Patents Issued in June 15, 2010
  • Patent number: 7735335
    Abstract: A complex fluid machine has an expansion-compressor device, a pump, and a motor generator. The expansion-compressor device, the pump, and the motor generator are operatively connected and arranged in series. A portion of an outlet side passage formed in the fluid machine, through which the working fluid flows from the expansion device, is arranged adjacent to a portion of a pump outlet-side passage formed in the fluid machine, through which the working fluid flows from the pump, so that heat of the working fluid in the outlet side passage is transferred to the working fluid in the pump outlet-side passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Keiichi Uno, Hironori Asa, Yasuhiro Takeuchi, Hiroshi Kishita, Kazuhide Uchida, Hiroshi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 7735336
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for jewelry, purses and other accessories is provided. The locking mechanism comprises first and second magnetically attracted surfaces and a collar. The second magnetically attracted surface is adapted for magnetic coupling to the first magnetically attracted surface. The collar is hingeably coupled to either the first or second magnetically attracted surfaces and is operable between an open position and a closed position. When the first and second magnetically attracted surface are magnetically coupled one to the other, and the collar is in the closed position, at least a portion of the collar surrounds a perimeter of the first and second magnetically attracted surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Clara Belle Collections, LLC
    Inventor: Clara R. Williams
  • Patent number: 7735337
    Abstract: An arcuate-shaped ring guard for use in combination with a circular finger ring for reducing the interior circumference of the finger ring. The arcuate-shaped ring guard includes an arcuate ring reducer member being substantially crescent shaped. The ring reducer member includes an outer curved perimeter wall surface, and an interior wall surface, and opposing side wall surfaces for forming the ring reducer member. The arcuate-shaped ring guard further includes a pair of offset adjustable flange members that are attached to each of the opposing side wall surfaces of the ring reducer member in a spaced-apart and in an offset manner. Each of the offset adjustable flange members includes a first end and a second end. Each of the second ends of the offset adjustable flange members are placed adjacent to and in contact with the exterior band surface of the finger ring and are wrapped around the exterior band surface of the finger ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: John Nanasi
  • Patent number: 7735338
    Abstract: The method of making thin glass panes includes conveying a glass melt through a vertical inlet to a drawing tank with a slit nozzle; drawing a glass ribbon downward from the slit nozzle; setting a total throughput by setting length and cross section of the inlet and by heating and cooling the inlet to control glass melt viscosity so that pressure in the inlet decreases; and setting a throughput per unit of length in a lateral direction along the glass ribbon via nozzle system geometry and by heating and cooling of the drawing tank and slit nozzle to control melt viscosity, so that glass does not wet an underside of the slit nozzle near a breaking edge. The setting of the total throughput and the throughput per unit length are largely decoupled to simplify process control. An inventive apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Schott AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Mueller, Horst Loch, Dirk Sprenger, Jose Zimmer, Holger Wegener
  • Patent number: 7735339
    Abstract: An apparatus for working a glass plate includes: a transporting device for bending a glass plate in a concave shape in a cross-sectional view in a transporting direction and transporting the glass plate from a cutting section to a bend-breaking section; a cutting device for forming cut lines on the glass plate in the cutting section; and a bend-breaking device for bend-breaking the glass plate in the bend-breaking section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Bando Kiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Bando
  • Patent number: 7735340
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method of reducing contamination of a glass melt by oxide particulates, such as particulates of platinum oxide, which may condense on the inside surfaces of a stir chamber, particularly the stir shaft, and fall back into the glass melt. The method includes causing a flow of gas through an annular space between the shaft and the chamber cover. In one embodiment, the flow of gas through the annular space is caused by drawing a vacuum in the chamber. An apparatus for practicing the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven R Burdette, Raymond E Fraley, Steven R Wagner
  • Patent number: 7735341
    Abstract: A system for making clipped thermoplastic yarns or filaments, such as chipped glass yarns, including at least a die co-operating with at least a cutting machine located in extension of each other. A mechanism sizes the yarns and/or filaments coming from the die. The system further includes at least one return mechanism and a floor. Further, a mechanism displaces and positions the cutting machine in at least two positions, the first position being beneath the floor and the second position being above the floor. A first opening is provided in the floor through which the cutting machine is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: OCV Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Dominique Font, Henri Prevosto, Laurent Berthelon
