Patents Issued in October 9, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080245947
    Abstract: A mat having a resiliently deformable mat portion and a securing element provided thereon for securing an item attached thereto against movement and relative to the mat portion is provided. The mat is arranged to grip a support surface on which the mat portion is laid, in use, by formation of at least a partial vacuum between the mat portion and the support surface upon deformation of the mat portion. The mat comprises a projection arranged to urge the item away from the mat when held by the mat, thereby to create a deformation in the mat portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Ian Webb, Mark Armstrong, Tom Cotton
  • Publication number: 20080245948
    Abstract: An exemplary light sensor (20) includes a supporting base, a light-sensing unit (21) provided at at least one first location of the supporting base where ambient light is received, and a compensating unit (22) provided at a second location of the supporting base shielded from ambient light, the compensating unit having a structure that is the same as the light-sensing portion. The light-sensing portion includes at least one amorphous silicon thin film transistor (TFT) (210) configured for sensing light, and the compensating unit is configured for providing a reference value current for the light-sensing unit. A display device using the light sensor is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Hung-Chang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20080245949
    Abstract: A direct-type backlight device for a non-self-luminous image display panel has a light-emitting area corresponding to a display area of the image display panel. The light-emitting area is arranged by combining a plurality of backlight substrates each of which is provided with (i) a color sensor for detecting an incident light intensity and (ii) red, green, and blue LEDs whose respective light intensities are controlled in accordance with a detection result obtained by the color sensor. This arrangement allows reduction of brightness unevenness entirely in the light-emitting area of the backlight device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Taiji Morimoto, Tsukasa Inoguchi, Nobuhiro Nishiyama, Yuhichi Memida, Masanori Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20080245950
    Abstract: In this control circuit, based on a reference potential generated in a high-voltage generating circuit, a comparator outputs an over-light incidence discrimination signal to the outside of a module. It is revealed that, when an over-light incidence discrimination signal switched to high level from low level is outputted to the outside, data to be outputted from an anode terminal has no reliability while data has reliability before switching. Therefore, detection can be performed while determining reliability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventor: Takanori Nakaya
  • Publication number: 20080245951
    Abstract: An extension line of a tube axis of a photomultiplier tube is shifted from the center of gravity position of a front surface of a housing, which allows a space to be formed at an opposite side in the housing. A signal processing board is arranged in this space, and a high-voltage generating circuit board is fixed on the extension line of the tube axis, and thus the interior space of a housing can be effectively used. Since the signal processing board can be made adjacent to a tube wall of the photomultiplier tube, even when the length in a tube axis direction of the signal processing board is long, it becomes possible to house the same in the housing. Therefore, it becomes possible to achieve miniaturization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventor: Takanori Nakaya
  • Publication number: 20080245952
    Abstract: In an actively illuminated imaging system, illumination of a segmented scene is synchronized with an image sensing period. A scene is segmented into a plurality of scene portions utilizing a segmented lens. In an aspect, a first scene portion is illuminated when an imager is actively collecting photogenerated charge from the first scene portion, and a second scene portion is illuminated when an imager is actively collecting photogenerated charge from the second scene portion. The sensitivity of an image sensor is maximized, while simultaneously minimizing the amount of light that must be supplied to illuminate a scene. An irradiance pattern is varied allowing a more uniform distribution of light. Bands of varying wavelength, polarization, and light intensity may be variously applied to illuminate individual scene segments, as needed to enhance an identification of an object in the scene. The present invention is particularly useful with high frame rate imaging systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: John R. Troxell, Ronald M. Taylor, Siddharth S. Rege
  • Publication number: 20080245953
    Abstract: An image acquisition system and method employing multi-axis integration (MAI) may incorporate both optical axis integration (OAI) and time-delay integration (TDI) techniques. Disclosed MAI systems and methods may integrate image data in the z direction as the data are acquired, projecting the image data prior to deconvolution. Lateral translation of the image plane during the scan in the z direction may allow large areas to be imaged in a single scan sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Applied Precision, LLC
    Inventors: Steven A. REESE, Carl S. BROWN, Paul C. GOODWIN
  • Publication number: 20080245954
