Patents Issued in September 30, 2010
  • Publication number: 20100242596
    Abstract: The present invention provides the fuel indication gauge that uses the materials of contact point and electrode conductor that have the strong corrosion, fuel resistance and chemical resistance. Especially, it provides the fuel quantity gauge that satisfies the requirements of various kinds of fuels in the world including poor quality of fuels and fuels that customers of vehicle manufacture companies require a test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Jae Seung Park, In Seok Sohn, Ha Young Cho, Mun Sik Jeon, Chan Heum Yoon
  • Publication number: 20100242597
    Abstract: A fuel level measuring system for a liquid fuel tank may utilize a primary sender gage assembly employing at least a primary sender gage, a primary sender arm, and a primary sender float. The system may further utilize a secondary sender gage assembly employing at least a secondary sender gage, a secondary sender arm, and a secondary sender float. A dash indicator may display a fuel level of fuel within the fuel tank based upon resistances from the sender gages. The primary sender float and the secondary sender gage are contained within a single unit that is buoyant in liquid fuel. The fuel tank may have a top dome portion and a bottom dome portion that the secondary sender float is capable of occupying while the sender gages transmit a signal corresponding to fuel levels in the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Powell
  • Publication number: 20100242598
    Abstract: A root-end of the blade is connectable to a fixation unit which is pivotably mounted around a first reference-point. A first static moment of the fixation unit without the blade connected is determined in reference to a first reference-point, while the first static-moment is acting on the fixation-unit at the first distance. A second static-moment of the fixation unit and the connected blade is determined at a second distance in reference to the first reference-point, while the second distance is allocated to a cross-section of the blade. The first and the second static-moment are used to calculate the static-moment of the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: David Stien Pedersen
  • Publication number: 20100242599
    Abstract: Provided are a device, a system, and a method for determining a fitting condition of a connector, which are capable of improving the accuracy for determining the coupling condition of the connector. A connector fitting condition determination device (10) includes an input section (11) that is attached to an operator and receives detection results including sound information and acceleration information that are measured at a time of fitting a connector; a sound information determination section (13) that determines whether the sound information satisfies predetermined conditions based on the detection results input to the input section (11); and an acceleration information determination section (15) that determines whether the acceleration information satisfies predetermined conditions, on detection results satisfying the conditions in the sound information determination section 13.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Tatsuya Ogawa, Akira Ishihara
  • Publication number: 20100242600
    Abstract: A transducer (20) includes sensors (28, 30) that are bonded to form a vertically integrated configuration. The sensor (28) includes a proof mass (32) movably coupled to and spaced apart from a surface (34) of a substrate (36). The sensor (30) includes a proof mass (58) movably coupled to and spaced apart from a surface (60) of a substrate (56). The substrates (36, 56) are coupled with the surface (60) of substrate (56) facing the surface (34) of substrate (36). Thus, the proof mass (58) faces the proof mass (32). The sensors (28, 30) are fabricated separately and can be formed utilizing differing micromachining techniques. The sensors (28, 30) are subsequently coupled (90) utilizing a wafer bonding technique to form the transducer (20). Embodiments of the transducer (20) may include sensing along one, two, or three orthogonal axes and may be adapted to detect movement at different acceleration sensing ranges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Yizhen Lin, Todd F. Miller, Woo Tae Park
  • Publication number: 20100242601
    Abstract: A translational, Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) accelerometer device with precisely formed pole pieces to guide magnetic flux through a coil in a MEMS device layer. An example device includes a device layer, a magnetic return path component attached to a first side of the device layer, and a magnet unit attached to a second side of the device layer. The device layer includes a proof mass with electrically conductive trace and frame components. The magnet unit includes two magnetically conductive posts (formed of a ferrous material) located proximate to the trace, a base section formed of the same material as the posts, a non-magnetically conductive post (formed of a glass substrate) connected between the conductive posts, and a magnet attached to the non-magnetically conductive post within a cavity formed in the base section between the two magnetically conductive posts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Dwyer, Ryan Roehnelt
  • Publication number: 20100242602
    Abstract: A process for fabricating a capacitance type tri-axial accelerometer comprises of preparing a wafer having an upper layer, an intermediate layer and a lower layer, etching the lower layer of the wafer to form an isolated proof mass having a core and four segments extending from the core, etching the upper layer of the wafer to form a suspension and four separating plates, etching away a portion of the intermediate layer located between the four segments of the proof mass and the plates of the upper layer, and disposing an electrical conducting means to pass through the intermediate layer from the suspension to the core of the proof mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Ming-Ching WU
  • Publication number: 20100242603
