Patents Issued in December 30, 2008
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Patent number: 7469557Abstract: The column according to the present invention provides greatly increased effective length and tortuosity, per unit length of column material, by providing a smooth or textured, tight radius helical channel or channels within a silica monolith. The capillary according to the present invention is useful in enabling fully automated massively parallel analyses, syntheses, separations and concentrations at reduced costs and higher speed as well as in immobilization, filtration, and miniaturization/acceleration/automation of classical instrumentation for practicality of general deployment in environmental threat monitoring and other applications.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2004Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Inventors: Teresanne Griffin, Stephen E. Griffin
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Patent number: 7469558Abstract: An as-deposited waveguide structure is formed by a vapor deposition process without etching of core material. A planar optical device of a lighthouse design includes a ridge-structured lower cladding layer of a low refractive index material. The lower cladding layer has a planar portion and a ridge portion extending above the planar portion. A core layer of a core material having a higher refractive index than the low refractive index material of the lower cladding layer overlies the top of the ridge portion of the lower cladding. A slab layer of the core material overlies the planar portion of the lower cladding layer. The lighthouse waveguide also includes a top cladding layer of a material having a lower refractive index than the core material, overlying the core layer and the slab layer. A method of forming an as-deposited waveguide structure includes first forming a ridge structure in a layer of low refractive index material to provide a lower cladding layer.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: SpringWorks, LLCInventors: Richard E. Demaray, Kai-An Wang, Ravi B. Mullapudi, Qing Zhu, Hongmei Zhang, Harold D. Ackler, John C. Egermeier, Rajiv Pethe
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Patent number: 7469559Abstract: A method of forming an alkali metal oxide-doped optical fiber by diffusing an alkali metal into a surface of a glass article is disclosed. The silica glass article may be in the form of a tube or a rod, or a collection of tubes or rods. The silica glass article containing the alkali metal, and impurities that may have been unintentionally diffused into the glass article, is etched to a depth sufficient to remove the impurities. The silica glass article may be further processed to form a complete optical fiber preform. The preform, when drawn into an optical fiber, exhibits a low attenuation.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2004Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Laura J Ball, Bruno P M Baney, Dana C Bookbinder, Keith L House, Rostislav R Khrapko, Susan L Schiefelbein, Lisa A Moore
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Patent number: 7469560Abstract: A yarn loop density adjustment apparatus for circular knitting machines is installed on a circular knitting machine which has at least one needle to draw a knitting yarn. The yarn loop density adjustment apparatus includes a saddle seat coupled on the circular knitting machine and a driving means installed on the saddle seat. The saddle seat has a transmission mechanism driven by the driving means, a slider driven by the transmission mechanism and a cam fastened to the slider to guide movements of the needle. The transmission mechanism has first teeth. The slider has second teeth corresponding to and engageable with the first teeth. When the transmission mechanism is driven by the driving means, the slider is driven to generate a moving displacement through the engaged first teeth and the second teeth.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Pai Lung Machinery Mill Co. Ltd.Inventor: Tieh-Hsiung Pai
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Patent number: 7469561Abstract: A needle bed (2) in accordance with the invention for a knitting machine comprises guide channels for knitting tools that are interrupted, in particular, in the region of the knitting lock, so that each needle is only guided laterally in the region of its foot. Preferably, the needle bed is designed in a segmented manner, in which case the segments adjoin each other at a joint that extends in a direction transverse to all the guide channels. In so doing, the separating joint is located between the lock paths (15, 16; 16, 17; 17, 18 and 18, 19). The guide strips of the individual base body sections (5, 6, 7), respectively, are arranged offset with respect to each other by one needle division. Preferably, the needle body sections (5, 6, 7) have essentially the same configuration and are non-detachably connected to each other.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Groz-Beckert KGInventor: Rainer Krauss
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Patent number: 7469562Abstract: In order to reduce the impact speed of a latch (4) of a needle (1) in back position by reducing the acceleration effect originating from a half stitch (19), the upward jaw slope (8) of the needle (1) is subdivided into different regions. A first section (12) ascends at a relatively large acute angle ? of, for example, up to 20°, preferably 16°. Just after the half stitch (19) has contacted the inside (14) of the latch (4), said half stitch arrives on a second section (16) of the upward jaw slope (8). The second section (16) is a straight section which ascends at a smaller acute angle ? of, for example, only 14° or less. Consequently, an acceleration effect from the half stitch (19) on the latch (4) is avoided over a wide pivot range of said latch. Preferably, this acceleration-free pivot range is at least 90°, preferably greater than 110°.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Groz-Beckert KGInventors: Albert Bausch, Jorg Sauter