  • Patent number: 7735342
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming an unbalanced, circular knit fabric for coating in a subsequent operation, the apparatus comprising: a circular knitting station; and a thermal relaxation station downstream from the circular knitting station for relaxing the fabric in all directions. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a slitting station downstream from the circular knitting station. Also in the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a thermal finishing station downstream from the thermal relaxation station for setting the desired width of the fabric thereby also setting the desired stretch of the fabric in its length direction. A coated fabric, the coated fabric comprising a circular knitted, single knit fabric substrate, wherein the stretch of the fabric in the wale direction is greater than the stretch of the fabric in the course direction. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the coated fabric further includes an outer coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Highland Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger A. Bailey
  • Patent number: 7735343
    Abstract: A sealing head for machines for the thermal treatment of filaments, includes a frame (1) fixed to a pressurized chamber traversed by a conveyor belt, a pair of superposed horizontal rollers (2 and 3), which are pressed against opposite surfaces of the conveyor belt, and sealing elements (4 and 5) to form a sealed closure between the rollers (2 and 3) and the frame (1). The sealing elements (4 and 5) to form a sealed closure between the rollers (2 and 3) and the frame (1) are each provided with integrated lubricating elements (4?, 5?), under pressure or by capillarity. The invention is more particularly applicable to the field of the textile industry, in particular the treatment of filaments by thermal treatment machines presently called thermofixation machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Superba (SAS)
    Inventors: Antoine Chochol, Hubert Liebmann
  • Patent number: 7735344
    Abstract: A drum type washing machine includes a rotary drum having an approximately horizontal or slanted rotational axis; an outer tub for accommodating the rotary drum therein; a driving motor for rotating the rotary drum; a detergent case for accommodating detergent therein; a first water supply unit for supplying water into the outer tub via the detergent case; a second water supply unit for supplying water into the rotary drum through a front opening thereof; and a controller for controlling operations of the driving motor and the first and the second water supply unit to execute a washing process during which water is supplied first up to a first water level, and the rotary drum is rotated at a first rotational speed for a time period, and then water is supplied up to a second water level, the first water level being lower than the second water level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yuko Omura, Hiroyuki Fujii, Kenji Terai, Hiroko Minayoshi
  • Patent number: 7735345
    Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance comprises a cabinet; a laundry treatment chamber located in the cabinet for receiving fabric; an automatic laundry processing system in the cabinet for providing at least one of mechanical energy, thermal energy, and chemical energy to the fabric in the laundry treatment chamber to perform a laundry treatment process; and a manual treatment system incorporated into the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Tremitchell Wright, Karl D. McAllister, Donald M. Tomasi, Janice M. Kaeding, Alexander V. Minkin, Kristina K Underly, Gary J. Irving, Fredrick E. Chernetski, Vicki Lyn Wyatt, Thomas E. Kubash
  • Patent number: 7735346
    Abstract: A door of a drum-type washing machine, a method of manufacturing a door having hairlines for the drum-type washing machine, and a method of manufacturing a hairline sheet for the door are disclosed herein. The door of the drum-type washing machine comprises a door frame hingeably provided to a front surface of the drum-type washing machine, and a door glass provided to a central hole opened through the door frame. The door frame is provided on the front surface thereof with a multiple ring-shaped hairline sheet. The door frame is reinforced by means of the hairline sheet, and enhanced in an overall aesthetic appearance of the door. The hairline sheet can be conveniently replaced with a new one, if necessary, so that, when the surface of the door is severely damaged or contaminated, these can be overcome by replacing the damaged or contaminated hairline sheet with the new one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Young Hoon Ha, Bo Yoen Kim, Jong Seog Gim, Ji Chang Son
  • Patent number: 7735347
    Abstract: An ignition switch device is provided with a switch having a key hole allowing a regular ignition key K to be inserted thereinto, and capable of being rotationally operated in a predetermined direction with the ignition key K inserted to start and stop an engine of an industrial machine, a case covering the switch and formed with an insertion hole allowing the key hole to face the outside, and a main guide shape composed of a groove having a V-shaped cross-section, which is formed on the surface of the case, and extending toward the insertion hole to allow the tip Ka of the ignition key K to be guided to the key hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignees: Asahi Denso Co., Ltd., Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiko Tsuchikiri, Takehiro Sakai, Masaki Ueda, Keisuke Miura, Hiroshi Kawanami, Ikuhiro Uotani, Yoshiaki Miyahara, Tadayoshi Umemoto
