Patents Issued in July 29, 2010
  • Publication number: 20100186484
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing the integrity of a weld securing a flange to the end of a pipe comprises a testing assembly and a reinforcement assembly. The testing assembly comprises a first sealing means positioned within the pipe and a second sealing means secured against the flange face to form a sealed region within the pipe with the region overlapping the weld. The reinforcement assembly comprises a circumferential clamp secured to the outer wall of the pipe and an anchor plate positioned opposite the flange. The first sealing means is connected to the anchor plate to prevent relative movement there-between. The anchor plate is connected to the clamp to prevent relative movement there-between. The weld test procedure comprises installing the apparatus, filling and pressurizing the sealed space and monitoring the pressure created therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: CAR-BER INVESTMENTS INC.
    Inventor: Glenn Carson
  • Publication number: 20100186485
    Abstract: A rheometer uses a removable integrated environmental control cartridge that includes at least one environmental control unit, at least one supply port operative to interact with the supply port for a chassis of the rheometer. It also includes at least one mechanical alignment interface that is operative to interact with the mechanical alignment interface of the chassis to align both the mobile part with respect to the fixed part and the chassis supply port with respect to the environmental control cartridge part. In another general aspect, a rheometer can use an environmental control cartridge interface operative to report an identity of the integrated environmental control cartridge to an environmental control cartridge identification interface of its chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: John Paul Wilkinson, Joanne Elizabeth Langride, Justin Titus Tun, James Francis Thomas
  • Publication number: 20100186486
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to further improve a device for measuring the viscosity of plastic melts in such a manner that it comprises as few parts as possible, can be used as universally as possible, is economical to operate and, in particular, that the measurement path limiter can be changed in an easy and simple manner. To this end, the device comprises a melt channel (3) and a measurement path (7?) provided between two surfaces (9, 9?) arranged in a plane-parallel manner. A replaceable measurement path limiter (6) is arranged in a plane-parallel manner between said two surfaces (9, 9?) and comprises the measurement path (7?) in the form of a slot (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Detlef Gneuss
  • Publication number: 20100186487
    Abstract: The cantilever-type sensor detects a substance to be measured as it is contained in a liquid. The sensor includes a cantilever that is fixed at least at an end to a support section and which has a channel formed inside, a piezoelectric device that is composed of a piezoelectric element and electrode sections formed on opposite sides of the piezoelectric element and which is positioned on at least one side of the cantilever, a drive section that applies a voltage to the electrode sections of the piezoelectric device so as to vibrate the cantilever, a detecting section that detects vibration of the cantilever from expansion or contraction of the piezoelectric device and a liquid supply unit for flowing the liquid through the channel in the cantilever. The cantilever-type sensor features high precision in measurement and is compact and less costly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Yukio Sakashita
  • Publication number: 20100186488
    Abstract: An article and method for stabilizing a rock chip. The article in one embodiment of the invention includes a laminar rock chip substantially surrounded by and imbedded within a plug having a solid material, the plug forming a top planar surface and a bottom planar surface substantially parallel with the top planar surface, the laminar rock chip forming a contact surface portion exposed at the top planar surface of the plug, a laminar plane of the laminar rock chip being substantially perpendicular with the top planar surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: BJ Services Company
    Inventor: Gerald E. Braun
  • Publication number: 20100186489
    Abstract: A spark plug assembly has a ceramic insulator with a metal outer shell surrounding at least a portion of the insulator. A ground electrode is operatively attached to the outer shell and a center electrode having an elongate body extends through the insulator. The center electrode and the ground electrode provide a spark gap. A force sensor is received about the insulator. An annular inner shell is received between the outer shell and the insulator, wherein the inner shell has a surface configured to confront the insulator along an axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: John A. Burrows, Paul Tinwell
  • Publication number: 20100186490
