Patents Issued in December 9, 2010
  • Publication number: 20100307193
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling and separating a hydrocarbon stream such as natural gas. The method comprises providing a hydrocarbon stream, cooling the hydrocarbon stream (10) to provide a partially liquefied hydrocarbon stream, passing at least a fraction of the partially liquefied hydrocarbon stream into a distillation column through a first inlet, providing a lower feed stream, providing a refrigerant circuit comprising at least a refrigerant stream, heating the lower feed stream against the refrigerant stream to provide a heated lower feed stream and a cooled refrigerant stream, passing the heated lower feed stream into the distillation column through a second inlet lower than the first inlet, and separating the partially liquefied hydrocarbon stream in the distillation column to provide at least a first overhead gaseous stream and a first bottom liquid stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Marco Dick Jager
  • Publication number: 20100307194
    Abstract: A jewelry setting for gemstones, including cabochons, faceted stones, or other stones, pearls, wood cabochons, or other decorative objects, having a mounting ring and multiple rear-mounted retaining arms is disclosed. A method for assembling a jewelry setting is also disclosed. The decorative object may be inserted through the rear of the mounting ring. The mounting ring has a diameter that is slightly smaller than a diameter of the decorative object, thus preventing the decorative object from passing completely through the mounting ring. The retaining arms may be bent inward and tightened against the decorative object, thus securing the decorative object within the setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Alejandra Solomone
  • Publication number: 20100307195
    Abstract: A device for processing a usable surface extending on a usable side of a substrate (11) having a large surface area, particularly such having a length or width >0.5 m and a thickness <1 cm, through the substrate, has at least three bearing elements (21, 23, 25) disposed at a distance from each other for receiving the substrate (11), and a movable processing device for processing the substrate between the bearing elements from the rear of the substrate. The bearings support the substrate, and processing of the glass substrate can be carried out in the at least two intermediate regions between the bearing elements from the rear. At least one non-terminal bearing element is disposed displaceable or movable relative to the substrate in order to make the entire usable surface of the substrate accessible to the processing device by displacement or movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: IWORKS AG
    Inventor: Arthur Buchel
  • Publication number: 20100307196
    Abstract: A burner for melting glass forming batch material includes a burner assembly constructed and arranged with a first passage for providing a fuel stream and a second passage for providing an oxidant stream, the first and second streams coacting to produce a supersonic combustion jet flame penetrable into glass melt. A method for melting glass forming batch material is also provided and includes providing a fuel stream; providing an oxidant stream; mixing the fuel and oxidant streams with sufficient force for providing a supersonic combustion jet flame; directing the supersonic combustion jet flame to contact the glass forming batch material; and penetrating the glass forming batch material to a select depth with the supersonic combustion jet flame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew P. RICHARDSON
  • Publication number: 20100307197
    Abstract: A known method for producing synthetic quartz glass comprises the method steps: (a) forming a cylindrical SiO2 soot body having an inner portion and at least one free cylinder jacket surface surrounding the inner portion; (b) thermally drying the porous soot body; and (c) vitrifying the dried soot body with formation of the cylinder from synthetic quartz glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Heraeus Quarzglas GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Ochs, Steffen Zwarg, Mirko Wittrin, Martin Trommer
  • Publication number: 20100307198
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to uniformly disperse fibrous material such as short glass fibers so as to be distributed on a collection conveyor, without using compressed air for dispersion of the fibrous material. The present invention provides a method for collecting fibrous material, wherein the fibrous material fiberized by a spinner of a fiberizing unit is dispersed by a hollow bucket disposed just under the spinner, so as to be collected on a collection conveyor disposed below the hollow bucket, comprising: forming said hollow bucket by connecting a blasting section having an oval opening at its lower end, with a waistline section as a lower end of a hopper section having a circular shape in cross section, and deforming the inner surface of the blasting section toward said oval opening, thereby dispersing the fibrous material dropped in the hollow bucket in a width direction of the collection conveyor from the blasting section, so as to be collected on the collection conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: ASAHI FIBER GLASS COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Yuji Yokoo, Susumu Kubota, Kazuhiro Kitamura
  • Publication number: 20100307199
