Patents Issued in January 7, 2010
  • Publication number: 20100000251
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of liquefying a hydrocarbon stream such as natural gas, the method at least comprising the steps of: (a) providing a hydrocarbon stream (10) at a first location (2), wherein the first location is situated onshore; (b) treating the hydrocarbon stream (10) in the first location (2) thereby obtaining a treated hydrocarbon stream (20); (c) transporting the treated hydrocarbon stream (20) via a pipeline (4) over a distance of at least 2 km to a second location (3), wherein the second location is situated off-shore; (d), liquefying the treated, hydrocarbon stream (20) at the second location (3) thereby obtaining liquefied hydrocarbon product (50) at atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Michiel Gijsbert Van Aken, Marcus Johannes Antonius Van Dongen, Peter Marie Paulus, Johan Jan Barend Pek, David Bertil Runbalk
  • Publication number: 20100000252
    Abstract: This invention provides a means of loading, processing and conditioning raw production gas, production of CGL, storage, transport, and delivery of pipeline quality natural gas or fractionated products to market. The CGL transport vessel utilizes a pipe based containment system to hold more densely packed constituents of natural gas held within a light hydrocarbon solvent than it is possible to attain for natural gas alone under such conditions. The containment system is supported by process systems for loading and transporting the natural gas as a liquid and unloading the CGL from the containment system and then offloading it in the gaseous state. The system can also be utilized for the selective storage and transport of NGLs to provide a total service package for the movement of natural gas and associated gas production. The mode of storage is suited for both marine and land transportation and configured in modular form to suit a particular application and/or scale of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Ian Morris, Bruce Hall, Tolu Okikiolu, Cp Woodruff, Thomas Rigolo
  • Publication number: 20100000253
    Abstract: Boiled off liquefied natural gas flows from a storage tank and is compressed in vapour compression stages. The resulting compressed vapour is condensed in a condenser and the condensate returned to the tank. The condenser is cooled by a working fluid, for example nitrogen, flowing in a Brayton cycle. The Brayton cycle includes a heat exchanger which removes heat of compression from the compressed natural gas vapour upstream of its passage through the condenser. In addition a part of the working fluid is withdrawn from a region of the Brayton cycle intermediate the working fluid outlet from the condenser and the working fluid inlet to the heat exchanger and the withdrawn working fluid flows through another heat exchanger in which it removes heat of compression from the natural gas vapour intermediate the compression stages. The withdrawn working fluid is returned to the Brayton cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: CRYOSTAR SAS
    Inventor: Vincent Fuchs
  • Publication number: 20100000254
    Abstract: Provided is a method of producing gas hydrate at a low cost. An acid gas 3 is removed from a natural gas 1, and after dehydration 5 of accompanying water, part of heavy components which do not produce gas hydrate 10 are separated and removed under a relatively high temperature. Moreover, the rest of the heavy components are taken out in a gas hydrate production step 9 together with an excessive portion of light components not contributing to production of the gas hydrate 10, as a fuel gas 11 which is used as a cooling source or a power source for a cooling system in the gas hydrate production step 9.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Masataka Hiraide, Kae Serizawa, Kikuo Nakamura, Nakaoka Makoto
  • Publication number: 20100000255
    Abstract: Contemplated configurations and methods for gas processing use a refluxed absorber that receives a liquid and a vapor hydrocarbon feed. The absorber further receives a stripping medium that is at least in part formed from a vapor portion of a stabilizer overhead and also receives a scrubbing medium that is at least in part formed from a liquid portion of the stabilizer overhead. Most preferably, the absorber overhead is maintained at a temperature near or even below the hydrate point of the feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: FLUOR TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: John Mak
  • Publication number: 20100000256
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking device primarily used for releasably joining two terminal end portions of jewelry items, although the locking device may also be used to releasably join two terminal end portions of non-jewelry items or the terminal end portions of two separate items. One embodiment of a locking device according to the present invention, for example, may comprise a first arrangement that includes at least one end portion that is at least partially open and an extension or a hole. The locking device may also comprise a second arrangement having a protrusion that is insertable into the first arrangement at the at least one end portion to place the first and second arrangements in a locked position. The locking device may also include a third arrangement that is connected to the second arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL JEWELRY (USA) INC.
