Patents Issued in June 8, 2010
  • Patent number: 7730730
    Abstract: A control method of a multi-air conditioner in which a plurality of indoor units is connected to one outdoor unit and refrigerant flow amount is adjusted by electronic expansion valves comprises a share step in which a plurality of indoor units exchanges their operation information, a comparison and judgment step in which each above indoor unit compares and judges its operation status based on the exchanged operation information, and an adjustment step in which each above indoor unit adjusts refrigerant flow amount supplied to each indoor unit based on the compared and judged operation status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Do Yong Ha, Ho Jong Jeong, Ki Bum Kim, Jin Ha Choi, Jae Sik Kang
  • Patent number: 7730731
    Abstract: A refrigeration system for controlling airflow around an air-cooled heat generating device includes a variable speed compressor. The refrigeration system also includes evaporators positioned along a refrigerant line in a serial configuration with respect to each other and are positioned directly in at least one of the path of airflow supplied into the heat generating components and the path of airflow exhausted from the heat generated components. The refrigeration system further includes a controller and at least one temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is configured to transmit signals related to the detected temperature to the controller, and the controller is configured to vary the speed of the variable speed compressor based upon the signals received from the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Cullen E. Bash, Abdlmonem Beitelmal, Ratnesh K. Sharma, Chandrakant D. Patel
  • Patent number: 7730732
    Abstract: A storing section stores data of a pull down cooling characteristic indicative of a time-varying mode of reduction in a target temperature drop. For example, when this is a linear function line, a target internal temperature drop degree takes a constant value, irrespective of an operating time. An actual temperature drop degree is computed on the basis of the detected internal temperature. The computed value is compared with a target value read from the storing section. When the computed value is less than the target value, a rotational speed of an inverter compressor is increased via an inverter circuit. When the computed value is larger than the target value, the rotational speed of the compressor is decreased. The speed increases and decreases are repeated so that pull down cooling is performed along the linear line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Kaga, Akihiko Hirano
  • Patent number: 7730733
    Abstract: An apparatus for summing capacities of outdoor units in a multiple air conditioner comprises self-capacity storage devices mounted in outdoor units, respectively, for storing self-capacities of the outdoor units and outputting the self-capacities of the outdoor units when necessary, an outdoor unit capacity summing part mounted in one outdoor unit of the outdoor units for receiving the capacities of the outdoor units outputted from the respective self-capacity storage devices to calculate the total capacity of all the outdoor units, and a control device for receiving the result of the calculation performed by the outdoor unit capacity summing part to control the operation of the multiple air conditioner. The possibility of incorrect input of the capacities of the outdoor units is eliminated, and therefore, more accurate control of the multiple air conditioner is accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ii Nahm Hwang, Si Kyong Sung, Young Min Park, Pil Hyun Yoon, Jin Ha Choi
  • Patent number: 7730734
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus of a fuel cell vehicle in which a cooling efficiency of a fuel cell cooling heat exchanger located downstream of an air conditioner external heat exchanger does not decrease. (1) In the cooling apparatus, the air conditioner external heat exchanger and the fuel cell cooling heat exchanger are partially offset from each other so that a high-temperature portion of the air conditioner external heat exchanger is not overlapped with the fuel cell cooling heat exchanger in a front view taken from a front side of the vehicle. (2) A portion of the fuel cell cooling heat exchanger extending beyond an end of the air conditioner exterior heat exchanger opposite the high-temperature portion is disposed outside a fan shroud so as to be cooled by a vehicle-running wind only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Hoshi, Susumu Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 7730735
    Abstract: The refrigerant service port valve for air conditioners has a valve body defining a main fluid conduit adapted for insertion into a coolant line using compression fittings at opposite ends of the conduit. A pedestal is mounted on the exterior conduit wall. The pedestal has a bore therethrough forming a lower service passage that enters the main fluid conduit, and an internally threaded blind bore parallel to the lower service passage. A slider is mounted on the pedestal, the slider having a male quick connect fitting defining an upper service passage. The upper service passage may be aligned with the lower service passage in an open position to service the system, or the slider may be moved to align the upper service passage with the blind bore to access a setscrew, which is raised partially into the upper service passage to lock the valve in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventors: Richard H. Maruya, George M. Whitmyre