    Abstract: A method for making a life vest includes making first and second double-knitted fabrics from an artificial filament. Each of the first and second double-knitted fabrics includes inner and outer cloth layers. The first and second double-knitted fabrics are dyed. Then, the inner cloth layer of each of the first and second double-knitted fabrics is processed to form a brush structure on the inner cloth layer. The brush structure and the inner and outer layers of each of the first and second double-knitted fabrics undergo a heat-setting process so that the sizes of the brush structure and the inner and outer layers of each of the first and second double-knitted fabrics are stabilized. The first and second double-knitted fabrics are cut and sewn so that the outer cloth layers face outward and that the inner cloth layers face each other. A buoyant material is filled between a receiving space defined between the inner cloth layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Yung-Mao Huang, Ming-Lung Wu
  • Publication number: 20100307200
    Abstract: A complex washing machine is disclosed. The complex washing machine includes an auxiliary washing machine that is capable of serving as a pedestal for a main laundry machine, such as a washing machine or a drying machine, and performing a washing operation. The auxiliary washing machine is suitable for washing a small amount of laundry while the auxiliary washing machine serves as a pedestal for supporting the main washing machine, which is placed on the auxiliary washing machine. A bearing housing, which supports a rotary shaft of a motor, and a bottom plate of a tub are connected to each other via a gasket. Consequently, the vibration generated from the tub during washing is minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Seong Hae Jeong, Seong Jin Jo
  • Publication number: 20100307201
    Abstract: A washing machine has a water tank and a motor for rotationally driving a load received in the water tank and performs a washing operation including a washing process, a rinsing process, and dewatering process. The motor has a stator and a rotor. The stator has a stator coil, and the rotor has a rotor magnet including a first magnet and a second magnet. The first magnet has a permanent magnet having a high coercive force, and the second magnet has a permanent magnet having a lower coercive force than the first magnet and generating easily changeable magnetic flux. In the washing process of the washing operation, the second magnet is magnetized so that the magnetic flux of the rotor magnet acting on the stator increases, and in the dewatering process, the second magnet is magnetized so that the magnetic flux acting on the stator decreases from the level in the washing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Shiga, Isamu Nitta
  • Publication number: 20100307202
    Abstract: A washing machine with a direct drive system including a tub, a drum rotatably mounted inside the tub, a shaft connected to the drum at a first end for transmission of a driving force of a direct drive motor, a coaxial support connected to a rear portion of the tub and having a first seat for a first bearing supporting a second end of the shaft opposite the drum, a stator secured to the coaxial support and having a plurality of magnetic cores, a rotor including permanent magnets and connected to the shaft, and a second bearing for supporting the shaft between the second end and the first end. The tub is made of polymeric material in which a second seat for said second bearing is co-molded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: GERD MAENTELE, ANTONIO FRANCESCO CHIRIATTI, PAVOL PETRACEK, KURT WERNER
  • Publication number: 20100307203
    Abstract: A drum of a washing machine comprising a cylindrical band, at least two rows of openings defined on the cylindrical band, arranged along a central line between both of them, and at least a blade with a blade base from which at least two corresponding rows of couplings extend, which are fittable into said openings to fasten the blade to the cylindrical band in an interior of said drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GMBH
    Inventors: Miguel Angel Gomez Caudevilla, Ismael Gracia Bobed, Roberto Latre Abadia, Gerardo Martinez Perez, Juan Melantuche Fuente, Eduardo Recio Ferrer
  • Publication number: 20100307204
    Abstract: A lock assembly includes a first lock unit and a second lock unit. The first lock unit includes a first housing and a first locking mechanism disposed in the first housing. The first housing has a receiving hole. The first locking mechanism is configured to be set either in a locking state or in an unlocking state. The second lock unit includes a second housing and a shackle disposed on the second housing. The second housing has a head and a body which is connected with the head and presented to be wedged into the receiving hole of the first housing. Additionally, the first locking mechanism is configured to lock or release the body of the second housing in or from the receiving hole of the first housing when the body is received in the receiving hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: CHUN TE YU
  • Publication number: 20100307205
