Patents Issued in December 30, 2010
  • Publication number: 20100326166
    Abstract: A method of correcting the gain of a capacitive member having electrodes that are movable relative to each other including the steps of successively applying to one of the electrodes, reduced bias voltages having opposite signs and a common value below a threshold for which a remanent field generated by said reduced bias voltages can be measured, making corresponding measurements of the output signals from the capacitive member; taking an average, and correcting the gain of the capacitive member as a function of the measured output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Caron, Vincent Ragot
  • Publication number: 20100326167
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for characterizing and quantifying certain attributes of antiperspirants and deodorants is provided, such as payout, friction, and flakeoff. The apparatus is capable of reproducibly applying antiperspirants and deodorant to a substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: John P. Rouse, Aixing Fan
  • Publication number: 20100326168
    Abstract: A sled carriage is configured to move in a direction of an axis. A platform is attached with the sled carriage and a sled buck is attached with the platform. Upon acceleration of the sled carriage, the sled buck and platform move relative to the sled carriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Weigang Chen, Baohua Xiao, James Cheng, Krishnakanth Aekbote, Michael Stiyer
  • Publication number: 20100326169
    Abstract: A sniffing leak detector comprises a handle with a sniffing tip. Located at the sniffing tip is a measurement gas suction opening and a reference gas suction opening. The reference gas suction opening is intended for suctioning ambient gas. The reference gas suction opening is aligned substantially the same as the measurement gas suction opening such that both suction openings are sensitive in the same direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Werner Grosse-Bley, Ludolf Gerdau, Gerhard Küster, Ulrich Döbler
  • Publication number: 20100326170
    Abstract: For the processing of a knock sensor signal during the detection of knocking in a combustion engine, in order to allow for inexpensively designed, efficient, and accurate bandpass filtering, a signal processing device (10) has an analog filter (20), a sigma-delta modulator (30) designed for analog-digital conversion, a CIC filter (40) designed to decimate the sampling rate, and a digital filter (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Klaus-Dieter Schneider, Gerhard Wirrer
  • Publication number: 20100326171
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a leak detection device and method of using the same. The leak detection device of the present invention employs the use of phase change vapor generation to provide a visual leak indicator, and is adapted to quickly and accurately identify the location of leaks in many types of fluid systems. The leak detection device and related leak detection methodology of the present invention can be used to identify leaks in many large systems such as HVAC systems and ductwork, transportation containers, recreational vehicles, clean rooms, and any other large sealed system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: GENE STAUFFER, Kenneth Pieroni
  • Publication number: 20100326172
    Abstract: There is a bag (1) that has at least one lateral gusset (4) and at least one port (8), a source (10) of pressurized gas, elements (11) for measuring the pressure of the gas; —there are two restraining plates and spacer strips. The bag is placed flat between the two restraining plates (2a, 2b). At least one spacer strip (15a, 15b) is inserted between the two small walls of each gusset in order to prevent these walls from resting on one another. The port is connected to the gas source and the pressure measuring elements. The gas is sent under pressure into the bag, the expansion of the bag being limited by the restraining plates; then, the pressure drop in the bag is compared to a predefined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH
    Inventors: Nicolas Voute, Magnus Stering, Martin Dahlberg, Hartmut Langer
  • Publication number: 20100326173
    Abstract: A testing method comprising introducing into a pressure chamber (2) a batch of gable-top, plastics-coated paperboard cartons (10) containing a liquid, closing the chamber (2), supplying air under pressure to the interior of the chamber 2 exteriorly of the cartons (10) to a pressure level sufficient to cause the air to penetrate potential leakage paths between the outside of at least one of the cartons and the interior of the latter carton(s), whereby the air penetrates into the interior of the latter carton(s), and, after a period of time, reducing the pressure level, whereupon the air which has penetrated into the interior of the latter carton(s) causes outward bulging of the side walls of the latter carton(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Morten Abrahamsen
  • Publication number: 20100326174