    Abstract: A color sensitive device with temperature compensation and variable gain is disclosed. The color sensitive device exposed by RGB light can generate red-light, green-light and blue-light detection currents corresponding to the illumination of RGB light via a P-N interface of RGB photodiodes. The red-light, green-light and blue-light detection currents are transformed into voltage signals, which can be magnified via a variable resistor external to the color sensitive device. In addition, the color sensitive device includes a temperature compensation circuit for adjusting the non-ideal characteristics of photodiodes, so that a color display system using the color sensitive device will has excellent white balance after receiving the RGB voltage signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Meng-Kun Chen
  • Publication number: 20080245955
    Abstract: An optical tactile sensor and an image information integrating method capable of measuring large area force vector distribution are provided. The optical tactile sensor comprises a tactile section comprising a transparent elastic body (1) and a plurality of markers (3, 4) provided therein, and a plurality of imaging devices (6, 6) for obtaining a marker image by photographing the behavior of the markers when an object (5) contacts the tactile face (2) of the transparent elastic body (1). The method comprises a step of obtaining a partial image by photographing the partial regions A, B, C and D of the transparent resilient body (1) using the plurality of imaging devices (6, 6) such that each imaging device (6) has an overlapped photograph region (11), and a step of integrating the partial images obtained by each imaging device (6) such that the identical markers in the overlapped photograph region match.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Susumu Tachi, Naoki Kawakami, Hiroyuki Kajimoto, Kazuto Kamiyama, Terukazu Mizota
  • Publication number: 20080245956
    Abstract: An optical encoder includes a coding element having a track with multiple transparent sections, a light source positioned to output light to the track, and a photodetector array, positioned to detect light that passes through the transparent sections of the track. The photodetectors of the photodetector array have larger width dimensions than the width dimensions of the transparent sections of the track. Resolution of the optical encoder may be adjusted by changing the resolution of the coding element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Chee Keong Chong, Kay Keat Khoo, Chi Mun Ho
  • Publication number: 20080245957
    Abstract: An approach that tunes an ion implanter for optimal performance is described. In one embodiment, there is a system for tuning an ion implanter having multiple beamline elements to generate an ion beam having desired beam properties. In this embodiment, the system comprises a beamline element settings controller configured to provide beamline element settings for generating the desired beam properties. A tuning model correlates the beamline element settings with beam properties. A calibration component is configured to calibrate the tuning model in response to a determination that beam properties measured from using the tuned beamline element settings differs from the determined tuned beamline element settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Atul Gupta, Jay Scheuer, Daniel Distaso, Antonella Cucchetti, William G. Callahan
  • Publication number: 20080245958
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system to create a haze standard on a surface of an object, comprises a radiation targeting assembly that targets a radiation beam onto the surface of the object, a drive assembly to impart relative motion between the radiation targeting assembly and the surface of the object, and a controller to regulate the radiation targeting assembly to deliver radiation at a controlled power level to at least one portion of the surface, thereby forming at least one region having a known haze characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Christian Wolters, Aleksey Petrenko, Jurgen Reich
  • Publication number: 20080245959
    Abstract: Processing soil in a land area contaminated with one or more contaminates that are elements having one or more respective NMR values. Examples of the contaminates are the heavy metals. The processing includes generating a plurality of base laser beams at base frequencies with one base laser beam for each NMR value. The base laser beam is typically 635 nm corresponding to a base frequency of 1.5748 MHz. The base frequency is adjusted in response to the NMR values to form an adjusted processing beam. The adjusted processing beam is focused to form focused processing beam. The soil is then irradiated with a scan pattern that covers the land area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Kathleen A. Ball-Wolfe
  • Publication number: 20080245960
    Abstract: A laser spectroscopy system can determine the identity and/or quantity of a component of a fluid at a remote location such as downhole in a wellbore or inside a pipeline, particularly at high temperature, e.g. from about 75 to 175° C. The system includes a fiber laser doped with a rare earth element (e.g. Nd3+, Tm3+, Er3+, Th3+, Ho3+, Yb3+, Pr3+) and generates light in a wavelength between about 900 to about 3000 nm. The system may analyze a drilling mud such as an oil based mud or crude oil, and may detect components such as methane, ethane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Sebastian CSUTAK
  • Publication number: 20080245961
