Patents Issued in June 4, 2009
  • Publication number: 20090139302
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method is provided for holding an inner race of a bearing stationary with respect to rotational movement while leaving a hub that is fixed in rotation with an outer race of the bearing unencumbered. The hub is excited by contactingly engaging it with a predetermined mechanical force. The resonance response of the hub to the excitation is determined and used to characterize the bearing qualitatively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Robert C. Winter, Eddy Larson, Shaun Salisbury
  • Publication number: 20090139303
    Abstract: A test apparatus applies high speed impact load to a sample to test the shear strength of attachment of a component part to the sample, by use of a rotary drive mechanism driving an impact tip. A support mechanism provides alignment between the impact tip and a portion of the sample to receive a test force, and prevents relative movement of at least one of the sample and the impact tip. The rotary drive mechanism establishes a impact force between the impact tip and the sample, and a force transducer receives the resultant force and providing a corresponding output. In one example the force transducer uses a piezoelectric film for sensing. The testing may be used, for example, to provide stable impact speed to a solder ball, and provide, as an output a force and displacement relationship curve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Zheming Zhang, Jingshen Wu
  • Publication number: 20090139304
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) includes a thermocouple, a first nozzle configured to direct heat from combustion of a first gas, liquid, or combination thereof to the thermocouple, a second nozzle configured to direct heat from combustion of a second gas, liquid, or combination thereof to the thermocouple, and a first igniter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: David Deng
  • Publication number: 20090139305
    Abstract: A procedure for determining the proportion (z) of components of a fuel mixture (11), which is boosted with a fuel pump (12), and a device for implementing the procedure are suggested. A measure (p_KP) for the power input of the fuel pump (12) is detected, with whose aid the proportion (z) of components of the fuel mixture (11) is determined. By proceeding according to the invention a special sensor, which is susceptible to components of the fuel mixture 911) can be waived.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Dimitrios STAVRIANOS
  • Publication number: 20090139306
    Abstract: A method of measuring oxygen-containing nitrogen components including nitrogen dioxide in exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, wherein an exhaust gas sample is taken from a removal point 10 at the exhaust gas pipe 1 and is guided to at least one measuring instrument by means of a removal line, wherein, for the purpose of measuring the oxygen-containing nitrogen components, there are provided a separate removal point 10 and a removal line 11 and that the exhaust gas sample for measuring the oxygen-containing nitrogen components is set to a temperature at which a reaction between the nitrogen dioxide and soot is low.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: FEV MOTORENTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Bernhard Lueers, Juergen Schnitzler, Peter Mauermann, Peter Gerhards
  • Publication number: 20090139307
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for maintaining pressure inside a closed chamber equal to the changing outside pressure, detecting leaks in the plumbing (i.e., air handling system) of a trace gas flux measurement system, and estimating the kinetic volume, e.g., of such a system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: LI-COR, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Furtaw, Dayle K. McDermitt, Liukang Xu
  • Publication number: 20090139308
    Abstract: A cylinder head gasket, interposed between a cylinder head and a cylinder block in an engine, comprises a thin metal plate having a thickness between 0.1 and 2.0 mm, and elastic insulating sheets placed on both surfaces of the thin metal plate and each having a thickness between 0.01 and 0.5 mm, in which: created is a portion at which the thin metal plate is exposed at an inner edge side extending from an inner side of the cylinder block; and also created is an extension portion extending from the cylinder block at an outer edge side extending from an outer side of the cylinder block. Also created is a combustion state detector for detecting a combustion state of an engine, wherein the cylinder head gasket is interposed between the cylinder head and the cylinder block in the engine, the portion at which the thin metal plate is exposed is at the extension portion of the cylinder head gasket, and a signal detecting device is connected thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Kenji Matsumoto, Eiji Tomita, Sadami Yoshiyama
  • Publication number: 20090139309
    Abstract: A permeameter including a fluid control chamber, a permeability specimen area, and a first outlet from the specimen area measuring fluid as a function of a normal permeability of at least one specimen in the specimen area and a second outlet from the specimen area receiving and measuring further fluid as a function of a radial permeability of the at least one specimen in the specimen area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Bulent Chavdar, Gregory Heeke
