Patents Issued in February 1, 2011
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Patent number: 7878021Abstract: An ice-cream maker including a blade (30a) arranged in a double-walled container (20a), and a housing (1) containing a driving mechanism (10) that can generate a blade-rotating movement (30a) in relation to the double-walled container (20a), the double-walled container (20a) being composed of an external wall (23) and an internal wall (24) defining a housing (25) containing a phase changing mixture having a fusion range extending at least partially below 0° C. The inner wall (24) forms a vat (26), and the blade (301a; 30b?) is used to scrape the inner wall (24; 24?). The blade (30a) forms a spoon.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2006Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Seb S.A.Inventors: Matthieu Perrier, Alexandre Rouches, Régis Cypres, Hervé Fiedos
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Patent number: 7878022Abstract: A refrigerator door having a dispenser is disclosed. The refrigerator door includes an outer case forming a front appearance of the refrigerator door, an inner case forming a rear appearance of the refrigerator door, and an insulation layer disposed between the outer case and the inner case. First and second mounting frames are installed at both side ends of the refrigerator door and have first and second mounting slots longitudinally formed in the first and second mounting frames in opposition to each other. The dispenser is detachably coupled to a front surface of the outer case and includes a housing, which forms an external appearance of the dispenser and is formed with a recess section. An external plate section is coupled to the front surface of the outer case except for an area in which the dispenser is installed, forming an external appearance of the refrigerator door.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Yong-Chol Kwon
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Patent number: 7878023Abstract: Refrigeration circuit (1, 1?) for circulating a refrigerant in a predetermined flow direction through at least one functionally disconnectable component, the refrigeration circuit having in flow direction an expansion device (b, b?, 26, 26?, 33), an evaporator, a compressor (2, 2?, 29, 36) and a heat-rejecting heat exchanger (6, 20), wherein an upstream-side shut-off valve is provided upstream of the component and a downstream-side shut-off valve is provided downstream of the component, wherein at least one of these shut-off valves is a non-return valve (a, c, 25, 27, 32, 34). Preferably, the component has in flow direction the expansion device (b, b?, 26, 26?, 33) and the evaporator (12, 12?, E1, E1?, E2) or the compressor (2, 2?). Preferably the non-return valve (a, c, 25, 27, 32, 34) is lockable in it's open position.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2005Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventor: Bernd Heinbokel
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Patent number: 7878024Abstract: An earring includes an earring body, a locking bar provided at one end of the earring body and formed with a locking groove, and a locker provided at the other end of the earring body to be selectively locked with the locking bar. The locker is formed with an insert groove, the insert groove is provided at an inside thereof with a locking protrusion, and a locking release button is positioned adjacent to the locking protrusion while protruding out of the locker. The spring includes a compression spring and the locking protrusion is adapted to lock with the locking groove of the locking bar while performing a straight movement in a state in which the locking protrusion is elastically supported to the spring. The locking/unlocking operations of the coupling parts are easily performed and an aesthetic appearance of the earring is improved.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Core Jewelry, Inc.Inventor: Kyung-Hak Baik
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Patent number: 7878025Abstract: An oval shaped diamond, adapted to display a hearts and arrows pattern when exposed to light characteristic of the hearts and arrows pattern in a round diamond, comprising: an oval shape having two long sides symmetrical to each other, two short sides symmetrical to each other and four corner sides symmetrically located between the long sides and the short sides respectively, eight main crown facets of unequal size and eight main pavilion facets of unequal size, sixteen pavilion half facets; a girdle of non-uniform thickness separating the crown and pavilion facets and two subsidiary pavilion facets in alignment with each other on the long sides of the diamond adjacent a main pavilion facet.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: SanDiamond USA, Corp.Inventor: Roni Rydlewicz
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Patent number: 7878026Abstract: A synthetic microsphere having a low alkali metal oxide content and methods of forming the microsphere and its components are provided. The synthetic microsphere is substantially chemically inert and thus a suitable replacement for natural cenospheres, particularly in caustic environments such as cementitious mixtures. The synthetic microsphere can be made from an agglomerate precursor that includes an aluminosilicate material, such as fly ash, a blowing agent such as sugar, carbon black, and silicon carbide, and a binding agent. The synthetic microsphere is produced when the precursor is fired at a pre-determined temperature profile so as to form either solid or hollow synthetic microspheres depending on the processing conditions and/or components used.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: James Hardie Technology LimitedInventors: Amlan Datta, Hamid Hojaji, David L. Melmeth, James A. McFarlane, Thinh Pham, Noel E. Thompson, Huagang Zhang