    Abstract: A spark plug assembly includes an insulator having an upper shoulder and a lower shoulder and a metal annular outer shell having an outer surface and a cavity bounded by an inner surface. The inner surface has a flange extending inwardly to confront the lower shoulder of the insulator. The outer shell has a proximal end and an opposite fastening end. The fastening end has an external threaded region and an annular sealing seat extending outwardly adjacent the flange. The outer shell has an annular shoulder extending radially between the sealing seat and the proximal end. The proximal end has a turnover axially confronting the upper shoulder of the insulator. A sensor assembly is received about the outer shell between the shoulder of the shell and the turnover. The sensor assembly is responsive to send a signal in response to relative axial movement between the insulator and the outer shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: John A. Burrows, Paul Tinwell
  • Publication number: 20100186491
    Abstract: An abnormality diagnosis device according to the present invention can calculate a calculation air-fuel ratio A/Fk based upon a fuel injection quantity and an intake air quantity, and determine the abnormality of the air-fuel ratio sensor based upon the calculation air-fuel ratio and an actual air-fuel ratio detected by an air-fuel ratio sensor, when an operating condition in the internal combustion engine relatively rapidly changes according to an engine operating demand and thereby the calculation air-fuel ratio relatively rapidly changes. Since the air-fuel ratio is not forcibly changed and fluctuated, deterioration of the exhaust emission and the combustion state, and deterioration of the vibration and the noise at abnormality diagnosing can be certainly prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Daisuke Shibata, Hiroshi Sawada, Yasuyuki Yokokawa
  • Publication number: 20100186492
    Abstract: The degree of wear of a tire is estimated with constant accuracy. An acceleration sensor (11) is installed on the inner surface in the inner liner region of a tire to detect the acceleration of the tread in the radial direction of the tire. The peak level on the leading edge side or the trailing edge side of the tread appearing in the differentiated waveform of the detected acceleration is calculated and used as an index V of deformation speed of the tread. The degree of wear of the tire is estimated on the basis of the calculated index V of deformation speed and an M-V map (16B) showing a predetermined relationship between the degree M of tire wear and the index V of deformation speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroshi Morinaga
  • Publication number: 20100186493
    Abstract: A tyre includes a flexible piezoelectric element associated with an energy storage device (e.g. a capacitor). The flexible piezoelectric element is mounted in cantilever-beam fashion within a housing so that a first end thereof is fixed to the housing. A loading mass is associated with the second end of the flexible piezoelectric element. A small gap is formed between the inner walls of the housing and the outer surface of the loading mass in order to allow limited flexure of the piezoelectric element. The housing, including the piezoelectric element, is mounted in a crown portion of the tyre, preferably on the inner surface of the tyre. The piezoelectric element flexes under the action of the longitudinal acceleration when the tyre rotates. Sufficient electrical power for powering an electronic device included within the tyre is obtained, together with a long durability of the piezoelectric element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Massimo Brusarosco, Federico Mancosu
  • Publication number: 20100186494
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for determining the adhesive strength of materials has a test rig (12) with a base plate (14). A compression plate (20) is provided above a support (18). The compression plate (20) is urged into engagement with the support (18) by means of springs (22). The compression plate (20) has a recess (30) which receives a mould (32). The support (18) contains a substrate (34) which engages with material to be tested contained in the mould (32). The application also relates to a method which involves measuring the force required to remove the mould (32) from the substrate (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: SDI LIMITED
    Inventor: JOSHUA JAMES CHEETHAM
  • Publication number: 20100186495
    Abstract: Device (1) for formation testing while drilling, comprising a drill string (2) with a packer (3) arranged on the drill-string above a drilling-bit (7), the packer can be expanded and thereby isolate a lower open part (6) of a well-bore, distinguished in that the packer is fastened sealingly but slideably on a distance (4) of the well-bore, such that the drill-string can be brought up and down, with or without rotation, within said distance while the packer stands stationary expanded in the well-bore, and the device comprises at least one pressure transmitter for measuring and transferring in real-time to the surface measured pressure in the isolated lower open part of the well-bore. Methods for formation testing utilizing the device. Device for formation testing of a production well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Kjetil Bekkeheien
  • Publication number: 20100186496