  • Patent number: 7735348
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a bending press for bending the boundary edge of a planar sheet for shaping into an open seam tube, with an upper tool shaped to correspond to the bend radius to be achieved and an opposed lower tool which may be displaced vertically, between which the boundary edges of the sheet which is clamped in place in the press frame may be bent into the desired boundary contour. The lower tool is provided with a straight working surface and mounted to pivot about a rotational axis whereby the pivot range is at least so large that a permanent planar contact between the working surface of the lower tool and the bottom face of the boundary edge is possible during the bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Euroipe GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Sawitzki, Johannes Gross-Weege, Wolfgang Hartjenstein, Ludwig Oesterlein, Manfred Lenuck
  • Patent number: 7735349
    Abstract: A calibration apparatus includes a motion assembly, which is arranged to move an imaging probe through a calibration point having known coordinates. The imaging probe includes an ultrasound transducer and a position sensor for acquiring concurrently a first sequence of ultrasound images and a second sequence of position measurements. The apparatus further includes a marking circuit, which is arranged to mark an ultrasound image that is acquired by the ultrasound transducer in the first sequence when the imaging probe is at the calibration point. A processor is arranged to calibrate a time offset between the first and second sequences by associating the marked ultrasound image in the first sequence with a position measurement in the second sequence whose coordinates match the coordinates of the calibration point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Biosense Websters, Inc.
    Inventor: Moshe Hochmitz
  • Patent number: 7735350
    Abstract: Determining shot peening intensity by affixing a Almen test strip to a shot peening surface, removing the peened strip from the shot peening surface, measuring an arc height of the shot peened strip, and determining peening intensity on the surface from the measured arc height. The strip may be affixed with an adhesive such as rubber cement and may be a sub-size strip cut from a full size Almen strip. The arc heights of the sub-size strip may be correlated to arc heights of the standard strips. A sub-size strip may be affixed to and a full size standard strip may be mounted on a peening surface of a block and be simultaneously shot peened. Arc heights may be measured on a gage having support means for holding both strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Peter Gregory Bailey, Gerard Gilmary Burns
  • Patent number: 7735351
    Abstract: A system measures an amount of wear in athletic footwear by measuring the amount of shock transmitted to a user. The measured shock is used to indicate an amount of how much cushioning has been lost by the footwear. The amount of wear is proportional to the loss of cushioning and an increase in transmitted shock to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: MEMSIC, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Profit, Gary O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7735352
    Abstract: A portable multi-dimensional gas chromatograph, the gas chromatograph including a carrier gas container, a regulator fluidly connected to the carrier gas container, a dopant chamber containing a reference chemical, at least one pre-concentrator which is fluidly connected to the regulator and the dopant chamber, a first separation column fluidly connected to the at least one pre-concentrator, a second separation column fluidly connected to the at least one pre-concentrator, a first detector fluidly connected to the first separation column, and a second detector fluidly connected to the second separation column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Sheena Alm, James Bentley, John Blankevoort, Mark Kaspersen, Collin Lewis, Derek Maxwell, Ken Wunner
  • Patent number: 7735353
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for imparting oscillatory motion on a test sample is disclosed in which oscillators, preferably in tubular form, are surrounded by housings. An actuator causes deforming of the housings, and the deforming movement is linked to the oscillators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Rudolph Research Analytical
    Inventor: Jeff Wagner
  • Patent number: 7735354
    Abstract: A liquid-condition detection sensor (1) including a sensor element (51), at least a portion of which contacts a urea aqueous solution; connection terminals (52) fixedly attached to the sensor element (51); connection cables (53) which electrically communicate with the concentration sensor element (51) via the connection terminals (52); an inner tube (42) which holds the concentration sensor element (51) at a distal end portion (421) by use of a holder member (55) and surrounds a portion of the connection cables (53) and the entire connection terminals (52); and a separator formed from a material having rubberlike elasticity (54) including a terminal-inner-tube-insulating portion (542) which intervenes between the connection terminals (52) and the inner tube (42) to thereby insulate the connection terminals (52) and the inner rube (42) from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Yamamoto, Takeo Sasanuma, Yoshikuni Sato