    Abstract: An external hydrostatic tester for testing welds on a pipe includes a tester body having a first portion and a second portion, each of the first and second portions having a first side, a second side, and an inner surface. The first and second portions are movable between a released position and a connected position. A testing cavity on the inner surface of first portion and second portion has a port for supplying pressurized fluid and is connected to a pressure sensor. Seals positioned on the inner surface of the tester body seal against a pipe and an adjustable compression member compresses the seals against the pipe at selected locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Leon MYRICK
  • Publication number: 20100326175
    Abstract: On the basis of a surface shape appearing at a predetermined point moment by moment during rotation of a golf ball having numerous dimples on its surface, a data constellation regarding a parameter dependent on a surface shape of the golf ball is calculated. A preferable parameter is a distance between an axis of the rotation and the surface of the golf ball. Another preferable parameter is a volume of space between a surface of a phantom sphere and the surface of the golf ball. Fourier transformation is performed on the data constellation to obtain a transformed data constellation. On the basis of a peak value and an order of a maximum peak of the transformed data constellation, an aerodynamic characteristic of the golf ball is determined. The peak value and the order of the maximum peak are calculated for each of PH rotation and POP rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Hyoungchol KIM, Kaname Yamada, Masahide Onuki
  • Publication number: 20100326176
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for testing the piston (2) of an injection pump of a pressure medium, the piston comprising a longitudinal groove (2b) that begins from its frontal face (2a) and extends on its side, and a screw-shaped guide edge (2c) that abuts on the envelope surface of the piston. According to the invention, the piston (2) is inserted, with its frontal face (2a) first, into a testing cylinder (1), wherein the clearance between the piston (2) and the testing cylinder (2) is tight and wherein a specific testing pressure is exerted on the envelope surface of the piston, in a limited area, from the vicinity of the said guide edge (2c) to a selected measurement point. The piston (2) is moved in the testing cylinder (1), so that the said measurement point moves, following the guide edge (2c). Changes in the testing pressure are monitored to observe any failures in the piston (2) and the said guide edge (2c).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Matti Koivunen
  • Publication number: 20100326177
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method or an arrangement for function checking of internal combustion engines in motor vehicles, in which an external testing and measuring system is connected via a diagnostic interface to an on-board diagnostic and control system, and after the start of the testing process, the testing system triggers control signals to adjust the defined operating conditions of the internal combustion engine, and performs and documents analyses. To ensure an automatic testing process, it is proposed to launch a safety routine in the diagnostic and control system that interrupts the automatic testing process when certain signals are present from on-board control and/or operating devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Stefan Kamm, Robert Tappe, Manuel Bestle, Mike Helmchen
  • Publication number: 20100326178
    Abstract: An aerodynamic test stand (1) is provided for determining forces acting on a vehicle. The test stand has a stationary floor (2), at least two supporting devices (4) for supporting the motor vehicle, and at least one band unit moving in relation to the floor, for influencing air flow behavior in the floor region. The band unit is composed, segment-like, of runway sections (9, 10, 11, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28) to accurately detect forces acting on the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Gustavo Estrada
  • Publication number: 20100326179
    Abstract: An inspection method for inspecting beads provided on a tire building drum in process of production a pneumatic tire includes measuring a displacement amount in a radial direction on each of the beads lying axially on both sides of the drum with a distance sensor such as an eddy current sensor while rotating the drum, synthesizing displacement amounts so obtained on the beads on both the sides, calculating a harmonic of the displacement amounts in the radial direction of the beads by performing harmonic analysis on a resultant synthesized displacement amount, and determining whether the magnitude of the harmonic so calculated falls within a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: TOYO TIRE & RUBBER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kinya MORIGUCHI, Hajime Watanabe, Osamu Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20100326180
    Abstract: A device for measuring tire pressure in a pneumatic tire of a motor vehicle by means of a sensor on the rim well (8) of a rim (3) which accommodates a tire valve (2) for the pneumatic tire and a receiver outside of the pneumatic tire being assigned to the sensor, wherein an electronics housing or signal housing (1) assigned to the rim well (8) is connected to the tire valve (2), said housing containing transmission electronics as the tire pressure sensor, and is connected to the tire valve (2) by a fastening element (6) substantially in the region of the valve base part (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Andreas Nagora, Sisay Tadele
