Patents Issued in August 20, 2009
  • Publication number: 20090205395
    Abstract: An apparatus for bending sheet metal comprises a housing, a first shaft and second mounted in the housing, a motor, a first gear mounted on the first shaft, and a second gear mounted on the second shaft. The motor rotates both the first gear and the second gear. The first gear and comprises a first plurality of components and the second gear comprises a second plurality of components. The first gear and the second gear are capable of engaging sheet metal passed between the gears while they are moving. The first and second plurality of components are capable of being configured to change a bend radius, a wavelength of waves formed in the sheet metal, and a distance between the first shaft and the second shaft can be adjusted to change an amplitude of waves formed in the sheet metal engaged by the first and second gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Bruce N. Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20090205396
    Abstract: An explosion forming apparatus (10) that preferably utilizes a shock wave (42) directed along a work piece (12) to progressively conform the work piece to a contour die cavity (44).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Alexander ZAK, Seetarama S. KOTAGIRI, Frank A. HORTON
  • Publication number: 20090205397
    Abstract: A quick change tool for use in die casting. The tool includes a pair of frame plates permanently bolted into a die casting machine. A first frame plate bolted to an upper platen of the machine and a second frame plate bolted to the lower platen. Each frame or plate can include a plurality of slotted rails that form a slotted rectangular periphery groove adapted to accept a standard size periphery ear attached to an existing die. This allows a die casting operation to retrofit old dies to fit the system while also making new dies to fit. The system allows for dies to be quickly slid out of a casting machine substantially reducing set up time in a die casting operation while still allowing for a precise relocation of the dies at each change over.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: David N. Yates
  • Publication number: 20090205398
    Abstract: The present invention relates to chemical and bioanalytical sensors and sensor systems, particularly to systems incorporating a calibration device for sensors where the calibration device is composed of structures and materials for trapping and retaining calibrant materials until they are needed and released quantitatively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: David Nagel, R. Andrew McGill, Patrick Mills, Rekha Pai
  • Publication number: 20090205399
    Abstract: A method of making a test sensor configured to assist in determining information related to an analyte in a fluid sample is disclosed. The method comprises the act of providing a base having a first end and a second opposing end. The method further comprises the act of providing a fluid-receiving area configured to receive a fluid sample. The method further comprises the act of assigning calibration information to the test sensor. The method further comprises the act of forming at least one notch such that a depth of the notch corresponds to the calibration information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Bayer HealthCare, LLC
    Inventors: Hoi-Cheong S. Sun, Gary J. Johnson, Matthew Holzer, Mu Wu, Jun Chen
  • Publication number: 20090205400
    Abstract: A compound fluid flow metering system including two electromagnetic fluid flow meters is disclosed that substantially increases accuracy of metering total volumes and flow rates and provides consistent accuracy over time. Additionally, the compound fluid flow metering system is substantially maintenance free, and reduces pumping costs associated with maintaining adequate supply pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: LUTHER DONALD MCPEAK
  • Publication number: 20090205401
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating wheel speed signals measured by wheel rpm sensors in a vehicle equipped with at least one longitudinal acceleration sensor integrates the signal of the longitudinal acceleration sensor during the acceleration or deceleration phases of the vehicle, and the resulting vehicle speed signal is compared against the signals of the individual wheel rpm sensors. A determination is made as to whether a deviation that may exist for a wheel lies within a predefined tolerance range. If a deviation falls outside of the tolerance range, the parameterized tire circumference of the associated wheel is adaptively recalibrated until the deviation falls within the tolerance range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Tobias Munko, Axel Stender, Gerhard Ruhnau, Ingo Tha
  • Publication number: 20090205402
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a rate of liquid flow through a spray nozzle includes a container with an opening in a top thereof adapted to receive a liquid discharge from a spray nozzle. A level sensor comprises an electrical capacitor oriented substantially vertically in the container and configured such that as liquid rises in the container, a capacitance of the capacitor changes. A processor circuit is connected to the capacitor and is operative to measure the change in capacitance of the capacitor and convert the change in capacitance into a rate of liquid flow into the container, and a display is operative to display the rate of liquid flow. The apparatus is applicable to an agriculture or industrial application whereby an operator can periodically check the flow to determine wear or plugging of a spray nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: ATI Agritronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Jackson, Gary E. Gunthorpe