  • Patent number: 7730736
    Abstract: A refrigerant circuit (40) is provided with two adsorption heat exchangers (56, 57) in addition to an outdoor heat exchanger (54) and an indoor heat exchanger (55). The indoor heat exchanger (55) and the two adsorption heat exchangers (56, 57) are disposed in an indoor unit (11), while the outdoor heat exchanger (54) is disposed in an outdoor unit (12). In the adsorption heat exchanger (56, 57) serving as an evaporator, moisture in the air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. In the adsorption heat exchanger (56, 57) serving as a condenser, moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent and then applied to the air. Then, the air dehumidified or humidified by the adsorption heat exchanger (56, 57) is supplied to a room to cope with latent heat load in the room. On the other hand, in the indoor heat exchanger (55), air is cooled or heated. Then, the air cooled or heated by the indoor heat exchanger (55) is supplied to the room to cope with sensible heat load in the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuki Matsui, Shuji Ikegami, Tomohiro Yabu
  • Patent number: 7730737
    Abstract: In a cooling station having lifter pins positioned within respective sockets, the lifter pins being positioned for translational movement within platform openings, the improvement comprising forming the lifter pins of aluminum or polymer. A cooling station comprising a cooling station body, a series of sockets affixed to the cooling station body a respective series of lifter pins comprised of aluminum or polymer affixed to the series of sockets, and an platform positioned on the cooling station body. The platform having respective openings positioned above the series of sockets and lifter pins for translational movement of the lifter pins into the platform openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Hsiang Fan, Te-Hsiang Liu, Chun-Kuang Liu
  • Patent number: 7730738
    Abstract: A cool air supply duct of a refrigerator includes a vertical duct unit installed in a freezing chamber or a refrigerating chamber of the refrigerator so that the length of the vertical duct unit can be adjusted in the vertical direction; and horizontal duct units installed on the vertical duct unit so that the length of the horizontal duct unit can be adjusted in the horizontal direction and provided with cool air discharge holes formed therethrough for discharging cool air. Since the cool air discharge holes are changed to positions desired by a user, the cool air supply duct cools a designated space of the freezing chamber or the refrigerating chamber of the refrigerator to a temperature lower or higher than those of other spaces, thus increasing convenience in using the cool air supply duct and improving the cooling efficiency of the cool air supply duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kyong Bae Park, Jang Seok Lee
  • Patent number: 7730739
    Abstract: A portable cooler having one or more ice sheets including built-in refrigerant cubes. The cooler comprises an outer fabric shell and one or more sets of spaced apart refrigerant cubes encapsulated in plastic to form ice sheets that are attached to the interior walls of the cooler. The walls of the cooler may also include one or more layers of thermal insulation. The ice sheets provide a visually pleasing appearance to the inside of the cooler suggestive of cooling effects. The ice sheets may be retained along the walls of the cooler by seams sewn along the lanes passing between the refrigerant cubes, by being retained in pockets formed by sidewall liners or by being secured into chambers defined by the cooler's outer walls and a plastic insert fitted into the cooler. The cooler may include a hinged top and bottom that can be folded flat for allowing the cooler to assume a compact configuration during storage or freezing of the refrigerant cubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Mark D. Fuchs
  • Patent number: 7730740
    Abstract: The cooling device for a pet carrier is a portable system for providing an ice-cooled surface on which a pet can rest. The cooling device includes a housing defining an open interior region therein, adapted for receiving a volume of ice. An opening is formed through an upper surface of the housing, and a lid is pivotally joined to the housing for selectively and releasably covering and sealing the opening. A plurality of apertures are formed through the lid, and a plurality of spikes are secured to a lower surface of the lid and project downwardly therefrom. When the volume of ice is received within the housing, the lid may be closed and the spikes evenly distribute the ice within the housing. The ice generates cooled air, which may be transmitted through the apertures to a pet resting on the upper surface of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph Keller
  • Patent number: 7730741
    Abstract: An outdoor heat exchanger (23), an indoor heat exchanger (24), a compression/expansion unit (30), and other circuit components are connected in a refrigerant circuit (20). The compression/expansion unit (30) includes a compression mechanism (50), an electric motor (45), and an expansion mechanism (60). In addition, the refrigerant circuit (20) has an injection pipeline (26). When an injection valve (27) is opened, a portion of high pressure refrigerant after heat dissipation flows into the injection pipeline (26) and is introduced into an expansion chamber (66) of the expansion mechanism (60) in the process of expansion. In the expansion mechanism (60), power is recovered from both high pressure refrigerant introduced into the expansion chamber (66) from an inflow port (34) and high pressure refrigerant introduced into the expansion chamber (66) from the injection pipeline (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Sakitani, Michio Moriwaki, Yume Inokuchi, Yoshinari Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7730742
