13, 14) that may be attached to the mast (11), and c) an analysis arrangement (21) for determining stability and/or bending strength of the mast (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Sven Homburg, Gunther Jost
  • Publication number: 20080223135
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting damage in a bearing supporting at least one rotary shaft of an engine in rotation, the method consisting in: defining a measurement period corresponding to a range of speeds of rotation of the shaft during renewable activity at low speeds of operation of the engine; acquiring over the entire measurement period a vibratory signal representative of acceleration of components of the engine; sampling the vibratory signal as a function of the speed of rotation of the shaft during the measurement period; transforming the sampled vibratory signal into a frequency signal to obtain frequency spectrum lines as a function of the speed of rotation of the shaft; calculating the mean of the amplitudes of the spectrum lines; determining amplitude peaks around multiples of the theoretical frequency of a damaged roller; calculating the ratio between each amplitude peak and the amplitude level determined for a sound bearing; and comparing the ratio that is obtained with at least o
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Serge Blanchard, Julien Griffaton
  • Publication number: 20080223136
    Abstract: There are provided an inspection device, an inspection method, and an inspection program for accurately inspecting a minute structure having a movable portion by using a simple method. A test sound wave is inputted and frequency characteristic of a sensor output voltage amplitude responding to the input of the test sound wave is analyzed. The maximum frequency and the minimum frequency of the device is calculated from estimated use conditions and it is judged whether it is possible to detect a desired characteristic in the frequency band. More specifically, the device is judged to be good or bad depending whether the response characteristic in a predetermined frequency band exceeds the minimum characteristic level as a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Masami Yakabe, Naoki Ikeuchi
  • Publication number: 20080223137
    Abstract: A method for detecting flaws in a railhead, which railhead (1) is provided with a top side (T), a bottom side (B) and longitudinal sides (S) extending between that top side (T) and bottom side (B), wherein at least one ultrasonic first signal (10) is transmitted into the railhead (1) via said head top side (T) and traverses such a transmission path (9) that:—the signal (10) is only once reflected by the railhead bottom side (B), and not by a railhead longitudinal side (S);—the signal (10) reaches at least one substantially central railhead part (C); and—the signal (10) can exit the railhead (1) via the head top side (T); wherein first ultrasonic signals exiting the head top side (T) are detected, wherein the transmission path (9) of the at least first signal (10) extends in a virtual transmission plane, which transmission plane extends substantially transverse to a longitudinal direction (L) of the rail. In addition, the invention provides an apparatus for detecting flaws in a railhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Pieter Bestebreurtje
  • Publication number: 20080223138
    Abstract: There is provided an oscillation type gyro sensor including an oscillation gyro device, an oscillation circuit, a controller, and an impedance conversion circuit. The oscillation gyro device includes a piezoelectric device including a drive electrode and a detection electrode, oscillates according to a drive signal input to the drive electrode, and is capable of generating an output signal including a detection signal corresponding to a Coriolis force from the detection electrode. The oscillation circuit outputs, based on the output signal, a signal for oscillating the oscillation gyro device to the drive electrode as the drive signal. The controller controls the oscillation circuit such that the oscillation circuit outputs a drive signal that makes the output signal constant. To the impedance conversion circuit, the drive signal output from the oscillation circuit is input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuo Kurihara
  • Publication number: 20080223139
    Abstract: A combustion pressure sensor for detecting a pressure in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine includes a seal member sealing a clearance between a housing and a pressure transmitting member slidably inserted through an axial hole of the housing. The seal member is fixed to the housing at a position forward of a load detecting section disposed between the housing and the pressure transmitting member. The seal member is not fixed to the pressure transmitting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Hirose, Takehiro Watarai
  • Publication number: 20080223140
    Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensor for an industrial process transmitters comprises a housing, a sensing diaphragm, an electrode and a fill fluid. The housing includes an interior cavity and a channel extending from an exterior of the housing to the cavity. The sensing diaphragm is disposed within the interior cavity opposite the electrode. The fill fluid occupies the interior cavity such that a pressure from the channel is conveyed to the sensing diaphragm to adjust a capacitance between the electrode and the sensing diaphragm. The fill fluid has a dielectric constant higher than about 3.5. In various embodiments, the pressure sensor has a diameter less than approximately 3.175 centimeters (˜1.25 inches), the electrode has a diameter less than approximately 1 cm (˜0.4 inches), the pressure sensor has a capacitance of approximately 5 to approximately 10 pico-farads, and the fill fluid is comprised of hydraulic fluid having a liquid additive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Broden
  • Publication number: 20080223141