  • Publication number: 20090139310
    Abstract: A vented filter is placed at the HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) loop entry port of an HPLC injector valve. The vented filter prevents the push gas used to deliver the crude radiolabeled product from over-pushing the liquid to waste. Push gas is vented off when the entire crude liquid product has passed through the vented filter and been loaded onto the HPLC loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Johanna Santiago, Thomas Lee Collier, Steven Zigler
  • Publication number: 20090139311
    Abstract: A device for performing biological sample reactions may include a plurality of flow cells configured to be mounted to a common microscope translation stage, wherein each flow cell is configured to receive at least one sample holder containing biological sample. Each flow cell also may be configured to be selectively placed in an open position for positioning the at least one sample holder into the flow cell and a closed position for reacting biological sample contained in the at least one sample holder. The plurality of flow cells may be configured to be selectively placed in the open position and the closed position independently of each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Applied Biosystems Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis A. Lehto, Steven J. Boege
  • Publication number: 20090139312
    Abstract: A method and system for identifying and classifying non-uniformities on the surface of a semiconductor or in a semiconductor. The method and system involves scanning the wafer surface with a non-vibrating contact potential difference sensor to detect the locations of non-uniformities, extracting features characteristic of the non-uniformities, and applying a set of rules to these features to classify the type of each non-uniformity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Jeffrey Alan Hawthorne, M. Brandon Steele, Yeyuan Yang, Mark Schulze
  • Publication number: 20090139313
    Abstract: A scanning probe microscope and method for using the same are disclosed. The scanning probe microscope includes a probe, an electromechanical actuator that moves the sample relative to the probe, an external interface, and a controller. The probe has a tip that moves in response to an interaction between the tip and a local characteristic of a sample. The external interface provides a connection between the scanning probe microscope and a device external to the scanning probe microscope. The controller records scanning probe microscope data measurements, each scanning probe microscope data measurement including a location of the probe in the three dimensions and a label that uniquely identifies that measurement and allows that measurement to be correlated with data generated by a device that is external to the scanning probe microscope. The unique label could include the time at which the data measurement was made.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: David Patrick Fromm, Richard Kenton Workman, John Paul Flowers
  • Publication number: 20090139314
    Abstract: The true roughness of highly granular perpendicular media is measured by forming an inverse replica of the surface of the media. The invention enables AFM measurements of granular media valley depth to more consistently predict the corrosion performance of the media. A liquid resist is used to first replicate the media topography and form the inverse replica. The narrow valleys in the original media are precisely modeled as sharp peaks on the replica. The height of the peaks are readily measured with an AFM tip. The resulting image is a negative of the original surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: HITACHI GLOBAL STORAGE TECHNOLOGIES NETHERLANDS BV
    Inventors: Qing Dai, Bruno Marchon, Tsai-Wei Wu
  • Publication number: 20090139315
    Abstract: A method, a system and a computer readable medium for dynamic mode AFM amplitude versus distance curve acquisition. In an embodiment, a constant force feedback mechanism is enabled prior to the first time an AFM probe tip contacts a sample. The feedback mechanism setpoint is iteratively reduced while at least phase and amplitude of the probe tip are recorded as a function of the relative z-height of a cantilever coupled to the probe tip. The feedback mechanism setpoint may be repeatedly swept between upper and lower bounds to average out drift between the cantilever and sample. Upon detecting a threshold, an absolute tip-to-sample distance is determined and correlated to the relative z-heights. The amplitude and phase data recorded prior to tip-sample contact is then determined as a function of absolute tip-to-sample distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Chikuang Charles Wang, Biao Liu, Yuri S. Uritsky
  • Publication number: 20090139316