  • Publication number: 20100326181
    Abstract: A dual-string tension dynamometer (1) utilizes two strings (10, 11) wrapped around approximately ninety degrees of a test wheel (12). The lateral forces (E, F) are balanced such that the total lateral force net value is zero. The results reflect purely torsional loading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: EUGENE J. NOVAK, TOM PAPANEK, TADEUSZ PARAFINCZUK, TODD FANCIULLO
  • Publication number: 20100326182
    Abstract: A method for producing a missile nose cone is disclosed. The method consists of manufacturing a first missile nose cone from a first lot of polymeric material and determining a first rupture value. The method further consists of manufacturing a second missile nose cone from a second lot of polymeric material and determining a second rupture value of the second missile nose cone. Both first and second lots of material are mixed into a test batch with one another based on their associated rupture values. An evaluation missile nose cone is then manufactured from the test batch and a determination is made as to whether the evaluation missile nose cone has a desired rupture value. If a desired rupture value is not obtained, then the mixing and evaluation steps are repeated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Robert A. Shulter, Margaret Rose Manning, Paul A. Leitch, Paul E. Liggett
  • Publication number: 20100326183
    Abstract: A test device for a compressor has a valve and ducting connected to the valve. A flow nozzle connected to the ducting has a corresponding coefficient of flow. A pressure sensor connected to the flow nozzle measures a pressure of a working fluid, and a flow rate of the working fluid is calculated using the pressure and the coefficient of flow. A method for testing a compressor includes operating the compressor at a first power level, measuring a flow rate of a working fluid at the first power level, adjusting a pressure of the working fluid to equal a first predetermined pressure, and measuring operating parameters of the compressor at the first power level. The method also includes adjusting the pressure of the working fluid to equal a second predetermined pressure and measuring operating parameters of the compressor at the first power level with the pressure of the working fluid at the second predetermined pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: DOUGLAS FRANK BEADIE, CARLOS MIGUEL MIRANDA
  • Publication number: 20100326184
    Abstract: Wind safety sensor, comprising a physical device for measuring at least one parameter associated with the action of the wind, comprising a bidirectional radiofrequency communication means, capable of transmitting a signal to at least one mobile home automation element when the parameter exceeds a threshold, comprising an assignment table for at least one first threshold and one second threshold relating to distinct types of mobile home automation elements and such that the transmitted signal comprises an identifier of the type for which the threshold has been exceeded, a code controlling a safety action and/or an identifier of the safety sensor. Home automation installation comprising such a sensor and control device for such a home automation installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Somfy SAS
    Inventors: Mickael Mugnier, Cyrille Nguyen Van, Jean-Christophe Deshayes
  • Publication number: 20100326185
    Abstract: A value of a line-to-line resistor (24) is determined by subtracting a resistance value determined as a product of a voltage ratio based on divided voltages and a value of a reference resistor in a non-conductive state between a second electric wire (26) and a third electric wire (27) from a resistance value determined as a product of a voltage ratio based on the divided voltages and the value of the reference resistor in a conductive state therebetween. Once the value of the line-to-line resistor (24) is determined, it becomes possible to determine a compensated resistance value related to temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Hideki Shimada
  • Publication number: 20100326186
    Abstract: A fill level detection apparatus (23) is introduced for ascertaining a fill level in a storage tank (19) for a liquid reducing agent for use in an exhaust gas aftertreatment device (3), having a fill level detector (21) and a driving and evaluating unit (22), which are connected to each other with electrical lines (47a, 47b, 47c) and with respect to DC-currents are decoupled from each other by capacitors (45), which are connected in series with said electrical lines, and with respect to AC-currents are coupled with each other. Said fill level detection apparatus is thereby characterized in that the capacitors (45) are disposed as part of the fill level detector (21) separated from the driving and evaluating unit (22) by the electrical lines (47a, 47b, 47c).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GMBH
    Inventors: Norbert Kamp, Jan Kaluza, Andreas Lutz, Dirk Buelow, Horst Kretschmers, Joerg Grothe
  • Publication number: 20100326187