    Abstract: The present invention, relates to an apparatus for securing cassettes housed within an automatic teller machine (ATM). The apparatus comprises at least one barrier and a supporting structure for supporting said at least one barrier. Each barrier is formed and arranged to be associated with a pair of adjacent cassettes and to be movable between a first position in which the barrier prevents removal of a pair of adjacent cassettes in use of the apparatus along their respective removal paths. The barrier is moveable to a second position in which the barrier prevents removal of one cassette of the pair of adjacent cassettes along its removal path and to a third position in which the barrier prevents removal of the other cassette of the said pair of adjacent cassettes along its removal path. In use, only one cassette of a pair of adjacent cassettes is removable along its removal path when the barrier is in the second or third position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: SCOTIA SAFES LIMITED
    Inventor: Paul Robert Calder
  • Publication number: 20100307206
    Abstract: A lock system includes an access point including a portion movable between an open position and a closed position and a lock mechanism coupled to the access point and movable between a locked position in which the access point is maintained in the closed position and an unlocked position in which the access point is freely movable between the open position and the closed position. A wireless module is coupled to the lock mechanism and is operable to move the lock mechanism between the locked position and the unlocked position. The wireless module includes a receiver operable in a first mode to periodically listen for a signal and operable in a second mode in response to receipt of the signal to receive data, the first mode consuming a first amount of power that is less than a second amount of power consumed during operation in the second mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: HARROW PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Taylor, Jane Liu, Gustavo Sumcad
  • Publication number: 20100307207
    Abstract: A lock assembly including a latchbolt that may be effectively lengthened to accommodate varied backset distances for doors. The lock assembly may include a housing, a latchbolt including an attachment member, an extension member, a retractor element, and an operator. The extension member may be mounted to the attachment member to extend from the latchbolt for effective lengthening of the latchbolt. The retractor element, operatively responsive to the operator, is disposed within the housing for linear reciprocating movement to move the latchbolt, and is selectively engageable with the attachment member or with the extension member. The extension member defines a recess adapted to receive the attachment member. A latch case may receive the latchbolt, and a cylindrical sleeve may receive the latch case and the latchbolt when the extension member is in use to increase the backset dimension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: YALE SECURITY INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Edward Vogel, John Steven Gray
  • Publication number: 20100307208
    Abstract: A tamper-resistant pill bottle for securely storing a quantity of medication. The pill bottle includes a receptacle, a cap for fitting over the receptacle, and a combination lock integral with the cap for releasably locking the cap to the receptacle. The combination lock includes a series of combination wheels that partially protrude through a sidewall of the cap and can be rotatably manipulated by a user. The combination for the combination lock can be set by a user upon receipt of the pill bottle. The pill bottle further includes an inconspicuous defeat mechanism integral with the cap for allowing the pill bottle to be opened, preferably by a pharmacist, if a user forgets the combination of the combination lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Stampp W. Corbin, Eric A. Warner
  • Publication number: 20100307209
    Abstract: A key ring apparatus is designed to provide visual evidence of tampering. The key ring apparatus includes a main loop member having adjacent end portions with substantially equal diameters. The key ring apparatus also includes a hollow tubular sleeve that receives the main loop end portions, and is crimped into place thereon after keys have been placed on the main loop member. The tubular sleeve may have a pair of crimping indication indicators thereon, to show where to crimp the sleeve onto the main loop of the key ring apparatus. One or both of the main loop member and the sleeve may have a unique serial identification number thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Alan BROWN
  • Publication number: 20100307210
    Abstract: A vertical manure converter and related process of using activated carbon in an activated carbon/organic material mixture to process organic waste. Inducing air, preferably compressed, into a chamber of the converter in combination with reusing activated carbon can result in a continuous process. The temperature can be controlled by regulating the air into the chamber. The vertical manure converter takes organic waste and uses heat to accelerate the composting process wherein final products can be purified water and ash fertilizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Frank Rosenbaum, James Sheppard, Kurt Keiffer, Jason Simon, Michael McCrackin
  • Publication number: 20100307211
    Abstract: A controlled release fertilizer material comprising a particulate plant nutrient surrounded by at least one coating comprising the reaction product of a mixture comprising a polyol, an isocyanate, a wax and an epoxidized fatty acid triglyceride oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: AGRIUM INC.