    Abstract: A cylinder stroke position measurement device for enabling common use of a rotation sensor unit in measurement of a cylinder stroke position by detecting an amount of rotation of a rotary roller by means of a rotation sensor. A cylinder is provided at its head portion with a base member 300 having an opening accommodating at least a rotary roller and a rotation sensor section. A pressing member, the rotary roller, and the rotation sensor section are held on one side of a sensor holding member, while a coupling member for example is provided on the opposite side of the sensor holding member, thus constituting a rotation sensor unit. The sensor holding member is attached to the base member such that the rotary roller and the rotation sensor section rare accommodated in the opening of the base member 300. The rotary roller is pressed by the pressing member against the surface of a rod. The rotation sensor section detects an amount of rotation of the rotary roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Masato Kageyama, Nobuyuki Nagahashi
  • Publication number: 20090139317
    Abstract: A system for detecting a reduction in engine coolant flow rate is provided. The system includes a device configured to monitor at least one parameter associated with an engine, and a device configured to measure actual engine air intake manifold temperature. The system further includes a controller configured to determine a theoretical engine air intake manifold temperature based on the at least one monitored parameter, compare the theoretical engine air intake manifold temperature with the actual measured engine air intake manifold temperature, and generate a signal indicative of engine coolant flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Sridhar Deivasigamani
  • Publication number: 20090139318
    Abstract: This patent disclosure relates to monitoring the quality of a reducing agent used in an emission-control system. Because emission-control systems may be used in extreme temperatures, the reducing agent used in these systems may be exposed to extreme temperatures for prolonged periods. This exposure may cause premature degradation of the reducing agent, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the emission-control system. To monitor the quality of the reducing agent, the disclosed systems and methods measure a property of the reducing agent, determine whether the measured property is out of compliance with a predetermined range, and provide a warning signal when the measured property is out of compliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Svetlana M. Zemskova, Thomas E. Paulson
  • Publication number: 20090139319
    Abstract: A sectioning device for use in dividing an engine part into sections for rating is provided. The sectioning device has a plurality of sectioners that are slidingly engaged in grooves of two separate plates, held together by at least a fastener. In operation, the sectioners can be adjusted to accommodate engine parts of different sizes, with minimal damages and losses of engine deposits in the rating process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Patrick J. Taylor, Paul T. Vela
  • Publication number: 20090139320
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for real time determination of a base torque value, representative of maximum available torque of an engine at a specified engine rpm, as a function of engine torque during predetermined engine conditions. The base torque value is used to determine shift points for an automatic transmission of an self propelled work machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Garth H. Bulgrien
  • Publication number: 20090139321
    Abstract: A drilling operation wherein a borehole can be drilled through earth formations with a drill bit at the end of a drill string, using recirculating drilling mud that flows downward through the drill string, exits through the drill bit, and returns to the earth's surface in the annulus between the drill string and the borehole wall, at least a portion of which has a mudcake thereon, and a surface pumping system for pumping the mud to recirculate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Charles Flaum
  • Publication number: 20090139322
    Abstract: A system for making pressure measurements in a formation surrounding a wellbore includes a sensor which, in use, is positioned into direct pressure communication with the formation from a predetermined location in the wellbore, and a means for isolating the sensor, when in use, from pressure effects arising from the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard Montaron, Fikri Kuchuk
  • Publication number: 20090139323
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to porous resins for solid phase extractions. The resins feature at least one hydrophobic component, at least one hydrophilic component and at least one ion exchange functional group. The resins exhibit superior wetting and ion exchange performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventors: Peter Jeng Jong Lee, John E. O'Gara
  • Publication number: 20090139324
    Abstract: There is provided a liquid container that has solved the problem of the impossibility to easily see a liquid surface within an inner bottle, namely a remaining liquid amount within a container, and the problem of the impossibility to easily check whether a liquid temperature inside the inner bottle being a vacuum double bottle is held at a desired temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: ALLGO Corp.