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Patent number: 7878027Abstract: A glassware forming machine blowhead arm assembly includes a one-piece blowhead arm body having at least one longitudinal air passage and a plurality of lateral air passages connected to the longitudinal passage. A blowhead chuck is removably received in a first end of each lateral passage and a cap is threaded into the second end of each lateral passage spaced from the associated blowhead chuck. A spring is captured in compression between each cap and an associated blowhead chuck biasing the blowhead chuck in a direction out of the lateral passage and away from the cap. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure adapted for use in conjunction with so-called isolated finish cooling blowheads, there are first and second longitudinal air passages extending through the blowhead arm body separately from each other, and separate air inputs in the body respectively coupled to the first and second longitudinal passages.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.Inventor: Larry N. Shue
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Patent number: 7878028Abstract: A knitting needle designed specifically for achieving particularly fine divisions, or another knitting tool (2), has a narrower working section (4) and a wider support section (5), whereby the support section (5) is provided with a positioning means (11), for example, having the form of a slit (12) or having the form of a rib (32). The knitting tool (2) is associated with a fixing means (29) in the form of a projection (17) or a groove (33) on the side of the bar (1). Due to this measure, the support sections (5) of the knitting tools (2) may be arranged—in close proximity to each other, in contact with or at a minimal distance from each other—on the bar (1), so that a maximum cross-section is available for configuring the support section (5). This provides strong stability for the knitting tools (2)—even in cases of extremely fine divisions—and, at the same time, provides precise alignment and avoids division errors.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Groz-Beckert KGInventors: Eric Jürgens, Andreas Dietz, Uwe Stingel, Torsten Butz, Klaus Kirchmair, Eckhard Fehrenbacher
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Patent number: 7878029Abstract: A circular knitting machine for men's socks with needles on the dial comprising a dial needles selector mechanism able to selectively move the dial needles to involve the selected needles in the formation of the stitches and to exclude the needles not selected. In addition the machine is able to repeatedly perform transfer of the stitch from the cylinder to the dial. Moreover, the machine is fitted with a mechanical traction mechanism for tensioning the sock being formed. In addition, the machine presents expedients to limit the deformation of the selector rods and reduce detrimental effects on the actuator or flaws in the formation of the stitch.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Santoni S.p.A.Inventors: Ettore Lonati, Tiberio Lonati, Fausto Lonati
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Patent number: 7878030Abstract: A circular knit tubing adapted for making a wearable article has a first knitted single layer tubular portion and a second knitted single layer tubular portion separated by a junction portion. The second tubular portion is folded over the first tubular portion at a fold line in the junction portion. The first and second tubular portions are then joined together, whereby the junction portion forms a band or welt. After the band is formed, the second tubular portion is folded back to cover the band. The wearable article may be a shirt having single layer top and bottom portions with a central double welt portion for physical contact around the wearer's chest or torso. The junction portion forming the band or welt preferably is integrally knitted with the first and second tubular portions. The band or welt defines a central opening to receive an electronic or electrical device or other component.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Textronics, Inc.Inventor: Stacey B. Burr
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Patent number: 7878031Abstract: The present invention provides a hand-held wringer for removing liquid from a wet or damp material. A wet or damp material is placed between two rollers and a trigger handle is engaged to reduce the space between one roller's axis relative to an opposite roller's axis so as to expel liquid from every fiber of the material as it is pulled therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Inventor: George Varga
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Patent number: 7878032Abstract: A lock guard is provided for padlocks securing different type J-hook latches of roll up doors in their locking position. The lock guard shrouds the shackle of the padlock thereby deterring vandals use of cutting tools to sever the shackle.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Inventor: Roy E. Gogel