    Abstract: In order to provide a robust, weather resistant, portable, low-noise, relatively inexpensive, wind direction detection device, disclosed herein is a method and device for detecting fluid flow direction based on sensing a temperature variation transmitted from a temperature variation source to one or more temperature sensors. One or more indicators are utilized to communicate the measured fluid flow direction to a user. An implementation of the fluid flow direction detection device utilizes a resistance heater as the temperature variation source, thermistors as the temperature sensors, and light emitting diodes (LEDs) corresponding to each thermistor as the indicators. The thermistors and LEDs are arranged in a circular fashion around the resistance heater to accurately detect the direction of a thermal plume generated by the resistance heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Intrinsic Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Center Galley, Arnell Jean Galley, Harbinder S. Pordal, James F. Yoder
  • Publication number: 20100186497
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aerodynamic measurement probe of an airstream along a wall. The invention makes it possible notably to determine the attack of an airstream relative to an axial reference tangential to the wall. The invention is particularly useful in the aeronautical field. According to the invention, the probe comprises several emitters that can each emit a sound wave and a receiver sensitive to the different sound waves. Thus, there is forewarning of the receiver error that is common to all the measurements of travel time of a sound wave between one of the emitters and the receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: THALES
    Inventor: Joël Choisnet
  • Publication number: 20100186498
    Abstract: A method for calculating the boundary layer level between fluids, in particular the boundary layer level between oil and water in connection with the use of a segment-based boundary layer meter. The calculations are based on the use of measurement signals from a number of segments, n, and the boundary layer level, L, of the water is calculated as follows: L = ? _ - ? 0 ? v - ? 0 ? ( L u - L l ) + L l where: Lu Upper water range area (*) Ll Lower water range area (*) ?n Density of segment no. n from the profile meter {circumflex over (?)}n Corrected density for segment no.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Robert Aasheim, Taale Stette
  • Publication number: 20100186499
    Abstract: The electro-optic liquid level sensing system detects a level of liquid in a container having an upper opening, such as for a server container of a beverage maker for a transport system, such as for aircraft, trains, trucks, buses and the like. A support housing mates with the upper opening of the container, and a primary liquid level sensor is mounted in the support housing for non-intrusively measuring the liquid level. A secondary liquid level sensor may be mounted in the support housing to sense a predetermined liquid level to prevent accidental overflows. Protective lenses may be placed in front of the primary liquid level sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: BE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
    Inventors: Sebastien A. Ramus, Keith R. DeBald, Joseph C. Dettmer, Winston S. Fliess
  • Publication number: 20100186500
    Abstract: A fuel delivery unit for insertion into a fuel tank of a motor vehicle has a swirl pot, a flange for closing an opening in the fuel tank, and a support element arranged between the flange and the swirl pot that prestresses the swirl pot towards a bottom of the fuel tank. A filling level sensor is arranged on the swirl pot. The swirl pot has at least one receptacle. The receptacle extends to a bottom of the swirl pot and completely surrounds the periphery of the support element and has an opening in the bottom region through which fuel from the fuel tank can enter the receptacle. The filling level sensor comprises a transmission and receiving unit for ultrasonic waves arranged in the fuel delivery unit such that the ultrasonic waves run in the receptacle and the support element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Rumpf
  • Publication number: 20100186501
    Abstract: A leadthrough with a sensor section comprising a component section or tube section with a component wall thickness or tube wall thickness and least one sensor section for accommodating a sensor with a sensor wall thickness. The leadthrough with a sensor section is characterized in that the sensor wall thickness is smaller than half the component wall thickness or the tube wall thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Schott AG
    Inventor: Thomas Fink
  • Publication number: 20100186502
    Abstract: A method and a wheel balancer for balancing a vehicle wheel, comprising: predetermining, dependent from the type of the vehicle wheel, axial positions for positioning at least a single correction weight on the wheel surface, predetermining, dependent from the vehicle type, thresholds for the residual static and dynamic imbalances; obtaining imbalance data for the vehicle wheel during a measuring run; calculating from the imbalance data the respective mass and angular position of a correction weight each in one of the predetermined axial positions on the vehicle wheel; comparing each of the predetermined static and dynamic residual imbalances with the achieved static and dynamic residual imbalances, when the calculated respective correction mass is placed by simulation in one of the axial position in the different angular positions; and placing the single correction weight with the calculated mass in the calculated angular position in that axial position in which the residual imbalances are within the prede
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Francesco BRAGHIROLI
  • Publication number: 20100186503