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a pressure measurement device comprising: a substrate that includes at least one pressure sensing module and at least one fluid-conductive channel, wherein each channel has a first aperture and a second aperture. The substrate is flexible such that the pressure measurement device is conformably adjustable onto an object's surface. The first aperture is located on the substrate such that when the substrate is suitably adjusted onto the object's surface, the first aperture is open to the exterior of the object's surface. The pressure sensors module is operatively connected to at least one of the second apertures, such that the at least one pressure sensing module is generally being subjected to the pressure being present at the first aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA
    Inventors: Noa Schmid, Helmut Knapp, Janko Auerswald, Christian Andreas Bosshard, Mark Fretz, Anne-Claire Pliska
  • Publication number: 20080223142
    Abstract: The following abstract will replace all prior versions of the abstract in the application: A pressure sensor is provided with a cap on a measuring portion of a diaphragm to which a first end of a flexible board is connected while a second end of the flexible board is connected to a circuit board spaced apart from the diaphragm. The flexible board is provided with the first end, a belt portion that is bent at an angle of ninety degrees or more relative to the first end in a direction to be away from the circuit board and is curved along the outer circumference of the diaphragm, and the second end that is bent at an angle of ninety degrees or more relative to the belt portion to be connected to the circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: NAGANO KEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yukinobu Iimori, Nobuaki Yamada, Shuji Tohyama, Takayuki Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20080223143
    Abstract: A pressure sensor including a pressure-sensor element having a monolithic body of semiconductor material, and a first main face and a second main face acting on which is a stress resulting from a pressure, the value of which is to be determined; and a package enclosing the pressure-sensor element. The package has an inner chamber containing liquid material, and the pressure-sensor element is arranged within the inner chamber in such a manner that the first and second main faces are both in contact with the liquid material. In particular, the liquid material is a silicone gel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS S.r.l.
    Inventors: Bruno Murari, Giulio Ricotti, Luigi Della Torre, Andrea Lorenzo Vitali
  • Publication number: 20080223144
    Abstract: A sensor comprising a base body and a sensor element, in particular for transforming and/or transferring measuring variables. The sensor element is associated with a receiving element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Christopherus Bader
  • Publication number: 20080223145
    Abstract: A test machine for testing the physical properties of a test specimen is provided. The test machine includes a fixture that applies a first force on the test specimen in a first direction and utilizes magnetic force to bring about the rotation of a fixture to apply a second force on the test specimen in a second direction. The test machine can better simulate field applications where a material may experience, for example compression or tension at the same time it experiences a rotational moment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Paul A. Merendino
  • Publication number: 20080223146
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for investigating a gas-liquid fluid mixture as it is conveyed in a conduit having a first constriction region providing a reduced conduit cross section. The method and system include inducing the mixture to exhibit swirling flow in the first constriction region, thereby separating the liquid from the gas, and determining one or more properties of the fluid in the first constriction region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ian Atkinson, John Sherwood, Cheng-gang Xie
  • Publication number: 20080223147
    Abstract: A method for operating a measuring apparatus (10 for determining the flow rate of a flowable medium through a measuring section (3) is provided, wherein the measuring apparatus (1) has, as sensors, two ultrasonic transceivers (4), which are arranged spaced apart from one another, for the purpose of ultrasonic testing of the measuring section (3) in and counter to the flow direction and for the purpose of picking up signals and is operated with an ultrasonic phase difference method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: MIB GMBH MESSTECHNIK UND INDUSTRIEBERATUNG
    Inventors: Martin Deutscher, Thomas Will
  • Publication number: 20080223148
    Abstract: A meter electronics (20) for generating a drive signal for a vibratory flowmeter (5) is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The meter electronics includes an interface (201) and a processing system (203). The processing system is configured to receive the sensor signal (201) through the interface, phase-shift the sensor signal (210) substantially 90 degrees to create a phase-shifted sensor signal, determine a phase shift value from a frequency response of the vibratory flowmeter, and combine the phase shift value with the sensor signal (201) and the phase-shifted sensor signal in order to generate a drive signal phase (213). The processing system is further configured to determine a sensor signal amplitude (214) from the sensor signal (210) and the phase-shifted sensor signal, and generate a drive signal amplitude (215) based on the sensor signal amplitude (214), wherein the drive signal phase (213) is substantially identical to a sensor signal phase (212).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Timothy J Cunningham, William M. Mansfield, Craig B. McAnally
  • Publication number: 20080223149