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Patent number: 7469563Abstract: A tubular sound/heat insulating tubular structure which may serve as a muffler packing for internal combustion engine exhaust mufflers comprises in one embodiment an inner layer of solely stainless steel wire mesh formed into a continuous length tube. An intermediate structure in that embodiment comprises a flattened tubular structure which is wrapped into two overlying layers of coknitted basalt or other continuous length non-metallic fibers and preferably stainless steel wire. The flattened juxtaposed layers are wrapped about the inner layer at least once by feeding both structures through a cone and forming at least two or more layers of coknitted wire mesh and basalt fibers. In this embodiment, an outer layer of solely stainless steel wire mesh is then knitted about the overlying concentric tubular structures fed from the cone into and through a knitting machine.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Metal Textiles CorporationInventors: George Wahlgren, Roberto Seijas, Kurry Emmons
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Patent number: 7469564Abstract: Described herein is a locking device and method which integrates mechanical components in a hollow metal door frame with electronic access components. The electronic components override the original mechanical components of the lock to create a fail-safe situation in which the original mechanical lock may be disabled. In the preferred embodiment, my upgraded locking device can be re-installed within a hollow door frame, thereby minimizing service costs and doorframe modification costs. The electronically controlled component can be a cam retaining locking bar which contains a roll pin and an open area bordered by two cut sides. The open space eases lock installation with a door by avoiding protruding door structures such as metal tabs.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2004Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Inventor: Barry M. Shaw
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Patent number: 7469565Abstract: A seamless tube is manufactured while effectively suppressing the occurrence of carburization in the seamless tube without interfering with operations. A seamless tube is manufactured by a step of washing at least a portion of a conveyor installed in a conveying step of a mandrel bar B which is situated from a lubricant applying device 7 to the entrance of a mandrel mill 8, a step of washing, on the upstream side of the lubricant applying device 7, a mandrel bar B which was used for elongation rolling, and a step of applying a non-graphite-based lubricant to the mandrel bar B with the lubricant applying device 7, wherein the conveyor and the mandrel bar B are each washed such that the amount of graphite C2 (g/m2) adhering to the surface of the mandrel bar B before it is provided to elongation rolling and the amount of carbon C1 (g/m2) contained in the organic binder of the applied lubricant satisfy Equation 1: 0.08×C1+0.05×C2?3 and Equation 2: 3?C1+C2?50.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Kouji Nakaike, Yasuyoshi Hidaka, Sumio Iida, Hiroki Kusuda, Masami Sakiyama
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Patent number: 7469566Abstract: One of a pair of rolls of a roll stand is formed with an axially throughgoing central hole through which passes a drive shaft having a pair of ends. A coupling at one end of the drive shaft rotates same and the one roll. This one roll can be shifted, normally vertically, between a use position closely juxtaposed with the other roll and a change position spaced away from the other roll and with the roll resting on supports. An entrainment fitting on the carriage can fit with and axially connect to an entrainment element of the drive shaft in the change position of the other roll. An actuator can shift the carriage from an inner position into an outer position and thereby pull the drive shaft out of the one roll and leave the one roll resting on the supports.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: SMS Meer GmbHInventor: Bernhard Heimann
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Patent number: 7469567Abstract: A device for machining protrusions, teeth, burrs, crimps and the like in a brake lining carrier plate has a tool unit (51; 61, 61?) with several tool elements (53; 62, 62?) with cutting teeth. During the crimping procedure, the unit is moved towards a first axis (54) and towards a second axis (55) running perpendicular thereto, whereby the first axis (54) coincides essentially with the surface normal of the brake lining carrier plate. Forced-control means arranged between the compressing part (52) and the tool unit (51; 61, 61?) move the tool unit (51; 61, 61?) towards the first axis (54). Forced-guidance means move the tool unit (51; 61, 61?) towards the second axis (55). The tool elements (53; 62, 62?) of the at least one tool unit (51; 61, 61?) are arranged in a fixed position relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: METEK Metallverarbeitungs Gesellschaft GmbHInventor: Friedrich Jung