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Patent number: 7878033Abstract: A security device includes a housing and a strap which extends from the housing and loops around a bottle neck or other item to secure the device thereto. A locking mechanism lockably engages the strap when the strap is inserted into the housing to secure the strap in a locked position. The housing has first and second opposed outer surfaces which taper outwardly and toward one another in a manner which makes the housing difficult to grasp manually or otherwise, thus helping prevent the breakage and removal of the device from the bottle. The tapered outer surfaces also serve to deflect impact forces to the housing to help prevent unauthorized removal of the device.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2009Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Fawcett, Ronald M. Marsilio
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Patent number: 7878034Abstract: An intuitively operable door locking arrangement and a method include, a lock-point arming input element that is connected directly to a handle-operated control element of the locking arrangement, rather than being connected directly to a lock-point of the door locking arrangement. The locking arrangement and method may be used in hinged single or multiple-panel installations, having single, and/or multiple lock-points, may allow keyless locking from outside, and may include a latching arrangement. In active door locking apparatuses, the lock-point is movable only through operation of the handle-operated control element. The lock point arming element is selectively moveable between an armed and a disarmed position thereof, and is configured and connected to the handle-operated control element in such a manner that the handle-operated control element may be used to move the lock-point to the locked position thereof only when the lock-point arming input element is in the armed position thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: HOPPE Holding AGInventors: Helmut Alber, Oliver Erich Rudolf Schuberth, Christian Josef Stephan Zeus, Dan Mattrisch, Eric Stoutenborough, Matt Taylor
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Patent number: 7878035Abstract: A lock system includes a lock mechanism for holding a lid element in a locked state, an electric actuator for driving the lock mechanism to an unlocking side based on an operation of an open switch, and a key cylinder adapted to be operated to rotate by a key so as to be switched through the rotational operation to an “UNLOCK” position where the open switch is enabled to function and a “LOCK” position where the open switch is disabled from functioning, whereby unlocking of the lid element is prohibited through a rotational operation of the key cylinder to the “LOCK” position. An operating unit of the lock system causes the key cylinder and the lock mechanism to be mechanically linked with each other by a wire cable, whereby the lock mechanism is forcibly driven to the unlocking side through a rotational operation of the key cylinder to the “OPEN” position.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Taishi Yamaguchi, Yasuhiro Sakakibara
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Patent number: 7878036Abstract: A lock cylinder having a keyway includes a first plurality of guide channels. A plurality of cup-shaped pins is movably disposed within the first plurality of guide channels. Each cup-shaped pin of the plurality of cup-shaped pins extends across the keyway. Each cup-shaped pin of the plurality of cup-shaped pins has an engagement protrusion. The first plurality of guide channels conform to the shape of the plurality of cup-shaped pins to allow movement of the plurality of cup-shaped pins in a first direction while restraining movement transverse to the first direction. A plurality of biasing springs is positioned to bias the plurality of cup-shaped pins in a direction toward the keyway. A plurality of racks is movably disposed in a second plurality of guide channels. Each rack of the plurality of racks has at least one engagement groove to selectively receive the engagement protrusion of a respective cup-shaped pin.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2010Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Newfrey, LLCInventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
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Patent number: 7878037Abstract: A device for the free-form bending of longitudinal profiles, in particular pipes, in which an axial sleeve is arranged downstream of a feed unit in its direction of feed. Arranged downstream of the axial sleeve in the direction of feed, is a bending sleeve. The feed unit and the axial sleeve in each case have a drive pointing in the direction of feed, wherein the axial sleeve can be adjusted independently of the feed unit. The feed unit and the axial sleeve further have rotary drives for the simultaneous rotation in the same direction of the longitudinal profile held and guided by them. The bending sleeve can only be adjusted in a translatory manner by means of a drive in an axis running transverse to the axis of the longitudinal profile and the feed device. In addition to this, it can be pivoted by means of a drive about an axis lying transverse to the axis of the longitudinal profile and the feed device.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2006Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignees: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG, Mewag Maschinenfabrik AGInventors: Thomas Flehmig, Martin Kibben, Urs Kühni, Jacob Ziswiler