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical sensor and operating method therefor. The sensor has at least one movable electrode. An electrode arrangement is spaced apart from the movable electrode with a plurality of electrodes that can be driven separately and to which corresponding electrode signals can be applied that can be used to electrostatically set/change the application of force, the spring constant and the read-out factor of the movable electrode. An electrode signal generation unit is connected to the electrode arrangement and can be supplied with a force application signal, a spring constant signal and a read-out factor signal, which define the settings/changes to be brought about with regard to the application of force, spring constant and read-out factor of the movable electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Guenter Spahlinger
  • Publication number: 20100186504
    Abstract: A method for the detection of objects embedded in building structure subgrades such as cable, concrete reinforcing bars, conduit pipe and the like as well as a hand-operated sensor with an adaptive detection threshold operating according to the method, is disclosed. To reduce an over-detection with the adaptation of the detection threshold, a change in the direction of movement of the sensor being guided over the surface area is recorded with respect to an embedded object. The determination of a change in the direction of movement preferably takes place by measuring the sensor acceleration in two directions with respect to the embedded object. Corresponding speeds are computed at least as estimates from the acceleration values in order to generate a conclusion about a reversal of the direction of movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Patrik Cipriano, Torsten Gogolla, Andreas John, Christoph Wuersch
  • Publication number: 20100186505
    Abstract: A rotation rate sensor includes a substrate having a main extension plane, and a Coriolis element movable relative to the substrate, the Coriolis element being provided to be excitable, by way of excitation means, to perform an oscillation deflection substantially parallel to the main extension plane; and the Coriolis element further being provided to be deflectable, by way of a Coriolis force acting on the Coriolis element, to perform a detectable Coriolis deflection perpendicular to the main extension plane; and the rotation rate sensor further including at least one compensation electrode that is provided for at least partial compensation, as a function of the oscillation deflection, for a levitation force acting on the Coriolis element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Robert SATTLER, Daniel Christoph Meisel, Joerg Hauer
  • Publication number: 20100186506
    Abstract: The invention concerns a gyrometer-type device, comprised in a substrate (2, 50), and characterized in that it includes: at least one mass (3, 3?, 31, 32, 33) defining, idle, a plane, arranged at a distance from an axis (Z, H, H?) of rotation contained in this plane, this mass being able to be caused to vibrate in this plane, perpendicular to the axis of rotation (Z), at least two connecting arms to connect said mass to said axis of rotation; means forming, for at least one of the arms, at least one connection with the substrate for a rotation around said axis of rotation, at least one strain gauge, for detecting the rotational movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE
    Inventor: Philippe ROBERT
  • Publication number: 20100186507
    Abstract: A micromechanical rotation rate sensor including at least one substrate, wherein the base surface of the substrate is oriented parallel to the x-y plane of a Cartesian coordinate system, at least two seismic masses and in each case at least one suspension spring element for suspending the seismic mass from the substrate, wherein the at least two seismic masses are coupled to one another by at least one coupling bar, and at least one of the suspension spring elements includes at least two bar sections, which, in the undeflected state, are oriented essentially parallel to one another or are at an angle of less than 45° with respect to one another, and one or more connecting sections, which connect the bar sections to one another, wherein the bar sections can be displaced relative to one another in their longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Stefan Günthner, Bernhard Schmid
  • Publication number: 20100186508
    Abstract: A sensor device includes a base plate, a seismic mass having an upper side and a lower side that is situated such that given acceleration of the base plate the seismic mass is capable of being displaced in a direction oriented non-parallel to the upper side and/or to the lower side, at least one raised stop on the seismic mass, and a detection and evaluation device that is adapted to acquire a displacement movement of the seismic mass relative to the base plate and, taking into account the displacement movement, to determine an item of information relating to an acceleration of the sensor device and/or to a force acting on the sensor device, the seismic mass having at least one resilient area that includes the at least one stop and at least one displaceable remaining area, and the resilient area being connected to the remaining area via at least one spring. A method is for manufacturing a sensor device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Sebastian Guenther, Rolf Kaack
  • Publication number: 20100186509