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor device (184) includes a sensor portion (180) and a sensor portion (182) that are coupled together to form a vertically integrated configuration having a hermetically sealed chamber (270). The sensor portions (180, 182) can be formed utilizing different micromachining techniques, and are subsequently coupled utilizing a wafer bonding technique to form the sensor device (184). The sensor portion (180) includes one or more sensors (186, 188), and the sensor portion (182) includes one or more sensors (236, 238). The sensors (186, 188) are located inside the chamber (270) facing the sensors (236, 238) also located inside the chamber (270). The sensors (186, 188, 236, 238) are configured to sense different physical stimuli, such as motion, pressure, and magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Todd F. Miller, Yizhen Lin, David J. Monk, Woo Tae Park
  • Publication number: 20100242604
    Abstract: A MEMS device has a mass supported at least in part by a spring. Among other things, the spring has first and second layers, and first and a second electrodes. The first and second layers are between the first and second electrodes, and the first and second layers, which are oppositely polarized, form a bimorph.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: ANALOG DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Firas Sammoura, Kuang Yang
  • Publication number: 20100242605
    Abstract: A sensor component having a housing and a sensor chip situated in it. The sensor chip is connected mechanically to the housing via at least one elastomer element. In addition, the sensor chip is also connected electrically to the housing via the at least one elastomer element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Klaus Offterdinger
  • Publication number: 20100242606
    Abstract: A MEMS sensor manufactured by processing a multi-layer stacked structure formed on a substrate, includes: a fixed frame portion formed in the substrate; a movable weight portion coupled to the fixed frame portion via an elastic deformable portion and having a hollow portion formed at the periphery; a fixed electrode portion protrudingly formed from the fixed frame portion toward the hollow portion; and a movable electrode portion moving integrally with the movable weight portion and facing the fixed electrode portion, wherein the movable weight portion includes a first movable weight portion formed of the multi-layer stacked structure and a second movable weight portion positioned below the first movable weight portion and formed of the material of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kei KANEMOTO
  • Publication number: 20100242607
    Abstract: A method for determining a location of incipient damage of an object comprises insonifying the object at a plurality of locations using ultrasonic signals during an inspection, acquiring signals indicative of a possible damage condition from the plurality of locations of the insonified object in said inspection, determining a value for each of the locations to indicate accumulated damage by mathematically combining the acquired signals from said inspection and at least a portion of prior inspections, and comparing the values of the plurality of locations to determine a location indicating possible incipient damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ramkumar Kashyap Oruganti, Michael Francis Xavier Gigliotti, JR., Edward James Nieters, Sivaramanivas Ramaswamy, Ganesan Baskaran, Balachandar Ramadurai
  • Publication number: 20100242608
    Abstract: An example electrode cap includes a bored portion of an electrode cap. The bored portion establishes a bore that extends longitudinally from one end of the electrode cap and terminates at a surface having a radius relative to the longitudinal axis. A tip portion of the electrode cap extends from the surface toward another end of the electrode cap. An example method of maintaining a focal point of an ultrasonic wave includes propagating an ultrasonic wave from a transducer through a bore and a tip portion of an electrode cap and receiving a reflection of the ultrasonic wave. The method further includes determining information about a welded area using the reflection and adjusting a radius of a surface of the electrode cap to position a focal point of the ultrasonic wave within the tip portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Roman Gr. Maev, Andriy M. Chertov
  • Publication number: 20100242609
    Abstract: The invention relates bridge structure safety evaluation technology by means of combining vibration measuring and structural model analysis techniques for bridge erosion evaluation and pre-warning monitoring applications. This technology can also be applied for long-term bridge structure monitoring and safety evaluation as well as judgment and evaluation of rail structure abnormality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: WEI-FENG LEE, CHENG-HSING CHEN, CHIA-FENG CHANG, HSING-TAI MEI
  • Publication number: 20100242610
    Abstract: There is provided an ultrasonic imaging apparatus capable of efficiently generating an image both by using a transmission ultrasonic wave with a wide angle of beam spread and by using a transmission ultrasonic wave with a narrow angle of beam spread. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes: a transmission control part controlling transmission timings of a plurality of first piezoelectric elements so as to make a synthesized wave of ultrasonic waves transmitted from the plural first piezoelectric elements match an ultrasonic wave transmitted from a predetermined virtual transmission point; a signal detecting circuit detecting an electric signal corresponding to an ultrasonic echo transmitted from the plural first piezoelectric elements, reflected by an inspection target, and received by a plurality of second piezoelectric elements; and a generating part generating an image corresponding to the inspection target based on the electric signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Hirokazu KARASAWA
  • Publication number: 20100242611
    Abstract: A single element of an ultrasonic transducer includes at least one combination of an equivalent series capacitor C1, an equivalent series inductor L1, and an equivalent series resistance R1. The ultrasonic transducer further includes an equivalent parallel capacitor C0. An inductor L2 is connected in series between the ultrasonic transducer and the drive circuit. A first resonance frequency of the equivalent series capacitor C1 and the equivalent series inductor L1 is F0. A second resonance frequency determined by at least the equivalent parallel capacitor C0 and the inductor L2 is Fp. A drive circuit drives the ultrasonic transducer while switching the driving frequency of the ultrasonic transducer to one of the resonance frequency F0 and the resonance frequency Fp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hidehito Terazawa