    Abstract: A measurement system for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a propagation medium is disclosed. The measurement system comprises a compressible waveguide (403), ultrasonic transducers (405, 406), and circuitry to sustain energy wave propagation in the waveguide (403). The circuitry includes a propagation tuned oscillator (404), a digital counter (409), a pulse generator (410), a phase detector (414), a counter (420), a digital timer (422), and a data register (424). The measurement system employs a continuous mode (CM), pulse mode, or pulse-echo mode of operation to evaluate propagation characteristics of continuous ultrasonic waves in the waveguide by way of closed-loop feedback to determine levels of applied forces on the waveguide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: OrthoSensor
    Inventor: Marc Stein
  • Publication number: 20100326188
    Abstract: A rate-of-rotation sensor having a substrate and a first Coriolis element are provided, an excitation arrangement being provided for the excitation of vibrations of the first Coriolis element in a first direction, a first detection arrangement being provided for detecting a first deflection of the first Coriolis element in a third direction running generally perpendicular to the first direction; characterized by the first Coriolis element being developed as balancing rocker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Johannes Classen, Sebastian Gracki
  • Publication number: 20100326189
    Abstract: An angular velocity detection apparatus (i.e., physical quantity detection apparatus) includes a gyro sensor element (i.e., physical quantity detection element) that allows an angular velocity detection signal that corresponds to the magnitude of an angular velocity (i.e., physical quantity) and a leakage signal of vibrations based on a drive signal (square-wave voltage signal) to flow through a detection electrode, a driver circuit that generates the drive signal, a synchronous detection circuit that performs a synchronous detection process on a detection target signal that includes the angular velocity detection signal and the leakage signal based on a detection signal that is synchronized with the drive signal, and a phase change circuit that changes a relative timing of at least one of a rising edge and a falling edge of the detection signal with respect to the detection target signal based on a control signal so that at least part of the leakage signal is output by the synchronous detection process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicants: EPSON TOYOCOM CORPORATION, SEIKO NPC CORPORATION, SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenji Sato, Yutaka Takada, Hideto Naruse, Masayuki Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20100326190
    Abstract: A vibration sensor includes a base, a conducting ring, a number of cantilevers, a number of resistors, a number of helical springs, and a number of pairs of first and second pins. One end of each cantilever is connected to the base; the other end of each cantilever defines a guiding cutout. The resistors are correspondingly inserted in the guiding cutout. The helical springs are correspondingly deposited between the conducting ring and the holding block. The conducting ring slides in the guiding cutout due to a vibration and contacts with the resistor. The first and second pins formed in the base for correspondingly connecting to a pair of resistors in each cantilever. The vibration sensor senses the direction of the vibration by detecting a resistance that changes with a position of the conducting ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SONG-LING YANG
  • Publication number: 20100326191
    Abstract: A bi-directional, out-of-plane electrostatic comb drive apparatus including two electrically independent sets of stator comb tines; and a method for fabricating an out-of-plane comb drive with stacked sets of stator comb tines. A first set of stator comb tines is offset from a second set of stator comb tines. A set of rotor comb tines interleaves with both sets of stator comb tines. A first voltage applied to the first set of stator comb tines operates to pull the rotor tines toward the first set of stator comb tines. A second voltage applied to the second set of stator comb tines operates to pull the rotor tines toward the second set of stator comb tines, enabling bi-directional operation. A fabrication method is disclosed that enables fabrication of the first and second sets of stator comb tines that are mechanically and electrically independent and interleaved by the rotor comb tines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Shifang Zhou
  • Publication number: 20100326192
    Abstract: Methods and devices for a miniature, ultra-low power impact recorder for detecting, quantifying and recording the energy of an explosive blast or ballistic projectile impact. In one embodiment, the impact recorder can included a sensor comprised of an array of electromechanical resonators that is sensitive to the vibrations produced in selected, discrete frequency ranges that approximate the spectral signature characteristics of the shockwave resulting from the ballistic impact event, even after traveling through impacted material or body tissues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: TOMASZ J. PETELENZ, STEPHEN C. JACOBSEN
  • Publication number: 20100326193
