Patents Issued in July 27, 2010
  • Patent number: 7762111
    Abstract: A cylinder lock assembly includes a cylinder body and a plug assembly which is manufactured in a multiple of pieces to facilitate casting of each plug piece in a single operation. The plug assembly includes a plug body with a plug insert opening to receive a plug insert. The plug insert opening is generally L-shaped in cross-section to receive the plug insert which is correspondingly shaped. The plug insert includes a plug outer portion which defines an arcuate outer surface which corresponds with the outer circumference of the plug body when the plug insert is mounted therein. A plug pin chamber portion extends generally transverse to the plug outer portion to define a multiple of tumbler pin chambers which extend through the plug outer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Gerry Damikolas, Diane Sipes
  • Patent number: 7762112
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fitting device for producing the arrangement for locking a sealing element, arranged at the front end on a rotor of a turbine, against a displacement in the circumferential direction, the sealing element locking moving blades arranged on the rotor against an axial displacement. Furthermore, the invention comprises a method of producing the arrangement for locking a sealing element, arranged at the front end on a rotor of a turbine, against a displacement in the circumferential direction. The quality of the fitting can be further increased by means of a modular, mobile fitting device which secures the sealing element for the duration of the bending operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Marcus Brücher, Christian Bäumler, Andreas Föhrigen, Detlef Gruhn, Armin Hülfenhaus, Adam Przybyla, Sabine Rintzel, Melanie Uckert, Claus Vögelin, Uwe Wegmann
  • Patent number: 7762113
    Abstract: A metallic article with improved fatigue performance and resistance to corrosive attack and stress corrosion cracking is produced by treating a first area of a metallic article with a first surface treatment that induces a specified amount of cold work. A second, sacrificial area of the metallic article in electrical communication with the first area is treated with a second surface treatment that induces an amount of cold work higher than that of the first surface treatment. Due to the differences in cold work resulting from the different surface treatments, the second area of the metallic article is less noble than the first area and is therefore more susceptible to corrosive attack. As a result, the second sacrificial area will preferentially corrode leaving the first area protected from corrosive attack. Compressive residual stresses induced in the surface of the metallic article through the surface treatments improve the fatigue performance and resistance to stress corrosion cracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Surface Technology Holdings, Ltd.
    Inventor: Paul S. Prevey, III
  • Patent number: 7762114
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a component for a substrate processing chamber involves providing a preform having internal and external surfaces, and providing a mandrel having a textured surface with a pattern of textured features comprising protrusions and depressions. The internal surface of the preform component is contacted with the textured surface of mandrel, and a pressure is applied to the external surface of the preform. The pressure is sufficiently high to plastically deform the preform over the textured surface of the mandrel to form a component having a textured internal surface comprising the pattern of textured feature that are shaped and sized to adhere process residues generated in the processing of substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Abney, Anthony Vesci, Joseph F. Sommers, Marc O'Donnell Schweitzer, Scott Dickerson, Jennifer Watia Tiller
  • Patent number: 7762115
    Abstract: A golf club adjustment tool for adjusting at least one of loft angle or lie angle of a golf club. The golf club adjustment tool includes a body having a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion. A first end of a first lever is attached to the second clamping portion. A second lever may be removably mated with the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: John P. Fife, Jr., James Wells
  • Patent number: 7762116
    Abstract: A bending brake includes a rotating carrier that is rotatable about a rotation axis. The carrier has first and second upper jaws connected thereto at different angular locations about the rotation axis. A locking mechanism for preventing rotation of the carrier during operation of the bending brake includes an endplate forming a pocket, the endplate disposed adjacent to a distal end of the carrier. A latch having a trigger portion is pivotally connected to the endplate and located within the pocket such that the trigger portion protrudes from the pocket. A toothed cam wheel rotating with the carrier has at least one tooth formed thereon that engages the trigger portion of the latch to prevent rotation of the carrier in one direction at preselected angular positions corresponding to the first and second upper jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Roper Whitney of Rockford, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian McVey, Jan Erik Börjesson