    Inventors: Baozhong Xing, Leslie L. Carstens, Nick P. Wynnyk
  • Publication number: 20100307212
    Abstract: A crimping apparatus and methods are provided that apply a press force and a part of the press force is separately applied as a core crimp force for crimping a terminal to a wire conductor. A die assembly includes a die defining a cavity that includes an independently moveable core plate and a ram assembly includes a ram in force connection with a load pin and a core plate. When the ram applies the press force, the core crimp force will be separately applied from the ram through the load pin and core plate to produce a core crimp portion that connects the wire conductor to the terminal. The applied core crimp force is subsequently transferred from the core crimp portion to the core plate to the load pin and into the ram.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Handel, John Raymond Metzger
  • Publication number: 20100307213
    Abstract: In a bending apparatus for rod-shaped workpieces, comprising a machine frame to which a bending head with bending tools is attached, which bending head is movable relative to the frame, further a feed device upstream of the bending head for feeding the workpieces to the same, and a cutting device which can be displaced in the direction of feed of the workpieces and can be applied between bending head and feed device to the respective workpiece for cutting the same, the feed device can also be displaced in the direction of feed of the workpiece in addition to the cutting device, which occurs independent of the displacement of the cutting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: WAFIOS Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gustav VEIT, Frank Wieblen
  • Publication number: 20100307214
    Abstract: A bending device includes a bending mechanism for holding an elongated workpiece between a bending die and a clamping die revolvable around the bending die, and revolving the clamping die, to thereby bend the workpiece. The bending device includes a fixing base on which the bending mechanism is mounted, and an articulated robot on which a chuck mechanism for holding the workpiece is mounted and which moves the chuck mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA OPTON
    Inventor: Teruaki Yogo
  • Publication number: 20100307215
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a substrate, for example a tool used in hot metalforming operations, is coated with an enamel nanoparticulate graded coating. The nanoparticles in the coating may be boron-nitride nanoparticles. The coating may include a first portion adjacent a surface of the substrate, and a second portion adjacent the first portion. The first portion of the coating may have a lower volume fraction of nanoparticles than the second portion. The first portion has excellent adhesion to the surface of the substrate, and the second portion reduces friction and wear. The coated tool may be formed by applying at least one layer of a coating mixture to a surface of the tool and heating the coating mixture. A metal workpiece may be formed into an article by contacting the metal workpiece against the coated surface of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Arianna T. Morales
  • Publication number: 20100307216
    Abstract: A forging die heating or preheating apparatus comprises a burner head comprising a plurality of flame ports. The burner head is oriented to compliment an orientation of at least a region of a forging surface of a forging die and is configured to receive and combust a supply of an oxidizing gas and a supply of a fuel and produce flames at the flame ports. The plurality of flame ports are configured to impinge the flames onto the forging surface of the forging die to substantially uniformly heat at least the region of the forging surface of the forging die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Urban J. De Souza, Robin M. Forbes-Jones, Billy B. Hendrick, Alonzo L. Liles, Ramesh S. Minsandram, Sterry A. Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20100307217
    Abstract: A method for locally increasing pressing pressure on a press tool having an abutment surface for being clamped onto a clamping surface in a press comprises providing a power unit smaller than the abutment surface and having an internal space, positioning the power unit between the clamping surface and the abutment surface, pressing the clamping surface against the abutment surface, connecting the internal space to a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, and supplying the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the internal space thereby causing the power unit to expand and to exert a local pressure on the abutment surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: AUTOMATION PRESSES TOOLING AP&T AB
    Inventors: Mikael Karlsson, Bengt Walkin
  • Publication number: 20100307218