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Patent number: 7878038Abstract: A process of production of three-dimensional products from wire (1) or other suitable material, which process may be implemented in a system (8) that may include an advancement mechanism (9), a straightening mechanism (11), a length measuring arrangement (18) towards which advances the material (1), a gripper arrangement (14) suitable to hold the material with fixed grippers (15) and simultaneously with other grippers (16) to twist it to a desired angle around its longitudinal axis (X), and a rotatable bending mechanism (12) that can bend the material plastically in one plane and simultaneously can rotate at a desired angle around the longitudinal axis (X) of the wire (1) so that it may generate bends in different planes. The system (8) implementing the process may also carry a cutting arrangement (13).Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Inventor: Antonios Anagnostopoulos
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Patent number: 7878039Abstract: A channel letter bending machine for bending a return of a channel letter from a stock includes a feeding unit disposed along a path of travel of the stock to be bent for feeding the stock, a flanging unit for forming a flange along one edge of the stock, a notching unit for notching the flange of the stock fed by the feeding mechanism along the path of travel, and a bending unit for bending the stock under the control of the computer control system into the desired configuration for the channel letter shape, wherein the notching unit and the flanging unit are disposed upstream of the bending unit and the flanging unit is disposed upstream of the notching unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: SDS USA, Inc.Inventors: Ju Woong Park, Man Sik Cho, Sang Moo Lee, Byoung-Young Song
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Patent number: 7878040Abstract: A method of drawn and ironed processing of a resin coated metal sheet, in which in the drawn and ironed processing of resin coated metal sheet, there can be obtained a can body of satisfactorily small wall thickness and at an opening edge part of the can body, the coating resin is free from any defect; and a resin coating drawn and ironed processed can produced thereby. There is provided a method of drawn and ironed processing of a resin coated metal sheet, comprising performing drawn and ironed processing of a resin coated metal sheet composed of a metal sheet having at least one major surface thereof coated with an organic resin with the use of a punch and a die into a can body, characterized in that ironing is conducted with the use of a punch having a small-diameter portion at its rear end so that the ratio of ironing at an opening edge part of the can body after shaping falls within the range of 0 to 15%.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2005Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignees: Toyo Kohan Co., Ltd., Toyo Seikan Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinichi Taya, Masahiro Kai, Junichi Tanabe, Etsuro Tutsumi, Norihito Saiki
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Patent number: 7878041Abstract: A method and device are provided for verification of the quality of placing of blind rivets. The verification method involves successively carrying out, during the application of traction force to a stem, initial measurements in an initial state of the application of the traction force to obtain an initial traction force and an initial displacement of the rivet stem relative to the rivet body, intermediate measurements in an intermediate stage of the application of the traction force to obtain an intermediate traction force and an intermediate displacement, and terminal measurements in a terminal stage of the application of the traction force to obtain a terminal traction force and a terminal displacement. The obtained values are compared to acceptable values in an assignment table.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Airbus Operations, S.L.Inventor: Desiderio Sánchez-Brunete Álvarez
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Patent number: 7878042Abstract: This is directed to systems, methods, computer programs and other means for shock testing a piece of equipment, i.e., the target. The target can be mounted to a shock generation machine, which is then slammed into a sturdy foundation. The impact can result in multi-axis loads, depending on how the machine is configured, while also simulating the modal frequency response of an object, such as a naval ship's deck.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock CompanyInventors: Michael A. Talley, Charles L. Pizzano, Carla J. Davis, Jonathan R. Harn
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Patent number: 7878044Abstract: A system and a method for providing information on two of the three variables, density (?), viscosity (?), and elastic modulus (c) of a fluid, such that independent knowledge of one variable allows the remaining two variables to be measured by a single sensor. The present invention relies on the interaction of a predominantly shear horizontal acoustic wave device (“quasi-shear-horizontal”) with the fluid, so as to measure subtle differences in the interaction of two or more acoustic resonance states or waveguide modes of a multi-mode resonator or waveguide, and to derive the desired fluid characteristics therefrom. The most preferred embodiment is a dual-mode coupled resonator filter geometry with one resonant mode having a high degree of symmetry and the other having a high degree of anti-symmetry.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey C. Andle