  • Patent number: 7762117
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a crimp die holder. The crimp die holder includes a main body portion, a pin, and a spring. The main body portion includes a first recess, a second recess, and an opening. The first recess extends from a first side of the main body portion to a middle section of the main body portion. The second recess extends from a second side of the main body portion to the middle section. The opening extends from a third side of the main body portion and through a section of the second recess. The pin is disposed within the opening. The pin includes a first portion along a length of the pin. The first portion of the pin is configured to engage with a portion of a crimp die at the section of the second recess. The spring is between the main body portion and the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Burndy Technology LLC
    Inventors: Thomas R. Faucher, Mark A. Chiasson
  • Patent number: 7762118
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer apparatus and process for determining the optimal transducer position for flow measurement along a conduit outer surface. The apparatus includes a transmitting transducer for transmitting an ultrasonic signal, said transducer affixed to a conduit outer surface; a guide rail attached to a receiving transducer for guiding movement of a receiving transducer along the conduit outer surface, wherein the receiving transducer receives an ultrasonic signal from the transmitting transducer and sends a signal to a data acquisition system; and a motor for moving the receiving transducer along the guide rail, wherein the motor is controlled by a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: The University of Southern Mississippi
    Inventor: Randy K. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 7762119
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a measurement an inspection system used in the LCD industry is presented. An assembly is created including two substrates coupled by a transducer. Two fixtures also adhere to the substrates and are connected to an interferometer. An inscription is created by marking at least one of the substrates using a reference point on a support table of the measurement and inspection system as a reference. The transducer is then operated to simulate an LCD glass process such as a thermal process or a glass cutting process. Operating the transducer also generates signals that are measured by the interferometer and represent a first distortion measurement. The inscription is then compared to reference mark to determine a second distortion measurement. A comparison of the first distortion measurement and the second distortion measurement are then used to calibrate the measurement and inspection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Correy Robert Ustanik
  • Patent number: 7762120
    Abstract: The invention relates to tapered reference standards, and methods for their manufacture and use. An ultrasonic inspection reference standard for tapered, composite materials may include a member having at least one tapered section. The member may be manufactured from a fiber-free polymer resin using a stereo lithography process. The tapered reference standards may substantially mimic the affect on ultrasonic sound passing through tapered sections in composite laminates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Christopher M. Vaccaro, April L. Beisiegel, David A. Lilienthal
  • Patent number: 7762121
    Abstract: A hydrogen sensor and/or switch fabricated from an array of nanowires or a nanoparticle thick film composed of metal or metal alloys. The sensor and/or switch demonstrates a wide operating temperature range and shortened response time due to fabrication materials and methods. The nanowires or nanoparticle thick films demonstrate an increase in conductivity in the presence of hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Kwok Ng, Greg Monty, Yunjun Li, Zvi Yaniv, Prabhu Soundarrajan
  • Patent number: 7762122
    Abstract: A method of detecting leakage from a preform used in a VARTM process includes providing a mold and bagging film suitable for use in the VARTM process; heating air; distributing hot air along an interface between an the bagging film and a surface of the mold; determining a temperature distribution along the interface; and using the temperature distribution to locate one or more leaks in the bagging film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Suresh G. Advani, Fuping Zhou, Justin Beech Alms, Charlotte C. Corlay
  • Patent number: 7762123
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seal intended for sealing an axis pair, whereby the axes rotate in the same direction, the inner one of the axes is inside the outer axis and the phase difference of the axes is arranged to remain within predefined limits. The seal (200) is a tubular seal made of an elastic material and comprises at least two tube sections (202, 204) fixed to each other. Folds (212, 214) of the at least two tube sections (202, 204) have opposing twisting angles. One end of the seal (200) is fastened to the outer axis and the other end is fastened to the inner axis, and the seal (200) is arranged to twist by a torque proportional to the phase difference between the axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Metso Automation Oy