    Abstract: The measuring transducer includes: a measuring tube vibrating, at least at times, during operation and serving for conveying a medium, wherein the measuring tube communicates with a pipeline via an inlet tube piece at an inlet end and an outlet tube piece at an outlet end; a counteroscillator, which is affixed to the measuring tube on the inlet end to form a first coupling zone and affixed to the measuring tube on the outlet end to form a second coupling zone; a sensor arrangement secured, at least in part, to the counteroscillator for registering oscillations at least of the measuring tube; an exciter mechanism secured, at least in part, to the counteroscillator for driving at least the measuring tube; a transducer housing affixed to the inlet tube piece and the outlet tube piece; and connection lines, especially connection lines for the exciter mechanism and/or for the sensor arrangement, of which connection lines at least one is secured at least sectionally along the counteroscillator and secured at least
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Alfred Rieder, Michael Fuchs, Leonhard Probst, Michael Wiesmann
  • Publication number: 20080223150
    Abstract: A measuring transducer includes: a measuring tube vibrating, at least at times, during operation and serving for conveying a medium, wherein the measuring tube communicates with a pipeline via an inlet tube piece on an inlet side and an outlet tube piece on an outlet side; a counteroscillator, which is affixed to the measuring tube on the inlet and outlet sides to form coupling zones; an cantilever coupled with the measuring tube on the inlet side; an cantilever coupled with the measuring tube on the outlet side; a sensor arrangement secured, at least in part, to the counteroscillator for registering oscillations at least of the measuring tube; an exciter mechanism secured, at least in part, to the counteroscillator for driving at least the measuring tube; a transducer housing affixed to the inlet tube piece and to the outlet tube piece; as well as connection lines, of which at least one is secured at least pointwise to the transducer housing and at least pointwise to an inner part of the measuring transducer
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Alfred Rieder, Michael Fuchs, Leonhard Probst, Michael Wiesmann
  • Publication number: 20080223151
    Abstract: A device and a method for measuring and indicating the static torque of a tapered roller bearing under varying axially applied loads. The device includes a base having a surface for supporting the cone of a tapered roller bearing, a fixture for engaging the cup of the tapered roller bearing when it is located on the base supporting surface. The fixture is mounted for linear movement with the cup relative to the cone to apply a static load to the cup. A variable static load applying mechanism such as an air cylinder is operatively connected to the fixture. A thrust applying frame which supports a thrust bearing connects the air cylinder and the fixture to uniformly transfer axial loads to the tapered roller bearing being tested. An indicating torque wrench is used to rotate the fixture and the engaged cup of the tapered roller bearing relative to the cone of the bearing under variable axial loads to determine and indicate the torque required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Lou Lu Lai
  • Publication number: 20080223152
    Abstract: A system for structural assessment is described that comprises a plurality of sensors and a surface covering for at least a portion of a structure. The sensors are arranged in a pattern and attached to the surface covering. The surface covering is attached to a surface of a structure, and the sensors are configured to provide signals relating to the integrity of the structure to an external device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Gary E. Georgeson, Everett A. Westerman
  • Publication number: 20080223153
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for diluting and cooling that is extracted from high temperature and/or high pressure industrial processes. Through a feedback process, a specialized, CFD-modeled dilution cooler is employed along with real-time estimations of the point at which condensation will occur within the dilution cooler to define a level of dilution and diluted gas temperature that results in a gas that can be conveyed to standard gas analyzers that contains no condensed hydrocarbon compounds or condensed moisture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: GAS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
    Inventors: William Earl Farthing, Larry Gordon Felix, Todd Robert Snyder
  • Publication number: 20080223154
    Abstract: A flow cell 1 is provided with a flow channel 2 which has rounded corners 3 in section. A measuring sample under high pressure is introduced into the flow channel 2 formed in the flow cell 1 and particles existing in the measuring sample are measured. The measuring sample is in a liquid phase, a gaseous phase or a super critical phase above 1 MPa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: RION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kaoru KONDO, Hiroshi SUGAWARA, Takashi FUTATSUKI, Akira SUZUKI, Masahiko TATSUMI, Kouki OGURA, Junichi WATANABE
  • Publication number: 20080223155
    Abstract: A probe assembly used to lap a bar, the bar being provided with elements that are to be formed into sliders, is provided. The probe assembly comprises an elastically deflectable probe, and a stopper for applying bending deformation to the probe so as to cause first bending deflection at a leading end of the probe and for maintaining the first bending deflection of the leading end while preventing a bending deformation at the leading end from becoming smaller than the first bending deflection. The leading end of the probe is adapted to be subjected to second bending deflection that is larger than the first bending deflection in a same direction as a direction of the first bending deflection and thereby to abut against an electrode pad to establish electrical connection between the probe and the electrode pad, the electrode pad being provided on a surface of the bar other than a surface to be lapped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: SAE Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuji Fujii, Takashi Honda, Hiroyasu Tsuchiya, Koji Hosaka
  • Publication number: 20080223156