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of measuring an acceleration by means of a vibrating accelerometer including a piezoelectric vibrating cell, the method having the steps: of exciting the vibration cell by means of an excitation signal at a resonant frequency of the vibrating cell; of calculating an acceleration value from a detection signal that results from the excitation signal; of exciting the vibrating cell with a correction excitation signal at a correction frequency that is different from the resonant frequency; of extracting a correction signal from the detection signal, the correction being representative of an electrical characteristic that is to be corrected; and of combining the correction signal with the detection signal so as to reduce the electrical characteristic that is to be corrected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Pierre Loisel
  • Publication number: 20100186510
    Abstract: The invention involves a surface type MEMS sensor, characterized by that fact that it has: a) a first zone in semi-conductor material, called thick zone, which has a first thickness forming at least one mobile mass, b) a second zone in semi-conductor material, forming at least a pivot link for the mobile mass in relation to a substrate, with the axis of the pivot link running parallel to the substrate plane, c) a third one, called thin zone, with a lesser thickness than that of the second zone forming at least a suspended type strain gauge for the detection of the movement of the mobile mass around the axis of the pivot link and with this third area: extending in a plane parallel to the substrate plane which does not contain the axis of the pivot link, extending in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the pivot link, being linked to the mobile mass on one side and to the substrate on the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE
    Inventor: Philippe ROBERT
  • Publication number: 20100186511
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate and a semiconductor mass element configured to move in response to an applied acceleration. The mass element is defined by trenches etched into the semiconductor substrate and a cavity below the mass element. The semiconductor device includes a sensing element configured to sense movement of the mass element and a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) circuit formed on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Thoralf Kautzsch, Bernhard Winkler, Dirk Meinhold, Ben Rosam, Bernd Foeste, Andreas Thamm, Boris Binder
  • Publication number: 20100186512
    Abstract: A quantitative evaluation device and method of an atomic vacancy, which are capable of efficiently and quantitatively evaluating an atomic vacancy existing in a silicon wafer. A quantitative evaluation device 1 is equipped with a detector 5 including an ultrasonic generator 27 and an ultrasonic receiver 28, a silicon sample 6 formed with the ultrasonic generator 27 and the ultrasonic receiver 28 on a silicon wafer 26 comprising perfect crystal silicon, a magnetic force generator 4 for applying an external magnetic field to the silicon sample 6, and a cooler 3 capable of cooling and controlling the silicon sample 6 to a range of temperatures lower than or equal to 50K.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Niigata University
    Inventors: Terutaka Goto, Hiroshi Kaneta, Yuichi Nemoto
  • Publication number: 20100186513
    Abstract: A contactless SAW based torque and temperature sensor comprising a first (2) and second (3) SAW resonator provided on a substrate made of Y+34° cut of quartz. The first SAW resonator (2) has its principle axis inclined at +45° to the X-axis of the substrate, which, in use is either aligned with the longitudinal axis of the device who torque is to be measured or is perpendicular thereto, and the second SAW (3) has its principle axis inclined at ?45° to the X-axis of the substrate. A third SAW (4) has its principle axis inclined at an angle of 30 degrees to the X-axis of the substrate. Each said SAW resonator (2,3,4) is formed by laying a film of aluminum on the substrate having a thickness (h) and the SAW resonators have an average operating wavelength ? where the ratio h/? is in the range 0.021 to 0.032.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: VICTOR ALEXANDROVICH KALININ
  • Publication number: 20100186514
    Abstract: A sensor chip has a substrate and a comb-teeth electrode arranged on the substrate. The sensor chip is fixed to a diaphragm structure to be distorted by receiving pressure, and is fixed to the diaphragm structure only through a predetermined fix area so as to detect the pressure. The fix area is defined on only a part of the sensor chip opposing to the diaphragm structure. The sensor chip is restrained by the diaphragm structure in a direction of transmitting surface acoustic wave. Flexibility of the sensor chip in a perpendicular direction approximately perpendicular to the wave transmitting direction is larger than that in the transmitting direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akihiko Teshigahara, Hideaki Yamada
  • Publication number: 20100186515