    Inventors: Jarmo Helasuo, Olli Ruosaari, Kari Laukkanen
  • Patent number: 7762124
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting a substance in liquid includes a sensing oscillation circuit and a reference oscillation circuit. The sensing oscillation circuit includes a sensing SAW element in which a reaction film arranged so as to cover at least one IDT and to react with a substance in liquid is disposed and a first amplifier circuit. The reference oscillation circuit includes a reference SAW element and a second amplifier circuit. The reference SAW element includes at least one IDT and no reaction film. The oscillation frequency of the sensing oscillation circuit and the oscillation frequency of the reference oscillation circuit are separated by at least about 200×k2 (ppm), where k2(%) is the electromechanical coupling coefficient of a piezoelectric substrate used in each of the sensing SAW element and the reference SAW element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenjiro Okaguchi, Takuo Hada, Michio Kadota
  • Patent number: 7762125
    Abstract: A method for providing an indication of thrust available from a gas turbine engine, the method comprises measuring fan aerodynamic speed to produce an actual fan aerodynamic speed measurement, determining a difference between the actual fan aerodynamic speed measurement and an expected fan aerodynamic speed measurement, and if the difference is less than a predetermined threshold value, indicating that sufficient thrust is available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Matthew I. Howlett, Charmaine H. Cordo, Karen S. Sollars
  • Patent number: 7762126
    Abstract: A leakage diagnosis apparatus is applied to a purge apparatus of an internal combustion engine. The purge apparatus includes a canister accommodating an adsorbent for temporarily absorbing fuel vapor produced in a fuel tank. The fuel vapor is desorbed from the adsorbent and purged into an intake passage of the internal combustion engine. A diagnosis unit performs a leakage diagnosis to detect leakage in the purge apparatus. A state measurement unit measures a fuel vapor state of mixture containing the fuel vapor, which is desorbed from the adsorbent. A command unit commands the diagnosis unit to perform the leakage diagnosis at a predetermined time. An evaluating unit evaluates the leakage diagnosis to be performed in an appropriate state on the basis of a change between the fuel vapor state before the leakage diagnosis and the fuel vapor state after the leakage diagnosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Hisatoshi Shibuya
  • Patent number: 7762127
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for determining the composition of a fuel mixture from a first and at least a second fuel for operating a combustion engine, whereby the fuel mixtures of different compositions require various air/fuel ratios to achieve a stoichiometric combustion. Thereby it is provided that the air volume that has been delivered to the combustion engine, the fuel quantity that has been delivered and the oxygen content in the exhaust gas of the combustion engine are determined during one or several stationary operating phases of the combustion engine during one or several measuring phases, and in that the composition of the fuel mixture is determined from these values. The procedure allows an accurate and reliable determination of the composition of a fuel mixture for combustion engines that are operated in flex-fuel-mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Schneider, Heinz Fuchs
  • Patent number: 7762128
    Abstract: In a wheel support bearing assembly including a plurality of rolling elements (5) interposed between an outer member (1) and an inner member (2), a sensor unit (21) is fitted to one of the outer member and the inner member, which serves as a stationary member. The sensor unit includes a sensor mounting member (22) and a strain sensor (23) fitted to the sensor mounting member. The sensor mounting member has a plurality of contact fixing portions (22a, 22b) that are fixed to at least two locations spaced a distant from each other in a direction circumferentially of the outer member. A cutout (24) is provided in the outer member at respective positions corresponding to the neighboring contact fixing portions of the sensor mounting member, so as to extend in an axial direction. The strain sensor is arranged intermediate between the neighboring contact fixing portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Takayoshi Ozaki, Tomomi Ishikawa, Kentarou Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 7762129
    Abstract: A tire tread sensing system includes a magnetic field sensor and a magnetic field source configured to magnetize magnetizable particles embedded in a tire tread. The magnetic field sensor is configured to measure a magnetic field strength associated with the magnetic field source and the magnetizable particles, and the magnetic field strength is indicative of a tire tread depth. Alternatively, the particles comprise alternating permanent magnets embedded in a tread portion of a tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Alfred Niklas, Dirk Hammerschmidt