    Abstract: A heat transfer device includes a tube with a first fluid inlet and outlet and is arranged to form a plurality of parallel elongated segments. An enclosure defines a second fluid flow path over an exterior surface of the tube from a second fluid inlet to a second fluid outlet. A wall in the enclosure defines a first section of the second fluid flow path, which first section leads from the second fluid inlet and extends across a first portion of a length of all of the elongated segments of the tube. The wall further defines a second section of the second fluid flow path in the enclosure, which second section extends across a second portion of the length of all of the elongated segments of the tube and leads to the second fluid outlet. The interior wall is shaped and arranged such that a cross sectional area of the second fluid flow path in the enclosure changes along its length from the second fluid inlet to the second fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Guolian Wu
  • Patent number: 7730743
    Abstract: A gem setting for gemstones includes a channel with walls having grooves for holding a portion of a gem girdle, such that when a gem having a crown is set into the channel, the upper portion of the groove extends over the crown of the gem. The upper part of the channel above the groove can be permanently bent or rolled over the crown of the gem to secure the gem in the ring channel. A method of setting a gem in the channel includes inserting the gem girdle in the grooves, without permanently bending the channel walls, until the gem is positioned within the channel such that if the gem and ring together are placed in an upside down position, the gem will not fall out of the channel. Next, the upper part of each channel is permanently bent over the crown of the gem, to thereby secure the gem in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Hoover & Strong, Inc.
    Inventors: Torrance D. Hoover, Paula Faulkner, Stephen D. Stickley, Frederick W. Klotz
  • Patent number: 7730744
    Abstract: A process for producing a high-quality glass from highly reactive raw materials and a glass-melting apparatus for use therewith, comprising the step of charging a material for the glass to a molten glass in a heated vessel, (1) wherein an oxidizing gas is bubbled in the molten glass and a glass raw material that behaves as a reducing agent during being melted is charged into a position of the bubbling or (2) said vessel is filled with a dry ambient gas and while the ambient gas is allowed to flow to a liquid surface of the molten glass along an charging route of the glass raw material, the glass raw material is charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Ogino, Jun Ichinose, Yasuko Katoh, Rieko Kudo
  • Patent number: 7730745
    Abstract: Process for combustion and vitrification of waste in which at least one oxygen plasma jet is associated with a continuous melting device by high frequency direct induction. The crucible is composed of a continuous external shell and a sole plate, both cooled by a liquid circulating in internal channels. The inductor is placed below the sole plate. There is a gravity drain valve at the bottom or on the side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Christophe Girold, Lionel Bruguiere, Roger Boen, Armand Bonnetier, Louis Bojat
  • Patent number: 7730746
    Abstract: Apparatus to eject on demand discrete hollow microsphere droplets that are characterized by a highly regular and predictable spherical shape, devoid of tails or other irregularities common in the prior art with a selected pure gas contained in the center. With this method and apparatus, droplets may be formed of any suitable material including glass, ceramic, plastic, or metal. A variety of gases at various pressures including complete vacuums may be contained in the hollow microsphere. Microspheres filled with ionizable gas may be used as pixels in a plasma display panel. Microspheres used as a pixel elements may be referred to as Plasma-spheres. The inside of each Plasma-sphere may contain a luminescent material such as a phosphor and/or a secondary electron emission material such as magnesium oxide or a rare earth oxide introduced during the gas filling of the microsphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Imaging Systems Technology
    Inventors: Thomas J. Pavliscak, Carol Ann Wedding
  • Patent number: 7730747
    Abstract: A method and device for vaporizing a liquid reactant. A vaporizing plate having a top surface defines a liquid flow channel, the channel being laterally delimited by edges having a height greater than a minimum thickness of liquid reactant required to generate vapor under film or nucleate boiling regime. A heating system is associated to the vaporizing plate for heating the liquid reactant over a minimum temperature required to generate vapor under nucleate or, preferably, film boiling regime. A cap covers the vaporizing plate to collect the vapor at a predetermined pressure and provided with a vapor exit and a liquid feeder feeds the liquid reactant onto the vaporizing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Prysmian Cavi E Sistemi Energia S.R.L.