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Patent number: 7469568Abstract: A device for handling a workpiece during a shaping process includes at least one gripping mechanism having at least two gripping elements that can move relative to one another for grasping the workpiece; at least one conveying device for conveying the gripping mechanism or at least one support apparatus to which the gripping mechanism is or may be attached; and at least one rotary drive for rotating the gripping mechanism about a rotational axis that extends through the gripping mechanism, and/or for rotating at least one of the gripping elements about a rotational axis that extends through the gripping element. The conveying device and the gripping mechanism can be connected to one another in a flexible manner in a flexible state while being positioned relative to one another in a rigid manner at least in one three-dimensional direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2004Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Langenstein & Schemann GmbHInventor: Frank Reissenweber
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Patent number: 7469569Abstract: The present invention relates to a die comprising a die core (10) of a hard material and at least two pre-stressed rings (60, 70) of increasing diameter placed around the die core and methods of making and using the same. The die core (10) is held in place by a force generated through deformation of mating geometric features on the die and the rings (60, 70) of increasing diameter.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2004Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Diamond Innovations, Inc.Inventor: Steven W. Webb
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Patent number: 7469570Abstract: A calibrating system for measuring amounts of sprayed material has an array of nozzles for dispensing a sprayed material and a capture apparatus positioned to receive the dispensed sprayed material from the array of nozzles. The capture apparatus has aligned channels configured for receiving the dispensed sprayed material.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLCInventor: William R. Cooper
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Patent number: 7469571Abstract: A data storage device is provided that is suitable for use under the environment where mechanical shock is frequently applied. The data storage device includes plural storage units as closed structures each of which houses a storage medium therein, the storage medium being capable of moving relative to a head for access, an external force detection portion for outputting signals corresponding to external forces applied to the storage units in plural directions, and a controller for controlling the storage units. The storage units are arranged in such a manner that the storage units are different from one another in a direction of relative movement between the storage medium and the head, and the controller selectively makes one or more of the storage units perform an access operation in accordance with the signal outputted from the external force detection portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Masakazu Taguchi, Michio Matsuura
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Patent number: 7469572Abstract: Systems and methods include a test media, a reservoir containing fluid, and a sensor compared to measure a parameter that is related to an amount of fluid in the test media. Systems and methods may include a comparator to compare the parameter measurement to a parameter set point. Systems and methods may include a control system to control the addition of the fluid to the test media so that the parameter is maintained at a steady state value.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.Inventor: Alan L. Bartlett
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Patent number: 7469573Abstract: A method of determining the position of a blockage (192, 392) in a passage (15, 313) having a first end and a second end. The method comprises blowing a sealing device (200) into the passage to form a seal adjacent the blockage (192, 392), then blowing a gas into the passage from the first end, making at least one measurement concerning the gas blown into the passage from the first end and determining a distance D between the first end and the sealing device using the at least one measurement.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2004Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Prysmian Cables & Systems LimitedInventor: Ralph Sutehall
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Patent number: 7469574Abstract: A liquid type identifying method and device for correctly and quickly determining whether or not a liquid is a predetermined one. An identifying sensor unit (2) so disposed as to face a flow passage (24) of a liquid to be measured has an indirect-heating liquid type detecting section (21) including a heater and a heat sensor and a liquid temperature sensing section (22). A single pulse voltage is applied to the heater of the liquid type detecting section to allow the heater to generate heat, and an identification calculation section makes an identification according to the output of the liquid type detecting circuit including the heat sensor of the liquid type detecting section and the liquid temperature sensing section.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2005Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshiaki Kawanishi, Akiko Kubota, Kiyoshi Yamagishi