    Inventor: Vicki Chan
  • Publication number: 20100000257
    Abstract: A purse holder apparatus includes a first arm including a first surface contact element and a first connecting portion, a second arm includes a second surface contact element and a second connecting portion, and a compression element is connected to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Michael T. Sweeney
  • Publication number: 20100000258
    Abstract: A heating process of molding a glass is provided. First, a first heat source is provided to heat up a glass preform in a mold directly and a second heat source is provided to heat up the mold directly. In the heating period using the first heat source, the glass preform is softened by heat and pressed with the mold, and in the pressing period using the mold, the glass preform is cooled down and formed as an optical lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Jeng-Ywan Jeng, Wei Wang
  • Publication number: 20100000259
    Abstract: In a method of making shaped glass articles, a glass sheet is placed on a mold having a shaping surface with a desired surface profile of a shaped glass article. The glass sheet is preferentially and rapidly heated by radiation while in the vicinity of the mold so that the mold remains substantially cooler than the glass sheet during the heating. The glass sheet is sagged onto the shaping surface of the mold so that at least a portion of the sagged sheet assumes the desired surface profile of the shaped glass article. After sagging and shaping, the sagged and shaped glass sheet is removed from the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Ljerka Ukrainczyk, John Robert Saltzer, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100000260
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for fabricating a preform (1,10,100) that can be used for drawing an active optical fiber (8). The present invention further relates to an active optical fiber (8), designed for amplification or attenuation purposes, drawn from said preform (1,10,100) and to an optical amplifier (600, 601) using a laser active optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Frédéric Sandoz, Carlos Pedrido, Philippe Ribaux, Philippe Hamel, Peter Othenin, Philippe Vincent Roy, Methiew Devautour
  • Publication number: 20100000261
    Abstract: It is disclosed a method for making SPME fibers. The SPME fibers consist of metal-oxide coatings on fused-silica fibers. The coatings are prepared from a water-based solution containing a predetermined amount of metal ion and a predetermined amount of a reactant. The water based solution and the fused-silica fibers are kept at the temperatures below 100° C. for a predetermined time to obtain SPME fibers. The SPME fibers are applied for extraction of pesticides and other organic compounds such as 1,4-dichloro-2-nitrobenzene; Biphenyl; and Acenaphthene in the water based solution and cooling gas of a power generator respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: REZA ALIZADEH, Sharmin kharrazi, Nahid Mashkouri Najafi
  • Publication number: 20100000262
    Abstract: A device for feeding yarns for knitting machines comprising a supporting element arranged on the inner side of the machine bed which supports a set of yarn guides arranged side-by-side. Each of the yarn guides has a passage for at least one yarn to be fed to the needles of the machine arranged in the bed and the supporting element, for each of the yarn guides, supports an element for clamping and cutting the yarn dispensed by the corresponding yarn guide. A first actuator for the yarn guides is provided for the passage of the yarn guides from an inactive position to an active position, and a second actuator is provided for actuating the clamping and cutting elements. The first actuator comprises individual actuators actuated to produce passage of each of the yarn guides from the inactive position to the active position or vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Ettore Lonati, Tiberio Lonati, Fausto Lonati
  • Publication number: 20100000263
    Abstract: A circular knitting machine is described which has a plurality of knitting systems which are arranged on the circumference of the needle cylinder and a corresponding plurality of drawing frames which are assigned individually to the knitting systems for feeding substantially untwisted fibrous materials to knitting tools which can be deployed in the knitting systems into in each case a fibre-receiving position. According to the invention, the drawing frames are configured as miniature bars which have at least four and at most eight adjacent drawing frames and a central housing (25) which is designed to receive the drives and from which the upper and lower rolls (26b, 27b, 28b) of the drawing frame assembly protrude on both sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Reinhard Koenig
  • Publication number: 20100000264
    Abstract: A method for converting a non-bulk dispensing system into a bulk dispensing system in a household cleaning appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: JOEL ADAM LUCKMAN, MICHAEL S. HENDRICKSON
  • Publication number: 20100000265