    Abstract: This invention relates to a nanowire-assisted method for mass spectrometric analysis of a specimen. More specifically, by using nanowire which can fix a specimen and perform desorption/ionization of the specimen while effectively transferring laser energy to the specimen to be irradiated, thereby enabling to perform mass spectrometric analysis without using a matrix solution. This invention, by effectively performing desorption/ionization of a specimen using the above-mentioned nanowire, enables to effectively perform qualitative-, quantitative-, and micro-analyses of specimens as well as low molecular weighted specimens. Further, this invention enables to the typical device of mass spectrometric analysis used in MALDI-T of MS. In particular, this invention can perform mass spectrometric analysis of a specimen with molecular weight of less than 1,000 Da and perform quantitative analysis by fixing a specimen with a predetermined area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Heon Jin Choi, Jae Chul Pyun
  • Publication number: 20080245962
    Abstract: An ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometer capable of obtaining highly-sensitive mass spectra even on the lower mass number side is realized. The ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometer includes an ion source that operates at atmospheric pressure, an ion optical system for introducing the ions generated by the ion source into a vacuum chamber and converging the ions introduced into the vacuum chamber, an ion trap part for trapping ions in the vacuum chamber, a multipole part for converging the kinetic energy of the ions discharged from the ion trap, and a time-of-flight mass spectrometry part for measuring the ions discharged from the multipole part. The period of high-voltage pulses generated by an electrode provided in the time-of-flight mass spectrometry part can be changed depending on an ion content introduced into the multipole part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nakamura, Tsukasa Shishika, Yasushi Terui, Takuya Saeki
  • Publication number: 20080245963
    Abstract: A front-end ion source for a mass spectrometer generates both analyte and reagent ions. The reagent source may include a heater for vaporizing a condensed-phase reagent substance and an electron source for ionizing reagent molecules. The interior of the reagent ionization chamber is purged with a purge gas to avoid or minimize reaction of the reagent ions with oxygen or other reactive species, thereby enabling operation of the reagent ionization chamber at or near atmospheric pressure. The reagent and analyte ions are directed into a reduced-pressure chamber through separate passageways. An ion transport optic selectively transmits one of the analyte ions or the reagent ions from the reduced-pressure chamber to downstream regions of the mass spectrometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Adrian Land, Lee Earley, George C. Stafford
  • Publication number: 20080245964
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely monitoring properties of gases and plasmas, and surface and sub-surface properties of materials, is disclosed. A laser beam is focused at a desired region within a gas, plasma, or material (e.g., solid or liquid) to be analyzed, generating an ionized sample region or a localized, enhanced free carrier region. A beam of microwave radiation is directed toward the ionized sample region or the free carrier region, and the microwave radiation is scattered. The scattered microwave radiation is received by a microwave receiver, and is processed by a microwave detection system to determine properties of the gas, plasma, or material, including surface and sub-surface properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Richard B. Miles, Arthur Dogariu, Alexandre Goltsov, Mikhail N. Shneider, Zhili Zhang
  • Publication number: 20080245965
    Abstract: To provide a charged particle system capable of facilitating comparison between an actual pattern and an ideal pattern using not only two-dimensional CAD data but also three-dimensional CAD data. According to the present invention, using information about the angle of irradiation of a sample with a charged particle beam, a two-dimensional display of an ideal pattern (design data, such as CAD data, for example) is converted into a three-dimensional display, and the three-dimensional ideal pattern is displayed with an observation image. If the three-dimensional ideal pattern is superimposed on the observation image, comparison thereof can be easily carried out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Akiyuki Sugiyama, Hidetoshi Morokuma, Yutaka Hojo, Yukio Yoshizawa
  • Publication number: 20080245966
    Abstract: A night vision apparatus and method comprising employing a detector operating in the 7 to 14 microns wavelength region, converting via electronics and/or photonics the received light to the region visible to the human eye, and displaying the visible light on a display, wherein a housing contains the detector, the electronics and/or photonics, and the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Pingfan Wu, George Dalakos, Peter Lorraine, Brian Lawrence
  • Publication number: 20080245967
    Abstract: An imaging detector is formed from a conversion material and electrodes that are separated by trenches formed in the conversion material. The trenches increase the distance of the conductance path between electrodes or accommodate a grid of electrodes, thereby reducing current leakage between electrodes. In some embodiments, a passivation layer is used to provide improved adhesion of the electrodes to the conversion material or to shield the electrodes from grid electrode structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N. V.