  • Publication number: 20090205403
    Abstract: A method is proposed for calibrating an instrument location facility with an imaging apparatus. The instrument location apparatus and the imaging apparatus are synchronized temporally with one another. According to such synchronization at least three points of the position of a medical instrument relative to a tracking coordinate system of the instrument location apparatus and/or relative to an image coordinate system of the imaging apparatus are measured simultaneously both by the instrument location apparatus and by the imaging apparatus. The instrument and/or the imaging apparatus are moved relative to one another between the measurements. The measured points parameterize a predetermined transformation rule for mapping the tracking coordinate system onto the image coordinate system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Jan Boese, Matthias John
  • Publication number: 20090205404
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus that precisely measures the bearings in a rotor pitch link. The apparatus permits measurements to within a thousandths of an inch to be taken in multiple perpendicular orientations. Namely, measurements can be taken in the axial direction, in the longitudinal radial direction, and in the transverse radial direction. All of these measurements can be taken without having to reorient the pitch link. By using the apparatus of the present invention, a user can detect unacceptable levels of wear within the pitch link bearings to thereby permit timely replacement and/or repair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Linda K. Swadling
  • Publication number: 20090205405
    Abstract: A method of wear level determination and an associated product. Multiple Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) tags are distributed within a thickness of a wearing surface layer of a tire. The multiple RFID tags include first RFID tags that have not been worn away, second RFID tags that have been worn away, and a special RFID tag that has not been worn away. A measure of wear of the wearing surface layer of the tire is determined from data received from the first RFID tags and from a table in the special RFID tag. The product includes the wearing surface layer of the tire, the multiple RFID tags, and a mechanism for determining the measure of wear of the wearing surface layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Frederic Bauchot, Gerard Marmigere
  • Publication number: 20090205406
    Abstract: There is provided a drop detection device with which a falling state is properly detected even when the device is dropped while itself rotating, for example, and the mistaken detection of a falling state when there is in fact no falling state can be prevented, as well as an portable apparatus equipped with this drop detection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Eiichi TACHIBANA, Shinya MUKAI
  • Publication number: 20090205407
    Abstract: A method for testing the breath alcohol (ethanol) content with an embedded PC computer with a touch screen display uses software graphics with icons and graphs displaying an instant representation of the flow rate and breath alcohol concentration of the breath being delivered by the person taking the test. A software graphics using icons and graphs provides control panels by which a test administrator or technician is able to control fundamental operations and adjustments of the instrument. A geared, stepped, multiple optical component placement system having dual plates retains these components, and is capable of precision placement of all components using one electro-mechanical device. An infrared optical filter system operates between 3 and 10 microns. The results are stored in memory and are capable of comparisons to empirical tables for chemical identification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: National Patent Analytical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Scott Marhefka, David Michael Radomski
  • Publication number: 20090205408
    Abstract: A method is provided for sensing leakage in a clutch cylinder system in a vehicle including an automated manual transmission, wherein the clutch cylinder system includes a clutch cylinder provided with a reciprocable piston, whose position is sensed by a position sensor and affected by pressurization of the cylinder by opening or closing at least one air inlet valve and by opening or closing at least one air outlet valve and wherein the clutch is in an engaged position when there is no air pressure in the cylinder. The method includes the steps of: a. closing the at least one inlet valve and at least one outlet valve for compressed air; b. sensing a position of the piston during a predetermined time span, and, c. if the position has changed more than a predetermined allowable position change, sending an error signal to an onboard diagnostics system or a signal light in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Volovo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Svante Karlsson, Lars Karlsson, Erik Lauri
  • Publication number: 20090205409