    Abstract: An automatic treatment machine includes a treatment chamber, a bulk treatment aid dispenser fluidly coupled with the treatment chamber, and optionally a water supply fluidly coupled with at least one of the dispenser and the treatment chamber. A method for dispensing a treatment aid from the bulk treatment aid dispenser into the automatic treatment machine in accordance with a selected treatment cycle includes selecting a treatment cycle, determining a concentration of the treatment aid, determining a volume of the treatment aid to be dispensed based upon the determined concentration, dispensing the determined volume of the treatment aid from the bulk treatment aid dispenser, and initiating the selected treatment cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: MICHAEL STEPHEN HENDRICKSON, DENNIS L. KEHL, AYOMIDE FAWOLE
  • Publication number: 20100000266
    Abstract: A washing machine has a water spray device to efficiently wet the laundry by spraying washing water to the laundry with uniform pressure. The washing machine includes an outer tub, and a water spray device installed at an upper portion of the outer tub to spray washing water. The water spray device includes a diffusion duct for diffusing the washing water around the outer tub and a spray member provided in the diffusion duct to spray the washing water into the outer tub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung Hwan Chung, Yong Myoung Kim, Byung Don Jung, Seung Kwun Ahn
  • Publication number: 20100000267
    Abstract: In place of a static drain, a final tub spin interval during a wash cycle and/or rinse cycle of a laundry washing machine/process is continued at the time that the main drain of the free liquid in the wash tub is initiated. This spin may continue until completion of the drain and extraction. In one embodiment, the sequence includes a transition from a relatively slow speed spin of a rinse or wash agitation interval to a high speed extraction spin. Thus, the conventional transition from the rinse and/or wash cycle to a static drain is eliminated. In addition, the conventional transition from a static drain to a high-speed extraction spin drain is eliminated. Such a change in the operation sequence of the washer can help reduce tangling and/or balling of the wash load, especially in a washer having an abbreviated or no central column/agitator. Such a change can also reduce associated imbalance during the spin drain, which can benefit machines both with and without a central agitator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Leidig, Andrea C. Tamanini
  • Publication number: 20100000268
    Abstract: An apparatus for the biocidal treatment of laundry in a washing machine includes a hollow body in which a biocidal substance is enclosed and whose shell has openings for the passage of the washing and rinsing bath. The biocidal substance is chosen in such a way that it is at least substantially harmless for the human metabolism and is effective for a certain period of time beyond the washing process in the washed laundry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: SMART FIBER AG
    Inventor: Michael Kohne
  • Publication number: 20100000269
    Abstract: The present invention provides a washing apparatus and control method thereof, by which laundry can be dry-cleaned through the loaded configurations of the wet pad cloth, the filth transfer cloth, the steam providing unit, the fragrance spraying unit, and the detergent supplying unit using either the wet pad cloth or the filth transfer cloth or without using both of the wet pad cloth and the filth transfer cloth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Soo Hee Shin, Seok Kyu Park, Byung Hwan Ahn
  • Publication number: 20100000270
    Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a plurality of structures, such as ends of a sealing ring, with each end defining an aperture therein and with the ring being adapted to mount a meter to a meter box structure. The apparatus comprises a locking pin with a distal end adapted to be insertable through each of the apertures of the first and second ends of the ring. The locking pin comprises a head member having at least an engageable end and a fracturable member. The locking pin further comprises a shaft portion having the distal end. The apparatus further comprises a lock housing adapted to retain at least a part of the shaft portion such that the first and second ends of the ring are connected between the head member of the locking pin and the lock housing. The head member has an outer surface adapted to receive at least two opposing forces, the at least two opposing forces being of sufficient magnitude to break the fracturable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Norman Binz DeWalch, John Edward Staohowiak, JR., Zachary Leroy Davidson
  • Publication number: 20100000271
    Abstract: The invention relates to a latch that comprises a lock and a closing part (10). Said lock comprises a catch (15), a click (20) equipped with an adjusting arm (21) and a motorised opening aid (30). Said catch (15) comprises a receiving element for the closing part (10) and at least one stop notch (17) for engaging the click (20). The opening aid (30) is equipped with an eccentric (40) that is driven by a motor, whereby the eccentric curve interacts with a lateral adjusting surface of the adjusting arm (21) and ensures that the clink (20) is displaced in a motorised manner from its locked position in the stop notch (17) into an elevated position. In order to prevent problems in the latch, an end segment (42) of the eccentric (40) and/or the adjusting arm (21) of the clink (20) is elastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Jorg Berghahn, Dirk Ruppach, Hans-Günter Kaiser, Rolf Kamps, Jürgen Moczygemba, Eckart Schuler
  • Publication number: 20100000272