  • Patent number: 7735355
    Abstract: A measuring instrument for gravimetric moisture determination of a sample has a radiator, a weighing cell, and a sample receiver which can be connected to the weighing cell. The sample receiver allows the sample to be placed on or removed from the sample receiver. The radiator is positioned either above or below the sample, or both above and below, relative to the load direction of the weighing cell. A rotatably mounted heat conductor whose axis of rotation is orthogonal to the plane in which the sample or the sample receiver extends is positioned between the radiator and the sample. The heat conductor absorbs at least part of the radiation that impinges upon it and releases the absorbed radiation to the sample through at least one radiation-releasing surface. Through its ability to rotate, the heat conductor irradiates the entire sample surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Paul LĂĽchinger
  • Patent number: 7735356
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus of submergence aggregate according to the present invention comprising a stock bin for storing fine aggregate, a fine aggregate feed hopper placed under the stock bin, a vibrating feeder placed under a discharge opening of the fine aggregate feed hopper, a screen device placed in the vicinity of an exit of the vibrating feeder, a measurement tank placed under the screen device, an electrode-type displacement sensor as means for measuring a water level placed above the measurement tank, and load cells as mass measuring means for measuring a mass of the measurement tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Obayashi Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Sogo, Ryuichi Chikamatsu, Koji Watanabe, Hisayoshi Kikkawa
  • Patent number: 7735357
    Abstract: An SPM cantilever of the present invention including: a support portion (1) fabricated by processing a single crystal silicon wafer; a lever portion (2) formed in a manner extended from the support portion; a probe (3) disposed at a free end side of the lever portion; a coating of graphite film (5) covering all over the side on which the probe is formed and the entire probe; and a piece of thin line (6) consisting of a carbon nanofiber (CNF) or carbon nanotube (CNT) or graphite nanofiber (GNF) grown/formed from the graphite film at a probe terminal end portion (3a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Kitazawa, Ryo Ota, Masaki Tanemura
  • Patent number: 7735358
    Abstract: The present invention provides a self-sensing tweezer device for micro and nano-scale manipulation, assembly, and surface modification, including: one or more elongated beams disposed in a first configuration; one or more oscillators coupled to the one or more elongated beams, wherein the one or more oscillators are operable for selectively oscillating the one or more elongated beams to form one or more “virtual” probe tips; and an actuator coupled to the one or more elongated beams, wherein the actuator is operable for selectively actuating the one or more elongated beams from the first configuration to a second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Insitutec, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcin B. Bauza, Shane C. Woody, Stuart T. Smith
  • Patent number: 7735359
    Abstract: A process quantity measurement method with which an engine output is accurately measured in a relatively simple manner. Torque of an engine is measured based on the amount of torsion of the output shaft of the engine, and an engine output is obtained based on the measured torque. On the other hand, an engine output is calculated based on input and output heat quantity, and a difference between the engine output based on the torque and the engine output based on the input and output heat quantity is obtained in advance. When the engine is operated, the previously obtained difference is added to the engine output that is based on the calculated input and output heat quantity to obtain the engine output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: The Tokyo Electric Power Company, Incorporated
    Inventors: Shuichi Umezawa, Junichi Okada
  • Patent number: 7735360
    Abstract: Method for determining the reversal of the direction of engine rotation for internal combustion engines having a crankshaft fitted with a target wheel having teeth, one of which is a long tooth, with a unidirectional crankshaft position sensor delivering a signal used for counting teeth and with an engine management device including a processor and a model of the engine behavior in a stalling phase, including: recording the signal and measuring each time difference between two successive edges of the signal, calculating, on the basis of the model, the time variation of the engine position from the time differences between the edges of the signal, and estimating the stopped position of the engine, wherein the model is a second-order polynomial function of time, and the position of reversal of the direction of rotation is estimated from the calculation of the peak position of this second-order polynomial function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive France
    Inventors: Vincent Dian, Valérie Gouzenne, Pierre Zouboff
  • Patent number: 7735361
    Abstract: A test apparatus serves to test cam-driven fuel injection systems. The apparatus includes a camshaft which can act on a piston of the fuel injection system at least indirectly via a lever. It is proposed that the lever have a multiplicity of fastening positions for an actuating element which can act on the piston and that the fastening positions be disposed at different distances from a pivot axis of the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Reinhard Hoss