    Inventors: Marco Galante, Marco Arimondi, Giacomo Stefano Roba, Ilenia Santi
  • Patent number: 7730748
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a collimator assembly is provided. The method includes placing a first core element within a first center collimator path of a first collimator tube to create a first base-tube couple. A couple cross-section of the first base-tube couple is reduced such that the first base-tube couple becomes a first single-fiber fiber. The first single-fiber fiber is assembled into a collimator group. The first core element is dissolved such that a first hollow fiber is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Jiang Haochuan
  • Patent number: 7730749
    Abstract: Door on a laundry dryer/drum type washing machine including a door frame having a central opening, for opening/closing an opening in a front part of a cabinet for introduction/taking out of laundry, an outer window fixed to a front surface of the door frame, and an inner window fixed to a rear surface of the door frame, wherein the door frame has a front surface curved in left/right directions, and the outer window is curved the same with the door frame, thereby providing a good design of a door and improving washing and drying performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ju Hwan Yun, Seong Hai Jeong, Soon Jo Lee
  • Patent number: 7730750
    Abstract: A securing system and method including an article holder portion having at least two separable portions; a mount portion adapted for carrying at least one of the separable portions of the holder portion; and optionally at least one sensor for monitoring the article and providing an output signal indicative of article tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Hugh Victor
  • Patent number: 7730751
    Abstract: A lock device for use with a key is disclosed. The lock device includes a locking spindle including a plurality of locking spindle bores and a passage extending axially along an axial length of the locking spindle, and a driver structure including a plurality of driver structure bores. An interface between the driver structure and the locking spindle forms a shear line. The lock device also includes a plurality of combination pins in the plurality of locking spindle bores, and a plurality of driver pins in the driver structure bores in the driver structure, the plurality of driver pins being respectively associated with the plurality of combination pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: ACCO Brands USA LLC
    Inventors: Guillermo Andres, Lambert Kuo
  • Patent number: 7730752
    Abstract: A theft prevention apparatus for a leisure vehicle including a portable device, a lock device, a lock operation stopper member, a pull-out operation stopper member, a lock operation restricting actuator, a pull-out operation restricting actuator, and a controller including a memory, a receiver, and a processing unit configured to control the lock operation restricting actuator to cause a lock operation stopper member to be moved from the position where a protruded operation and a retracted operation of a lock bar are disabled to the position where the protruded operation and the retracted operation are enabled and to control the pull-out operation restricting actuator to cause a pull-out operation stopper member to be moved from the position where a pull-out operation of the mechanical key is disabled to the position where the pull-out operation of the mechanical key is enabled, when the user identification codes match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideto Yoshitake, Tomoyuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7730753
    Abstract: The hot stretch forming of sheet metal alloys, such as highly deformable aluminum alloy materials, is improved by using a lubricant comprising bismuth between the forming tool and the engaged surface of the sheet metal. A precursor of bismuth, such as bismuth subsalicylate, may be dispersed in a liquid and applied to the sheet metal before the sheet is heated to its forming temperature. Other lubricants such as boron nitride may be combined with the bismuth precursor. The precursor compound is decomposed to bismuth (or bismuth and carbon in the case of bismuth subsalicylate) which lubricates contact between the surface(s) of the sheet and the forming tool during forming and removal of the formed part from the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Krajewski, Yang T. Cheng
  • Patent number: 7730754
    Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for manufacturing a spiral duct in which straight connection parts are integrally formed with both ends of a curved duct. Further provided are an apparatus and method for manufacturing a spiral duct capable of improving cutting quality of a metal band and precisely and securely coupling bent parts of edges of the metal band. The apparatus comprises a cutting roll to cut a metal band into two parts, the cutting roll having a horizontal rotation angle that can be varied to cut along a straight or a waved line in order to form a duct having straight and curved parts, and in order to adjust a diameter of the duct. In addition, the apparatus includes rolls for forming bent parts at edges of the cut metal bands, and for winding and seaming edges of the metal bands to form ducts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Jinwoong Technology