  • Publication number: 20100242612
    Abstract: An ultrasonic probe including a cMUT chip that has plural oscillation elements whose electromechanical coupling coefficient or sensitivity varies in accordance with a bias voltage and transmits/receives an ultrasonic wave, an acoustic lens provided at an ultrasonic wave transmission/reception side of the cMUT chip, a backing layer provided to the opposite surface of the cMUT chip to the acoustic lens, and a substrate provided between the backing layer and the cMUT chip. The ultrasonic probe further includes thermal stress suppressing means for suppressing thermal stress occurring due to the difference in linear expansion coefficient caused by temperature variation between the substrate and the backing layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: HITACHI MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shuzo Sano, Makoto Fukada, Akifumi Sako
  • Publication number: 20100242613
    Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides a method and system related to phased array ultrasonic systems to identify faults in individual element on a regular basis. The method and system of the present disclosure are based on a simple approach of calculating energy levels in response signals from each individual element and then identifying any discontinuities or unexpected drops in energy levels sensed during a typical phased array operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Christian SIMARD, Michael DRUMMY
  • Publication number: 20100242614
    Abstract: A solution is provided for tuning the frequency of a torsional mode of interest of a rotating body (such as a generator rotor torsional mode) by adding a detuner to act as an undamped torsional vibration absorber. The detuner may be coupled to an overhung shaft extending from the rotating body. The detuner may be modular, therefore weight can be added or subtracted easily from the detuner in order to adjust the stiffness and/or inertia of the overhung shaft. This change in stiffness and/or inertia yields a torsional frequency of oscillation in the overhung shaft substantially similar to the natural frequency of the torsional mode of interest of the rotating body, therefore forcing the frequency of the torsional mode of interest of the rotating body above or below its torsional natural frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Klaus Werner Sommerlatte, Siddharth Navinchandra Ashar, Alexander Gabriel Beckford, Eric Steven Buskirk, Benjamin Alber Mancuso, Anthony Rigosu
  • Publication number: 20100242615
    Abstract: A pressure transducer comprising a housing and a piezoelectric resonator in the housing, wherein the resonator is made of a piezoelectric crystal having Curie temperature greater than 1000° C. or having no Curie temperature up to its melting point greater than 1000° C., and the piezoelectric crystal has a piezoelectric constant more than two times greater than that of quartz.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: SHIGERU SATO, JUEI IGARASHI
  • Publication number: 20100242616
    Abstract: A measuring arrangement for measuring one or more pressures and/or temperatures in an injection-molding system includes a base plate and at least one mould insert with at least part of a cavity. The base plate and the mould insert rest against one another in a releasable manner on at least one common separating surface. The mould insert includes at least one sensor for detecting pressures and/or temperatures as well as a transmitter module on the separating surface, which transmitter module is electrically connected to the sensor. The base plate includes a receiving module on the separating surface opposite the transmitter module, wherein measurement data can be transmitted from the transmitter module to the receiving module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: KISTLER HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Max Waser, Ernst Pletscher
  • Publication number: 20100242617
    Abstract: An air pressure sensor that has a first conductive membrane configured for deflection in response to pressure differences between air at a reference pressure and air at a pressure to be sensed. The sensor also has a second conductive membrane configured for deflection in response to a change in temperature to which the pressure sensor is exposed. The sensor uses a circuit in electrical communication with the first and second conductive membranes, that obtains a first signal and second signal from the first and second conductive membranes respectively. The first and second signals are indicative of the deflection of the first and second conductive membranes. The circuit adjusts the first signal by the second signal to generate an output signal indicative of the air pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Samuel George Mallinson
  • Publication number: 20100242618
    Abstract: A diaphragm made of a polysilicon film is provided above a first main surface of a silicon substrate. Four gauge resistors are provided on the top face of the diaphragm. A through hole for exposing the bottom face of the diaphragm is formed in the silicon substrate. An anchor portion for mounting the diaphragm on the silicon substrate is provided between the diaphragm and the silicon substrate in a manner surrounding circumferentially an opening end of the through hole located at the side facing the first main surface. Accordingly, a semiconductor pressure sensor having a diaphragm of reduced and less varied thickness can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kimitoshi Sato
  • Publication number: 20100242619
    Abstract: An encapsulated fiber Bragg grating sensor is provided wherein the EFL of sensor as well as the coefficient of friction between the sensor and the encapsulating tubing is controlled to minimize measurement errors caused by tensile and compressive strains. A method of manufacturing such a sensor is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: SABEUS, INC.