    Abstract: A construction unit (35) comprising a support (30) and a locking cylinder (20) is present in the device and is secured from the inner door side (11) behind the outer door lining (15). Those parts of the locking cylinder which project on the outer door side are covered by a cap which is secured on the inner door side (11) by securing means. In order to simplify the handling and to save space, it is proposed to use the securing means for the cap at the same time in order to also secure the construction unit (35) on the inner door side (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Dirk Müller, Stefan Mönig
  • Publication number: 20100000273
    Abstract: A programmable electronic lock with a closing tongue is actuated with an actuating mechanism formed by a mobile knob acting as a button joined to the closing tongue. Actuation of the mobile knob generates a movement of the closing tongue and closure of the lock. Recovery of the mobile knob to its initial position generates an opening of the lock. Furthermore, an electronics board is activated with a transponder key and controls operation of the lock by deactivating and subsequently activating a blocking mechanism formed by a motor that actuates a punch via a gear mechanism. When the punch is in a blocking position it is located against the actuating mechanism. When the punch is in an unblocking position, it is separated from the actuating mechanism and allows the movement of the closing tongue by unblocking the actuating mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: OJMAR, S.A.
    Inventors: Ana Viso Cabrera, Ramon Gabikagogeaskoa Sanchez, Beatriz Vierna Garcia
  • Publication number: 20100000274
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic blocking module for closing systems with a casing (1) internally having a blocking mechanism (2) which prevents or allows the opening of a closing system, and which is controlled by an electronics board (3), which communicates with an external electronic control system which transmits signals to it for blocking and unblocking the closing system, and receives from it signals of the position of the blocking mechanism (2). The electronics board (3) comprises at least a first microswitch (4) and a second microswitch (5) which detect the movement towards the blocking and unblocking position of the blocking mechanism (2), and a third microswitch (6) detecting the blocking and unblocking position of the blocking mechanism (2), transmitting it to the electronic control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: OJMAR, S.A.
    Inventors: Ana Viso Cabrera, Ramon Gabikagogeaskoa Sanchez, Beatriz Vierna Garcia
  • Publication number: 20100000275
    Abstract: The invention relates to a locking cylinder with a longitudinal housing, said housing containing a control sensor for triggering an electrical switch for detection of introduction of a key into the cylinder, said sensor being slideably mounted parallel to the axis (A) of introduction of the key, the front end section of the sensor, which may be pushed by the key, cooperates with the housing means to form a ramp to cause a displacement of said front end section in a direction inclined with relation to the axis (A) between a lower idle position and an upper trigger position in which the housing (2) further contains a switch trigger means, in contact with the rear end of the sensor, said trigger means being only able to move parallel to the axis (A).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: VALEO SECURITE HABITACLE
    Inventor: Fabrice Giacomin
  • Publication number: 20100000276
    Abstract: A self-scrambling combination includes a frame that supports at least two tumbler rings and an activating slide. The tumbler rings are marked with characters used for a combination for the lock. The lock is openable only when the tumbler rings are located in an open position related to the combination. The activating slide moves a locking bar between a locked position and an unlocked position. A scrambling mechanism is attached to the activating slide and rotates the tumbler rings from the open position to another position upon movement of the activating slide to move the locking bar from the unlocked position to the locked position. The frame can be used as the door of a lockbox and an attached key lock controls the setting of the combination for the lock. The self-scrambling combination lock can be used for a briefcase or valise lock with an additional spring closing the lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Kwan Yuen Ng, Sarah Seen Ng
  • Publication number: 20100000277
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus, systems and methods for making municipal sludge based plant nutrient. In particular, the plant nutrient of the present invention is substantially free of noxious odor and retains valuable nutrients, while solving the problem of disposal of municipal sludge and the high cost of energy associated with treating and the transportation and land-filling the ever growing volume of municipal bio-solids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: William W. Keller, Lyn Kelley
  • Publication number: 20100000278