  • Patent number: 7762130
    Abstract: An apparatus (300) for obtaining a fluid sample in a subterranean well includes a housing (302) having a sample chamber (314) defined therein. The sample chamber (314) is selectively in fluid communication with the exterior of the housing (302) and is operable to receive the fluid sample therefrom. A debris trap piston (318) is slidably disposed within the housing (302). The debris trap piston (318) includes a debris chamber (326). Responsive to the fluid sample entering the sample chamber (314), the debris trap piston (318) receives a first portion of the fluid sample in the debris chamber (326) then displaces relative to the housing (302) to expand the sample chamber (314).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyrus A. Irani, Vincent P. Zeller, Chuck MacPhail, Don H. Perkins
  • Patent number: 7762131
    Abstract: A system for drilling a wellbore includes a prediction unit operable to predict a change in a drilling event while the wellbore is being drilled and prior to the drilling event change occurring. The prediction unit monitors surface and downhole data and well inflows to predict drilling events. The prediction unit may activate alarms for predefined drilling conditions, such as a kick alarm to provide an early warning of a dangerous influx of formation fluids into the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventors: Emad B. Ibrahim, Louis W. Elrod, Christopher M. Jones, Sara Shayegi, Timothy O. Wiemers, Roger L. Schultz, Craig Godfrey
  • Patent number: 7762132
    Abstract: A refrigerant liquid level measuring device that measures a refrigerant liquid level in a short period is provided. A series sensor arrangement includes a plurality of sensor elements electrically connected in series. The sensor elements each have a superconducting wire and a normal conductor heater electrically connected to the wire, and the superconducting wire and the normal conductor heater are in thermal contact with each other. The series sensor arrangement is provided to cross the liquid level of refrigerant liquid in a container that stores the refrigerant liquid and one of the sensor elements and the other sensor elements in the series sensor arrangement are positioned on one another in the vertical direction. The series sensor arrangement is supplied with electric current, so that the liquid level of the refrigerant is measured by measuring the electrical resistance value of the normal conductive part of the super conducting wires in the series sensor arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Hajime Tamura
  • Patent number: 7762133
    Abstract: An inertial measurement unit comprises a mounting plate with an opening therethrough, and a sensor assembly disposed in the opening of the mounting plate. Upper and lower support shells having shell flanges are attached to upper and lower surfaces of the mounting plate. The upper and lower support shells surround the sensor assembly. A plurality of gas bearing pads each extends through apertures in the upper and lower support shells. Upper and lower gas plenums have plenum flanges attached to the shell flanges of the upper and lower support shells, with the upper and lower gas plenums surrounding the upper and lower support shells. Pressure relief valves are coupled to the plenum flanges of the upper and lower gas plenums. The gas bearing pads and the sensor assembly are separated by a gap when pressurized gas is fed into the upper and lower gas plenums, thereby creating a gas bearing that allows the sensor assembly to be freely suspended and rotated in all directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Charles D. Chappell, David A. Bowen
  • Patent number: 7762134
    Abstract: A dynamic quantity sensor includes a base, a sensor chip made of a rectangular board having a corner portion, and a bump. The sensor chip includes a detector, and a plurality of pads. The detector has a movable part, which is displaceable when a dynamic quantity is applied thereto, and detects the dynamic quantity based on a capacitance variation in accordance with a displacement of the movable part. The bump connects the plurality of pads of the sensor chip and the base. The corner portion of the sensor chip is released from the base such that the plurality of pads of the sensor chip is arranged at a location a predetermined distance from the corner portion of the sensor chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Katsumata
  • Patent number: 7762135
    Abstract: There is disclosed methods and apparatus for compensated measurement of angular displacement within an instrument (600), such as a total station. Improved and compensated measurement of angular displacement is obtained by using a combination of e.g. an angular resolver (145) and an inertial sensor (645). A compensated angular position measurement is produced by combining at least portions of the output signals obtained from the angular resolver and the inertial sensor, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Trimble AB