    Inventors: Rob van Asselt, Frans H. M. Sanders
  • Publication number: 20080245968
    Abstract: A radiographic imaging device has a first scintillating phosphor screen having a first thickness and a second scintillating phosphor screen having a second thickness. A transparent substrate is disposed between the first and second screens. An imaging array formed on a side of the substrate includes multiple photosensors and an array of readout elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Timothy John Tredwell, Roger Stanley Kerr, Robert W. Kulpinski, John Yorkston, Timothy John Wojcik, Kwok-Leung Yip
  • Publication number: 20080245969
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for producing a plasma for a work surface, for example to deposit material thereon. The apparatus comprises an enclosure which contains an ionizable gas, a plurality of plasma excitation devices each of which is arranged to enable microwaves to travel from a first end thereof to a second end and radiate therefrom into the gas, and means for generating a magnetic field in the gas. A source of microwaves feeds microwaves to the first ends of the excitation devices. In use, regions exist within the said gas where the direction of the electric vector of the microwaves is non-parallel to the lines of the magnetic field, and the magnetic field has value B, and the microwaves have a frequency f such as to substantially satisfy the relationship: B=?mf D e where m and e are the mass and charge respectively of an electron.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Pierre Descamps, Patrick Leempoel
  • Publication number: 20080245970
    Abstract: A sorption micro-array (1) for sorbing a substance off an assay sample comprises a support (11) and a plurality of sorption elements (14). The plurality of sorption elements (14) is arranged in a well defined geometry in connection with the support (11), wherein the distance between each sorption element (14) and its adjacent sorption element (14) is predefined. Since all of the sorption elements (14) are arranged at a well defined location of the sorption micro-array (1), e.g. in a row with well defined distances from each other, the output of an analysis of substances sorbed by each of the sorption elements (14) can exactly be allocated to a well defined location of an assay sample from which the substances have been sorbed. Like this, it is possible to provide an exact chemical output image of the micro-distribution of the substances of the assay sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG
    Inventors: Christoph Fattinger, Peter Berndt
  • Publication number: 20080245971
    Abstract: A sensor is described for use with at least one optical detector (5), the sensor comprising a substrate (11) with optical outlets, a porous membrane (12) and micro fluidic channels (13) for conducting analyte fluid towards sensing locations (10) of the porous membrane (12). The sensing locations (10) are adapted for at least restraining light variable molecules (23) which bind to analytes to be determined. The optical output of the light variable molecules changes when they are in close proximity to a target molecule. The micro fluidic channels (13) are shaped to reflect light emitted from the sensing locations (10) towards the optical outlets and the substrate has diffracting optical elements (15) aligned with microfluidic channels to diffract light towards the optical outlets. The diffracting optical elements can be lenses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Reinhold Wimberger-Friedl, Hendrik Roelof Stapert
  • Publication number: 20080245972
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for obtaining patient balance and anatomical positioning data for use in patient treatment. More particularly, in one aspect the present disclosure is directed toward a patient analysis system for obtaining radiographic images, center-of-balance data, and anatomical positioning data of a patient for use in planning and monitoring the treatment of a patient. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a portable patient analysis system. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides methods of using patient analysis systems having a radiographic system, a balance system, and a positioning system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventor: Scott James Drapeau