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Patent number: 7878045Abstract: Device for determining the density of a plasma, with of a probe (1) which can be immersed into the plasma, with a probe head (2) in form of a three-axis ellipsoid, and a handle (3) connected to the probe head (2), wherein the probe head (2) has a sheath (4) and a probe core (5, 5a) surrounded by the sheath (4), wherein the surface (8) of the probe core (5, 5a) has electrode areas (9, 10) of opposite polarity which are insulated from each other. The probe core consists of electrodes (6, 7), to which a signal is applied. The absorption of that signal is measured and evaluated as a function of the frequency. Based on a multipole expansion, a mathematical model is constructed with which the absorption spectrum of the probe can be unambiguously evaluated. For a particular design of the probe, the response can be restricted to a single resonance, from which the electron density of the plasma (to be inferred from the resonance frequency) can be found by an unambiguous evaluation algorithm.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Inventor: Ralf-Peter Brinkmann
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Patent number: 7878046Abstract: A test apparatus for an evaporative emission system includes a source of pressure (positive or negative), a sensor for sensing the pressure generated in the evaporative emission system, and an ECU which controls the operation of the source of pressure and receives signals from the sensor reporting the pressure in the vehicle evaporative emission system over time. The ECU compares the sensed data with the stored data representing standard baseline sample vehicles without any leaks to determine the presence of a leak in the evaporative emission system.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: MAHLE Powertrain, LLCInventors: Louis Scott Bolt, Michael Dew
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Patent number: 7878047Abstract: There is described an apparatus for monitoring particles in a fluid stream, comprising a body portion and a detector element that is acoustically decoupled from the body portion. The detector element comprises a target surface, a sample acoustic sensor and a corrosion sensor. The sample acoustic sensor is acoustically coupled to the target surface and is arranged to provide a first signal, which varies in dependence upon acoustic noise generated by impacts of particles and fluid on the target surface. The corrosion sensor is arranged to provide a second signal, which varies in dependence upon corrosion and/or erosion of the target surface. A corresponding method of monitoring particles in a fluid stream is also described. The method and apparatus are suitable for monitoring sand in oil and gas production flow streams.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2006Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Teledyne Cormon LimitedInventor: Barry John Hemblade
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Patent number: 7878048Abstract: A method for diagnosing combustion within an engine includes monitoring pressure cylinder pressure and generating a measured combustion phasing value for the cylinder at a predetermined metric selected to index the combustion cycle. The measured combustion phasing value is calculated through a Fast Fourier Transform and compared to an expected combustion phasing value.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Yue-Yun Wang, Ibrahim Haskara, Chol-Bum M Kweon, Frederic Anton Matekunas, Paul Anthony Battiston
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Patent number: 7878049Abstract: A method of indicating a fault associated with a non-combustion chamber of an engine includes monitoring a fluid intake pressure for the engine, monitoring a pressure for a non-combustion chamber of the engine, and indicating a fault associated with the non-combustion chamber based on a difference between a first non-combustion chamber pressure and a second non-combustion chamber pressure being below a chamber threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: James Allen Roal, Richard “Cort” Severns, II
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Patent number: 7878050Abstract: Disclosed is both an apparatus and method for quantifying an injection event of a fuel injector, including both multiple pulse and single pulse injection events. Typically, the fuel injector is a common rail injector. The apparatus includes a pressure chamber for isolating a portion of the injection pressure for reducing pressure waves and reflections which can create “noise” in the detection of an injection pressure. The invention further includes determining the precise start and end times of injection using cavitation created by the injection event.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Inventor: Omar Cueto