    Abstract: A solvent delivery subsystem for a chromatography device performs relatively low pressure, high flow mixing of solvents to form a gradient and subsequent high pressure, low flow delivery of the gradient to the separation column. The mixing of the gradient is independent and does not interfere with the gradient delivery. To form the gradient, the outputs of an aqueous pump and an organic pump are mixed to fill a storage capillary while a downstream point from the storage capillary is vented to atmosphere. After gradient formation, the vent to atmosphere is closed, the solvent delivery system rises to high pressure, and only the aqueous pump runs for gradient delivery. To maintain integrity of the fluid stream, the solvent delivery system uses feed forward compensation and controls at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of pressure and flow in the conduit means to follow a gradual ramp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: WATERS INVESTMENTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Steven J. Ciavarini, Stanley P. Pensak, JR., Jeffrey W. Finch, Keith Fadgen, Hongji Liu
  • Publication number: 20090205410
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring surface tension includes: a U-shaped communicating tube having a base section that defines a horizontal line, and first and second sections that extend from the base section, and that respectively have first and second top open ends distal from the base section; and a capillary connected to the second top open, and having a top open end. The U-shaped communicating tube has a diameter greater than that of the capillary such that the U-shaped communicating tube does not exhibit capillary property when a liquid is filled therein. The first top open end has a height relative to the horizontal line that is greater than that of the top open end of the capillary such that the height difference therebetween is greater than that between the liquid level at the first section and a liquid drop formed on the top open end of the capillary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Li-Hua Lin, Meng-Yu Lin, Hsiao-Jui Kuo
  • Publication number: 20090205411
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium. The apparatus includes: at least one mechanically oscillatable unit; a driving/receiving unit, which, starting with an electric, excitation signal, excites the mechanically oscillatable unit to execute mechanical oscillations, and which receives the mechanical oscillations of the mechanically oscillatable unit and converts them into an electric, received signal; and an electronics unit, which, starting with the electric, received signal, generates the electric, excitation signal and sends it to the driving/receiving unit. The electronics unit is embodied in such a way that it generates the excitation signal, such that a predeterminable phase difference exists between the excitation signal and the received signal. Present in the electronics unit is at least one all-pass filter for tuning the phase difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Alexander Müller
  • Publication number: 20090205412
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for obtaining and analyzing solids, preferably crystals, which method comprises the following steps: providing a well plate, the well plate comprising a plurality of wells, each of the wells having a depth and an open upper end and each of the wells being provided with a filter having pores, which filter is arranged at a distance below the open upper end, each of the wells having an upper inner wall part above the filter that has a fluid contact surface and each filter having a top filter surface, at least both the fluid contact surface of the well and the top filter surface being of a material that is at least substantially inert for organic and/or aqueous solvents and/or mixtures of organic and aqueous solvents, providing one or more substances and one or more solvents in at least one of the wells of the well plate, applying conditions to dissolve the one or more substances in the one or more solvents; applying conditions for crystallizing at least a part of the su
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: AVANTIUM INTERNATIONAL B.V.
    Inventors: Danny Dirk Pieter Willem Stam, Adrianus Hendricus Joseph Franciscus de Keijzer, Emilio Rene Bodenstaff, Mimoun Lamkadmi
  • Publication number: 20090205413
    Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus is combined with a high-pressure fuel supply system including a high-pressure fuel pump, a fuel rail, injectors, and a fuel pressure measuring unit for measuring fuel pressure in the fuel rail. The diagnostic apparatus is capable of detecting troubles in the high-pressure fuel pump and injectors and of discriminating between a trouble in the high-pressure fuel pump and a trouble in the injectors includes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Shin YAMAUCHI, Yoichi Iihoshi, Toshio Hori, Yoshikuni Kurashima
  • Publication number: 20090205414
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining, while a vehicle is traveling, the length of the footprint on the ground of a tire (7) comprising a metal belt, fitted to a rim (6) of a wheel of said vehicle. According to the invention, this method consists in mounting a magnetic sensor (16) on the rim (6) and in analyzing the signal representing the magnetic field measured by said magnetic sensor, so as to detect the variations of the magnetic field resulting from the deformations sustained by a circumferential zone of the tire (7) situated opposite the magnetic sensor (8) when, respectively, said circumferential zone enters into contact with the ground and leaves the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE FRANCE