    Inventors: Mikael Hertzman, Thomas Klang
  • Patent number: 7762136
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods that permit both real-time, and off-line, measurement of weld penetration depth. Exemplary systems and methods comprise an ultrasound source, such as a pulsed Nd:Yag laser, that simultaneously generates longitudinal and shear waves that radiate adjacent one side of a weld joining two specimens. An ultrasonic sensor, such as an electro-magnetic acoustic transducer or a piezo-electric transducer, capable of detecting shear and/or longitudinal waves, is disposed on an opposite side of the weld from the source. A signal processor is coupled to the sensor that processes time of flight signals for selected longitudinal or shear waves transmitted across the weld seam. The signal processor implements an algorithm that computes the weld penetration depth from the time of flight signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Ifeanyi C. Ume, Akio Kita
  • Patent number: 7762137
    Abstract: A method for checking a weld (1) between a first metal pipeline (2) and a second metal pipeline (4), in particular an austenitic weld, the method comprising at least the following method steps: (a) a first ultrasonic beam (30) is transmitted to an interface (26) between the weld and the first pipeline situated on a first side (28) of the weld; (b) a reflection of the first ultrasonic beam (30) on the interface (26) situated on the first side (28) of the weld is received and a first received signal corresponding thereto is generated; (c) a second ultrasonic beam (40) different from the first ultrasonic beam (30) is transmitted to the interface (26) situated on the first side (28) of the weld; (d) a reflection of the second ultrasonic beam (40) on the interface (26) situated on the first side (28) of the weld is received and a second received signal corresponding thereto is generated; (e) the first received signal and the second received signal are processed in combination for checking the weld (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Rontgen Technische Dienst B.V.
    Inventors: Jan van der Ent, Jacobus Johannes M. van Nisselrolj, Edwin Theodorus van Kessel
  • Patent number: 7762138
    Abstract: Implantable pressure sensors and methods for making and using the same are provided. A feature of embodiments of the subject pressure sensors is that they are low-drift sensors. The subject sensors find use in a variety of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Proteus Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Zdeblick, Lawrence Arne, Nilay Jani, Haifeng Li
  • Patent number: 7762139
    Abstract: A pressure header assembly has a closed front and back surface. The back surface has an aperture for accommodating a separate dual die pressure header. The dual die pressure header has an absolute and differential pressure sensor positioned thereon. A differential pressure port is located on a side surface of the pressure header assembly and is directed to a bore in the pressure header assembly. The bore contains an elongated tube which is positioned in the pressure header assembly and locked in place by means of a crush nut and locking nut assembly. One end of the tube is coupled to the differential pressure port, while the other end of the tube accommodates a differential pressure tube which is bent in an arcuate position and directed to the underside of the sensor of the differential sensor assembly mounted in the dual die pressure header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Scott Goodman
  • Patent number: 7762140
    Abstract: A combined fluid pressure transducer and temperature sensor (10) has a housing (12) containing a variable capacitor (14) having a rigid substrate (14a) and attached flexible diaphragm (14b) in sealed, spaced apart relation. The capacitor is mounted in the housing so that the outer face surface of the diaphragm is exposed to a fluid pressure chamber (12k). A temperature responsive sensor element (28) is disposed on the outer face surface of the diaphragm and covered by a thin protective layer. A fluid flow diffuser (30) is disposed in the fluid pressure port (12b) for directing fluid flow across the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared E. Girroir, Nicholas Moelders
  • Patent number: 7762141
    Abstract: A pressure sensor for a pressure medium includes: a sensor chip including a semiconductor substrate, a diaphragm in the substrate and a gauge resistor on the diaphragm; a protection cap covering the diaphragm; a case for accommodating the chip, introducing the pressure medium to the cap, and atmospheric air to the substrate; a terminal; a wiring; and a seal member. An embedded portion of the wiring is coupled with the gauge resistor. A connection portion of the wiring couples the embedded portion and the terminal. The embedded portion is covered with the cap to be isolated from the pressure medium. The seal member is disposed between the case and the substrate to isolate the connection portion from the pressure medium and the atmospheric air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroaki Tanaka, Tetsuo Fujii