    Abstract: In order to minimize the risk of artifacts in a torque measuring device, a torque measuring flange and a torque measuring method, the invention proposes that the evaluation device has means for storing a variable which is proportional to a freewheel torque and means for compensating a measured value with the stored variable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: GIF Gesellschaft fuer Industrieforschung mbH
    Inventors: Herbert Meuter, Michael Koslowski
  • Publication number: 20100307219
    Abstract: A simplified method for calibrating a variable-displacement hydraulic PTO system on an agricultural windrower when powering a header wherein the variable-displacement pump is operated at maximum flow capacity while the engine is operated at a pre-determined speed and a flow balance valve is adjusted to achieved a pre-determined cutterbar speed. Operation of the cutterbar at the pre-determined speed allows sufficient hydraulic fluid flow through the remaining parallel fluid circuit to power the remaining equipment, typically a reel, on the header. Controls for managing pump displacement and engine speed as well as indication of cutterbar speed are typically available on the windrower tractor thereby eliminating the need for additional diagnostic equipment and making the method suitable for use in the field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Robert L. Fackler, Timothy W. Rawlings, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100307220
    Abstract: Descriptions are provided for implementing flowmeter zeroing techniques. In operating a flowmeter, it may be the case that, if not properly calibrated, the flowmeter will produce erroneous measurements, e.g., will indicate a non-zero flow during a period of zero flow. By determining a magnitude of such erroneous measurements, calibration values may be determined, which may later be used to adjust a measurement that is output by the flowmeter and thereby improve an accuracy of the flowmeter. Such calibration values may be determined for a plurality of operational conditions associated with the flowmeter, such as densities of materials being measured, and/or configurations of flow elements associated with transporting material to the flowmeter. Then, the calibration values may be correlated with the relevant operational conditions, and stored for later use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Wade M. Mattar
  • Publication number: 20100307221
    Abstract: A belt measurement device comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portion are substantially parallel, the first portion and second portion defining a predetermined engagement position for the device in a belt, and, a switch cooperatively disposed with the first portion and second portion, the switch capable of closing a circuit by being compressed between a belt surface and the device, a light is illuminated upon the switch closing the circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Benjamin Morgan Smith, David S. Miller, Imtiaz Ali, Douglas G. Gerring
  • Publication number: 20100307222
    Abstract: A measuring device for detecting and evaluating an impact, jolt or the like is formed with an impact face, against which the impact, jolt or pulse which is to be evaluated strikes. A sensor, for example a force sensor, detects values of the force which act on the impact face as a result. A sensor, for example an acceleration sensor, detects values of the acceleration which act on the impact face as a result. An evaluation unit processes the determined force and acceleration values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: AUSTRIAN RESEARCH CENTERS GMBH - ARC
    Inventor: Andreas Oberleitner
  • Publication number: 20100307223
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for recording information about an event resulting in application of a force to a body. The apparatus comprises data recording means for recording the information, sensor means for sensing a parameter which enables a predetermined source of force to be distinguished from another, different source of force, and control means responsive to the sensed parameter for controlling the data recording means. The sensor means may comprise a pressure sensor for sensing shockwaves resulting from an explosive force and the resulting signal used to distinguish from other events, such as blunt impacts. The pressure signal may be used to control the storage of acceleration data for injury analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: ALLEN-VANGUARD TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Gordana Jeftic-Stojanovski, Lock-Sui Chin, Jeffrey Levine, Jean-Philippe Dionne, Doug Wong, Makris Aristidis
  • Publication number: 20100307224