    Abstract: A pressure detection unit includes: a first piezoelectric resonator element having a vibrating portion and a pair of base portions connected to both ends of the vibrating portion; a second piezoelectric resonator element having a resonating arm and a base portion integrated with one end of the resonating arm; a diaphragm having a pair of supporting portions to which the base portions of the first piezoelectric resonator element are bonded; and a base disposed to be opposed to the diaphragm. In the pressure detection unit, the base portion of the second piezoelectric resonator element is joined to one of the base portions of the first piezoelectric resonator element in an identical plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: EPSON TOYOCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshinobu SAKURAI, Kenta SATO
  • Publication number: 20100186516
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum measuring cell device comprising a vacuum membrane measuring cell (8) having a connecting means (5, 6) arranged thereon for a communicating connection to the medium to be measured, an electronic system (34), which is electrically connected to the vacuum membrane measuring cell (8), and also comprising a heating arrangement (20, 21) for heating the vacuum membrane measuring cell (8) to a predefinable temperature value, wherein the heating arrangement (20, 21) substantially encloses the entire vacuum membrane measuring cell (8) such that said cell forms a thermal container (20). Said container constitutes a thermal body (20a) in the area of the connecting means (5, 6) and connecting means (6) are guided through it, the connecting means thereby being thermally contacted at least in some areas by the thermal body. The thermal container (20a) comprises a heating source (21) for the heating thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Hansjakob Hanselmann, Claudio Christoffel, Stanislav Duris
  • Publication number: 20100186517
    Abstract: An airflow detecting system includes a tubular structure having an inner surface defining an interior of the tubular structure, one open end and an opposite open end. The tubular structure is configured to receive and expel air through both the one end and the opposite end. The system further includes a flap connected to the inner surface of the tubular structure by a hinge. The flap is configured to impede airflow within the interior of the tubular structure upon the application of differential pressure across the two ends of the tubular structure. The system further includes a device attached to the flap in a position in which the device spans the hinge. The device is configured to measure a parameter associated with the movement of the flap in response to airflow within the interior of the tubular structure. Other embodiments and methods are further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: AMERICAN POWER CONVERSION CORPORATION
    Inventor: John H. Bean, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100186518
    Abstract: A pressure sensing device adapted for having a liquid flowing there through and for sensing the pressure of said liquid. The device has a casing being fluid-tightly divided into a first and a second chamber by a flexible, impermeable wall. The first chamber has a first opening for the liquid, said opening being placed at the lower part of the chamber, and a second opening for the liquid, said opening being placed at the top of the first chamber. The second chamber has a measuring port, which is connectable to a pressure transducer for bringing the second chamber into gas-tight communication with the pressure transducer. The device has a first orifice to permit the liquid to flow into and out of the device, the orifice being placed at the upper part of the device at a higher level than the second opening. A first channel is connecting the first orifice with the first opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Lennart Jönsson, Olof Jansson, Eddie Nilsson
  • Publication number: 20100186519
    Abstract: Gripping claws and pairs of arched angular profiles are arranged along the perimeter of a cylindrical surface segment so as to grip the edges of a fuselage panel, closing the opening of a pressurizable chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Alenia Aeronautica S.p.A.
    Inventors: Pietrantonio Cerreta, Angela Natale, Paolo Ruggiero, Domenico Cozzolino
  • Publication number: 20100186520
    Abstract: The present invention provides a microtesting rig for measuring mechanical properties of small specimens. The rig includes a microsized specimen positioned on a mounting block, an interchangeable contact tip connected with an actuator and configured for contact with the microsized specimen, and a magnifying imaging system for imaging the microsized specimen. The contact tip may be a fiber platen for compression testing or a fiber grip for tension testing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Robert Wheeler, IV, Paul A. Shade, Michael D. Uchic
  • Publication number: 20100186521
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of standardizing a capsule type ultrasound measurement cell (1) including a measurement channel (1A) equipped with ultrasound sensors (C1, C2) disposed in a cap (1G) and intended to be mounted on a tank including an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe of different types, said inlet pipe being intended to communicate with the inlet of said measurement channel and said outlet pipe being intended to communicate with the outlet of said measurement channel. According to the invention, this method consists in using an additional adapter (4, 5) specific to the type of tank and connecting said inlet pipe with the inlet of said measurement channel and said outlet pipe with the outlet of said measurement channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: ACTARIS S.A.S.