    Inventors: Kyu-Seok Cha, Seok Heo
  • Patent number: 7730755
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of producing a permanent magnet, which includes extruding a preform to form a plate-shaped permanent magnet, in which the preform is extruded in such a way that a dimension of a cross section of the preform is reduced in an X-direction and enlarged in a Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction. The present invention also relates to a plate-shaped permanent magnet formed by extruding a preform, in which the preform is extruded in such a way that a dimension of a cross section of the preform is reduced in an X-direction and enlarged in a Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction, whereby the permanent magnet has a strain ratio ?2/?1 with respect to the preform in a range of 0.2 to 3.5, in which ?1 is a strain in the direction of the extrusion of the preform and ?2 is a strain in the Y-direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Daido Tokushuko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Junichi Esaki, Hiroaki Yoshida, Sachihiro Isogawa
  • Patent number: 7730756
    Abstract: A system and method for reconfiguring an airfoil of a turbine vane segment. In at least one embodiment, the system may be used to straighten an airfoil of a turbine vane segment to remove lean, twist, or racking, or any combination thereof. The airfoil may be straightened by applying a load to an inner shroud in a direction that is generally tangential to an outer shroud of the turbine vane segment. Orifices may be cut into the airfoil suction side, inboard of the outer shroud, to facilitate the straightening process. The orifices may be sealed upon completion of the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignees: Siemens Energy, Inc., Chromalloy Gas Turbine LLC
    Inventors: Martin C. Gosling, Jefferson Davis, Yong Kang
  • Patent number: 7730757
    Abstract: A guided keeper assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a base having a flat mounting face and at least one marginal fastener aperture to detachably mount the base to an associated die shoe, as well as a central guide aperture. The assembly also includes a guide pin having a central portion closely received in the central guide aperture of the base for precisely guiding reciprocal motion between the die pad and an associated die shoe. The guide pin has an enlarged head at a first end thereof which abuts the mounting face of the base to positively limit travel between the die shoe and the die pad, and a shoulder at the opposite or second end thereof with an alignment mechanism that precisely locates the second end of the guide pin on the die pad. A first fastener extends through the marginal fastener aperture in the base to securely, yet detachably, connect the same with the die shoe. A second fastener securely, yet detachably, connects the second end of the guide pin with the die pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Standard Lifters, LLC
    Inventors: Joel T. Pyper, Scott M. Breen, Gordon L. Chaisson, Jeremie J. Yoder, Theodore A. McIntyre
  • Patent number: 7730758
    Abstract: An apparatus straightens vehicular structure, and comprises a U-shaped main frame, a pair of lift tower assemblies, and a pull tower assembly. The length of the main frame comprises spaced attachment structure for attaching the pull tower assembly. The lift tower assemblies are fastened to the main frame intermediate its length and function to fix the position of the vehicle relative to the main frame. The pull tower assembly is attachable to the main frame at a select attachment site and a tension member is attached to adjacent select vehicular structure. Thereafter tension may be applied to the select vehicular structure based from the attachment site to the main frame. Multiple tower assemblies may work in tandem with one another peripherally to the vehicle; a rear frame member may close the open end of the main frame; and vehicle support cross members may be included to support the framed vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: George D. Smith
  • Patent number: 7730759
    Abstract: For calibrating a humidity sensor, the latter is used to measure the relative humidity (U1, U2) at each of two known gas pressure values (P1, P2), likewise to be measured if necessary. At the same time, other ambient conditions are kept constant. A correction value for correction of the measured values of the humidity sensor to be subtracted from the latter is then obtained from the formula: k=((P1/P2)*U2?U1)/(P1/P2?1). The humidity sensor is thus capable of calibration without measurement of the actual humidity value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Testo AG