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Patent number: 7469575Abstract: In one embodiment, a sensing apparatus senses rotation of an engine component (e.g., a crank shaft) relative to an engine body. The sensing apparatus includes a sensor, and a bracket configured to position the sensor in a fixed location relative to the engine body. The starter ring has (i) a support portion configured to rotate in tandem with the engine component, (ii) a starter interface mounted to the support portion, the starter interface being configured to receive drive from a starter motor during operation of the starter motor, and (iii) a trigger portion mounted to the support portion. The trigger portion is configured to provide a series of indicators during rotation of the engine component. The series of indicators (e.g., a series of magnetic field perturbations during rotation of the engine component) is readable by the sensor thus enabling identification of component positioning and speed.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Lycoming Engines, a division of Avco CorporationInventors: Ken Kremer, Forrest Lysinger, Jason Rogers
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Patent number: 7469576Abstract: True Top Dead Center (TDC) of an engine piston is determined through determination of the Location of Peak Pressure (LPP) using either of two simplified algorithms. A Heat Loss Offset (HLO), drawn from a look-up table based on engine speed, molar mass of the air being compressed, and heat loss rate to the cylinder walls, is added to the calculated LPP to provide a corrected and true TDC position for each piston, which corrects for errors in target wheel tooth location of a camshaft position sensor and for any misalignment in the target wheel during installation on an engine. Preferably, such a calculation is carried out for each cylinder of a multi-cylinder engine during operation thereof, thus further correcting for machining errors in the crankshaft and for crankshaft bending during the life of the engine. The invention thus allows for more accurate combustion calculations for each individual cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Duane D. Kruger
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Patent number: 7469577Abstract: A method for diagnosing a turbocharger (10) includes disconnecting the compressor outlet conduit (26) so that the engine (12) is naturally aspirated and using the engine to drive the turbine (14) of the turbocharger. The compressor outlet conduit (26) has a restriction (28) to create a backpressure which is measured along with the inlet pressure, barometric pressure and ambient temperature. The flow rate is determined and compared to acceptable parameters from a map data provided by a turbocharger manufacturer to diagnose if the turbocharger is operating within the acceptable parameters.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Detroit Diesel CorporationInventor: Jason Thomas Barton
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Patent number: 7469578Abstract: A method and apparatus derives a change amount in the cumulative value of displacement for the unit of time as a change ratio in tire deformation by using the cumulative value of displacement derived present time and the cumulative value of displacement derived last time, and calculate a rate of change ratio using the change ratio in tire deformation previously calculated as a reference value and the change ratio calculated present time, and determine a cornering stability of the wheel that represents a degree of a margin in which the wheel keeps no sliding and beyond which the wheel start sliding based on the rate of change ratio.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jun Matsuda, Tsuyoshi Kitazaki, Naoshi Miyashita
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Patent number: 7469579Abstract: The apparatus for measuring a shape of a tire comprising a scanning part 6 provided with an optical sensor 11 that can measure the distance to the tire tread and a driving part in which the optical sensor 11 can scan in the tire width direction, the supporting portions of the scanning part 1a and 1b that support scanning part 6, a contact plate 2 provided at one end of the supporting portions of the scanning part 1a and 1b, and a contact plate 3 provided at the other end of the supporting portions of the scanning part 1a and 1b and movable in the scanning direction, wherein the scanning part 6 is detachable to the supporting portions of the scanning part 1a and 1b.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masanori Iwase, Shigeru Minakami
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Patent number: 7469580Abstract: A tire inflation pressure determining system is provided in which measurement results are transmitted to the exterior without providing a high precision oscillation circuit to a tire-mounted air pressure determining system. An LC resonance circuit is composed of a coil Ls and an inflation pressure sensor in which the electric capacitance varies in accordance with tire air pressure. The fluctuations of the electromagnetic field having a frequency f0 generated by a sensor control unit are sensed in a coil L2, a clock is generated based on the sensed fluctuations, the clock is inputted to a coil Le that is transformer coupled to the coil Ls, and the LC resonance circuit is excited.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hirohisa Suzuki, Hiroshi Saito, Eiichiro Kuwako, Takashi Kunimi