    Inventors: Michel Le Blanc, Gerald Baker
  • Publication number: 20100242620
    Abstract: A fatigue test system for repetitively deforming a substantially tubular implant structure which is within a radial range and within an axial range expandable and contractable and which has at least a first and a second end, wherein the system comprises at least a first and second part which are controllably moveable relative to each other, and a first and a second fixture assembly for fixing the first end to the first part and the second end to the second part, so that the system controls in use the position of each of the first and second end of the tubular implant structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: C. R. BARD, INC.
    Inventors: Markus Lorenz, Thiemo Blank, Roman Forreiter
  • Publication number: 20100242621
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the mass fractions of water and oil in a flowing mixture of oil and water through a pipe includes a sensor portion that measures sound velocity and temperature of the flowing oil water mixture at a first time and at a second time. The apparatus includes a temperature changer in thermal communication with the flowing fluid which changes the temperature of the flowing oil water mixture by a measurable amount between the first time and the second time. A method for measuring water mass fraction in a flowing mixture of oil and water through a pipe includes the steps of measuring sound velocity and temperature of the flowing oil water mixture at a first time with a sensor portion. There is the step of changing the temperature of the flowing oil water mixture by a measurable amount with a temperature changer in thermal communication with the flowing fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Herbert Estrada, Calvin R. Hastings
  • Publication number: 20100242622
    Abstract: An arrangement for improving an accuracy of a pressure measurement made of a breathing gas including drops of water or humidity flowing along a flow channel is disclosed herein. The arrangement includes at least one pressure measuring channel to transmit a pressure of the breathing gas flowing along the flow channel to a measuring device to make the pressure measurement. The pressure measuring channel is equipped with a capillary material enabling capillary suctioning of water. Also a flow sensor for a flow rate measurement of a breathing gas including drops of water or humidity is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Kurt WECKSTROM
  • Publication number: 20100242623
    Abstract: The measuring system of the invention comprises: A measuring transducer of vibration-type, through which medium flows during operation and which serves for producing oscillatory signals dependent on a viscosity of the flowing medium and/or a Reynolds number of the flowing medium; as well as a transmitter electronics electrically coupled with the measuring transducer for driven the measuring transducer and for evaluating oscillatory signals delivered by the measuring transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Ennio Bitto, Alfred Rieder, Martin Anklin, Christof Huber, Michael Kirst
  • Publication number: 20100242624
    Abstract: The measuring transducer serves for registering at least one physical, measured variable of a flowable medium guided in a pipeline and/or for producing Coriolis forces serving for registering a mass flow rate of a flowable medium guided in a pipeline. For such purpose, the measuring transducer comprises: A transducer housing (71), of which an inlet-side, housing end is formed by means of an inlet-side, flow divider (201) having exactly four flow openings (201A, 201B, 201C, 201D) spaced, in each case, from one another and an outlet-side, housing end is formed by means of an outlet-side, flow divider (202) having exactly four flow openings (202A, 202B, 202C, 202D) spaced, in each case, from one another; as well as exactly four, straight, measuring tubes (181, 182, 183, 184) connected to the flow dividers (201, 202) for guiding flowing medium along flow paths connected in parallel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Ennio Bitto, Alfred Rieder, Martin Anklin, Christof Huber
  • Publication number: 20100242625
    Abstract: A system for measuring the weight of an object while pulling the object upward includes a puller having a frame and a cable having a first end coupled to the object and a second end engaging a second cylinder. At least a portion of the cable engages the outer circumferential surface of a first cylinder and the second cylinder. The apparatus also includes an upper arm and an actuator. A force measurement device is coupled to the first cylinder and to the upper arm and measures the weight of the object. The actuator is operable to lower and raise the weight measurement device and the first cylinder. In some embodiments, the position of the cable with respect to the frame may be adjusted by a dampening system or a bushing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: MEMC ELECTRONIC MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventor: Harold Korb