    Inventors: Martin Rombach, Markus Langenbacher
  • Patent number: 7730760
    Abstract: A method for checking proper functioning of a fill-level measuring device working according to the travel time principle. For this purpose, in predetermined or selectable time intervals (ta), a current measured value curve at a current fill level (hactual) is ascertained; on the basis of the current measured value curve, a current wanted echo signal is determined. Subsequently, on the basis of the current wanted echo signal, an expected value (E) for quality of a wanted echo signal at least one predetermined fill level (hdesired) is ascertained. The ascertained expected value (E) for quality of the wanted echo signal at the predetermined fill level (hdesired) is compared with a predetermined critical value for quality, and an error condition is diagnosed, when the ascertained expected value falls below the critical value for quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Herbert Schroth, Andreas Mayr, Manfred Hammer
  • Patent number: 7730761
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing stress on a surface, comprising one or more service assembly and one or more cleaning assembly. The service assembly comprises one or more means for applying dirt to said surface, or one or more means for scuffing said surface, or one or more means for dragging a test material across said surface, or a combination thereof. The cleaning assembly comprises one or more scrubber, or one or more burnisher, or a combination thereof. Also provided is a method of testing a surface with such an apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventors: Walter Jay Gregory, Nilesh Shah, Theodore Tysak
  • Patent number: 7730762
    Abstract: Provided is a device for testing an isolation structure comprising an isolation layer having an upper beam, a lower beam and a top beam plate, along with an upper portion, the device comprising a plurality of upper corbels, a plurality of lower corbels, a plurality of hoisting jacks, a plurality of acceleration sensors, a plurality of displacement sensors, an acceleration collecting analyzer and a displacement collecting analyzer. A method for testing an isolation structure is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Chang Xia
  • Patent number: 7730763
    Abstract: An apparatus that corrects a weight imbalance around an axis of a spindle motor that rotates a disc in a disc drive includes an impact applicator that applies an impact to a housing that houses the spindle motor and the disc, a plate that supports the housing and impact applicator, a spring member that supports the plate, and enables the plate and the housing to vibrate together when the spindle motor rotates, and a detector that detects a vibration of the housing when the spindle motor rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Toshiba Storage Device Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Kohei, Nobuyoshi Nakayama, Shigeyuki Kotake, Keiji Aruga
  • Patent number: 7730764
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Eiichi Tachibana, Shinya Mukai
  • Patent number: 7730765
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) includes a thermocouple, a first nozzle configured to direct heat from combustion of a first gas, liquid, or combination thereof to the thermocouple, a second nozzle configured to direct heat from combustion of a second gas, liquid, or combination thereof to the thermocouple, and a first igniter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: David Deng
  • Patent number: 7730766
    Abstract: A gas viscosity sensor comprises a signal processing circuit and a sensor element, including a gas pressure generating system and a differential pressure measuring system in fluid communication therewith, the differential pressure measuring system comprising a measuring chamber (14) bounded by a thin membrane (28), an inlet-outlet channel or orifice interconnecting the measuring chamber to a source of gas for which the viscosity is to be determined, the inlet-outlet channel or orifice having dimensions adapted to provide resistance to the outflow and inflow of gas in the measuring chamber, and a membrane displacement sensor (32) adapted to measure a time dependent displacement of the membrane due to pressure variations in the measuring cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne
    Inventors: Peter Ryser, Sigfrid Straessler
  • Patent number: 7730767