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Patent number: 7469581Abstract: A tire valve unit is secured to a securing hole provided in a rim of a wheel of a vehicle. The tire valve unit includes a tire valve and a tire sensor. The tire valve includes a valve stem and an elastic cylindrical member encompassing the valve stem. The elastic cylindrical member has an annular securing groove in an outer circumferential surface of the elastic cylindrical member. A portion of the rim around the securing groove is fitted in the securing groove when the elastic cylindrical member is passed through the securing hole. The tire sensor is fixed to the valve stem. The tire sensor is arranged in the interior of a tire attached to the rim and capable of detecting the condition of the tire when the tire valve unit is secured to the rim. The elastic cylindrical member defines an annular space around the valve stem. The annular space extends from a position corresponding to the securing groove in an axial direction of the valve stem to communicate with the interior of the tire.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Pacific Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Michiya Katou, Yasuaki Hattori
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Patent number: 7469582Abstract: A heating resistor type flow measuring device comprising a housing having a support part provided between a frame body and a connector and connected to the mounting part of a fluid passage, a flow rate detection element held on the frame body side of the housing, and an electronic circuit held on the housing and connected electrically to the flow rate detection element and the connector, wherein the electronic circuit is held on the frame body side of the housing and positioned in the fluid passage, a member with the rigidity higher than the material of the main structural member of the housing is formed integrally with the support part, the housing is fixed to the fluid passage through the member with high rigidity. A metal plate is inserted into the support part so as to increase rigidity.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naoki Saito, Masayuki Kozawa, Shinya Igarashi, Hiromu Kikawa, Akio Yasukawa, Akira Takasago
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Patent number: 7469583Abstract: A flow sensor readily obtains high sensitivity without errors due to tilting. The flow sensor includes a flow channel having a pair of parallel portions and temperature sensing resistors for heating a fluid to a preset temperature. The temperature sensing resistors are disposed on parts of the parallel portions of the flow channel, to detect a fluid flow rate based on a change in temperature distribution of a flow channel due to a change in flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow channel. The temperature sensing resistors include a first upstream temperature sensing resistor and a first downstream temperature sensing resistor that are disposed in a line on upstream and downstream sides of one of the parallel portions, respectively; and a second upstream temperature sensing resistor and a second downstream temperature sensing resistor that are disposed in a line on upstream and downstream sides of the other parallel portion, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: MKS Japan, Inc.Inventor: Isao Suzuki
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Patent number: 7469584Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable portable liquid gauge that allows a person to quickly pour a precise amount of liquid directly into a glass and adjust the height of the adjustable liquid gauge to accommodate glasses of varying dimensions and/or varying amounts of liquid. In an embodiment, the adjustable liquid gauge comprises a top member having at least one inward curved edge dimensioned to fit around a portion of a glass, and a bottom member that slidably engages the top member. This sliding engage allows the top member to slide with respect to the bottom member to adjust the height of the liquid gauge. The adjustable liquid gauge further comprises one or more adjustment fasteners for adjustably locking the top member in place with respect to the bottom member when the liquid gauge is adjusted to a height corresponding to a desired glass and amount of liquid.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Inventor: Howard D. Subnick
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Patent number: 7469585Abstract: A system for measuring differential gravity at two points is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the system uses a pair of graspers which each repeatedly grasp, raise, and drop a test mass. The accelerations of the two free-falling test masses are monitored using optical interferometry. An output signal is provided that is based on a differential acceleration of the two test masses.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Thomas J. Meyer
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Patent number: 7469586Abstract: A sensor unit for determining a physical sensor parameter of a measuring gas, in particular an oxygen concentration in an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine is provided, which includes a sensor housing and at least one connection cable having an electrically insulating cable sheathing, for the transmission of energy and/or the sensor parameter, the sensor housing having at least one cable opening for the connection cable and at least one sealing element for sheathing and sealing the connection cable, the cable having better sealing than the related art and/or the ability to resist higher temperature loading. According to the invention, this is achieved by at least partially forming the sealing element as tube.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Bernhard Wild, Rainer Maier, Thomas Wahl, Juergen Wilde, Gregor Jaehnig, Peter Dettling, Stefan Heinzelmann, Bernd Rattay, Bastian Buchholz, Juergen Moratz