    Abstract: An outer race support plate to which torque of a pinion gear is transmitted from a ring gear via a one-way clutch and thus rotates a crankshaft is provided separately from a flywheel and is mounted to the crankshaft not via the flywheel. As a result, impact noise produced when the one-way clutch engages is not directly transmitted to the flywheel. Accordingly, noise radiation from the flywheel can be suppressed, thereby enabling noise to be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomoaki Suzuki, Toshiaki Asada, Makoto Ishikawa, Toshimitsu Shiba, Kazuhito Sakai
  • Publication number: 20080223157
    Abstract: A helical cam device for use with a wide variety of applications generally includes a first cam component, a second cam component and an axial guide. The cam components each have a helical cam track located on an axial end, so that coaxial alignment of the two cam components allows opposing cam tracks to contact and rotate against each other. The helical cam tracks, which are preferably divided into quadrant sections, are designed such that relative rotational movement between the cam components causes a corresponding relative axial movement. According to one embodiment, the axial guide is a cylindrical rod passing through the center of the cam components; in another embodiment, it is a cylindrical sleeve surrounding the cam components. Moreover, barrel slots, detents and/or truncated peaks can be used to control the travel of the cam components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: HELICAL CAM, LLC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Krozek
  • Publication number: 20080223158
    Abstract: A ratchet apparatus includes a first member, a rack, and a second member that is selectively movable in first and second directions with respect to the first member. A first pawl is mounted with respect to the first member and is biased into engagement with the rack. The first pawl and the rack are configured such that engagement of the first pawl with the rack prevents movement of the first pawl relative to the rack in the first direction. A second pawl is mounted with respect to the second member for movement therewith in the first and second directions. The second pawl is biased into engagement with the rack. The second pawl and said rack are configured such that engagement of the second pawl with the rack prevents movement of the second pawl relative to the rack in the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Nancy L. Johnson, Alan L. Browne, Kenneth A. Strom, Diann Brei, Brian M. Barnes, Jonathan E. Luntz
  • Publication number: 20080223159
    Abstract: A cable-driven wrist mechanism for a robot arm which executes a rolling motion and a pitching motion, the wrist mechanism comprising: first and second motors provided in the robot arm; a first drive body rotated by the first motor; a second drive body placed above the first drive body, the second drive body being rotated by the second motor about a same rotating axis as that of the first drive body and independently with respect to the first drive body; a first rotary body rotated about a rotating shaft which is perpendicular to the rotating axis of the first drive body and located in a same plane as the rotating axis of the first drive body; a second rotary body having a rotating shaft same as the first rotary body, the second rotary body being symmetric to the first rotary body with respect to the rotating axis of the first drive body; a third rotary body connected to a sub-shaft which perpendicularly branches from the rotating shaft of the first and second rotary bodies, the third rotary body being symmetr
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Pyung Hun Chang, Seong Tae Kim, Hyung Soon Park
  • Publication number: 20080223160
    Abstract: In a feed screw mechanism in which an internally threaded member 96 fixed within an output rod 33 is threadedly engaged with an externally threaded member 95 connected at axially one end in the direction of axis L thereof to a drive source, so that the output rod 33 is moved in a direction of an axis L relative to the externally threaded member 95 by the relative rotation of the externally threaded member 95 and the internally threaded member 96, the internally threaded member 96 is coupled to the output rod 33 at the axially other end in the direction of the axis L by a threadedly coupling portion 97. Therefore, when pulling loads in directions away from each other are applied to the output rod 33 and the externally threaded member 95, a compression load can be prevented from being applied from the output rod 33 to the internally threaded member 96.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kotaro Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20080223161
    Abstract: A transmission for a motor vehicle featured with an internal combustion engine has a helical reversing gear wheel, which is mounted on a dual-row cylinder roller bearing with left-hand cylinder rollers and with right-hand cylinder rollers, which are supported on the inside, in each case, on a circular centre rim in the reversing gear wheel. The left-hand cylinder rollers and the right-hand cylinder rollers are held in a bearing cage. The bearing cage is configured in such a way that the force flow for axial forces between the reversing gear wheel and its transmission shaft, omitting the bearing cage, is introduced through the centre rim and by way of end faces of the cylinder rollers directly adjacent thereto, through the opposing end faces of the cylinder rollers and through adjacent components into the input shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Nico Detleffsen
  • Publication number: 20080223162
    Abstract: A conical gear (1) with connecting toothing comprises a conical toothing (2) and at least one further toothing (3) which adjoins one end of said conical toothing (2) without a gap, said further toothing (3) having the same number of teeth. In this context, the two toothings are embodied in the manner of involute roller toothings and the junction region between the two toothings extends free of edges, the toothing parameters of the conical toothing (2) and connecting toothing (3) being predefined separately and differently from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: SONA BLW PRAZISIONSSCHMIEDE GMBH
    Inventor: Frank Zerling