    Abstract: A strip has a left and a right side. The strip is rolled in a rolling stand. Stresses occurring in the strip at the feed and exit sides are detected by corresponding measuring sensors positioned on the left and right sides of the strip. The detected stresses are fed to a control unit for the rolling stand. The control unit determines a measurement for the transversal positioning of the strip in relation to the rolling stand using the relationship Z=ZLE*ZLA?ZRE?ZRA, where Z is the measurement. ZLE, ZLA, ZRE and ZRA are the individually detected stresses. The control unit determines a correcting variable for correcting the transversal positioning of the strip using the measurement for the transversal positioning and controls the rolling stand according to the correcting variable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Andreas Maierhofer
  • Publication number: 20100000279
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum-assisted method and a device for forming an essentially flat blank (12) of metal into a thin-walled, shell-type body (14), especially for performing the method in accordance with one of the preceding claims, that has a supporting structure (16) forming a mold chamber (18) that holds the blank (12) during increasing deformation into the thin-walled, shell-body (14), a device (20) allocated to the supporting structure (16) for clamping the blank (12) about its circumference (22) to the supporting structure (16), that seals the reverse face (24) of the blank (12) facing towards the mold chamber (18) against the front face (26) of the blank (12) facing away from the mold chamber (18), and a device (28) allocated to the mold chamber (18) that also communicates with the mold chamber (18) for applying a vacuum and evacuating the mold chamber (18), and at least one forming tool (50) applied to the front face (26) of the blank (12) is/are allocated to the supporting structure (16), an
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: MT AEROSPACE AG
    Inventors: Helmut MICHEL, Wulf RADTKE, Johannes HEGELS
  • Publication number: 20100000280
    Abstract: A member has a wave inhibitor adapted to control the effects of a wave of longitudinally displaced material positioned ahead of an expansion mandrel used to expand the member. The wave inhibitor has a decreasing transverse cross-sectional area to diminish the effects attributable to the wave, such as workpiece distortions, material upset of the workpiece, lengthening of the member, and excessively high strains in the workpiece. The wave inhibitor can also induce radially compressive stresses in the workpiece and produce an interference fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Leonard Frederick Reid, James Ross, Tim Johnson, Taeksun Nam, Doug Glenn, Matt Shultz
  • Publication number: 20100000281
    Abstract: a billet made of high Cr-high Ni alloy, which contains, by mass percent, 20 to 30% of Cr, 30 to 50% of Ni, and at least one element selected from Mo and W with a value “Mo+0.5W” of 1.5% or more is heated under conditions satisfying the following formula (1), and then the billet is pierced and rolled using an inclined roll type piercing mill with a roll gouge circumferential speed of 2.28 m/sec or higher. This prevents melted rash on the inner surface and lengthens the plug life. T?1575?4.45×Vf?104.7×{?ln(th/ro)}??(1) wherein T indicates a heating temperature (° C.) of the billet, Vf indicates the roll gouge circumferential speed (m/sec), ro indicates a radius (mm) of a billet at an entry-side, and th indicates a radial thickness (mm) of a pipe after piercing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Naoya Hirase, Tomio Yamakawa, Kazuhiro Shimoda
  • Publication number: 20100000282
    Abstract: A wiper arm (100) for a wiper assembly of an automotive vehicle, the wiper arm (100) being formed in a single piece from a metallic blank (100?) and having an inner end portion (100a) of generally U-shaped configuration in cross-section that is formed by drawing the blank (100?) in a progressive die, and an outer end portion (100b) that is formed with a C-shaped configuration in cross-section, by hemming. The outer end portion (100b) has a central portion (130) with edge portions (132) that are reversely folded to underlie the central portion (130), edges of the edge portions (132) being disposed in close proximity to one another. An end portion (100c) of the outer end portion (100b) of the wiper (100) is reversely folded to be spaced from and underlie a portion of the outer end portion (100b) thereabove, and the end portion (100c) is provided with an opening (126) by which a wiper blade may be attached to, or removed from, the wiper arm (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: CONCORD TOOL & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventor: Jeff Vandine
  • Publication number: 20100000283
    Abstract: The present invention provides an extrusion press and an extrusion control method capable of obtaining a uniformly-shaped extruded product by constantly applying a constant container sealing force between a container and a die even when an extrusion force varies during an extrusion process, improving product yield, and keeping a small energy consumption at the time of extrusion. A hydraulic pressure of a main cylinder device is detected, a deviation between the detected hydraulic pressure and a reference pressure set in advance is mathematically processed, and constant pressure extrusion is performed by correcting a container sealing force to reduce the container sealing force when the deviation is larger than the reference pressure, or to increase the container sealing force when the deviation is smaller than the reference pressure, so that a container sealing force corresponding to the reference pressure acts on the end surface of the die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: UBE MACHINERY CORPORATION, LTD.