  • Patent number: 7762142
    Abstract: Characteristics of a multi-layer structure are detected, such as for detecting mechanical and/or corrosive damage of the multi-layer structure. In an example embodiment, an integrated in-situ sensor device senses characteristics of a multi-layer structure during operation thereof. The device includes a mechanical coupler and a sensor circuit. The mechanical coupler couples layers of the multi-layer structure together via an opening traversing the multi-layer structure. The sensor circuit inserts into the opening with the mechanical coupler, and induces an electrical response in a portion of the multi-layer structure adjacent the opening. This induced electrical response is indicative of characteristics of the multi-layer structure, and is sensed to provide a signal characterizing characteristics of the multi-layer structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Alexi Rakow, Fu-Kuo Chang
  • Patent number: 7762143
    Abstract: A penetration-type pipe strain gauge easily transportable and easily installable in various places at low cost in a short period of time to measure strain produced in a shallow layer of the ground. Strain gauges are attached to the outer peripheral surface of an inner pipe, and a pipe strain gauge body is formed by integrally incorporating the inner pipe in an outer pipe. A boring screw is provided at the forward end of the pipe strain gauge body. A rotary tool mounting part for mounting a tool for rotating the pipe strain gauge body is formed at the rear end of the strain gauge body. The pipe strain gauge body is buried in the shallow layer of the ground by using the rotary tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Health Science Technology Transfer Center, Japan Health Sciences Foundation
    Inventor: Satoshi Tamate
  • Patent number: 7762144
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system are disclosed, which provide a means of real time surface profile evaluation in wet cement. The sliding profiler can be pulled behind various stages in a paving train. The user is alerted to profile discrepancies while the cement is still pliable and afforded the opportunity to make adjustments to the paving process, to include additional finishing. The system is made of affordable components and thus is appropriate for construction projects of different scale. In addition, multiple sliding profilers can measure the profile of multiple wheel paths simultaneously. The system can measure profile changes of less than 150 mils. Use of the system described herein will contribute to better roadways at lower costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Roger S. Walker, Emmanuel G. Fernando
  • Patent number: 7762145
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring bending moments on a joint (12) wherein the joint (12) is formed at least from two joint sections (11, 13), which are flexible relative to each other at least about a bending axis (14, 15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Nikolaj Bechtold, Christian Schaufler, Horst Strobel, Holger Tetting, Lothar Gebhardt
  • Patent number: 7762146
    Abstract: Stresses or deformations can be applied to a specimen, by at least one carrier having a number of flexible fingers extending therefrom, the fingers being securable to the specimen at spaced-apart locations, the carrier typically being attached to a motion-control and load measuring system. The fingers are relatively rigid in tension (or compression if desired) but flexible with respect to motions in other in-plane directions. They may or may not be flexible in out-of-plane directions. Commonly, there may be two carriers on opposite sides of the specimen for applying substantially uniaxial stress, or four carriers at 90 degrees to each other around the specimen for applying substantially biaxial stress, though any number of carriers may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Waterloo Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: G. Wayne Brodland
  • Patent number: 7762147
    Abstract: An orthopedic simulator is provided with a plurality of test stations for each holding a test specimen. A plurality of load actuators are provided, with a respective load actuator for each of the test stations. The load actuators are substantially frictionless and configured to apply loads to the test specimens at the test stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley D. Schulz, Paul J. Leska, Sr., Dennis J. Willis, Harold F. Fahrendorff
  • Patent number: 7762148
    Abstract: A magnetostrictive torque sensor having a first magnetostrictive film and a second magnetostrictive film, which are both provided on a shaft and have different magnetic anisotropies. A first detection coil and a second detection coil are arranged to face the first magnetostrictive film, and a third detection coil and a fourth detection coil are arranged to face the second magnetostrictive film. The first and second detection coils are wound around the same coil bobbin, while the third and fourth detection coils are wound around another common coil bobbin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Shimizu, Shunichiro Sueyoshi
  • Patent number: 7762149