    Inventors: Youri VASSILIEFF, Riad BOUKRAA
  • Publication number: 20090205415
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a device for determining the roll orientation of a body with respect to a local fixed coordinate system or a predetermined reference vector. The device uses a measurement of an external magnetic field, such as the Earth's magnetic field, to determine a roll orientation reference with respect to the field or an uncompensated roll orientation. The uncompensated roll orientation is then adjusted according to a bias angle, such as an angular difference between the external magnetic field and a local fixed coordinate system, to determine the roll orientation of the device with respect to the local fixed coordinate system or a compensated roll angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Lyle H. Johnson, Dennis L. Kurschner
  • Publication number: 20090205416
    Abstract: Monitoring method and system are provided for dynamically determining rack airflow rate and rack power consumption employing a heat exchanger disposed at an air outlet side of the electronics rack. The method includes: sensing air temperature at the air outlet side of the electronics rack, sensing coolant temperature at a coolant inlet and coolant temperature at a coolant outlet of the heat exchanger, and determining airflow rate through the electronics rack; and outputting the determined airflow rate through the electronics rack. The determining employs the sensed air temperature at the air outlet side of the rack and the sensed coolant temperatures at the coolant inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger. In one embodiment, the heat exchanger is an air-to-air heat exchanger, and in another embodiment, the heat exchanger is an air-to-liquid heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Levi A. CAMPBELL, Richard C. CHU, Michael J. ELLSWORTH, JR., Madhusudan K. IYENGAR, Robert E. SIMONS
  • Publication number: 20090205417
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a hot-film air-mass sensor, which can be used especially for measuring air mass flows in the intake tract of an internal combustion engine. The hot-film air-mass sensor has a sensor chip having a sensor frame and a sensor diaphragm having at least one heating element and at least two temperature sensors, a chip carrier for holding the sensor chip and at least one additional heating element. The sensor chip is able to be heated up using the at least one additional heating element. Immediately after shutting down the internal combustion engine, the at least one heating element of the sensor diaphragm is switched off, or is switched to a lower heating power. Furthermore, the at least one additional heating element is switched on for a specified postheating phase. The provided method is particularly suitable for avoiding oil contamination of the hot-film air-mass sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Bernhard Opitz, Uwe Konzelmann, Christoph Gmelin, Araceli Pison
  • Publication number: 20090205418
    Abstract: Procedure for controlling a digital tank fuel level sensor in a tank that is subjected to movements is thereby characterized, in that sloshing events are determined and in that the fuel level around the encoder position (205) in the tank is concluded from the number of sloshing events and in that from that the functioning of the tank fuel level sensor can be assumed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Buelent BARCIN, Michael Gerlach, Marc Chaineux
  • Publication number: 20090205419
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasound measuring device for a container. A coupling device supporting an ultrasound transducer serves for coupling and asymmetric alignment of the ultrasound transducer with respect to the container. This causes a sound field of the interfering signal in an ultrasound measurement to propagate within the container in an asymmetric fashion with respect to planes of symmetry of the container, whereby the interfering signal that is received at the site of injection is attenuated relative to a useful signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Truma Geratetechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Volkwein, Lars Bornemann
  • Publication number: 20090205420
    Abstract: A runout gauge has a mounting block, a support block that slides horizontally relative to the mounting block, a spring that pushes the support block away from the mounting block, a roller that rotates on a horizontal axle on the support block, and a dial indicator that mounts on the mounting block. The dial indicator has a plunger that contacts the support block. A vertically adjustable stand positions gauge with the roller against the tire tread and radial runout pushes the support block which pushes the plunger. A narrow roller is used to measure lateral runout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: James H. Andersen
  • Publication number: 20090205421