    Inventors: Hideki Morimoto, Noriyuki Nakagawa, Yoshihiro Iwamoto
  • Publication number: 20090139325
    Abstract: Sensor includes electrodes on internal layer of multilayer printed circuit board, and sensing circuitry drives electrodes and reads signal having characteristic based upon capacitance between electrodes. Board may have first layer second layer, with electrodes between layers. One layer may be thicker than other layer such that capacitance external to board is primarily contributed from adjacent other layer. Electrodes may be on internal surface and sensing circuitry may be on opposing external surface. Components for sensing circuitry may be assembled to board such that board and components are multilayer printed circuit board assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: CUBE INVESTMENTS LIMITED
    Inventors: J. Vern Cunningham, Mircea Dan Paul, Daniel Budurea
  • Publication number: 20090139326
    Abstract: In a liquid container used in an automatic analyzer, a float that makes it possible to prevent liquid from making contact with a liquid collection opening of the liquid container to form a film thereon is provided. A float is floated on the liquid surface of a reagent placed in a reagent container for use with an automatic analyzer. The float is equipped with a float body and a required number of buoyancy adjusters. The float body is equipped with a liquid surface cover that covers substantially the entire liquid surface, and a side wall portion positioned so as to project beneath the liquid surface from the liquid surface cover. The side wall portion constitutes a device for the purpose of suppressing swaying motions of the liquid surface cover by making contact with or engaging an inner wall of the reagent container when the reagent sways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Kurume University
    Inventor: Masaaki Kanahara
  • Publication number: 20090139327
    Abstract: A system and a method of determining imbalances of at least one wheel on a vehicle, when said wheel is rotating, is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a vibration signal from at least one wheel vibration sensor associated with said wheel; providing an angular velocity signal of the rotation of said wheel, the angular velocity signal including a reference signal indicating the start of a wheel revolution; and based thereupon performing signal processing upon these signals for detecting a periodic signal of a predetermined nature corresponding to imbalances in said wheel and determining the position upon said at least one wheel of such imbalance. Accordingly, a wheel imbalance detection system separate from the vehicle is no longer necessary, because the present method provides an indication as to the precise location and type of any detected imbalance in a wheel. By being able to locate the position upon the wheel of such wheel imbalance, the maintenance time used is reduced considerably.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: VOLVO LASTVAGNAR AB
    Inventors: Ingemar Dagh, Jorgen Andersson
  • Publication number: 20090139328
    Abstract: A method is provided for making packaged micro-devices each including a micro movable element, a first packaging member formed with a recess, and a second packaging member formed with another recess. The micro movable element has a movable part. In accordance with the method, a device wafer is prepared for forming a plurality of micromovable elements. A first packaging wafer, formed with a plurality of recesses corresponding in position to the movable parts of the respective movable elements, is bonded to one surface of the device wafer. A second packaging wafer, formed with a plurality of recesses, is bonded to the other surface of the device wafer. The resulting laminate assembly is cut into separate products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicants: FUJITSU LIMITED, FUJITSU MEDIA DEVICES LIMITED
    Inventors: Hiroaki Inoue, Fumihiko Nakazawa, Hiroshi Ishikawa, Takashi Katsuki, Takayuki Yamaji
  • Publication number: 20090139329
    Abstract: To provide a small-sized liquid seal sensor that can enhance degrees of freedom in detection directions. A liquid seal sensor having a liquid seal part that seals a liquid therein, and a detecting part that detects changes in the liquid sealed in the liquid seal part has a configuration in which the detecting part detects changes in the liquid sealed in the liquid seal part, and thus when an acceleration is applied, the detecting part detects changes in the liquid sealed in the liquid seal part, whereby the sensitivity to accelerations can be enhanced in any directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Masataka Shinogi
  • Publication number: 20090139330