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are described for preconcentrators, chemical sensing systems and gas chromatographs. A preconcentrator is described that comprises a hollow enclosure containing a sorbent material. The enclosure may be a capillary tube that can be formed in to a desired shape and that may be heated. Heating may be accomplished by passing an electrical current through the capillary or other hollow enclosure form. The sorbent material can be a liquid, a solid, a porous ceramic material and/or a chemiselective polymer. The sorbent material can be coated to the inner wall of the enclosure. The hollow enclosure may be maintained in an insulated chamber. The preconcentrator acts to concentrate a vapor passed through the preconcentrator to a chemical sensing array that can detect chemicals present in the vapor. A gas passed through the hollow enclosure can provide a chemically concentrated input to a chromatographic column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: SEACOAST SCIENCE, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Day Lucas, Manna Leon Warburton, Todd Mlsna, Sanjay V. Patel, Stephen Terrence Hobson
  • Publication number: 20100307225
    Abstract: The present invention provides an excellent method for detecting a leak hole, the method being advantageous in: that a leak hole can be surely detected when any fluid present in the outside of a tank is caused, by internal decompression of the tank, to infiltrate into any fluid in the inside of the tank through the leak hole; that any leak hole present at any portion of the entire structure of a tank can be detected; and that the required testing time can be greatly shortened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Kengo Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20100307226
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature apparatus, kits and methods for detecting the presence or absence of a mineralocorticoid in biological samples. The methods, apparatus and kits feature a high performance liquid chromatography system with a column for receiving one or more biological samples potentially having mineralocorticoid, said chromatography system receiving one or more biological samples at a first time and separating the compounds in retained peaks comprising at least mineral corticoid retained peak for a mineralocorticoid in the event said mineralocorticoid is present at a mineralocorticoid retention time. And, a mass spectrometer in fluid communication with the high performance liquid chromatography system receives one or more of said retained peaks including the mineralocorticoid retained peak at the mineralocorticoid retention time, and produces a signal to allow said mineralocorticoid to be identified by retention peak and mass charge values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Donald Peter Cooper, Michael Morris, Paul James Taylor
  • Publication number: 20100307227
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for chromatographically analyzing each of a plurality of samples in detector, comprising an autosampler to contain a plurality of samples for chromatographic analysis and a pluraltity of chromatographic systems, each system comprising one or more pumps and one or more chromatographic columns. A detector is included for detecting compounds in the samples from each of the chromatography systems along with a valve positioned between the detector and the plurality of chromatography systems, the valve permitting each sample to reach the detector in sequence. A computer control device is included which adjusts the introduction of samples from the autosampler into the plurality of chromatography systems as well as the position of the valve to sequentially separate and deliver compounds within the samples to the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: John Brann
  • Publication number: 20100307228
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for transporting fluid to a sample such as a sheet of material. The apparatuses and methods may employ a variety of interfaces that facilitate controlled fluid transportation from a lumen for absorption by the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew Kallmes
  • Publication number: 20100307229
    Abstract: A support stand for supporting a test piece within a corrosion chamber comprises first and second side members interconnected by first and second support rods. The relative position of the support rods is adjustable so as to modify the orientation of the test piece. In some examples, each side member has a base, a first row of spaced-apart holes generally parallel to the base, and a second row of spaced apart holes generally perpendicular to the base. By selecting the holes with which the support rods engage, the orientation of the test piece can be set to a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Philip Herdzik, Andrew Raymond Nowasielski, Adam Richard Muehlhauser, Janet Christine Robincheck, Jerry Walter Slumski
  • Publication number: 20100307230
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the state or an engine oil in an internal combustion engine, in which first the viscosity of the engine oil is determined at different temperatures of the engine oil, after which a viscosity index is ascertained from the viscosity and the temperature of the engine oil, which method permits a reliable statement about the state of the engine oil during its issue in the internal combustion engine to be made, the viscosity index of the engine oil is determined at different successive times and the change of the viscosity index over time is used as a measure for assessing the oil state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Gilch, Olaf Graupner