  • Publication number: 20080245973
    Abstract: Embodiments include a method and apparatus for improving the reusability of a computed radiography (CR) plate by housing it in a cassette. The CR plate remains in the cassette during scanning. The embodiments of the method and apparatus improve the reusability of the CR plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen Neushul
  • Publication number: 20080245974
    Abstract: Method of infusing or introducing material into a substrate using a gas cluster ion beam. The method includes maintaining a reduced-pressure environment around a substrate holder and holding a substrate securely within that reduced-pressure environment. A gas-cluster ion beam formed from a pressurized gas mixture including an inert gas and at least one other atomic or molecular specie is provided to the reduced-pressure environment and accelerated. In one embodiment, the method includes irradiating the accelerated gas-cluster ion beam onto one or more surface portions of the substrate to form an infused region or gas-cluster ion-impact region therein by introducing part or all of the atomic or molecular specie into the surface. In another embodiment, the method includes modifying at least one electrical property of the surface of the substrate by irradiating the accelerated gas-cluster ion beam onto one or more surface portions of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: TEL EPION INC.
    Inventors: Allen R. Kirkpatrick, Sean Kirkpatrick, Martin D. Tabat, Thomas G. Tetreault, John O. Borland, John J. Hautala, Wesley J. Skinner
  • Publication number: 20080245975
    Abstract: An electrically programmable reticle is made using at least one electrochromatic layer that changes its optical transmissibility in response to applied voltages. Transparent conductor layers are configured to the desired patterns. The electrically programmable reticles are either patterned in continuous forms that have separately applied voltages or in a matrix of rows and columns that are addressed by row and column selects such that desired patterns are formed with the application of a first voltage level and reset with the application of a second voltage level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Keith Randolph Miller
  • Publication number: 20080245976
    Abstract: A light engine for image display projectors has a plurality of monochromatic light sources, typically red, blue and green, combined into one light generation device powered by microwaves pulsed at 3-5 KHz rates. The light engine has a microwave power supply, microwave coupling cavity, a microwave coupler coupling a microwave signal from the microwave power supply to the microwave coupling cavity, and the plurality of monochromatic light sources disposed in the microwave coupling cavity and powered by the microwave signal. The microwave coupling cavity includes a plurality of resonance points, each of the monochromatic light sources being located respectively at one of the resonance points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Bernard John Eastlund, Sherrie R. Eastlund
  • Publication number: 20080245977
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for accessing a radiation shielded enclosure at least partially made of a radiation shielding material. For example, some systems of the invention include a radiation shielded receptacle configured to receive a radiopharmaceutical and a cover that is removably disposable across an opening into the receptacle. A counter-force mechanism may be biasingly coupled to the receptacle or the cover or a combination thereof. This counter-force mechanism may be said to exhibit a range of positions including a closed position, in which the cover is disposed across the opening, and an open position, in which the opening is uncovered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Frank M. Fago, Gary S. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20080245978
    Abstract: A device containment apparatus includes a vessel for storing a radioactive explosive device. The vessel includes an outer wall defining an interior area. A shield formed of radiation shielding material is positioned adjacent the vessel for minimizing dispersal of radioactive material from the interior area of the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: VULCAN LEAD, INC.