    Inventors: Takeharu Yamamoto, Atsushi Yakushigawa
  • Publication number: 20100000284
    Abstract: A device and a method for widening elongated metal elements which move in the longitudinal direction and are planar at least in certain regions are described. The device comprises at least two clamping sections which are opposite one another and of which one is arranged and designed for clamping a first longitudinal side of the metal element in place and the other is arranged and designed for clamping a second longitudinal side of the metal element in place, said second longitudinal side being opposite the first longitudinal side of the metal element. The clamping sections are each provided on a support unit by means of which the clamping sections, during the forward move-ment of the metal element, are automatically moved apart essentially perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the metal element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: PROTEKTORWERK FLORENZ MAISCH GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Heiner Willerscheid, Mario Gasperini, Bernd Spissinger, Kilian Krettenauer
  • Publication number: 20100000285
    Abstract: An improved, light weight ball member for universal connections having a hollow interior both in its ball portion and connecting portion for providing high strength and light weight and method for forming it through an improved forging process, using improved forging dies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: NISHIO SEIMITSU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Mayuki Nishio, Shinichi Nishio, Masayuki Nishio, Tatsuya Nishio
  • Publication number: 20100000286
    Abstract: Provided are a seamless bent pipe constituted by a bent section and straight pipe sections on both ends of the bent section, with the inside diameter at each pipe end portion being larger than the inside diameter of the bent section, and a welded component comprising a seamless bent pipe and a seamless straight pipe at one or each end of the seamless bent pipe, with the end of the seamless straight pipe to be welded to one or each end of the seamless bent pipe having the same inside diameter as the inside diameter of the seamless bent pipe, as well as methods of manufacturing them. As a result, elements suited for use in pipelines can be obtained, without unnecessarily increasing the wall thickness of the seamless bent pipe and without internal machining of the pipe end portions of the seamless bent pipe after the manufacturing thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: SUMITOMO METAL INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Arita
  • Publication number: 20100000287
    Abstract: The invention is a multi-mode hammering machine that operates in a rigid mode, a flexible power hammer mode and a machine press mode to contour, shape and form sheet metal products. In all three modes, a ram is linearly stroked toward and away from a fixed die by a common ram drive assembly that includes a lever drive assembly and a reciprocating lever. The lever drive assembly moves in a rigid non-flexing manner. The reciprocating lever includes a rigid mode and a flexible mode. A conversion pin is used to engage one and simultaneously disengage the other. The lever drive assembly includes a control link that interfaces with a stroke adjustment mechanism. The gap adjustment mechanism is located at the fulcrum of the reciprocating lever. Both stroke length and gap are adjusted independently during the operation while the ram is cycling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher J. Rusch
  • Publication number: 20100000288
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressing and/or cutting tool (1) comprises an electric motor (6), a converting mechanism (8) suitable to convert the rotary motion of the motor (9) to an oscillating translational motion, a hydraulic pump (11) suitable to carry out, in response to the oscillating translational motion, an increase in the pressure of a pressure fluid acting on an operating piston (12) such that the operating piston (12) is displaced, a stationary jaw (13) and a movable jaw (14) connected to the operating piston (12) such that, in response to the displacement of the operating piston (12), the movable jaw is displaced to the stationary jaw (13) to carry out pressing or cutting operations. The converting mechanism (8) comprises an epicycloidal gear (16) and a thrust unit (17) co-axial with the epicycloidal gear (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Gualtiero Barezzani, Cesare Braga
  • Publication number: 20100000289
    Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical gyroscope includes a first mass, which is able to oscillate along a first axis with respect to a fixed body, an inertial sensor having a second mass constrained to the first mass so as to oscillate along a second axis in response to a rotation of the gyroscope, a driving device coupled to the first mass that forms a control loop for maintaining the first mass in oscillation at a resonance frequency, and a reading device that detects displacements of the second mass along the second axis, which includes a charge amplifier for converting charge packets supplied by the inertial sensor into a charge-integration signal, and a low-pass filter. A calibration stage enables modification of a voltage between the second mass and the fixed body so as to minimize a component at a frequency that is twice the resonance frequency in the charge-integration signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Luciano Prandi, Carlo Caminada