    Abstract: A passenger discriminating apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of load sensors for measuring a load of a passenger, which is applied to a passenger seat disposed within a vehicle, and a pair of dummy sensors configured to support the load of the passenger seat and not having a load sensing function. The type of the passenger is discriminated by comparing a sum of values in which the load values measured by the plurality of load sensors, respectively, are multiplied by a load weight of the load sensors and a reference value. Accordingly, the passenger discriminating apparatus can save the prime cost, reduce its weight, and secure an equivalent or more performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Ho Hwang, Byeong Yeol Kim
  • Patent number: 7762150
    Abstract: A load detecting device for a vehicle seat includes a supporting base adapted to be mounted on a floor of the vehicle, a plurality of load sensors arranged along a forward and backward direction of a seat for the vehicle on the supporting base, the load sensors including a load input portion, a deflection portion deflecting by a load and a deflection gauge measuring an amount of deflection, the load sensors detecting the load based on the amount of deflection measured by the deflection gauge, a connecting member connecting the load input portions, a seat supporting member connected to the connecting member and adapted to support the seat for the vehicle, the seat supporting member transmitting load to the connecting member, and a stopper preventing deformation of the connecting member in a vertical direction of the seat when load which exceeding a predetermined value is applied to the connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideki Kawabata, Muneto Inayoshi, Kan Ichihara, Hiroyuki Fujii, Kenichiro Akizuki, Minoru Izawa
  • Patent number: 7762151
    Abstract: A load detection device includes a piezoelectric body unit adapted to be deformed by receiving an electric voltage, the piezoelectric body unit generating an electric charge by receiving an external load, a drive portion applying the electric voltage to the piezoelectric body unit for vibrating thereof, a detection portion detecting the electric charge generated at the piezoelectric body unit, and an adjusting member adjusting a pressure applied to at least one pressure sensing surface provided at the piezoelectric body unit to restrain the vibration of the piezoelectric body unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Ando, Hiroyuki Tanaka, Shunsuke Kogure, Kazuhiko Oshima
  • Patent number: 7762152
    Abstract: Methods for measuring thickness of an epitaxial layer of a wafer. An example method applies photoresist over the epitaxial layer, and then portions of the photoresist within a sacrificial region of the wafer are removed. Next, the epitaxial layer is isotropically etched through the removed portions of the photoresist until a portion of the silicon handle layer is exposed. The remaining photoresist layer is removed. Then, the silicon handle layer is anisotropically etched to form a well. Profile information of the epitaxial layer and the etched handle layer generated. Next, the thickness of the epitaxial layer is determined based on the profile information. The acceptability of the epitaxial layer may be determined based on the determined thickness of the epitaxial layer. If the epi layer is acceptable, then the geometry of devices that are to be etched into the epitaxial layer are determined based on the determined thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: John S. Starzynksi
  • Patent number: 7762153
    Abstract: A method for determining the radial deformation of a blade in a turbine that includes: 1) taking an initial measurement of the blade with one or more proximity sensors disposed around the circumference of a stage of blades; 2) after the initial measurement, taking a second measurement of the blade with the one or more proximity sensors; 3) making a determination of the radial deformation of the blade by comparing the initial measurement to the second measurement. The initial measurement and the second measurement may be taken while the turbine is operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Scott Hoyte, Eric Gebhardt, Erin Bauknight, Samuel Draper, John Grant
  • Patent number: 7762154
    Abstract: A synchromesh automatic transmission includes a lug lock portion which is engaged with a shift lug separately from a shift finger and enables a shift fork to be controlled so as to be located at a neutral position, a shift selector mechanism which achieves a target shift stage by engaging the shift finger with the shift lug of the shift fork corresponding to the target shift stage and displacing this shift fork in a shift direction, and an interlock mechanism which controls a shift fork that is different from the target shift stage so as to be located at a neutral position by displacing the lug lock portion following movement of the shift finger in a selection direction and engaging this lug lock portion with the shift lug of the shift fork that is different from the target shift stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsubishi Jidosha Engineering Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Murakami, Hiroki Yamaura, Katsuhiro Komori, Koji Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7762155