  • Patent number: 7735362
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing a fluid includes sensing a property of the fluid and the temperature of the fluid at the time the property is sensed, then determining the status of the fluid from the sensing. The sample volume may be small in comparison to the total fluid volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Teledyne Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey F. DeNatale, Robert L. Borwick, III, Philip A. Stupar, Martin W. Kendig
  • Patent number: 7735363
    Abstract: A turbofan text cell pre-dressing unit that enables the installation of the engine in a text cell in minimal time is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: Daniel Mainville
  • Patent number: 7735364
    Abstract: A thermal mass flow meter is disclosed for determining a material flow through a vessel. In this case, a sensor arrangement is mounted on a holder immersed into a vessel with a flowing medium. It is proposed that the sensor arrangement comprises a first and a second measuring element, with one of the respective measuring elements being heated while the other respective measuring element is not heated and that the two measuring elements can be heated alternately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: ABB AG
    Inventor: Ralf Huck
  • Patent number: 7735365
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of measuring an amount of a substance depleted from a storage unit, including the steps of: supporting the storage unit on a vehicle, measuring a first weight of the storage unit and any liquid substance contained in the storage unit, allowing a quantity of the liquid substance to be discharged from the storage unit, measuring a second weight of the storage unit and any liquid substance contained in the storage unit, and determining the amount of liquid substance discharged or allowed to be discharged from the storage unit based on the first weight measurement and the second weight measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Crain, Michael Segura
  • Patent number: 7735366
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method for measuring the volume of an animal paw, suitable for use in a rat paw edema assay. Also disclosed is a novel apparatus for measuring the volume of liquid displaced by the insertion of an object into a liquid filled cup (1) which is on a cup holder basin (3), the liquid filled cup and cup holder basin being inside a rectangular support assembly (5), the measurement obtained by determining the buoyant force produced as a result of the displacement of the liquid by the animal paw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.
    Inventors: Gary S. Kath, Michael K. Wismer, Paul R. Augustine, Cordelia G. Rasa
  • Patent number: 7735367
    Abstract: A wheel balancer includes a microprocessor configured to receive data associated with a vehicle wheel rim and tire assembly imbalance from at least one sensor, and to identify optimal correction weight plane locations, as well as to present the operator with the imbalance correction weight arrangement. The microprocessor is further configured to control a projection display system disposed to project a two-dimensional image onto a surface of the vehicle wheel rim and tire assembly, to facilitate completion of a wheel imbalance correction procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael W. Douglas, Nicholas J. Colarelli
  • Patent number: 7735368
    Abstract: An acceleration sensor of the present invention is a heat sensing type acceleration sensor, and includes a heating chip formed with a heating element on a surface thereof, and a sensor chip formed with a thermocouple element on a surface thereof and disposed so that the surface faces the surface of the heating chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Goro Nakatani
  • Patent number: 7735369
    Abstract: A part holder for immersion ultrasonic testing having a solid buffer material with acoustic properties that match the immersion fluid is disclosed. Test systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Fred D. Young, Martin L. Freet, Kevin R. Bray
  • Patent number: 7735370
    Abstract: A method for non-destructive testing of a drive shaft that is accessible by only one of its ends in longitudinal waves, using a multi-element annular ultrasonic transducer. Such a transducer consists of independent elements that can be excited by electrical pulses of the same frequency, but for which different electronic phase shifts will be applied, in the invention, to the pulses transmitted to the elements. Such an electronic phase shift allows the focussing or deflection of a final beam synthesized by all the elements constituting the transducer, the said final beam being concentrated to adopt a generally cylindrical shape with a cross-section that is far smaller than the cross-section of the shaft to be tested and is highly energetic over a long distance due to the waveguide effect created by the cylindrical geometry of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: JSPM
    Inventors: Olivier Pierre Burat, Jean Joseph Cavalier
  • Patent number: 7735371