  • Publication number: 20100000290
    Abstract: A gas sensor mounting structure (10) is provided for mounting a gas sensor (1) that has a gas sensor element (2) and a sensor cover (3) covering the gas sensor element (2), in an exhaust manifold (5). The gas sensor (1) is mounted in the exhaust manifold (5) at such an angle with respect to the gas flow direction in the exhaust manifold (5) that makes it difficult for water present in the exhaust manifold (5) to come in contact with the gas sensor element (2). Also, the gas sensor (1) is mounted in the exhaust manifold (5) such that an axis (P) of the gas sensor (1) is not generally perpendicular to the exhaust manifold (5) at the mounting position. In addition, the gas sensor (1) is mounted immediately after a bend (R) in the exhaust manifold (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Yoichiro Goya
  • Publication number: 20100000291
    Abstract: A gas chromatograph oven including a housing, a capillary tube and a thermal control assembly. The housing defining a capillary tube receiving space and having at least one outlet port to permit the passage of a fluid from the capillary tube receiving space of the housing. The capillary tube is positioned in the capillary tube receiving space of the housing and has a gas inlet end connectable to a gas injector and a gas detector end connectable to a gas detector. The thermal control assembly is in fluid communication with the capillary tube receiving space of the housing and is connectable to a source of a temperature regulating fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Robert L. White
  • Publication number: 20100000292
    Abstract: A sensing device for detecting an analyte is disclosed. In one aspect, the device includes at least one geometrical structure and at least two clamps provided for clamping the at least one geometrical structure on at least two ends of the geometrical structure. The at least one geometrical structure has at least one chemical responsive layer being absorbent or adsorbent for the analyte, and a support structure provided for at least partly supporting the at least one chemical responsive layer. The at least one chemical responsive layer has a varying effective spring constant which changes upon absorption or adsorption of the analyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: Stichting IMEC Nederland
    Inventors: Devrez Mehmet Karabacak, Koray Karakaya
  • Publication number: 20100000293
    Abstract: A gas sensor including: a gas sensing element including first and second ceramic layers. The first ceramic layer has a first through hole and a first through hole conductor covering an inner surface thereof The first ceramic layer includes a first conductor which includes: a first peripheral conductive portion electrically connected to the first through hole conductor; a first lead portion that is narrower than the first peripheral conductive portion; and a first contact conductive portion that is wider than the first lead portion. The first peripheral conductive portion, the first lead portion and the first contact conductive portion are integrally formed and arranged in this order in a longitudinal direction. The second ceramic layer includes a second conductor electrically connected to at least the first contact conductive portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi KAWAI, Kentaro MORI, Ryohei AOKI
  • Publication number: 20100000294
    Abstract: A method for determining pore structure characteristics of a filtration cartridge includes the steps of placing a porometry test location isolating device in sealing contact with the filtration cartridge at a desired test location, increasing the porometer test gas pressure until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring the flow rate of the test gas through the test location as a function of differential pressure, reducing the test gas pressure to atmospheric pressure, wetting the test location with a wetting liquid, increasing the test gas pressure again until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring differential gas pressure and gas flow rates through the test location, and converting the measured gas flow rates and differential pressures into through pore throat diameters, largest through pore throat diameter, mean flow through pore throat diameter, pore distribution, and gas permeability of the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: POROUS MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Krishna M. Gupta, Akshaya Jena
  • Publication number: 20100000295
    Abstract: A method for determining pore structure characteristics of a filtration cartridge includes the steps of placing a porometry test location isolating device in sealing contact with the filtration cartridge at a desired test location, increasing the porometer test gas pressure until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring the flow rate of the test gas through the test location as a function of differential pressure, reducing the test gas pressure to atmospheric pressure, wetting the test location with a wetting liquid, increasing the test gas pressure again until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring differential gas pressure and gas flow rates through the test location, and converting the measured gas flow rates and differential pressures into through pore throat diameters, largest through pore throat diameter, mean flow through pore throat diameter, pore distribution, and gas permeability of the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: POROUS MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Krishna M. Gupta, Akshaya Jena