  • Publication number: 20100242626
    Abstract: An improved magnetic torque transducer arrangement for self-compensating effects of external magnetic sources and temperature offset comprises a shaft with at least one magnetized zone, at least one active magnetic field sensor and at least one passive magnetic field sensor disposed in such a way that active field sensor always in a position with higher magnetic field strength arise from applied torque than that of passive sensor. Passive field sensors may also be placed in both sides of the active field sensor, or on one side of active field sensor only. The transducer output is obtained by subtract the output of passive field sensors from that of active field sensor thus cancel out the effect of interfering magnetic field flux and temperature offset on the torque transducer, and partially filter out temperature sensitivity drift and rotational dependant signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Wensheng Weng
  • Publication number: 20100242627
    Abstract: A torque-index sensor having index sensor and torque sensor closely arranged and integrated therein with lightened interference between them is provided. The invented torque-index sensor is comprised of torque sensor that includes first magnetic sensor arranged beside first annular-shaped magnet and index sensor that includes second magnet arranged beside annular-shaped encoder and second magnetic sensor that are arranged being in-line on common axis; and means for varying magnetic flux, which changes direction of magnetic flux that is generated from second magnet toward first magnetic sensor, positioned between first magnetic sensor in torque sensor and second magnet in index sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: HITACHI CABLE, LTD.
    Inventors: Ken OKUYAMA, Yukio IKEDA, Yukitoshi TERASAKA, Takahiro SANADA
  • Publication number: 20100242628
    Abstract: A high-temperature pressure sensor is provided. The sensor includes a quartz substrate with a cavity etched on one side. A reflective coating is deposited on at least a portion of the cavity. The sensor further includes a ferrule section coupled to the quartz substrate with the cavity therebetween. The cavity exists in a vacuum, and cavity gap is formed between the reflective metal coating and a surface of the ferrule. The sensor also includes an optical fiber enclosed by the ferrule section and extending from the cavity gap to an opposing end of the ferrule section and a metal casing surrounding the ferrule section and the quartz substrate with an opening for said optical fiber extending therefrom. The pressure applied to the quartz substrate changes the dimensions of the cavity gap and a reflected signal from the reflective coating is processed as a pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Aaron Jay Knobloch, David William Vernooy, Weizhuo Li, David Mulford Shaddock, Stacey Joy Kennerly
  • Publication number: 20100242629
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a smart label to be affixed on or integrated in an object and able to provide an electrical signal indicative of the applied pressure or force and/or the position of the applied pressure or force at a touch point on the object to which the label is affixed. The smart label comprises a layer structure and a detector system, the layer structure comprising of at least a stack of a first, a second and a third layer. The first and third layers comprise a flexible, electrically conductive or semiconductive material and at least two electrodes for connecting the layers to the detector system. The second layer comprises a flexible, deformable and compressible material. The second layer is electrically nonconductive or electrically conductive but less conductive than the first and third layers, wherein the second layer separates the first and third layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA - Recherche et Developpement
    Inventors: David Leuenberger, Guillaume Basset, Tilman Beierlein
  • Publication number: 20100242630
    Abstract: A device for the automatic extraction of chemical samples is provided. One or more chemical samples are extracted under automatic control for the controlled mixing, heating, cooling, shaking and dispensing thereof. The device includes a housing defining an open interior region. A rotating carousel is disposed within the housing, and a plurality of sample holders are mounted thereon. A plurality of sample storage tanks each contain a unique chemical sample, and a desired volume of at least one chemical sample is drawn from a respective one of the sample storage tanks to a respective at least one of the plurality of sample holders. The carousel is rotated so that the desired volume of the at least one chemical sample may be dispensed into a receptacle positioned adjacent the carousel. The at least one chemical sample may then be mixed, heated, cooled, shaken and/or vibrated within the receptacle prior to dispensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Sadeq Ahmad Al-Qassem