    Inventors: Charles H. Yanke, Brian M. Schaber, Scott H. Yanke
  • Publication number: 20080245979
    Abstract: A system is provided for measuring gloss and spatial dependence of gloss. In a first embodiment, the system comprises: a first illuminator configured to emit a first light beam at a point on a target, thereby producing a generally specular reflectance in a first direction; a second illuminator configured to emit a second light beam at the point on the target, thereby producing generally diffuse reflectance in the first direction; a linear array sensor configured to detect the generally specular reflectance and the generally diffuse reflectance in the first direction; and a processor configured to process the generally specular reflectance and the generally diffuse reflectance detected by the linear array sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Martin E. Banton, Dale R. Mashtare, Paul A. Hosier
  • Publication number: 20080245980
    Abstract: A monitoring system for a gas turbine or other elevated temperature environment is provided. The system has one or more photonic crystal fibers for capturing and transmitting light to an imaging camera for generation of an image. The photonic crystal fibers can be formed from a sapphire cladding. The photonic crystal fibers can be band gap fibers. The photonic crystal fibers can be arranged in a bundle, including an array or a linear bundle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Evangelos V. Diatzikis
  • Publication number: 20080245981
    Abstract: An edge detection system that locates the edge of a printing plate on a platesetter includes: first scratches aligned in a first direction on a support surface; a groove machined into the support surface where the groove includes two surfaces. One surface is reflective and has second scratches aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of the first scratches. The system also includes: an edge detection light source to provide a beam for scanning along a length of the support surface on a path coincident with the groove; a sensor to sense a reflected edge detection beam from the support surface; and a controller to analyze the reflected beam, where the beam reflected from the first scratches is 90 degrees out of phase with the beam reflected from the second scratches and where the beam reflected from the first scratches is high in intensity relative to the beam reflected from the second scratches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas K. Hebert
  • Publication number: 20080245982
    Abstract: An optical receiving device (31) for an optical code reader is described, comprising a solid body, of a transparent material, having a light input face (32), a light output face (33) for coupling with a photodetector device (30), said output face (33) being substantially perpendicular to said input face (32), and an oblique face (34) with respect to both said input face (32) and said output face (34), characterized in that the mutual orientation of the faces (32-38, 40-42, 40?, 41?, 42?) of the optical receiving device (31) is such that the light entering from said input face (32) within a desired field of view is concentrated onto said output face (33) by total internal reflection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: DATALOGIC S.P.A.
    Inventors: Kurt Vonmetz, Stefano Ciabattoni
  • Publication number: 20080245983
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuating unit (10) of a hydraulic directional control valve (9) is provided having an armature (18) which is arranged such that it can be axially displaced within an armature space (30), and includes a pole core (29) which is arranged in a receptacle (27a) and delimits the armature space (30) in a movement direction of the armature (18). Constructions are provided in order to avoid deposits on a guide surface of the armature (18), as a result of which the dynamics and the response behavior of the actuating unit (10) are increased and hysteresis effects and the risk of a malfunction of the actuating unit are minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Jens Hoppe, Andreas Rohr
  • Publication number: 20080245984
    Abstract: Micro-valves and micro-pumps and methods of fabricating micro-valves and micro-pumps. The micro-valves and micro-pumps include electrically conductive diaphragms fabricated from electrically conductive nano-fibers. Fluid flow through the micro-valves and pumping action of the micro-pumps is accomplished by applying electrostatic forces to the electrically conductive diaphragms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Toshiharu Furukawa, Mark Charles Hakey, Steven John Holmes, David Vaclav Horak, Charles William Koburger
  • Publication number: 20080245985