    Abstract: [Problems to be Solved] To confirm whether a physical quantity sensor operates normally or not with a simple structure. [Means to Solve the Problems] A physical quantity sensor includes a vibration element having drive arm sections and a detection arm section a driving circuit generating a driving signal for driving the drive arm sections with a first driving line and a second driving line, and a detection circuit detecting a detected signal from the detection arm section with a first detection line and a second detection line. At least one of the first driving line and the second driving line is wired so that a static coupling is generated with respect to the first detection line and the second detection line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: EPSON TOYOCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideto NARUSE, Takayuki KIKUCHI
  • Publication number: 20090205422
    Abstract: The method of determining a speed of rotation of an axially symmetrical vibrating sensor having a vibrating member associated with control electrodes and with detection electrodes for generating vibration presenting an elastic line possessing periodicity of order n and having a position that is variable as a function of the rotation of the sensor, the method comprising the steps of: performing evaluation of the speed of successively for a predetermined number of positions of the vibration relative to the electrodes; the positions being geometrically offset relative to each other and the vibration being moved from one position to another by applying a precession command using a pre-established scale factor; determining a speed of rotation in function of the evaluations. The device for implementing such method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: SAGEM DEFENSE SECURITIE
    Inventors: Jean-Michel CARON, David ROBERFROID
  • Publication number: 20090205423
    Abstract: An angular velocity sensor includes a supporting substrate, a detecting portion, a displacement detecting portion, a first driving portion, and a second driving portion. The detecting portion is supported by the supporting substrate movably in at least a free direction. The displacement detecting portion detects a displacement of the detecting portion in the free direction. The first driving portion excites a first reference oscillation of at least a portion of the detecting portion so that a first Coriolis' force in the free direction is generated in response to an angular velocity about a first axis. The second driving portion excites a second reference oscillation of at least a portion of the detecting portion so that a second Coriolis' force in the free direction is generated in response to an angular velocity about a second axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Makoto Takagi, Atsushi Kandori
  • Publication number: 20090205424
    Abstract: A proof mass for flexure type, magnetic and capacitance circuit accelerometer includes one or more standoff pads integrally formed on a fused silica paddle, such as being etched or patterned on the fused silica paddle. Further, the standoff pads have a thickness sufficient to locate at least a portion of one active coil in proximity to or even within a linear flux region of a magnetic circuit of the accelerometer. As such, the proof mass is configured to function with the magnetic circuit in a consistent and stable manner over a selected operational life of the accelerometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Roehnelt, Galen Magendanz
  • Publication number: 20090205425
    Abstract: A state detecting apparatus S for detecting a current operating state of an LM (linear motion) system includes an AE sensor 1 generating a detection signal Sae by detecting an AE wave elastically generated when a plurality of balls contained in the LM system revolve in a circulation portion while spinning themselves; and a signal processing unit 4 generating a parameter indicating an intensity of the AE wave based on only the detection signal Sae corresponding to an operating frequency of the ball, and uses the parameter to determine a lubrication state of the LM system. Thereby, it is possible to provide the state detecting apparatus capable of predicting failure occurrence in the LM system; providing an improved maintenance to a user of the LM system and further longer lifetime thereof; and providing a performance guarantee and an improved quality of a device or equipment manufactured using the LM system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: THK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Honjo
  • Publication number: 20090205426
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for monitoring a flowing medium, in particular the blood flowing in an extracorporeal blood circulation, for the presence of air, in particular micro-bubbles. A sequence of signal pulses or a continuous signal is injected into the flowing medium, and the signal pulses or continuous signal leaving the flowing medium are received. To detect micro-bubbles, a signal pattern that is characteristic of the variation over time of the received signal pulses or the continuous signal in a predetermined period of time is extracted from the signal received. The characteristic signal pattern is compared with one or more characteristic reference patterns, and the presence of air bubbles is determined if the characteristic signal pattern deviates from the characteristic reference pattern by a predetermined amount. Statistical characteristic variables, in particular the variance, are preferably determined from the signal patterns and compared with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2006
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Klaus Balschat, Tobias Fritsche, Alfred Gagel, Steffen Kirchner, Hans-Joachim Muench, Olaf Nicholas, Jochen Schneider, Reiner Spickermann, Santer Zur Host-Meyer