    Abstract: A system for characterizing vibration of a rack structure having at least one hard disk drive disposed therein and a vibration exciter operatively associated with the rack structure includes one or more computers. The one or more computers are configured to command the vibration exciter to provide vibration input to the rack structure and to command a plurality of reads from the at least one hard disk drive such that, for each of the plurality of reads, data stored on the at least one hard disk drive is retrieved from the at least one hard disk drive. The one or more computers are also configured to obtain read rate information related to the plurality of reads and to identify at least one resonant frequency of the rack structure based on the read rate information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: SUN MICROSYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Kenny C. Gross, Aleksey M. Urmanov, Anton A. Bougaev, David K. McElfresh
  • Publication number: 20100326194
    Abstract: A sensor system uses positive closed-loop feedback to provide energy waves into a medium. A sensor comprises a transducer (604), a propagating structure (602), and a reflecting surface (606). A parameter is applied to the propagating structure that affects the medium. The sensor is coupled to a propagation tuned oscillator (416) that forms the positive closed-loop feedback path with the sensor. The propagation tuned oscillator (416) includes an edge-detect receiver (200) that generates a pulse upon sensing a wave front of an energy wave in propagating structure (602). The edge-detect receiver (100) is in the feedback path that continues emitting energy waves into the propagating structure (602). The edge-detect receiver (200) comprises a preamplifier (212), a differentiator (214), a digital pulse circuit (216), and a deblank circuit (218). The transit time, phase, or frequency is measured of the propagating energy waves and correlated to the parameter being measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: OrthoSensor
    Inventors: Marc Stein, Andrew Kelly
  • Publication number: 20100326195
    Abstract: A device and a method are provided for quality testing sheet metal parts, particularly deep-drawn parts. The device has a pulse generator (20) that excites the sheet metal part (2) to oscillate, a sound sensor (19) that picks up the sound profile, and an evaluation unit that compares the recorded sound profile with a reference curve and generates a signal with which the sheet metal parts are classified. To increase the suitability of a generic device or generic method for use in an automated production system, a testing device (4) is integrated into a press line in a clock cycle controlled fashion. Sheet metal parts whose recorded sound profile does not lie in a tolerance range of the reference curve can be eliminated by a sorting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicants: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, KWD AUTOMOBILTECHNIK KAROSSERIEWERKE DRESDEN GMBH, MEDAV GMBH
    Inventors: Rainer Menten, Bernd Schneegast, Christian Licht, Hans-Stefan Heimberger, Timo Uhlig, Andreas Eichler, Horst Jonuscheit
  • Publication number: 20100326196
    Abstract: Disclosed is a welding inspection method which does not require the inspector to be highly skilled, does not require waiting for the spot welded part to cool off, and with which the probe is not consumed or damaged. A probe temporarily mounted close to the welded part on the surface of a metal plate emits ultrasonic waves from an oblique direction with respect to the boundary surfaces between a plurality of metal plates. At this time, the probe is temporarily mounted at the position where the incident ultrasonic waves pass through the welded part at the boundary between the plurality of metal plates in an oblique direction with respect to the boundary surface. Also, a display processing means displays the intensity of the refrected ultrasonic waves. Alternatively, the display processing means displays the details of the detection result estimated based on the intensity of the reflected ultrasonic waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: HINO MOTORS, LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Fukuda
  • Publication number: 20100326197
    Abstract: A movable plate is provided to a pendulum displaceable by external vibration. A fixed plate is provided to a position opposite to the movable plate. A displacement detector detects an electrostatic capacitance between the plates. A servo amplifier supplies to a force coil, a current in an amount associated with the detection result. A current circuit and a load resistor of the force coil convert the current into a detection signal and output the signal. When the movable plate and the fixed plates, which are conducted to each other, are contacted, the electrostatic capacitance between the plates is removed. A processor detects a change in the detection signal due to the removal of the electrostatic capacitance, and then determines that the plates are contacted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoharu YAMADA, Kiichiro NEMOTO
  • Publication number: 20100326198
    Abstract: Pressure measurement and recording mediums and devices that can respond accurately and reliably to uniform pressure conditions including non-gaseous environments and industrial processing environments are disclosed. Also discloses are methods of making and using the devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Hans Oliver Ribi