  • Publication number: 20100307231
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing a failure of an EGR circuit in an engine that includes an EGR exchanger, an EGR valve, an EGR exchanger bypass duct, and a bypass flap located upstream from the EGR exchanger and the bypass circuit in order to adjust the proportion of exhaust gases flowing therethrough. The EGR circuit can be activated in a cooled mode in which the flap is shut and in a bypass mode in which the flap is open. The method estimates the temperature of the exhaust gases at the outlet of the EGR exchanger when the EGR circuit is in the bypass mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Renault S.A.S
    Inventors: Julien Allard, Clement Petit, Ronan Le Bras
  • Publication number: 20100307232
    Abstract: A digital tire pressure gauge has a housing having a first and a second end. A port at the first end of the housing is adapted to engage with and open a needle valve of a tire valve stem. The gauge also includes a pressure sensor and a processor in electronic communication with the pressure sensor. A bleed valve is disposed in the housing and a bleed lever is in contact engagement with the bleed valve. When the port is coupled to the tire valve stem, in a first operational mode, the bleed valve is closed and an air pressure measurement is obtained. In a second operational mode, pressing the bleed lever causes the bleed valve to open and to allow air to be bled out from the tire via the pressure gauge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: MEASUREMENT LIMITED
    Inventor: Steven Petrucelli
  • Publication number: 20100307233
    Abstract: A linear position sensor is installed inside the pressure vessel of a hydraulic accumulator to provide positional information for the moveable element inside of the accumulator. The positional information provides accumulator charge condition data for use in hydraulic systems such as vehicular regenerative braking systems and generalized industrial accumulator systems. Charge condition data allows for optimized control and operation of the hydraulic system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Richard O. Glasson, Kedar D. Kulkarni
  • Publication number: 20100307234
    Abstract: An ideal positive displacement flowmeter which has a pair of helical gears given by using oval pitch curve as reference rack tooth profile, with the tooth height ratio of the reference rack tooth profile even with a small number of teeth being set to ? m/4 which is a logical limit for the tooth height ratio of a one-point continuous contact tooth profile and which has no confinement phenomenon between tooth profiles. The positive displacement flowmeter has a pair of helical gears (1, 2) in a casing (3). The reference rack tooth profile of the pair of helical gears (1, 2) is an oval pitch curve of two or less leaves. The moving radius of the oval pitch curve is expressed by ?=a/(1?b cos n?), where ? is a moving radius which is a distance between the center of rotation and the oval pitch curve, “a” is a similarity factor, “b” is a degree of flatness, n (n?2) is the number of leaves, and ? is an argument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: OVAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Seigo Ono, Katsuichi Uchida
  • Publication number: 20100307235
    Abstract: An aircraft fuel tank weight measurement apparatus comprising a first solid element defining a load path for an aircraft fuel tank, an EMW emitter and an EMW detector arranged such that a first EM wave from the EMW emitter to the EMW detector passes through the first solid element, the detector arranged to detect a phase shift in the first wave resulting from a change in length of the first wave path caused by deformation of the first solid element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Franklin TICHBORNE, Simon MASTERS
  • Publication number: 20100307236
    Abstract: A pressure sensor including a body, device for receiving pressure associable with a tube connected to a fluid-filled tank of an electric household appliance, wherein the level of the fluid is to be measured. It further includes a device for emitting electric frequency signal proportional to the pressure received; a device carried aboard the body, on which a plurality of response frequency values emitted by the emitting means associated with corresponding pressure values at the pressure receiving means, were recorded. The pressure sensor is used with a pressure reading system carried by the device for receiving pressure. The pressure reading system includes two devices for reading values recorded on the pressure sensor, i.e. pressure and frequency values; and electric frequency signals. The pressure reading system further includes a processing device for interpolating the pressure value associated with every signal on the basis of the values read by the reading device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: ITW METALFLEX, DRUZBA ZA PROIZVODNJO DELOV ZA GOSPODINJSKE APARATE, D.O.O.