  • Publication number: 20100000296
    Abstract: A method for determining pore structure characteristics of a filtration cartridge includes the steps of placing a porometry test location isolating device in sealing contact with the filtration cartridge at a desired test location, increasing the porometer test gas pressure until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring the flow rate of the test gas through the test location as a function of differential pressure, reducing the test gas pressure to atmospheric pressure, wetting the test location with a wetting liquid, increasing the test gas pressure again until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring differential gas pressure and gas flow rates through the test location, and converting the measured gas flow rates and differential pressures into through pore throat diameters, largest through pore throat diameter, mean flow through pore throat diameter, pore distribution, and gas permeability of the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: Porous Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Krishna M. Gupta, Akshaya Jena
  • Publication number: 20100000297
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining the integrity of an antenna system, including a controller, at least one valve operationally connected to the controller, a source of pressurized gas, at least one microwave antenna and a pressure sensor. The at least one microwave antenna is fluidly connected to the pressurized gas by way of the at least one valve. The pressure sensor is in communication with the controller. The pressure sensor senses the pressure of the pressurized gas. The controller is configured to check for a gas leak in the at least one microwave antenna by checking for a change in the pressure with the at least one valve being alternatively opened and closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Thaddeus M. Jones
  • Publication number: 20100000298
    Abstract: The method includes the following steps—introducing a low amplitude air pressure transient into the drainage and vent system of a building in order to propagate a pressure wave from a fitting (6) into a stack (1) and the network of the drainage system; —recording the passage of the transient by use of an air pressure transducer (7) located near the fitting (6) or introduction area of the transient; —establishing a pressure versus time signature recorded by the pressure transducer (7) and sending those signals to a central data acquisition system; —the pressure transient is propagated throughout the network at an acoustic velocity and is reflected by each and every pipe termination of the network so as to establish a characteristic reflection coefficient for each pipe termination; —the characteristic reflection coefficient is compared with testing results performed initially in a perfect network with no dry trap defects or leakages and in case a different signature is of the pressure trace is recorded, the poi
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: HERIOT WATT UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: John Swaffield, David Campbell, Lynne Jack, Michael Gormley
  • Publication number: 20100000299
    Abstract: The apparatus (1) comprises a sensor (3) having a sensor axis (A), for monitoring at least one property of a fluid; a body (2) for comprising said fluid; and a connecting system for detachably connecting said sensor to said body; wherein said connecting system comprises a fixing member (9) arranged at said body, rotatable around an axis (R) of rotation; and a retaining member (6) arranged at said sensor, interacting with said fixing member; wherein said axis of rotation is arranged substantially perpendicular to said sensor axis. The method is a method for detachably connecting a sensor (3) for monitoring at least one property of a fluid to a body (2) containing said fluid, said sensor having a sensor axis (A).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Heinrich Maurer
  • Publication number: 20100000300
    Abstract: Device for measuring physical and/or chemical parameters of water circulating in a treatment circuit of a leisure pool, which comprises: a main body (12) through which a measurement channel (13) passes; means (14a, 14b) for connecting the measurement channel (13) to the treatment circuit (8); at least two measurement sensors (18a, 18b) fitted to the main body in order to be in contact with the inside of the measurement channel (13); an acquisition unit (20) connected to the measurement sensors and comprising a self-contained electric power source (32) and wireless communication means (45) for communicating with a central unit (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: FIRSTINNOV
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Boutet, Omar Saaid