    Abstract: The invention discloses a micro-sensor for sensing a chemical substance. The micro-sensor according to the invention includes a substrate, a micro-cantilever, an electrode structure, and a measuring device. The micro-cantilever is formed on the substrate and has a capturing surface for capturing chemical substances. The electrode structure is for supplying an electrical field. The electrical field is disposed so as to assist the capturing surface in capturing chemical substances. The measuring device, coupled to the micro-cantilever, is for measuring a variation on a mechanical property of the micro-cantilever induced by the captured chemical substance and interpreting the variation on the mechanical property of the micro-cantilever into information relative to the chemical substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventors: Long Sun Huang, Chih-Kung Lee, Shih-Yuan Lee, Kuang-Chong Wu, Yi Kuang Yen
  • Patent number: 7730768
    Abstract: A system for detecting leaks in vehicles comprises memory, a plurality of transducers, at least one sensor, an input device, and logic. The memory stores a plurality of transmit profiles. The transducers are disposed in a vehicle and configured to emit acoustic energy. The sensor is disposed outside of a vehicle and configured to sense the acoustic energy emitted by the transducers, and the input device is configured to receive a vehicle identifier identifying the vehicle. The logic is configured to select one of the transmit profiles for the transducers based on the vehicle identifier and to cause the transducers to emit the acoustic energy according to the selected transmit profile. The logic is further configured to detect at least one leak in the vehicle based on sample values indicative of the acoustic energy sensed by the at least one sensor and to provide an indication of the detected leak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: QST Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Farrell
  • Patent number: 7730769
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a viscometer for measurements of both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. In one embodiment, the viscometer comprises (i) a storage reservoir to store a test fluid, (ii) at least one drain tube assembly comprising a capillary drain tube, (iii) a collector for collecting said test fluid, and (iv) a detector. In addition, its novel viscosity equations suitable for the described viscometers are provided and illustrated for the application to Newtonian fluids and non-Newtonian fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventors: Kyung C. Kwon, Nader Vahdat, Tamara M. Floyd-Smith, Legand L. Burge, Jr., Paul Jones
  • Patent number: 7730770
    Abstract: A scanning probe microscope scans the surface of a sample while making a cantilever to which an exploratory needle is attached oscillate near its resonance point, and collects information on the surface of the sample based on the change of oscillation due to the interaction between the surface of the sample and the exploratory needle. The scanning probe microscope includes a plurality of oscillators attached to the cantilever for oscillating the cantilever, and an oscillator drive device connected to the oscillators for selectively applying an alternating voltage for excitation to the plurality of oscillators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Ito, Masahiro Ota
  • Patent number: 7730771
    Abstract: A device for detecting the combustion-chamber pressure in an internal combustion engine is configured in such a way that the combustion-chamber pressure is able to be detected in a reliable and reproducible manner. To this end, a heating pin exposed to the combustion-chamber pressure is fixed in place in a housing of the glow plug with the aid of a fixation member. A sensor is affixed in the housing of the glow plug via a fixation element set apart from this fixation member. This sensor detects the elastic longitudinal expansion of the housing caused by the combustion-chamber pressure between the end of the fixation member facing the sensor and the fixation point of the fixation element on the housing. This device is preferably utilized in the automotive industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Ludwig, Christoph Kern
  • Patent number: 7730772
    Abstract: A wireless and batteryless pressure sensor apparatus comprises of a SAW sensor and an antenna mounted on a printed circuit board. Optionally, and RFID tag in used in combination with the SAW sensor. A sensor antenna and a RFID antenna can be located on the printed circuit board such that the antennas communicate electrically with the sensor and the RFID device. The sensor can be interrogated utilizing a radio frequency, which is used to excite a SAW crystal inside the sensor. The interrogation signal causes the SAW to resonate wherein a resonant frequency changes with the pressure and temperature that is applied to the sensor. An interrogator can receive a return (echo) signal representing a change in SAW sensor properties (e.g., diaphragm change). A printed circuit board can be mounted on a stainless steel port and overpackaged with standard processes for hermetically sealing the sensor, or sensor and RFID device with at least one antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Cook, Brian J. Marsh, Mohammed A J Qasimi, Daniel Dixon, Sachin Kumar
  • Patent number: 7730773