    Inventor: Sergio Giordano
  • Publication number: 20100307237
    Abstract: Invention provides for a fluid level sensor with a guide body (10) having a float cavity (62) with a covering (63), which is mounted onto a flange (40). The flange is provided with a rib (51) to increase holding strength. A float (70) which slides along the float cavity (62) when there is a variation of the fluid level. The float cavity (62) makes point contacts with the float (70). A PCB assembly (90) placed along the guide body (10) for fluid level indication, and magnet (71) mounted onto the float (70) activates reed switch (93) of the PCB assembly (90) to indicate the fluid level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: P.B. No 6331 (l087-A) New No 702/7
    Inventor: Dharmaraj Prasad
  • Publication number: 20100307238
    Abstract: A humidity sensor comprising an insulating substrate, a moisture-sensitive layer, and at least a detection electrode contacting the moisture-sensitive layer, wherein the moisture-sensitive layer is a porous, photocatalytic metal oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: THE GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
    Inventors: Andy Christopher VAN POPTA, John Jeremiah STEELE, Michael Julian BRETT
  • Publication number: 20100307239
    Abstract: A food preparation and presentation cylinder with measurement indicia used for preparing and presenting food. The food preparation and presentation cylinder with measurement indicia can also be in the shape of a cube, a cone or other polygon. The cylinder is made of PYREX™, any type of transparent polypropylene or any transparent material. The cylinder can also be made of heat resistant and food grade material and is freezer safe, oven safe and microwave oven safe. The cylinder's measurement indicia can be a plurality of circumferential rings around the circumference of the cylinder or incremental etched markings on the front side and the back side of the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Yehonathan Goldstein
  • Publication number: 20100307240
    Abstract: It is an object, in a wheel attachment unit holding a rotary encoder externally attached to a wheel, to certainly acquire an encoder output signal obtained from a rotating shaft of a tire, by reducing an occurrence of a bending deformation or breakage of a unit component (e.g., shaft) occurred during a vehicle run and making the encoder function normally. A shaft, through which there is passed a cable for outputting a measurement result of the encoder whose rotating shaft is connected to the wheel, is arranged offset from the axle center by a predetermined amount and is held by a bracket attached to the vehicle, to be movable in the up and down direction. Alternatively, a holder for holding a stator of the encoder is attached to the body of the vehicle, by a rotary linkage mechanism to hold rotatably with five degrees of rotational freedom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naotoshi Tezuka, Kouichi Kiyotaki
  • Publication number: 20100307241
    Abstract: A MEMS structure for a combined gyroscope and accelerometer unit (100) based on in-plane vibratory movements comprises a proof mass (101) and comb-drives (102) operable to cause the proof mass (101) to resonate in the x-direction, commonly referred to as the primary mode. Under the influence of a rotation ?z around the z-axis, a Coriolis force acting in the y-direction results. This excites the secondary (or sense) mode. A set of parallel-plate capacitors 103 are provided to enable position readout along the secondary axis. In addition to the above, the comb-drive capacitors (102) of the primary mode can also be used for readout of position along the primary axis, and the parallel-plate capacitors (103) for actuation along the secondary axis. This can be achieved either by time-multiplexing these capacitors (102, 103) or by providing separate sets of capacitors (102, 103) for sensing and actuation along each axis. The unit can operate in separate ?? force-feedback loops with respect to both axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicants: MELEXIS NV, UNIVERSITEIT GENT
    Inventors: Johan Raman, Pieter Rombouts
  • Publication number: 20100307242
    Abstract: A dynamic quantity sensor includes a sensor chip, a base member, and bumps. The sensor chip includes a semiconductor substrate, a sensor part, and sensor pads electrically coupled with the sensor part. The base member includes a base substrate and base pads disposed on the base substrate. The bumps mechanically and electrically couple the sensor pads and the base pads, respectively, in a state where the sensor chip is curved with respect to the base member. The sensor pads include input pads and output pads. The first surface of the semiconductor substrate includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is closer to the base substrate than the second portion is. At least one of the input pads is disposed on the first portion and at least one of the output pads is disposed on the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Minekazu SAKAI, Takashi KATSUMATA, Yoshiaki MURAKAMI