    Abstract: A partial gear bearing including an upper half, comprising peak partial teeth, and a lower, or bottom, half, comprising valley partial teeth. The upper half also has an integrated roller section between each of the peak partial teeth with a radius equal to the gear pitch radius of the radially outwardly extending peak partial teeth. Conversely, the lower half has an integrated roller section between each of the valley half teeth with a radius also equal to the gear pitch radius of the peak partial teeth. The valley partial teeth extend radially inwardly from its roller section. The peak and valley partial teeth are exactly out of phase with each other, as are the roller sections of the upper and lower halves. Essentially, the end roller bearing of the typical gear bearing has been integrated into the normal gear tooth pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: John M. Vranish
  • Patent number: 7762156
    Abstract: A cable driven wrist mechanism for a robot arm which executes a rolling motion and a pitching motion. The wrist mechanism includes a first drive body and a second drive body which are independently driven. The wrist mechanism includes first and second rotary bodies which are connected to the first and second rotary bodies. The wrist mechanism further includes a third drive body perpendicular to the first and second drive bodies. At least two cables are connected between the drive bodies and the rotary bodies in a criss-cross manner to transmit forces of the first and second rotary bodies to the third rotary body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Pyung Hun Chang, Seong Tae Kim, Hyung Soon Park
  • Patent number: 7762157
    Abstract: A shift operating device for a bicycle comprises a mounting member structured to be mounted to the bicycle, a cable coupling member coupled to the mounting member for moving a cable in a cable pulling direction and a cable releasing direction, a positioning unit that selectively maintains the cable coupling member in a plurality of operating positions, and an input member that moves in a first direction and in a second direction different from the first direction, and an action member rotatably coupled to the mounting member and separate from the input member. The action member rotates to transmit movement of the first operating member to the positioning unit such that the cable coupling member moves from an origin operating position toward a destination operating position when the first operating member moves in either of both the first direction and the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
  • Patent number: 7762158
    Abstract: A self-locking device for a table elevating screw includes a rotatable disk disposed on a screw having a nut thereon, a wedged body disposed on the rotatable disk, an outer cover moveably disposed on the rotatable disk and the wedged body and a stop plate disposed on the outer cover. When the rotatable disk rotates in relation to the screw in a direction or a reverse direction, the wedged body ascends or descends in relation to the rotatable disk, maintaining a gap between the stop plate and the outer cover or generating a frictional force therebetween. By the frictional force occurred when the screw rotates in a single direction, the self-locking device can achieve a precise self-locking device for the screw in a lifting/lowering positioning task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Hiwin Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Wu-Teng Shieh, Yu-Shan Lee
  • Patent number: 7762159
    Abstract: Rotary support bodies which support both ends of a rod penetrating a manipulating knob body are formed by joining a first rotary support member which is arranged at one side of the manipulating knob body and supports one end of the rod and a second rotary support member which is arranged at another side of the manipulating knob body and supports another end of the rod, and one end of the rod is fixed to the second rotary support member, and another end of the rod is engaged with the first rotary support member. Accordingly, a manipulating knob can be mounted on a casing in a state the manipulating knob is mounted on the rotary support body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuo Takahashi, Tatsuya Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 7762160
    Abstract: An open-throat power tong for making up or breaking apart an oilfield tubular connection, includes a cage plate lock system. The lock system connected to each cage plate extends across the space provided by the open throat in the cage plate when locked in the closed position. This provides support for the cage plates, resisting their tendency for expansion. The cage plates are mounted on the ring gear for rotation about a common center. The support provided to the cage plates for resisting expansion is communicated to the ring gear, thus providing support to the ring gear against expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: McCoy Corporation
    Inventors: Hermann Basler, Jason Giebelhaus