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Patent number: 7469587Abstract: The acceleration measurement system has a first thermal cell optimized in sensitivity and a second thermal cell optimized in passband, which cells are connected to inputs of a servo-control loop including an amplifier presenting gain that varies as a function of input signal frequency.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Sagem Defense SecuriteInventors: Jérôme Dido, Pierre Loisel, Alain Renault, Philippe Combette, Johann Courteaud, Alain Giani
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Patent number: 7469588Abstract: A Micro-Electro-Mechanical System closed-loop (MEMS) inertial device having a vertical comb drive that exhibits improved performance under vibration. The device includes one or more stator tines extending from a housing into a cavity formed by the housing. One or more rotor tines extend from a proof mass located in the cavity. The proof mass is joined to the housing by flexures which allow movement in the vertical direction. The rotor tines have a first length value in the direction of movement and the stator tines have a second length value in the direction of movement. The second length value is greater than the first length value. Also, the stator tines include two electrically separated portions. The lesser length of the rotor tines relative to the stator tines causes the attractive force between the rotor tines and either the upper or lower half of the stator tines to be relatively independent of rotor vertical position. This, in turn, produces better accelerometer accuracy in vibration environments.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Peter H. LaFond, Lianzhong Yu
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Patent number: 7469589Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus used in a method for determining the limpness of sheet material, in particular of bank notes, wherein the sheet material is irradiated with sound waves, sound waves emanating from the sheet material are captured and the limpness of the sheet material is determined therefrom. An especially simple and reliable determination of limpness even independent of the degree of soiling of the sheet material can be achieved by measuring both the transmitted and the reflected sound waves and to form a mathematical ratio of the reflected and transmitted sound-waves, in order to determine the limpness.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2004Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbHInventor: Helmut Pradel
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Patent number: 7469590Abstract: A pressure-sensor package mainly includes a pressure sensor, a support substrate, and a resin layer. The pressure sensor includes a glass substrate having a fixed electrode, and a silicon substrate having a diaphragm that is disposed apart from the fixed electrode by a predetermined distance. The support substrate is a silicon/glass composite substrate on which the pressure sensor is mounted such that the support substrate and the diaphragm face each other. The resin layer fixes the pressure sensor and the support substrate together. The pressure sensor is mounted on a mounting area of the support substrate with a joint member therebetween. Accordingly, even if a gap between the support substrate and the diaphragm has a size of about several micrometers, the pressure-sensor package is capable of performing pressure detection with high sensitivity.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuya Fukuda, Mitsuru Watanabe
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Patent number: 7469591Abstract: A two-in-one temperature and pressure gauge is constituted primarily by a shell, a housing, a score panel, a needle set, a temperature sensing mechanism, and a pressure sensing mechanism. The needle set includes two needles which are coaxially installed, with one needle being connected with the temperature sensing mechanism, and the other needle being connected with the pressure sensing mechanism. The invention can be both used as the temperature gauge and the pressure gauge at a same time, a space for installing gauge sets can be decreased, and manufacturing cost can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Inventor: Chien-Huang Chuang
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Patent number: 7469592Abstract: A hydraulic threaded bolt clamping device for tightening and releasing threaded bolts has a pressure medium supply connected to a pressure medium connector. A cylinder rests against a machine part that is to be clamped and a periodically pressure-loaded piston is guided seal-tightly in the cylinder and rests against a threaded bushing screwed onto the threaded bolt. A control device actuates the pressure medium supply for supplying pressure medium to the bolt clamping device. After a nominal value corresponding to a nominal prestressing force has been reached the pressure medium supply is switched off. The nominal screw prestressing force or a corresponding nominal pressure of the pressure medium supply is preset by an input device. A measuring device measures relative displacement of the threaded end of the bolt relative to the cylinder. An evaluation device determines residual actual screw prestress after pressure relief of the bolt clamping device.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Inventors: Jörg Hohmann, Frank Hohmann
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Patent number: 7469593Abstract: A force sensor system including at least one portion of piezo-electric material and a thrust bearing having at least one roller associated therewith, the roller being adapted to move relative to the thrust bearing and contact the portion of piezo-electric material when the thrust bearing is subjected to an external force.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jon T. Zumberge, Thomas A. Baudendistel