    Abstract: The invention describes devices for controlling fluid flow, such as valves. The devices may include one or more electroactive polymer transducers with an electroactive polymer that deflects in response to an application of an electric field. The electroactive polymer may be in contact with a fluid where the deflection of the electroactive polymer may be used to change a characteristic of the fluid. Some of the characteristic of the fluid that may be changed include but are not limited to 1) a flow rate, 2) a flow direction, 3) a flow vorticity, 4) a flow momentum, 5) a flow mixing rate, 6) a flow turbulence rate, 7) a flow energy, 8) a flow thermodynamic property. The electroactive polymer may be a portion of a surface of a structure that is immersed in an external fluid flow, such as the surface of an airplane wing or the electroactive polymer may be a portion of a surface of a structure used in an internal flow, such as a bounding surface of a fluid conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Jonathan R. Heim, Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy David Kornbluh, Joseph S. Eckerle, Marcus Rosenthal, Richard P. Heydt
  • Publication number: 20080245986
    Abstract: The invention concerns a valve wherein the valve spool (1) provides selective communications between inner zones (3 5) in the valve body (C) and is mobile between extreme left and right positions under the control of an electric servomotor whereof the spindle (10), connected to the valve spool through a connecting rod assembly (11, 14) whereof the connecting rod (11) is configured to have an abutting ridge (15) co-operating with the spindle (10) in an extreme position (13<SB>III</SB>) countering the action of the return spring (6) thus allowing a mono- and/or bistable operation of the valve. The invention is applicable to onboard systems for supplying breathing mixture to an aircraft occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Jean Arnault, Jean-Michel Cazenave
  • Publication number: 20080245987
    Abstract: The present invention provides a two-stage turbocharger unit having a valve that will help to create a smooth transition of exhaust gas energy from the high-pressure turbine (HP) turbine to the low-pressure (LP) turbine. The LP and HP turbines are positioned such that the valve can be in one position to force all of the exhaust gas to flow through the HP turbine and when in another position to force all of the exhaust gas through the LP turbine. When the valve is placed in an intermediary position, the exhaust gas can be variably directed to flow through both turbines, with the percentage of exhaust gas flowing through each turbine being dependent on the position of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Grissom, Hartmut Claus
  • Publication number: 20080245988
    Abstract: A valve design that enables a positive shaft seal to be obtained in an inexpensive manner by reducing the need for close tolerances heretofore required in prior art designs. This unique valve design employs a shaft seal that is adapted for transverse and/or angular movement during assembly of the valve for aligning to the shaft at an alignment position in which it is held after assembly of the valve by a holding device such as a seal nut or spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Anton Maes, Brian M. DeBlauw
  • Publication number: 20080245989
    Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide at least one of the following (1) to (3). (1) To provide the following emulsion for vibration damping materials: it is excellent in vibration damping property, drying property, and mechanical stability; it can improve skinning property of the coating film surface; and it can form an excellent coating film which hardly collapses, for example, hardly sags, even if the emulsion is coated on the vertical surface and dried by heating at a high temperature. (2) To provide the following emulsion for vibration damping materials: it is excellent in vibration damping property and thermal drying property; it is hardly changed with time; it can improve the stability or dispersibility of the composition; and it can form a coating film exhibiting excellent vibration damping property even if the emulsion is coated on an inclined object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Miyawaki, Kazutaka Otsuki, Dai Nagaishi, Takahiro Miwa
  • Publication number: 20080245990
    Abstract: A piezoelectric ceramic composition excellent in all of the electric property Qmax, heat resisting properties and temperature characteristics of oscillation frequencies is provided. The piezoelectric ceramic composition comprises a phase mainly comprising lead zirconate titanate having a perovskite structure and an Al-containing phase. In the piezoelectric ceramic composition, the main component preferably comprises Mn and Nb, and is preferably represented by a composition formula of Pb?[(Mn1/3Nb2/3)xTiyZrz]O3 (wherein 0.97???1.01, 0.04?x?0.16, 0.48?y?0.58, 0.32?z?0.41).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: TDK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masakazu Hirose, Tomohisa Azuma, Norimasa Sakamoto
  • Publication number: 20080245991