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for sensing acceleration and magnetic fields in all three axes from a first capacitive bridge sensor having a first proof mass; and a second capacitive bridge sensor having a second proof mass located within the first proof mass. The second proof mass is coupled to the first proof mass by springs that permit movement in the second axis. The of sense the remaining axis of interest may be done by a third and fourth capacitive bridge configured similar to that of the first and second capacitive bridge sensors. The third and fourth capacitive bridge sensors may be oriented 90 degrees off of the first and second capacitive bridge. An alternative is to locate a third capacitive bridge within the second proof mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Ioan Pavelescu, Ion Georgescu, Dana Elena Guran, Cornel P. Cobianu
  • Publication number: 20090139331
    Abstract: A 3-dimensional MEMS accelerometer fabricated on a single planar substrate deploys three co-planar sensor elements. Each sensor element is a capacitive device deploying a static electrode plate and a parallel dynamic electrode plate supported by a torsion beam. The dynamic electrode plate also includes a proof mass portion that displaces the center of gravity to below the plane of the plate. Two of the sensor elements are identical and rotated by 90 degrees on the planar substrate. The third capacitive sensor has two pairs of adjacent capacitive plates, each one having a dynamic electrode plate is suspended by a torsion beam. The proof mass on each dynamic electrode plates however is offset laterally from the torsion axis in opposite directions from the other plates to cancel the their respective capacitance charges induced by in-plane acceleration. However, this arrangement also adds the capacitive change induced by acceleration orthogonal to the planar substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: PHYSICAL LOGIC AG
    Inventors: Noel Axelrod, Eran Ofek
  • Publication number: 20090139332
    Abstract: Method and system for uniformly spacing particles in a flowing system comprising suspending particles in an elongated fluid filled cavity; exposing said cavity to an axial acoustic standing wave field, wherein said axial acoustic standing wave field drives said particles to nodal and anti-nodal positions along the center axis of said cavity to result in uniformly spaced particles; and focusing said particles to the center axis of said cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Gregory Russ Goddard, Gregory Kaduchak, James Hubert Jett, Steven Wayde Graves
  • Publication number: 20090139333
    Abstract: A flaw Z with a long probing length inside a probing target is allowed to be probed. The waves other than the probing target waves are removed or reduced, so that the individual difference in the sizing result due to the ability of the measuring personnel is eliminated to improve the precision of the probing. A transmission probe 31 and a receiving probe 32 for transmitting and receiving a wide band ultrasonic wave are included. Each time the positions of the probes 31 and 32 are moved, a received wave Gj(t) is obtained. From a spectrum Fj(f) corresponding to the received wave Gj(t), a narrowband spectrum FAj(f) is extracted. A component wave GAj(t) corresponding to the narrow band spectrum FAj(f) is obtained by inverse Fourier transformation. The component wave GAj(t) is provided for a comparative display using a predetermined sizing coefficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicants: H&B SYSTEM CO., LTD., The Kansai Electrtic Power Co., Inc. Nuclear Power Division, Kozo Keikaku Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Masayuki Hirose, Masashi Kameyama, Nobuki Dohi, Mitsuo Okumura, Hong Zhang
  • Publication number: 20090139334
    Abstract: A system and a method for calculating a synchronized time average for a measurement signal obtained from an object to be measured and containing periodical variations. In the method: from the periodical variations of the measurement signal a frequency is determined, said frequency corresponding within predetermined limits to a frequency estimated as the periodicity characteristic of the object to be measured; a signal component representing the determined frequency is separated from the measurement signal by filtering, and the filtered signal is used as a synchronizing signal, and the measurement signal is divided into sequences by means of the synchronizing signal, and the synchronized time average of the sequences is calculated. In an example of the method, the rotating frequency or the moving frequency of the object selected as the periodicity characteristic to the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Metso Automation OY
    Inventor: Harri Mustonen
  • Publication number: 20090139335