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dynamic pressure probe for universal use, which enables different types of mounting of the connection lines without complex adapters and/or round arches. The dynamic pressure probe comprises a probe head inside of which channels run, which lead to the part of the probe that, during a measurement, is located in the medium to be measured, and which lead to adapters mounted on the probe head, said probe head having a rectangular cross-section. The axes of the channels are located on the diagonals that run between two corners of the probe head, and the channels can be reached from two outer surfaces of the probe head via transversal boreholes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Systec Controls Mess-und Regelungstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Oliver Betz
  • Patent number: 7735372
    Abstract: An electronic pressure switch has only two terminals, a resistance measuring bridge pickup, an amplifier unit downstream of the resistance measuring bridge, a comparator connected to the amplifier unit and a switching stage downstream of the comparator achieves a lower residual current in the blocked state and a lower voltage drop in the switched state. The resistance measuring bridge has a high internal resistance and the amplifier unit supplies both an analog measurement signal corresponding to the analog measured value of the resistance measuring bridge and a threshold value to the comparator at low resistance. A high-resistance balancing network is assigned to the resistor network, and an in-phase regulator on the input side limits and controls the supply voltage of the resistance measuring bridge, the amplifier unit, the comparator and the balancing network and the switching stage is made as a shunt controller triggered by the output of the comparator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: i f m electronic GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz Walter
  • Patent number: 7735373
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring pressure inside a vessel using a magnetostrictive acoustic transducer. The apparatus includes a magnetostrictive acoustic transducer, including an exciting coil unit wound on a first magnetization yoke disposed on an outer position of a vessel, a receiving coil unit wound on the first magnetization yoke, and a vibration unit disposed on an inner position of the vessel in which the first magnetization yoke is installed; a control unit for supplying a predetermined excitation current signal to the exciting coil unit; and a pressure measuring unit for measuring an internal pressure of the vessel based on an ultrasonic wave signal received by the receiving coil unit and an excitation current signal into the exciting coil unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science
    Inventors: Seung Hyun Cho, Bongyoung Ahn, Seung Soo Hong, Yong Hyeon Shin
  • Patent number: 7735374
    Abstract: A screwing equipment that comprises at least one rotary member mounted in a tool body and capable of producing at least one vibrational frequency representing a wear condition of said rotary member(s). Such screwing equipment further comprises means for measuring said vibrational frequencies designed to communicate with means for processing, said measurement enabling same to be compared to at least one reference frequency in order to determine said wear condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Etablissements Georges Renault
    Inventors: Vincent Marie, Nicolas Le Du, Benoît Allenou, Arnaud Gilibert, Laurent Pineau
  • Patent number: 7735375
    Abstract: A disclosed stress-distribution detecting semiconductor package group includes multiple stress-distribution detecting semiconductor packages each formed by resin-encapsulating a stress detecting semiconductor chip of the same size using an identical resin encapsulation structure. Each stress detecting semiconductor chip includes a piezoelectric element for stress detection and at least two electrode pads electrically connected to the piezoelectric element to measure an electrical property of the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric elements of the stress detecting semiconductor chips are respectively disposed on the corresponding stress detecting semiconductor chips to be located at different positions from one another when superimposed on a single imaginary semiconductor chip plane having the same plane size as that of the stress detecting semiconductor chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naohiro Ueda, Hirofumi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7735376
    Abstract: Embodiments of shaft torque profiling apparatuses and methods of use are generally described herein. In one embodiment, a method for determining the torsional stiffness of a least a portion of a shaft comprises: immobilizing a first portion of the shaft; immobilizing a second portion of the shaft to define a first region between the first portion and the second portion; rotating a first portion of the first region about an axis of the shaft; and measuring a rotation of the first portion of the first region. Other embodiments herein may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Marty R. Jertson
  • Patent number: 7735377
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for generation of focused stress waves that selectively apply tensile stress to local regions of a bonded article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignees: LSP Technologies, Inc., The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David W. Sokol, Craig T. Walters, Steven M. Toller, Richard H. Bossi, Kevin R. Housen
  • Patent number: 7735378