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Patent number: 7469594Abstract: A capacitance-type sensor for detecting a condition of an occupant on a vehicle seat includes an electrode. The electrode is disposed within a detection area in the vehicle seat. The electrode generates an electric field. The detection area is based on a surface pressure distribution obtained when an adult sits on the seat.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2005Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Akinori Jitsui, Koji Wato, Tsutomu Kamizono, Masahiro Taguchi, Hiroyuki Ito
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Patent number: 7469595Abstract: A device for use in detecting structural damage includes at least one piezoelectric wafer that has a sensor, and an actuator in-plane with the sensor. At least one of the sensor and the actuator at least partially surrounds the other of the sensor and the actuator such that the piezoelectric wafer provides radial detection of structural occurrences in a material.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2005Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Metis Design CorporationInventors: Seth S. Kessler, Kristin A. Jugenheimer, Aaron B. Size, Christopher T. Dunn
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Patent number: 7469596Abstract: A method and system for measuring constitutive properties, such as radial strain, on a specimen of power or other granular material while the specimen is subject to compressive axial and radial loading. The specimen fills a pliable sleeve that has a conductive band around its circumference. An eddy current coil is placed around the sleeve, and used to provide a response signal that indicates the diameter of the sleeve, which in turn indicates radial strain.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Alexander Beltran Bernardo, Gary Lane Burkhardt, Arthur Edwin Nicholls, Walter Mac Gray
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Patent number: 7469597Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measurement of total phase volumes in multiphase flow in pipelines. The multiphase fractions comprise hydrocarbon liquid phase and/or water phase and/or transported solid phases. One or more tracers are injected into the pipeline, preferably at the inlet and the tracer concentration(s) are measured as a function of time at the point of injection and at one or more points of measurements downstream from the point of injection. Further, the mean residence time(s) are measured for transport of the injected tracer(s) from the point of injection to said one or more point(s) measurements. The liquid phase volume(s) are calculated based on the amount of injected tracers and the measured tracer concentrations in each phase and the mean residence time.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2005Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Statoil ASAInventors: Gunnar Flaten, Terje Sira
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Patent number: 7469598Abstract: A method is provided for employing a transit time ultrasound sensor, wherein the sensor can be used for the measurement of liquid flow in a conduit, the sensor having an acoustic path formed of materials matched in ultrasound properties to a flow under test, and designed to conform to the shape of the conduit. The transit time ultrasound sensor can be configured as a clamp on device, wherein the conduit walls are constructed from such an ultrasonically-matched material. Alternately, the transit time ultrasound sensor can be employed in a perivascular configuration, wherein the ultrasonically-matched material is operably intermediate the blood vessel and the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Transonic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Yuri Shkarlet, Cornelis J. Drost
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Patent number: 7469599Abstract: Flowmeter comprising at least two ultrasonic transducers that are mounted on a container which is penetrated by a medium in a certain direction of flow. The ultrasonic transducers alternately transmit and receive ultrasonic test signals in the direction of flow and counter to the direction of flow. The flowmeter further comprises a control/evaluation unit which determines and/or monitors the volume flow of the medium inside the container based on the difference in the travel time of the ultrasonic test signals propagating in the direction of flow and counter to the direction of flow. The ultrasonic transducers are configured such that they transmit and receive ultrasonic test signals or sound fields having a large aperture angle or a great beam expansion.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2003Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Endress + Hauser FLowtec AGInventors: Thomas Froehlich, Achim Wiest, Torsten Strunz
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Measuring and operational circuit for a coriolis-mass flow meter comprising three measuring channels
Patent number: 7469600Abstract: In a method for determining mass-flow with the aid of a Coriolis mass-flow meter in which mass-flow ({dot over (m)}) is won from the phase difference of two sensor signals X17, X18, three measuring channels K1, K2, K3 are provided for the two sensor signals X17, X18. By selective switching of the sensor signals X17, X18 onto the measuring channels K1, K2, K3, phase error caused by the different signal paths can be determined and taken into consideration when calculating mass-flow ({dot over (m)}).Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2005Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Christian Matt, Philipp Alber -