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for testing the material of a test object (4) which contains at least electrically conductive and ferromagnetic material fractions and has at least one engineered surface (5), by means of at least one electromagnetic ultrasonic transducer assembly (EMUS). Said assembly comprises a permanent or electromagnetic assembly (1) comprising at least two magnetic poles (N, S) of different magnetic polarity that face the engineered surface (5), in addition to an eddy current coil (2) that is placed in close proximity to the engineered surface (5) between the two magnetic poles (N, S) in indirect or direct relation to the engineered surface (5). The invention is characterized in that the eddy current coil (2) is configured and arranged in such a way that when said coil (2) is supplied with an alternating current, free ultrasonic waves that run essentially perpendicular to the engineered surface (5) are generated and propagate inside the test object (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Kroning, Jorj Nichiforenco, Andrei Boulavinov
  • Publication number: 20090139336
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes systems, apparatus, and methods for monitoring a pipeline network having plural inspection sites. The system comprises a memory module associated with one or more inspection sites, with each memory module storing one or more performance parameters corresponding to the associated inspection site. The system also comprises a measuring device operable to collect performance data of each associated inspection site. The system further comprises a portable reader configured to read the memory module, and in association with the measuring device, to compare the one or more performance parameters with the performance data to validate the performance data while in proximity to the associated inspection site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Jack I. Trowbridge, JR., Ricky L. Wright, Delano S. Richie, David D. Barton
  • Publication number: 20090139337
    Abstract: A method for the nondestructive inspecting of coated or uncoated pipeline, using ultrasonic guided waves excited on the outer or inner pipe surface, wherein at least one or more transducers are individually or simultaneously excited to generate ultrasound, wherein multiple received signals with different focal spot positions are processed and combined to produce a reduced number of final waveforms that show defect axial positions in the pipe, wherein a data calibration scheme is utilized to adjust velocity variability for all the guided wave modes at different frequencies, and wherein the hardware arrangement has at least one pulser channel and one receiver channel for the collection and storage of signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: FBS, INC.
    Inventors: Steven E. Owens, Li Zhang, Joseph L. Rose
  • Publication number: 20090139338
    Abstract: A pressure transducer is provided that has a transducer body with a rim, a diaphragm that deflects in response to pressure and a sensor bonded to the diaphragm at the rim and at a center of the diaphragm. The sensor detects deflection of the metal diaphragm. The sensor and diaphragm are made of different materials. A thermal expansion difference between the sensor and the diaphragm is accommodated by flexures in the sensor that accept relative motion in a radial direction of the metal diaphragm with little effect on a sensitivity of the silicon structure to motion in an axial direction of the diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: James Tjan-Meng Suminto, Leslie Bruce Wilner
  • Publication number: 20090139339
    Abstract: A pressure transducer for measuring pressures in high temperature environments employs a tube which is terminated at one end by an acoustic micro-filter. The acoustic filter or micro-filter has a plurality of apertures extending from one end to the other end, each aperture is of a small diameter as compared to the diameter of the transducer and the damper operates to absorb acoustic waves impinging on it with limited or no reflection. Mounted to the tube is a pressure transducer with a diaphragm flush with the inner wall of the tube. The tube is mounted in an aperture in a casing of a gas turbine operating at a high temperature. The hot gases propagate through the tube where the pressure of the gases are measured by the transducer coupled to the tube and where the acoustic filter operates to absorb acoustic waves impinging on it with little or no reflection, therefore enabling the pressure transducer to be mainly responsive to high frequency waves associated with the gas turbine operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Tonghuo Shang
  • Publication number: 20090139340
    Abstract: The present invention provides microcantilever hotplate devices which incorporate temperature compensating strain sensors. The microcantilever hotplate devices of the present invention comprise microcantilevers having temperature compensating strain sensors and resistive heaters. The present invention also provides methods for using a microcantilever hotplate for temperature compensated surface stress measurements, chemical/biochemical sensing, measuring various properties of compounds adhered to the microcantilever hotplate surface, or for temperature compensated deflection measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: William P. King, Jungchul Lee, Fabian T. Goericke