    Abstract: Generally, the present invention is directed to the in situ measurement of fluid density and/or flow rate in tubular conduits, wherein such measurement comprises measuring dynamic fluid level and/or load (weight) in a region of the conduit and correlating these measurements of the fluid with a density and/or flow rate. Such measurements are typically directed toward drilling fluids transported within the tubular conduits—particularly the return flow, wherein the fluid comprises extraneous material (e.g., cuttings, etc.) which can alter the density and flow rate of the drilling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignees: FSI International Corp Limited, Mezurx Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Christian Singfield, Catalin D. Ivan, Mark Morgan
  • Patent number: 7735379
    Abstract: There is described a fluid flow sensor (10)for sensing a flow (F) of a fluid (120) through a region. The sensor (10) comprises a magnetic circuit (50, 60a, 60b) for applying a magnetic field (70) to the region, and electrodes (40a, 40b) for sensing a potential (V) generated in operation between the electrodes (40a, 40b) in response to the fluid (120) flowing through the magnetic field (70). Each electrode (40) includes a metal element (130; 300; 400; 500), a metal halide element (110; 310; 320; 410; 520), and an electrically conductive porous element (100; 330; 420; 530). The porous element (100; 330; 420; 530), hinders progressive loss of the metal halide element (110; 310, 320; 410; 520), to the flow (F) and provides an electrically conductive path between the flow (F) and the metal halide element (110; 310; 320; 410; 520), and thereby to the metal element (130; 300; 400; 500).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Sentec Limited
    Inventor: Anthony Robert Glauser
  • Patent number: 7735380
    Abstract: Coordination of measurement subsystems of a flow meter. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are flow meters comprising a spool piece that defines a central passage, a first plurality of transducer pairs mechanically coupled to the spool piece, a first control electronics electrically coupled to the first plurality of transducer pairs (the first control electronics configured to selectively activate each transducer pair of the first plurality of transducer pairs), a second plurality of transducer pairs mechanically coupled to the spool piece, a second control electronics different than the first control electronics (the second control electronics electrically coupled to the second plurality of transducer pairs, the second control electronics configured to selectively activate each transducer pair of the second plurality of transducer pairs). The first and second control electronics communicatively coupled and configured to coordinate activation of their respective transducer pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Daniel Measurement & Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith V. Groeschel, Henry Charles Straub, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7735381
    Abstract: A mechanical meter for measuring the quantity of liquid flowing through a pipe (2), comprising an impeller (1) rotatably supported by a saddle (3) positionable on the outer surface of the pipe (2), in which the inner surface of the saddle (3) is arranged to abut, at least by a part thereof, directly against the outer surface of the pipe (2) such as to ensure the same penetration of the impeller (1) into the pipe (2) for each installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Alberto Lodolo
  • Patent number: 7735382
    Abstract: A magnetostrictive mechanical quantity sensor for detecting torque or axial force is disclosed, which sensor comprises a hollow shaft and an operation shaft. The hollow shaft has a magnetostrictive film formed on its outer perimeter surface. The operation shaft is subject to torque or axial force acting from outside and is linked to and fit inside the hollow shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuo Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7735383
    Abstract: Embodiments for a capacitive sensing apparatus with attenuated electrical interference across a plurality of routing traces are provided. One embodiment forms a first sensor electrode on a substrate. In addition, a first routing trace is formed on the substrate, the first routing trace coupled with the first sensor electrode. One embodiment additionally forms a second sensor electrode on the substrate. A second routing trace differing in length from the first routing trace is also formed on the substrate, the second routing trace coupled with the second sensor electrode. To attenuate electrical interference, the second routing trace is formed having an approximately equal RC time constant characteristic as the first routing trace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Synaptics Incorporated
    Inventors: Tracy Scott Dattalo, Bob Lee Mackey, Calvin Wang, John J. Brady
  • Patent number: 7735384
    Abstract: A starter includes a motor, an output shaft, a pinion gear, a lever, a lever actuator, a supporting frame, and a fulcrum supporter. The motor includes a rotation shaft to which the output shaft is linked. The pinion gear is provided on the output shaft and configured to mesh with a ring gear of an engine to start the engine. The lever has a first end, a second end that is linked the pinion gear, and a fulcrum portion. The lever actuator works to move the first end of the lever to pivot the second end on the fulcrum portion. The supporting frame rotatably supports the output shaft. The fulcrum supporter, which is integrally formed with the supporting frame, works to support the fulcrum portion of the lever to achieve pivotal movement of the second end to bring the pinion gear into mesh with the ring gear of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Usami, Mitsuhiro Murata, Kazuyuki Kito