  • Publication number: 20100326199
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a pressure transducer having a header wherein the header is comprised of a first section and a second section that are offset from each other. Each first and second section has a flexible diaphragm adapted to receive a first and second pressure, respectively. A central channel connects the diaphragms and a pressure sensor, located within the central channel, communicates with the channel and produces an output equal to the difference between the first and second pressures. The resultant device is a low differential pressure transducer which enables one to bring leads from the sensor out while having diaphragms of substantially the same size and diameter, therefore enabling the diaphragms to exhibit the same back pressure and be equally compliant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Lou DeRosa, Robert Gardner, Nora Kurtz
  • Publication number: 20100326200
    Abstract: A shear stress sensor for measuring the shear force of a fluid flowing along a wall. A floating member, flush with the wall, senses a shear force of the flowing fluid. The floating member is mounted by support means to a base element that is placed in the wall, so that the floating member is flush with the wall and a shear force, sensed by the floating member, is translated via the support means to a Fiber Bragg Grating. The force acting on the Fiber Bragg Grating changes the shape and the refractive index of the Fiber Bragg Grating, thereby changing the resonant frequency of the Fiber Bragg Grating and causing a shift in the spectrum of wavelengths of light that is introduced to the Fiber Bragg Grating. This shift in the spectrum of wavelengths is representative of the shear force of the flowing fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Valery A. Sheverev, Vadim Stepaniuk
  • Publication number: 20100326201
    Abstract: Performance of a sport equipment, such as a ball bat, is measured by applying a force through a spring of known elastic properties to compress the sport equipment and indicating compliance of the sport equipment to a known standard based on the compression of the sport equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Richard A. Brandt
  • Publication number: 20100326202
    Abstract: [Problems] For an apparatus for measuring a flow rate of a powder when a powder is conveyed by using air as a carrier gas, which apparatus measures the flow rate based on the change of capacitance of the powder to be measured, to provide the apparatus that can measure the flow rate of a powder with high accuracy by compensating for the effect of the thermal drift of the capacitance. [Means for Solving Problems] The apparatus for measuring a flow rate of a powder, which apparatus uses capacitance, comprises: a protecting pipe for conveying a powder, a housing pipe having measuring electrodes, and a transducer for outputting an output of the measuring electrode to a display. It further comprises an atmospheric temperature sensor and a carrier-gas-temperature sensor 31.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Wataru Hisada, Mitsuo Shintani, Manabu Yamaguchi, Yoshiki Aramatsu
  • Publication number: 20100326203
    Abstract: A flow meter (200) includes a flow tube (210) and a balance system (211). The balance system (211) is coupled to the flow tube (210). Both the flow tube (210) and the balance system (211) have a center of mass. The balance system (211) is sized and located such that the combined center of mass (Ccm) of the flow tube (210) and the balance system (211) lies proximate an axis of rotation of the flow tube (210).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Treat Lanham, Christopher A. Werbach
  • Publication number: 20100326204
    Abstract: A method for installing and operating a Coriolis mass flowmeter operating having a measuring tube, wherein the measuring tube is excited to vibrate, a phase shift of the vibration of the measuring tube which is dependent on the mass flow of the measuring tube or a corresponding time difference is determined, the temperature of the measuring tube is determined and the corresponding mass flow is calculated using the determined time difference and the determined temperature by means of a computation rule. Highly accurate measurements are possible in that in the computation rule, at least one known theoretical or empirical material temperature dependence influencing the mass flow is taken into account by determining a device-specific temperature dependence of the mass flowmeter influencing the mass flow through a subsequent calibration process and the known theoretical or empirical material temperature dependence and the device-specific temperature dependence are used in determining the mass flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: KROHNE AG
    Inventors: Tao WANG, Yousif HUSSAIN
  • Publication number: 20100326205