  • Publication number: 20100242631
    Abstract: During the fabrication of microstructure devices, such as integrated circuits, particles may be analyzed by displacing or removing the particles from the device surface and subsequently performing an analysis process. Consequently, a well-defined measurement environment may be established after removal of the particles, which may be accomplished on the basis of nanoprobes and the like. Hence, even critical surface areas may be monitored with respect to contamination and the like on the basis of well-established analysis techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Petra Hetzer, Matthias Schaller, Dmytro Chumakov
  • Publication number: 20100242632
    Abstract: Particles are removed from a fluid stream, such as air, and are deposited on one or more collection surfaces. A pre-filter can be employed to reject oversized particles and contaminants, such as rain and insects. A concentrator is employed to increase a concentration of particles larger than a pre-defined particle size in at least a portion of the fluid, producing a concentrated volume of fluid. The concentrator and pre-filter can, for example, be virtual impactors. The concentrated volume of fluid/air is directed to the collection surface(s), where particles in the concentrated volume of air are deposited. In at least one embodiment, the collection surface is a bed of beads, reducing loss of particles that might occur due to particles bouncing from a single collection surface. A sampling component removes a portion of the deposited particles to generate a sample, which is analyzed by an analytical component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: MesoSystems Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles J. Call
  • Publication number: 20100242633
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to the devices and methods for the collection of bioaerosols (such as viruses, bacteria, and proteins) from the exhaled breath of humans and/or animals, for the purpose of determining, for example, particle size, generation rate, diseases and interventions for particle release.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicants: The President and Fellows of Harvard University, University of Massachusetts Lowell
    Inventors: James McDevitt, Donald Milton, Petros Koutrakis, Stephen T. Ferguson, Jack M. Wolfson
  • Publication number: 20100242634
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for depositing samples in modules, in particular, in kits, in addition to an adapter. The inventive adapter (1) is embodied in such a manner that an injection needle can be received in a liquid-tight manner. It is connected in a liquid-tight manner to the low-lying module or kit (20) and enables a continuous flow of samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Juergen Hubbuch, Tim Schroeder, Pierre Beugre, Matthias Wiendahl
  • Publication number: 20100242635
    Abstract: A sampling apparatus includes a housing defining a test chamber with an opening for contacting a test surface to expose at least a portion the test surface to the test chamber. A movable agitator within the test chamber contacts the test surface and agitates the test surface to release material from the test surface. The apparatus further includes an inlet and an outlet communicating with the test chamber and defining an air flow path through the chamber. At least one sample cassette may be supported near the outlet to collect a sample from the air flow, including material released from the surface into the test chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT, INC.
    Inventors: John R. Kominsky, Fred D. Hall
  • Publication number: 20100242636
    Abstract: A device for final calibration of tapered tubular shafts, wherein a number of pressure rollers are fitted to an annular support radially with respect to an axis of the annular support, are arranged about the axis to define a calibration passage for a tapered shaft, and are movable, with respect to the annular support and under control of a cam pressure device common to all the pressure rollers, in respective radial directions to vary the size of the passage alongside variations in the section of the tapered tubular shaft travelling through the passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Officine Meccaniche Murgesi S.R.L.