  • Publication number: 20090139341
    Abstract: Apparatus for indicating loading in a structure having exceeded a predetermined threshold is disclosed in which deformation of a structural element is identified by the torque required to rotate a gauge assembly integrated in the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: AIRBUS UK LIMITED
    Inventor: Graham R. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20090139342
    Abstract: A device, with piezoresistive detection comprising at least: a proof body on which an effort to be measured is exerted, means of detecting a strain exerted by the proof body under the action of the effort, comprising at least one suspended piezoresistive strain gauge, a strain amplifier cell comprising at least two rigid arms mechanically linked to each other by at least one link element at the level of a first of their ends, a second end of a first of the two rigid arms being mechanically linked to the proof body, a second end of a second of the two rigid arms being fixed to the substrate, the link element being mechanically linked to a first end of the suspended piezoresistive strain gauge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Philippe Robert, Sebastien Hentz
  • Publication number: 20090139343
    Abstract: A specimen grip assembly which can be used with a relatively light-weight jaw in a materials testing system. The specimen grip assembly illustratively contains a grip shell and a pair of wedge-shaped specimen grips. The shell has a truncated, frusto-pyramidal exterior shape with two outwardly facing inclined surfaces, both inclined at an angle and which matingly abut and slide against complementary inclined interior surfaces of the jaw. The grips are oriented in a recess within the shell such that inclined surfaces of the grips abut against interior complementary surfaces of the shell. The shell, containing the grips and specimen, is suitably positioned within the jaw, with the shell and grips then jacked into a fixed position. The shell substantially eliminates any noticeable compliance from the specimen grips that might otherwise arise from tensile and/or compressive forces applied to the jaw and specimen grip assemblies during a test program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: DYNAMIC SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Norman A. Lindeman
  • Publication number: 20090139344
    Abstract: A jack assembly, for use in a materials testing system, utilizes both a cam and a resilient push block. The cam, having an progressive eccentric, is situated between the push block and a jaw housing and located partially within a corresponding shallow channel in each such that both channels effectively straddle the cam. The channels accommodate axial rotation of the cam. The push block is formed of a material with an appropriate modulus of elasticity such that bending moments, particularly at ends of the push block and resulting from axial rotation of the eccentric to its top dead-center position, cause the channel in the push block to elastically deform and increasingly and sufficiently deflect against and around the eccentric, thus increasingly pinching the eccentric and securely locking the cam, push block and specimen grip in their proper positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: DYNAMIC SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Norman A. Lindeman
  • Publication number: 20090139345
    Abstract: The invention relates in a one aspect to a method or apparatus for measuring flow properties of a multiphase fluid stream flowing in a pipeline comprising means for sampling, with a sampling probe, a portion of the fluid stream; for measuring a differential pressure between a first pressure of the fluid stream in the pipeline and a second pressure of the portion of the fluid stream in the sampling probe; for controlling flow rate of the sampled portion, wherein the flow rate of the sampled portion is controlled to provide for nullification of the differential pressure in order to obtain substantially isokinetic sampling of the fluid stream; for measuring properties of the portion of the fluid stream; and for processing the measured properties to determine the flow properties of the multiphase fluid stream flowing in the pipeline, wherein the above elements do not require- or are performed without the determination of the density of fluid in the fluid stream through nuclear radiation methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Cheng-Gang Xie
  • Publication number: 20090139346