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a load on a bearing mounted to a shaft includes an attaching member and a press mechanism. The attaching member is releasably connected to the shaft. The press member is coupled to the attaching member and is configured to provide a compressive load to the bearing. The press mechanism includes an aligning arm configured to engage a shaft slot of the shaft to align the press mechanism relative to the shaft when the attaching member connects to the shaft. A lock nut is engageable with the shaft and has a plurality of engaging teeth configured to engage a plurality of keeper teeth of a keeper. The nut includes an outer surface having a plurality of markings corresponding to a plurality of roots of the plurality of engaging teeth to allow a user to selectively rotate the nut relative to the aligning arm to an engaging position such that a radially inner side of the keeper engages a slot of the shaft when the keeper teeth engage the engaging teeth of the nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: John E. RODE
  • Publication number: 20100326206
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a platform balance that is suitable for transmitting forces and moments in a plurality of directions. The platform balance is adapted to support a test specimen, such as a large vehicle, in a test environment such as a wind tunnel. The platform balance includes a frame support and at least three spaced-apart transducers coupled to the frame support. Each of the transducers is sensitive about two orthogonal sensed axes. The transducers cooperate to provide signals indicative of forces and moments with respect to at least two orthogonal axes. Each transducer includes a transducer body having a support coupled to a sensor body along an axis of compliance. The sensor body is adapted to deflect about the two orthogonal sensed axes where the sensed axes are mutually orthogonal to the axis of compliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Meyer, Douglas J. Olson, Ian T. Kunsch
  • Publication number: 20100326207
    Abstract: Systems, methods and machine readable media related to determining a condition of an exercise machine belt are disclosed. An example system includes a sensor to detect an event related to the exercise machine belt. The example system also includes a counter to selectively change a count based on the event as well as an output device to output a notification associated with the condition of the exercise machine belt based on the count.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Gregory John Topel, Gary E. Oglesby, Jack Hough, Emil Golen, James Skleba, Kimberly Halsted
  • Publication number: 20100326208
    Abstract: A device for determining a torque and/or a rotational angle of a shaft, which has a circuit carrier, which is concentric to the shaft, and on which at least two current-conducting printed conductor sections are situated. The device additionally has one transducer element, which is concentric to the shaft and is rotatable in relation to the circuit carrier, having at least one first subarea made of electrically conductive material and at least one second subarea made of electrically nonconductive material. Upon application of a torque to the shaft, the transducer element rotates in relation to the circuit carrier, whereby an overlap area between the printed conductor sections and the first subarea(s) of the transducer element changes and thus a change in an inductance of the printed conductor sections occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Axel Kaschner
  • Publication number: 20100326209
    Abstract: A system for resolving the measured forces and moments at VRS attachment points and tire contact patches to a standard format for a wheeled vehicle in a windtunnel. The system reduces the data to arrive at the aerodynamic forces, moments and coefficients. The test vehicle is equipped with one or more wheel force transducers installed between the wheels and the corresponding hubs. A VRS rod or strut attaches to the wheel so that loads through the hub and into the wheel are sensed at both the VRS strut and the tire contact patch. The force transmitted through the hub into the wheel is sensed and measured directly by the wheel force transducer. The combination of measurements from the VRS load cells and the wheel transducers allows the determination of the external forces acting on the vehicle at the tire contact patch, which in turn leads to the aerodynamic forces acting on the vehicle. When combined with the geometry of the vehicle, the aerodynamic moments acting on the vehicle can then be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: JOEL A. WALTER, Leo Benetti-Longhini, Stephen A. Arnette
  • Publication number: 20100326210
    Abstract: A load sensing platform (121) is disclosed for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a medium that measures a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The load sensing platform (121) comprises a sensing assemblage (1), substrates (702, 704, and 706), springs (315), spring posts (708), and spring retainers (710). The sensing assemblage (1) comprises a stack of a transducer (5), waveguide (3), and transducer (6). A parameter is applied to the contact surfaces (8) of the load sensing platform (121). The sensing assemblage (1) measures changes in dimension due to the parameter. Position of the applied parameter can be measured by using more than one sensing assemblage (1). The springs (315) couple to the substrates (702, 704) providing mechanical support and to prevent cantilevering. The spring posts (708) and spring retainers (710) maintain the springs (315) at predetermined locations in the load sensing platform (121).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: OrthoSensor