    Inventor: Tarek Bouzid
  • Publication number: 20100186522
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the continuous torque monitoring of a hybrid drive composed of an internal combustion engine with an engine control unit and an inherently safe electric drive with a control unit, wherein a permissible total torque is compared with the sum of an actual torque of the electric drive and an actual torque of the internal combustion engine. If the permissible total torque is reduced by the actual torque of the electric motor and is formed by a permissible torque of the internal combustion engine, it is largely possible by means of this method for existing software to be utilized further, and said software need not be amended. In the engine controller, it is largely possible for calculations to be carried out with torques which are normalized to the maximum torque of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Holger Niemann, Thorsten Juenemann
  • Publication number: 20100186523
    Abstract: In the method, for collecting and diluting a gaseous sample disposed at a temperature substantially higher than the normal temperature from a sample space (2), a flow of sample is collected into a sampling tube (3); the flow of sample is introduced from the sampling tube into a sample channel (8) formed by a gas permeable first jacket (7); dilution gas is introduced into a dilution gas space (10) formed by a second jacket (9) enclosing the first jacket and connected by its end to the sampling tube, and further from it, through the first jacket into the sample channel; and heat is conducted from the sample space (2) into the dilution gas space (10) for warming up the dilution gas that comes into contact with the sampling tube (3). According to the invention, in the method, a substantially laminar protection flow, which encloses the flow of sample being released from the sampling tube (3) into the sample channel (8) and is disposed longitudinally to the sample channel, is formed from the warmed up dilution gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Hannu Vesala
  • Publication number: 20100186524
    Abstract: An apparatus or device for collecting aerosol particles from a gas stream, having a collector body enclosing a collector channel, a particle trap in the collector channel, and an injection duct for injecting a discrete microdroplet of an elution reagent. The particle trap may be a centrifugal impactor, a bluff body impactor, or an electrostatic impactor. Aerosol particles are deposited on the surface during collection and are subsequently eluted with a microdroplet or a series of microdroplets as a concentrated liquid sample so that the sample can be analyzed in situ or conveyed to a detector for analysis. The collector serves as an aerosol-to-liquid conversion module as part of an apparatus for detecting and analyzing aerosol particles, and may be used in an integrated environmental threat assessment system, for example for characterization of aerosolized chemical and biological weapons, or for industrial or environmental monitoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: ENERTECHNIX, INC
    Inventors: Peter C. Ariessohn, Igor V. Novosselov
  • Publication number: 20100186525
    Abstract: An improved wheelchair and a method of security screening a wheelchair are disclosed. The wheelchair is constructed of plastic and includes an antimicrobial agent. The wheelchair also includes a plurality of safety features. In a method, the wheelchair is tested for compliance with safety and security standards. If compliant, the wheelchair is certified by locating certification information on the wheelchair and the wheelchair is provided for use. Before each use, the wheelchair is validated by confirming the existence of the certification information. The wheelchair is then used to transport a user to and through a security checkpoint while the user remains seated in the wheelchair, including as the wheelchair passes through checkpoint screening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Chris Mashburn, Shannon Conklin
  • Publication number: 20100186526
    Abstract: Method for mounting a capacitive level sensor inside a liquid tank having a bottom wall, the sensor having a foot and a measuring portion comprising at least one capacitive element supported by a rigid support extending from said foot, wherein the foot is fixedly secured to the bottom wall of the tank through a retainer, and according to which the rigid support forms an angle with the foot so that the length of the measuring portion of the sensor is higher than the height of the tank in the portion where the foot is located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: James Edward Thompson, Russell Sarquis, Damon Upton
  • Publication number: 20100186527
    Abstract: A centrifugal system transmits a centrifugal force from a favorably positioned rotational object with a mass element to an arm that is coupled to an output axle or directly to the axle or a structure on the system, so as to provide output torque or force. The centrifugal system uses rotational motion of one or more mass elements in an object to create a centrifugal force that drives the mass elements radially outward, so that the centrifugal force creates a tangential force which acts at an angle on an arm to provide a significant amount of torque to rotate an output axle of the system. The centrifugal force of the system may also be used to create force output for the system. The angle is the angle between a connection element and the arm or axis of rotation. The angle determines the magnitude of the effective force for torque or force creation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Guy Silver, Juinerong Wu
  • Publication number: 20100186528