  • Publication number: 20090205427
    Abstract: The invention relates to the determination of the dynamic elastic modulus of a material, such as a material comprising a mineral binder like cement, or gypsum, or the like, or a polymer, or ceramic, preferably mortar or concrete, in particular shotcrete, using sound, preferably ultrasound waves which penetrate the material and are continuously measured and analyzed. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus, to a measuring device, and to a method for determining the dynamic elastic modulus of a material using the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Sika Technology AG
    Inventors: Didier Lootens, Julien Lopez Rios, Robert Flatt, Norman Blank
  • Publication number: 20090205428
    Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection system utilizes a tunable digital filter with 4× interpolation. The system is used for scanning objects to be tested and includes a transmit/receive device to generate a test signal and receive an echo signal. A signal processing circuit processes the echo signal with one or more digital to analog converters for converting an analog version of the echo signal to a digital echo signal in the form of streaming digital data which is stored in a memory. The data is stored at a first data rate and read out at the second, slower data rate. An averaging decimator receives and processes the data from the memory and supplies it to an IIR filter and subsequently to an FIR filter and ultimately to a box car filter to effect processing thereon which increases the perceived resolution of the data by a given factor, preferably by a factor of 4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Olympus, NDT
    Inventors: Andrew Thomas, Steven Besser, Jason Toomey
  • Publication number: 20090205429
    Abstract: Nondestructive inspection of a plurality of aircraft hat stiffeners includes exciting cavities of the stiffeners with electromagnetic radiation, and analyzing electromagnetic field responses of the cavities to detect state changes of the stiffeners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Jason Philip Bommer, Gary E. Georgeson, Dennis M. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20090205430
    Abstract: Focusing on the criterion of “Energy save” or “Quiet noise” or other suitable operating parameter and considering the existing limitation of the operation of the electro-dynamic shaker system, apparatus for optimizing the operating condition of the vibration test system is proposed. The apparatus 100 measures the field current and drive current under the state that the desired vibration is fed to the specimen 20, and calculates the necessary force the shaker 1 should supply. Field current is supposed to be varied, and the necessary drive current is calculated based on the necessary force data. Further, the blower rotation is supposed to be varied, and the total power consumption at the coils and the blower is calculated. Also the temperatures of the field coil 4 and of the drive coil 10 is estimated and checked whether within the limitation. Then the optimal operating condition for the focused criterion is selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: IMV CORPORATION
    Inventors: John GOODFELLOW, Kazuyoshi UENO, Milan PRODANOVIC, Koshi YAMAMOTO, Norihiro MAEDA
  • Publication number: 20090205431
    Abstract: A diaphragm is provided that includes a plurality of zonal portions that define reinforced and non-reinforced areas of the diaphragm. A first zonal portion extends from a marginal edge portion toward a central portion and is formed of a fabric material. A second zonal portion extends from the first zonal portion toward the central portion and is formed of an elastomer. A third zonal portion defines the central portion and is formed of a fabric material. The combination of reinforced and non-reinforced portions provides for a decrease in the radial tension (spring rate) of the diaphragm and helps prevent undesired changes to the flow control valve flow setpoint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: David Pantier, Todd Garrod, John Vasquez, Paul Banta, Dave Tornquist
  • Publication number: 20090205432
    Abstract: A pressure sensing system positions a microelectromechanical (MEMS) diaphragm of a MEMS pressure sensor die in a housing to indirectly sample pressure state of a fluid being measured. A second housing diaphragm is used to make direct contact with the fluid being measured. Pressure state of the fluid being measured is transferred from the housing diaphragm through an electrically insulating intermediary fluid to the MEMS diaphragm thereby allowing the MEMS pressure sensor die to indirectly sample pressure state of the fluid being measured. Electrically conductive support members and electrically conductive solid vias are used to electrically couple circuitry of the MEMS pressure sensor die to external wires outside the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: George Keilman, Tim Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090205433