    Inventors: Marc Stein, Jim Ellis
  • Publication number: 20100326211
    Abstract: A sensing insert device (100) is disclosed for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing insert device (100) can be temporary or permanent. Used intra-operatively, the sensing insert device (100) comprises an insert dock (202) and a sensing module (200). The sensing module (200) is a self-contained encapsulated measurement device having at least one contacting surface that couples to the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing module (200) comprises one or more sensing assemblages, electronic circuitry (307), an antenna (2302), and communication circuitry (320). The sensing assemblages are between a top plate (1502) and a bottom plate (1504) in a sensing platform (121). The sensing assemblages comprise a load disc (2004) and a piezo-resistive sensor (2002) to measure the parameter. An elastic support structure or springs (1108) is coupled between the top plate (1502) and the bottom plate (1504) to prevent cantilevering of a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: OrthoSensor
    Inventor: Marc Stein
  • Publication number: 20100326212
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid sampling device comprising a port insert, a plurality of flexible conduits, and a plurality of sample containers. The port insert comprises a body having a plurality of shafts therethrough and a rotatably displaceable member for individually opening and closing any of said shafts to enable the flow of fluid therethrough. Flexible conduits (e.g., flexible tubing) are equal in number to the shafts, with each flexible conduit connected to or otherwise in fluid communication with an individual shaft. Similarly, sample containers (e.g., flexible bags) are equal in number to the conduits, with each sample container connected to an individual conduit opposite the connection to the shaft. A specific configuration for the port insert, as well as kit containing sterilized components of the fluid sampling device, are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: MILLIPORE CORPORATION
    Inventors: James F. Furey, Stephen P. Proulx
  • Publication number: 20100326213
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispersing a sample of particulate material, includes a carrier (31;35;37;38;39) having a sample-bearing surface on which to place the sample, and a housing (10;44;48) for forming a dispersion chamber (17), at least when closed off at a base (46;51). The carrier is arranged such that the sample-bearing surface is removed from contact with the sample upon application of a sufficient pressure differential across the carrier between the sample-bearing surface and an opposite side of the carrier. The housing (10;44;48) has an inlet (26) at least partially facing the base (46;51). The apparatus includes an apparatus (15;16) for passing a volume of fluid past the carrier (31;35;37;38;39) through the inlet (26) by subjecting the carrier (31;35;37;38;39) to a pulsed positive pressure differential relative to the dispersion chamber (17).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Nicholas Craig Davidson, Margaret Ellen Dyson, Jonathan Powell, Andrew John Prior
  • Publication number: 20100326214
    Abstract: An actuating system 300 is provided for actuating a plurality of pipettes 1 comprising a bellows portion 13. The actuating system comprises means 360 for receiving the plurality of pipettes and an actuator 320. The receiving means 360 and the actuator 160 are reciprocable relative to one another to compress or decompress the bellows portions of pipettes received in the receiving means in use. The receiving means 360 comprises a plurality of pipette receiving parts in the form of clips 140 each configured to receive a respective pipette having a bellows piece 5 and a dispensing piece 3, wherein each pipette receiving part 140 is arranged to cooperate with the dispensing piece 3 of a respective pipette to mount the pipette to the actuating system. The actuating system further comprises locating means in the form of a guide plate 160 to help maintain alignment of the pipette in use, the locating means cooperating with the bellows piece 5 of each pipette.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Erik Hornes, Anders Holmberg
  • Publication number: 20100326215
    Abstract: A sample introduction method for reducing carry-over is provided. After a sample introduction device in a total volume injection method draws a proper amount of a sample solution from a sample container and further draws a solution with the same composition as a mobile phase solution with a needle 24, the needle 24 is inserted into an injection port 25. When flow paths are switched to communicate a liquid feeder, a sample loop 23, the needle 24, the injection port 25, and a separation/detection section, the solution with the same composition as the mobile phase solution is forced into a gap between the injection port 25 and the needle 24. Therefore, the samples squeezed out of a tip section of the needle 24 during the switching of the flow paths are prevented from being forced into the gap between the needle 24 and the injection port 25.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Maeda, Shuzo Maruyama, Kenichi Yasunaga