    Abstract: A process fluid pressure transmitter includes a process fluid pressure sensor, measurement circuitry, a controller and a loop communicator. The process fluid pressure sensor has an electrical characteristic that varies with process fluid pressure. The pressure sensor is coupleable to a source of process fluid pressure. The measurement circuitry is coupled to the process fluid pressure sensor and provides a signal indicative of the electrical characteristic of the process fluid pressure sensor. The controller is coupled to the measurement circuitry and receives the signal and calculates a process fluid pressure based at least in part upon the signal. The controller is also configured to detect a process fluid pressure transient and store at least one parameter related to the process fluid pressure transient. The loop communicator is coupled to the controller and is configured to provide a signal over a process communication loop based upon the process fluid pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew J. Klosinski, Gregory J. LeCuyer, Dale H. Perry, David L. Wehrs, Steve VanderSanden
  • Publication number: 20090139347
    Abstract: A venturi flow sensing method, system, and apparatus. A tube or chamber may be tapered from a larger to smaller diameter to create a venturi region within the tube or chamber. The venturi region causes a local increase in flow velocity. The change in velocity creates a local change in pressure which is, in turn, used to drive flow through a parallel bypass tube or chamber. Inside this bypass, a flow sensor can be located, and in some cases, a pressure sensor as well. The flow is then either exhausted back into the original tube or the bypass tube may alternatively dead end. In either case, flow can be measured without causing a significant overall pressure drop in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: JAMIE W. SPELDRICH
  • Publication number: 20090139348
    Abstract: An airflow sensor apparatus for measuring flow rate includes a pitot tube with a bypass channel wherein the pitot tube extends halfway into a flow channel in order to reduce a pressure drop. One or more upstream taps can be spaced along the pitot tube facing into a direction of a flow stream which directs the flow to the bypass channel. At least one or more downstream taps can be located to face perpendicular to the direction of flow, such that the fluid after passing over a flow sensor passes through the downstream tap(s). The upstream tap senses stagnation pressure and the down stream tap senses static pressure which is exerted in all directions in the flow channel in order to determine a velocity pressure based on a difference between pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Jamie W. Speldrich
  • Publication number: 20090139349
    Abstract: A measurement transducer includes: At least one interconnected system formed by means of at least two components, especially components of metal. At least the first component of the interconnected system is, in such case, embodied as a composite, formed part composed of at least two materials, which differ from one another with respect to at least one physical and/or chemical property, especially a material density, melting temperature, coefficient of thermal expansion and/or modulus of elasticity, etc. As a result of using at least one composite component, the at least two components of the interconnected system can be bonded together lastingly and reliably, especially by means of welding, such being true especially also for the case in which the interconnected system is a bi-, or poly-, metal, interconnected system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Drahm, Ennio Bitto, Rainer Lorenz
  • Publication number: 20090139350
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device (1) for measuring the strip tension in a metal strip, especially a steel strip, which device has a flat, level table (2), over which the metal strip can run and at one end (3) of which a plurality of measuring elements (4) is mounted, which are suitable for measuring the strip tension, where cooling elements (5) are provided, which are installed under the table (2) and with which cooling liquid, especially water, can be carried into the area of the measuring element (4). In order to secure the table against sagging in a simple way, the invention provides that the cooling elements (5) have a box-like cooling liquid tank (6), which is arranged on both sides of the metal strip on at least one support member, such that the underside of the table (2) rests directly or indirectly on the box-like cooling liquid tank (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Matthias Kipping, Matthias Tuschhoff, Martina Ebenbeck, Heinz Niehues
  • Publication number: 20090139351
    Abstract: A pipette with a pipette housing, in which are arranged an accommodation for the fastening portion of a syringe cylinder of a syringe, a plunger accommodation in an accommodation body for a syringe plunger of the syringe, fastening devices for reversibly fixing the fastening portion and the syringe plunger in the accommodations, and plunger setting devices for shifting the accommodation body in the pipette housing, with a pull-up member for removing the accommodation body from the accommodation, and an actuation member for drawing the accommodation body near to the accommodation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: EPPENDORF AG
    Inventors: Burkhardt Reichmuth, Herbert Belgardt, Klaus Schuerbrock