    Abstract: A pressure transducer has an H-shaped header having a front and a back section. The front and back sections are of equal diameter and are circular. Each front and back section has a depression with a diaphragm covering the depression. Each diaphragm is of equal size and the depressions communicate one with the other via a central channel in the central arm of the H. A pressure sensor communicates with the channel, where the pressure sensor responds to a first pressure applied to the first diaphragm and a second pressure applied to the second diaphragm. The pressure sensor produces an output equal to the difference in pressure. The differential pressure inducer having both diaphragms of the same size and still enabling leads from the sensor to be brought out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony D. Kurtz
  • Publication number: 20090205434
    Abstract: A pressure transducer has an H-shaped cross-sectional header having a front and a back section. The front and back sections are of equal diameter and are circular. Each front and back section has a depression with an isolation diaphragm covering the depression. Each diaphragm is of equal size and the depressions communicate one with the other via a central channel in the central arm of the H. A pressure sensor communicates with the channel, where the pressure sensor responds to a first pressure applied to the first isolation diaphragm and a second pressure applied to the second isolation diaphragm. The pressure sensor produces an output equal to the difference in pressure. The differential pressure transducer having both diaphragms of the same size and still enabling leads from the sensor to be brought out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony D. Kurtz
  • Publication number: 20090205435
    Abstract: A circuit module, in particular a tire sensor module, which at least includes: a substrate, on or in which at least one component is mounted, a piezoelement, which has at least one clamping region and at least one oscillatory region, the piezoelement being clamped in its clamping region on the substrate or on an arrangement secured to the substrate, and its oscillatory region being accommodated in a manner that permits oscillation, contacts provided on the piezoelement for tapping off a piezoelectric voltage, and a current-supply circuit, which receives the piezoelectric voltage generated by the piezoelement, being used as a voltage source for supplying power to the circuit module. The piezoelement is preferably clamped between at least two substrate elements, at least one cavity being formed within which the at least one oscillatory region of the piezoelement is accommodated in a manner that permits deflection, and is limited in its oscillation displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Buck, Ralf Reichenbach
  • Publication number: 20090205436
    Abstract: An amplifier system can include an input amplifier configured to receive an analog input signal and provide an amplified signal corresponding to the analog input signal. A tracking loop is configured to employ delta modulation for tracking the amplified signal, the tracking loop providing a corresponding output signal. A biasing circuit is configured to adjust a bias current to maintain stable transconductance over temperature variations, the biasing circuit providing at least one bias signal for biasing at least one of the input amplifier and the tracking loop, whereby the circuitry receiving the at least one bias signal exhibits stable performance over the temperature variations. In another embodiment the biasing circuit can be utilized in other applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: STEVEN L. GARVERICK, XINYU YU
  • Publication number: 20090205437
    Abstract: A flexible apparatus and method to enhance capacitive force sensing is disclosed. In one embodiment, a force measuring device includes a sensor capacitor having a fixed surface and a moveable surface substantially parallel to the fixed surface, at least one spring assembly (e.g., may deflect longitudinally and/or perpendicularly to a direction of the force) positioned between the fixed surface and the movable surface (e.g., the spring assembly may alter in height in response to a force applied perpendicular to the movable surface and to cause a change in the gap between the fixed surface and the movable surface), and a circuit to generate a measurement of the force based on an algorithm that considers a change in a capacitance of the sensor capacitor. A reference capacitor may adjust the measurement of the applied force based on one or more environmental conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: William D. Dallenbach, Divyasimha Harish
  • Publication number: 20090205438
    Abstract: A magneto-inductive flow measuring device providing, in addition to flow information for a medium, also information concerning electrical conductivity of the medium. For a highly accurate determination of the electrical conductivity, the invention provides the following solution: a temperature measuring unit is provided, which makes available information concerning the temperature of the medium. On the basis of the measured temperature, a control/evaluation unit ascertains a correction value for electrical conductivity and makes available a correspondingly corrected value for the electrical conductivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas Budmiger
  • Publication number: 20090205439