    Abstract: A piezoceramic composition of a calculated empirical formula Pb1-aREbAEc[ZrxTiy(NinMom)z]O3, wherein RE represents a rare earth metal having a rare earth metal content b, AE represents an alkaline earth metal having an alkaline earth metal content c, nickel is provided with a nickel content n.z, and molybdenum is provided with a molybdenum content m.z. Furthermore, the following correlations apply: a<1; 0=b=0.15; 0=c=0.5; n>0; m>0; 0.1=n/m=5; x>0; y>0; z>0, and x+y+z=1. In a method for producing a piezoceramic component a) a green ceramic member containing the piezoceramic composition is supplied; and b) the green member is subjected to a thermal treatment such that the piezoceramic material of the component is produced from the piezoceramic composition. The thermal treatment encompasses calcining and/or sintering of the piezoceramic composition. The piezoceramic composition is compressed below 1000° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Francois Bamiere, Katrin Benkert, Stefan Denneler, Morgane Radanielina, Carsten Schuh
  • Publication number: 20080245992
    Abstract: The invention relates to the mixture of natural gases based on hydrocarbons (HC) which do not damage the ozone layer and which have an insignificant greenhouse effect, said gases being substitutes for CFC gases R-12 and R-22, whereby the R-12 substitute is known as HC-12 and the R-22 substitute is known as HC-22. The aforementioned mixtures, which generate a specific pressure/temperature curve, improve the efficiency of air conditioning and refrigeration compression systems. Specifically, since condensation pressures are lower, less pressure and, consequently, less work is required from the compressor, and hence power consumption is reduced. In addition, the refrigerant gases, based on HC mixtures, replace CFCs and HCFCs and are compatible with materials and elements used in commercial refrigeration and air conditioning systems. The resulting mixture generates a specific pressure/temperature curve with a range of plus or minus 5%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Ruben Dario Ochoa Vivanco
  • Publication number: 20080245993
    Abstract: Heat transfer systems are provided. The heat transfer systems comprise an object in contact with a heat transfer fluid comprising (a) polytrimethylene homo- or copolyether glycol where from about 50 to 100 mole percent of the repeating units are trimethylene ether units, and (b) a blending component selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, polyalkylene glycol copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, vegetable oils, aromatic compounds, mineral oil, silicone fluids, and mixtures thereof. Objects in contact with a heat transfer fluid in the heat transfer systems include automotive radiators, industrial heat exchangers, heat recovery units, refrigeration units, solar panels, cooling towers, transformers, and heating radiators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: E. I. duPont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: HARI BABU SUNKARA
  • Publication number: 20080245994
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of softening water and/or in which the deposition of hard water scale is inhibited. The invention relates in particular to such a method carried out in a domestic environment, in particular in ware-washing machines. A compressed water-softening composition comprising a water softening active and a blend of disintegrating agents, comprising a cross-linked polyplasdone, a water-swellable cellulose and optionally a water soluble salt is claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: RECKITT BENCKISER N.V.
    Inventor: Roberto Casonati
  • Publication number: 20080245995
    Abstract: A process for the production of carboxylic acids and their derivatives comprising the steps of: (c) reacting a derivative of an unsaturated fatty acid with an oxidizing compound in the presence of a catalyst capable of catalysing the reaction of oxidation of the double olefinic bond of the derivative of the unsaturated fatty acid so as to obtain as intermediate product of reaction a vicinal diol; and (d) reacting said intermediate compound with oxygen, or a compound containing oxygen, in the presence of a catalyst capable of catalysing the reaction of oxidation of the hydroxyl groups of the vicinal diol to carboxylic groups, characterized in that both of the steps (a) and (b) are carried out in the absence of added organic solvent and in that the water/diol ratio in the reaction of step (b) is less than 1:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Novamont S.p.A.
    Inventors: Catia Bastioli, Tiziana Milizia, Giampietro Borsotti
  • Publication number: 20080245996
    Abstract: A process for preparing benzoic esters whose alkoxy groups have from 7 to 13 carbon atoms by reacting benzoic acid with at least one alcohol having from 7 to 13 carbon atoms, the water of reaction formed being removed during the esterification reaction by distillation, and the alcohol not converted in the esterification reaction being removed after the esterification reaction, in which the reaction takes place in the presence of a tin(II) compound as catalyst and, without treatment with a base, the catalyst and/or its derivatives is/are separated off by filtering or by centrifuging from the reaction mixture which remains after the unconverted alcohol has been separated off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: OXENO OLEFINCHEMIE GMBH
    Inventors: Michael GRASS, Dietmar Gubisch, Michael Woelk-Fahrmann