Patent number: 7469601Abstract: A flow meter using digital signals constructed in a small size and outputting an electric signal of a position of a float in a tapered tube with high accuracy is provided. A first reflecting means 6 has a ray 20 entered from the entering means 5 and reflected, and a second reflecting means 7 reflecting the ray 20 reflected from the first reflecting means 6 toward the first reflecting means 6 at least once. An emitting means 8 has the ray 20 entered and emits it, and an image sensor 9 has the ray 20 from the emitting means 8 entered and outputs an image of the float 3 in the tapered tube 1, while a control portion executes input processing of an image and outputs an electric signal S1 indicating the flow rate of a fluid 2 by detecting the position of the float 3.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignees: Tokyo Keiso Co. Ltd. Shiba Toho Bldg., Tokyo Magnet Engineering Co. LtdInventors: Tokio Sugi, Tomoyuki Okumura
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Patent number: 7469602Abstract: A torque wrench for engaging a workpiece includes a wrench body having a first end and a second end. A wrench head is disposed on the first end of the wrench body and is configured to engage the workpiece. A display device is carried by the wrench body and includes a housing, a display, and an input device for inputting a preset torque value. A torque sensor is carried by the wrench head and is electrically connected to the display device. A detent extends outwardly from one of the wrench body, the wrench head, and the user interface and a plurality of recesses is formed in another of the wrench body, the wrench head, and the user interface, each of the recesses being configured to releasably receive the detent. The display device is rotatable relative to the wrench head so that the detent is received by one of the recesses for retaining the display device in a desired angular position with regard to the wrench head.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2008Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Easco Hand Tools, Inc.Inventors: Awad Aly Gharib, Steve Booher, Bruce Dexter
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Patent number: 7469603Abstract: An angular velocity detector using a vibrator made of an annular thin film. The detector also has electrodes arranged ingeniously to have high detection sensitivity for angular velocities. The detector can detect angular velocities in two axial directions simultaneously. The detector has support portions (1105), (1106) which are formed over a first substrate (1123) and poised above the surface of the first substrate (1100) at a certain spacing therefrom. Resilient support bodies are supported to the support portions and include outer springs (1102) and inner springs (1103). A vibrator (1101) is mounted via the resilient support. An exciting means consisting of a magnet (1124) and an exciting electrode (1108) excites the vibrator to vibrate in a certain direction of vibrations.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2004Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Masaya Nagata, Hiroshi Nishitake, Koji Fukumoto, Kazuhiro Matsuhisa, Atsuhito Yasui
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Patent number: 7469604Abstract: A sensor includes a shaft and a magnetic sensor. The shaft may have at least one magnetized active region. The magnetic sensor may be configured to sense a magnetic field about the shaft, and may provide an output representative of torque applied to the shaft, shaft rotational speed and shaft rotational position.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Stoneridge Control Devices, Inc.Inventors: Kayvan Hedayat, Norman Poirier
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Patent number: 7469605Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for detecting a force on an injection moulding machine for processing plastic materials. According to said invention, a first element (100) interacting with a mechanical drive and movable at least indirectly thereby in a direction of movement (x) is displaced during said displacement with respect to a second element (200) positioned near the first element (100) or oppositely thereto. A force measuring device (D) is used for determining the force applied on the first (100) and/or second (200) element by the actuation of the injection moulding machine produced by the relative displacement thereof between the first (100) and second (200) elements.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Inventor: Karl Hehl
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Patent number: 7469606Abstract: An automated sampling or dispensing device comprising a support surface for supporting a sample holder and a fluid holder, a first arm assembly for supporting a fluid probe comprising a z-axis support and a horizontal fluid probe support arm, a first drive assembly, a second arm assembly for supporting a sample probe comprising a z-axis support and a horizontal sample probe support arm, and a second drive assembly. The first arm assembly is suitable for collecting a fluid from a fluid vessel and transferring it to a sample vessel, the second arm assembly is suitable for collecting an amount of sample and fluid from the sample vessel, and the support surface further comprises a mixing assembly suitable for mixing the fluid and the sample.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.Inventor: Daniel R. Wiederin