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a continuous wave (CW) signal including a demodulator demodulating a received CW signal and providing a demodulated signal, an edge detector for detecting an edge of the demodulated signal and thereby, detecting the CW signal and a switchable short-circuit of the demodulator, edges being formed in the demodulated signal when the demodulator is temporarily short-circuited during receipt of the CW signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignees: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Dino Bortolin
  • Patent number: 7730774
    Abstract: Tracking fluid displacement along a wellbore using real time temperature measurements. A method of tracking fluid displacement along a wellbore includes the steps of: monitoring temperature in real time in the wellbore; and observing in real time a variation in temperature gradient between fluid compositions in the wellbore. Another method of tracking fluid displacement along a wellbore includes the steps of: monitoring temperature along the wellbore; and observing a variation in temperature gradient due to a chemical reaction in the wellbore. Another method includes the step of causing a variation in temperature gradient in the fluid while the fluid flows in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard Glasbergen, Diederik van Batenburg, Mary Van Domeien, David O. Johnson, Jose Sierra, David Ewert, James Haney
  • Patent number: 7730775
    Abstract: A transplanar liquid transport tester for fabrics, comprising a liquid reservoir; a liquid-permeable support member having a first surface for supporting a fabric test sample, and a second surface for interfacing with liquid in the liquid reservoir; and means for maintaining a constant hydrostatic pressure in the liquid reservoir at the second surface of the support member for replenishing liquid through the support member to the first surface during testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Jintu Fan, Xiaoming Qian
  • Patent number: 7730776
    Abstract: An anemometer assembly for sensing and transmitting wind speed and wind direction data. The wind sensor measures relative wind direction and wind speed without the use of moving parts and consumes very little power making it suitable for unattended operation. The main wind sensing member is an elongated vertical member that can be used as radio antenna. The data can be transmitted from a remote location and thus relay data to a central collection repository or network location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Cornett, Robert Charles Becker, Jerome Paul Drexler
  • Patent number: 7730777
    Abstract: A simply structured flowmeter in which an influence of a dilatational wave on a thermal flow rate sensor is suppressed, and measurement accuracy is enhanced. The flowmeter has not only the thermal flow rate sensor that is placed to face a flow channel and detects a flow rate of fluid flowing through the flow channel but also a micro path (for example, narrow pipe) that is provided to the flow channel and blocks a dilatational wave created in the flow channel from being transmitted to the thermal flow rate sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Yamatake Corporation
    Inventors: Masanori Anzai, Shoji Kamiunten
  • Patent number: 7730778
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filling level and/or limit level measuring device having a transmitting and/or receiving device (2) for producing an oscillation or for receiving an oscillation and furnishing a corresponding reception signal, an oscillating element (11) that is coupled to the transmitting and/or receiving device, and a flexible connecting piece (8) that is situated in an area between the transmitting and/or receiving device (2) and the oscillating element (11), wherein the flexible connecting piece (8) is made of a hose-shaped and metallic element (14) or has a hose-shaped metallic element (14) in its longitudinal extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Vega Grieshaber KG
    Inventor: Gerd Ohmayer
  • Patent number: 7730779
    Abstract: A multiphase-liquid level sensing system for sensing a layer depth and thickness of a liquid of a first phase that floats on a liquid of a different second phase includes an elongated stem that defines an elongated cavity. A float, which exhibits a sensible property, is disposed coaxially around the elongated stem and has negative buoyancy relative to the liquid of the first phase and positive buoyancy relative to the liquid of the second phase. A level sensor senses the sensible property and indicates a second phase liquid distance from the float to the bottom of the stem. An overburden sensor extends downwardly from the stem senses total liquid thickness of the liquid above the overburden sensor. A computational circuit calculates a layer depth and thickness of the liquid of the first phase, based on input from the level sensor and the overburden sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Basavaraj Mahadevaiah