    Abstract: A drive device includes a first fastening device (5), for connection to a stationary base part, especially a vehicle body, or to a movable part, especially a vehicle (hinged) lid or door; a second fastening device (24), for connection to the movable part or to the stationary base part; a spindle drive (17), which includes a threaded spindle (16) and a spindle nut (19) mounted on the threaded spindle (16) and capable of moving the first and the second fastening devices (5, 24) axially relative to each other; and a rotary drive (9), which rotates the spindle drive (17) by way of an overload safety device, wherein the nonrotatable connection between the two components can be released when a certain torque is exceeded, and wherein the overload safety device is formed by a clutch device (15), which comprises an inner part (32) connected to the rotary drive (9), which inner part rotates an intermediate part (34) by way of a damping element (33) and, by way of the intermediate part (34), rotates an outer part (36) c
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg Hillen, Andreas Ritter
  • Publication number: 20100186529
    Abstract: A linear actuator implements two contact switches for travel-limit control of an output shaft of the linear actuator and implements a variable resistor that is connected with a reduction gear of a motor of the linear actuator for providing a position feedback function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Hsin-An Chiang, Jin-Cheng Lin
  • Publication number: 20100186530
    Abstract: Lubricating oil passages extending toward a power transmission mechanism from a regulator valve to lubricate the power transmission mechanism include a first lubricating oil passage for supplying lubricating oil to a low clutch used to set up a low gear speed and a second lubricating oil passage for supplying lubricating oil with line pressure to the low clutch. A check valve for preventing the lubricating oil from flowing out from frictional engagement elements other than the low clutch when the second lubricating oil passage is selected, is provided on the first lubricating oil passage. An outflow preventing section for preventing the lubricating oil, supplied to the low clutch via the first lubricating oil passage, from flowing out from any open port of hydraulic control valves when the second lubricating oil passage is not selected, is provided on the second lubricating oil passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: MASAYA TAMAI, NORIYUKI YAGI, AKIHIRO UEKI, AKIRA YOSHIDA, YUJI OKAZAKI, YOSHIFUMI MURAKAMI
  • Publication number: 20100186531
    Abstract: A cover structure of an actuator is provided in which a case of the actuator, which houses a conversion mechanism that converts input energy to mechanical motion, has a metal cover fastening portion and a cover member to which a metal fastening part that is fastened to the cover fastening portion is integrally attached. The cover member is formed by a metal cover portion and a resin cover portion. The metal cover portion has a center portion that covers part of the conversion mechanism, and an extended portion that extends from the center portion to the area near the metal fastening part so as to oppose the cover fastening portion. In this way, a vehicular power transmitting apparatus that discourages theft is provided by realizing an actuator with a strong cover fastening structure by making the fastening portion of the actuator be able to withstand intentionally inflicted damage without its weight being increased much.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeshi Miyagawa, Takanao Sugiura, Mamoru Moriyama
  • Publication number: 20100186532
    Abstract: A gearshift interlock is provided including a first shift block operatively associated with at least one first synchronized gear. The first shift block has a detent and is movable between neutral and actuated positions. A second shift block is operatively associated with at least one second synchronized gear. The second shift block has a detent and is movable between neutral and actuated positions. A lockout member is provided wherein movement of one of the shift blocks from its neutral position toward its actuated position causes the shift block to urge the lockout member to engage the detent of the other one of the shift blocks. At least an outer surface of the lockout member has a hardness within a predetermined range, and each of the first and second shift blocks is hardened so as to impart a hardness within the predetermined range to at least a portion of the shift block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Brian K. Stefina
  • Publication number: 20100186533
    Abstract: A console upturnably provided adjacent to an access area for gaining access to a seat installed in a work machine is provided with a release lever, to disengage a console securing locking portion and enabling the console to be upturned. The console has a hydraulic locking lever. Shifting the hydraulic locking lever to an opening position unblocks the access area, and performs a locking function to disable operation of the work machine; shifting the hydraulic locking lever to a blocking position to block the access area performs an unlocking function, thereby enabling operation of the work machine. Provided in relation to the release lever is a lever operation restraining mechanism that disengages the release lever and enables the console to be upturned when the hydraulic locking lever is in the opening position, and prevent upturning operation when the hydraulic locking lever is in the blocking position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Caterpillar Japan Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Akahane, Tetsuji Takaoka, Teruyuki Yamada