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for operation of a flow measurement device, and to a flow measurement device itself. In order in this case to record the conductivity of the medium or faults resulting from deposits by means of a measurement tube configuration in a technically simple manner, a total of at least 4 electrodes are arranged distributed on the circumference of the measurement tube, in the measurement tube. When a signal is fed in at one of the electrodes or at an electrode pair, an electric current is measured between one electrode pair, while an electrical voltage is measured between another electrode pair. An impedance value is determined from the two measured values, from which impedance value a conductivity of the medium is determined and/or in comparison of different conductivities or in comparison with historical values, it is deduced that there is a covering layer on the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: ABB AG
    Inventors: Kai Hencken, Daniel Schrag, Troy Wray
  • Publication number: 20090205440
    Abstract: A device for indicating and regulating the flow volume in a fluid circuit of a heating or cooling system is provided. The device includes a housing having a lower valve part, a conical bore, and a sealing seat. The device further includes an indicating element having a hollow-cylindrical inspection glass with a closed end, an open end, an indicator plunger axially movable therein and stressed by means of a spring. A regulating cone is attached to the open end of the inspection glass, whereby the free end of the indicator plunger is guided through the regulating cone and bears a flow body immersed in the conical bore. Also, the regulating cone has slots distributed at the periphery and extending to the indicator plunger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: WATTS INDUSTRIES DEUTSCHLAND GESELLSCHAFT MIT BESCHRAENKTER HAFTUNG
    Inventor: Fritz SPIESS
  • Publication number: 20090205441
    Abstract: A measurable flow-rate range is increased to enhance usability. A flow-rate measuring method for measuring the flow rate of a fluid inside a tube is provided. This method uses a thermal-marker generator that heats the fluid flowing through the tube from the outside thereof to generate a thermal marker in the fluid inside the tube and a thermal-marker detector disposed downstream of the thermal-marker generator and configured to detect the thermal marker in the fluid inside the tube generated by the thermal-marker generator, so as to measure the flow rate on the basis of the distance between the thermal-marker generator and the thermal-marker detector, a time period between a point at which the thermal marker in the fluid inside the tube is generated by the thermal-marker generator and a point at which the thermal marker is detected by the thermal-marker detector, and the cross-sectional area of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumio Ohtake
  • Publication number: 20090205442
    Abstract: A method for measuring applied torque of a oilfield tubular torque wrench, the oilfield torque wrench being operable to torque a tubular about an axis of rotation and the oilfield torque wrench including a lower tong including a recess through which the axis of rotation passes during operation; an upper tong including a recess, the upper tong being mounted above the lower tong with the recess of the upper tong positioned above the recess of the lower tong so that the axis of rotation passes therethrough; pipe gripping dies in the recesses of the upper tong and the lower tong; a swivel bearing between the upper tong and the lower tong permitting the upper tong and the lower tong to swivel relative to each other while the recesses remain positioned with the axis of rotation passing therethrough; a drive system connected between the upper tong and the lower tong, the drive system being operable to generate a force vector to drive the upper tong and lower tong to swivel on the swivel bearing, the method comprisin
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas A. HUNTER
  • Publication number: 20090205443
    Abstract: A method for producing a strain gauge comprises the steps of: preparing a transfer foil film that is obtained by coating an adhesive resin film with a foil made from a resistant material; applying the adhesive resin film surface of the transfer foil film to a desired section of an outer surface of an object whose strain is to be measured, such a roller bearing; and processing the transfer foil film to transfer a foil gauge pattern to the object via the adhesive resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Isamu Takeuchi, Hideaki Minamiyama, Hiroshi Ueno, Shinichi Mizuta
  • Publication number: 20090205444
    Abstract: This application is directed to a shock sensor mounted in an electronic device. The shock sensor includes both active and passive shock detection methods that allow a technician to determine whether the electronic device was subjected to a shock event that exceeded an impact threshold level. The shock sensor may include shock detection contacts that form an electrical circuit that remains open in the absence of a shock event that exceeds an impact threshold level. In response to a significant shock event, a movable component or substance of the shock sensor may move from a first position to a second position, thereby closing the electrical circuit formed by the shock detection contacts. The change in circuit may be detected and used to provide active indication of whether the electronic device has been subjected to a substantial shock event. In addition, the shock sensor may be observed to passively determine whether the electronic device has been subjected to a substantial shock event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Zadesky, Fletcher R. Rothkopf