    Inventor: Nicola Di Tullio
  • Publication number: 20100242637
    Abstract: A transmission device for a work vehicle, comprising a travel drive system for transmitting engine power to a travel device; an implement drive system for transmitting engine power to an external power take-off shaft; braking operation tools for a braking operation; a stop operation mechanism provided to the travel drive system and capable of interrupting the transmission of power to the travel device; and a hydraulically operated PTO clutch for interrupting the transmission of power to the external power take-off shaft, the PTO shaft being provided to the implement drive system; wherein the stop operation mechanism and the PTO clutch are linked with the braking operation tools so that the stop operation mechanism is operated to a power transmission stopping position and the PTO clutch is disengaged along with a pressing operation of the braking operation tools, and the PTO clutch is engaged along with a press-releasing operation of the braking operation tools; and an operation timing is set so that the PT
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takuya Inamori, Hisao Mukai, Yushi Matsuzaki, Susumu Umemoto, Akiyoshi Ono, Akira Hiwatashi
  • Publication number: 20100242638
    Abstract: In a motor vehicle transmission with a power take-off drive, an auxiliary drive clutch in the form of a jaw clutch is arranged in the torque flow downstream of the transmission input clutch for coupling the power take-off drive to the transmission input shaft under the control of the drive motor clutch while the transmission is disconnected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Frank Steffens
  • Publication number: 20100242639
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rack-and-pinion steering gear with a steering housing, which is tubular and has a housing axis, wherein in the steering housing a rack is mounted in bearings displaceably towards a longitudinal axis, and with a steering pinion, which is mounted in a pinion housing rotatably about an axis and has a pinion gearing, which engages with a gearing of the rack, in which at least one bearing is formed as an eccentric sliding bearing, which can rotate relative to the steering housing, so that the rack can be pressed towards the steering pinion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: ThyssenKrupp Presta AG
    Inventor: Frank Birkwald
  • Publication number: 20100242640
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vibrator assembly having a cylindrical counterweight with an unbalanced core. A conductive shield the length of the unbalanced rotatable counterweight is positioned about the length of the unbalanced rotatable counterweight, the conductive shield having a shield axis along the rotatable axis. The shield is a cylinder, a portion of a cylinder, or another form of a hollow structure. The shield can be, for example, welded, tightly fitted, or glued to the rotary vibrator assembly. In another embodiment, the conductive shield and unbalanced rotatable counterweight are a single component. In another embodiment, the assembly can include an end cap at a distal end of the shield. In still another embodiment, a circuit element can be electrically connected to the conductive shield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J Salamone, David A. Brewer
  • Publication number: 20100242641
    Abstract: A fitting, especially of a piece of furniture used for sitting or lying down, includes a connecting bracket and a rotatable bracket that is pivotally connected thereto. The connecting bracket is provided with a force-transmitting element, particularly a toothed element, which may be arranged to be concentric with the shaft and is effectively connected to a linear adjusting element by means of a gear mechanism. The linear adjusting element is guided to be longitudinally adjustable along the rotatable bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Kintec-Solution GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Mackert
  • Publication number: 20100242642
    Abstract: An actuator and vehicle system including a drive gear with an integral drive nut in meshing engagement with a drive screw. The drive screw is prevented from rotating such that rotation of the drive gear causes linear motion of the drive screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: STONERIDGE CONTROL DEVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Brian Ganter
  • Publication number: 20100242643
    Abstract: Direct drive electromechanical rotary-to-linear actuators include one or more electric motors mounted in a housing. Each motor includes a stator and a rotor. The motor drives a planetary drive mechanism that includes an elongated central shaft having one or more helical threads on an external surface coupled to the rotor for conjoint rotation. A planetary nut having helical threads on an internal surface is disposed concentric to the shaft, and a plurality of planetary rollers are disposed concentrically between the shaft and the planetary nut. Each of the rollers has a helical thread on an external surface that is complementary to and in engagement with a thread of the shaft and a thread of the nut. Rotation of the rotor is converted with mechanical advantage into linear movement of the planetary nut. The actuators provide backlash-free operation, higher stiffnesses, slew rates and frequency responses, and better overall efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: William M. Waide
  • Publication number: 20100242644
    Abstract: A device for varying a load applied to a vertical axis comprises a basic burden capable of vertical movement, a hinge with a horizontal axis, a lever having an end coupled to the hinge and capable of rotating around the horizontal axis, and a revolving means (a roller or pinion) for revolving about an axis mounted on the basic burden and extending essentially parallel to the horizontal axis, wherein the lever freely leans against the revolving means. In embodiments, the device may preferably comprise a supplemental burden secured in the region of the other end of lever. The lever may consist of two parallel rods fixedly attached to each other and pivotable around a common axis, or the rods can be independent, pivotable around the corresponding axis. The device provides convenient changing the load in the positive and negative phases of movement. It's usable in fitness, or for other purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Vadim Yuryevich Farbshteyn
  • Publication number: 20100242645
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for remote actuation of control panel components in an environment that restricts human access is contemplated. The actuator assembly includes one or more remotely controllable linear drive mechanisms for imparting a rotation motion on one or more cams to remotely press a control panel component such as a button or switch. While disengaged, the cams are rotated to a position where they minimally obstruct an operator's view. The actuator assembly also allows the force and throw of actuation to be accurately controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy C. McIlroy, David J. Carta