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Patent number: 7878051Abstract: A liquid measurement apparatus is configured to measure an amount of liquid flowing from a measured object. The apparatus includes a passage member having a measurement passage being connected to the measured object at one end. The measurement passage is filled with liquid. The apparatus further includes a closed vessel, which is connected to an other end of the measurement passage and filled with saturated vapor of the liquid. The apparatus further includes an analyzer. The liquid filled in the measurement passage contains a bubble, which is movable in accordance with change in amount of the liquid in the measurement passage. The analyzer is configured to calculate a travel distance of the bubble and configured to measure the amount of the liquid flowing from the measured object based on the calculated travel distance.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Hiroki Tani, Makoto Yamaguchi, Shinichi Kaibuki, Tetsuji Kudoh
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Patent number: 7878052Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a clamping assembly for compressing a plurality of optical plates of a high pressure cavitation system. The clamping assembly may include a mounting frame and a housing coupled to the mounting frame. The clamping assembly may further include a holder distal the housing, the holder having the plurality of optical plates disposed therein. The clamping assembly further including a controllable clamping mechanism operably coupled to a top of the housing, the controllable clamping mechanism applying an axial force to the plurality of optical plate.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Perkins Engines Company LimitedInventors: Susannah Elizabeth Danby, Cathy Youngmi Choi, Colin Peter Garner, William Elliott Moser, Drew Douglas Wackerlin, Timothy Joe Felty, Nate B. Keller, Benjamin Alexander Reid, Manolis Gavaises, Emmanouil Giannadakis, Graham Hargrave
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Patent number: 7878053Abstract: A control system for evaluating a brake booster system is provided. The control system includes an engine evaluation module that detects an engine off condition. A pressure evaluation module monitors hydraulic brake line pressure and detects changes in brake booster pressure during the engine off condition. A fault reporting module selectively detects a brake booster fault based on the brake line pressure and the changes in brake booster pressure.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Inventors: Chad W. Lehner, William L. Aldrich, III
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Patent number: 7878054Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides coated polymeric substrates that have a polymeric substrate body with a coated surface. The surface coating includes more than one pair of coating layers. Each pair of coating layers includes a first applied coating layer and a second applied coating layer. In addition, an indicator, applied on top of or between coating layers, provides an indication of wear of the coating.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Kjersta L. Larson, Shawn M. Pare, Vasan S. Sundaram
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Patent number: 7878055Abstract: A sensing and analyzing device for determining when physical limits of a patient have been exceeded by the patient during exercise is provided. The device may comprise a sensing unit, analyzing unit and a warning unit. The sensing unit may be attached to critical locations on a body of the patient. The sensing unit may be operative to sense pressure. The analyzing unit may be attached to a convenient location on the patient's body. The analyzing unit may be operative to receive pressure data from the sensing unit to determine whether the patient has exceeded the physical limits of the patient. The warning unit may communicate with the analyzing unit and be activated by the analyzing unit when the physical limit of the patient has been exceeded for notifying the patient when the patient's physical limits have been exceeded.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2006Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Inventor: Alfiero Balzano
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Patent number: 7878056Abstract: The current invention generally relates to Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) thermal mass flow sensors for measuring the flow rate of a flowing fluid (gas/liquid) and the methods of manufacturing on single crystal silicon wafers. The said mass flow sensors have self-cleaning capability that is achieved via the modulation of the cavity of which the sensing elements locate on the top of the cavity that is made of a silicon nitride film; alternatively the sensing elements are fabricated on top of a binary silicon nitride/conductive polycrystalline silicon film under which is a porous silicon layer selective formed in a silicon substrate. Using polycrystalline silicon or the sensing elements as electrodes, an acoustic wave can be generated across the porous silicon layer which is also used for the thermal isolation of the sensing elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Siargo Ltd.Inventors: Liji Huang, Chih-Chang Chen, Yahong Yao, Gaofeng Wang
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Patent number: 7878057Abstract: A diagnostic system and method includes a fuel level sensor that senses a fuel level in a fuel tank and a sensor diagnostic module that monitors a fuel transfer mechanism for a time period, that calculates a change in the fuel level, and that evaluates operation of the first fuel level sensor based on the change and the predetermined period.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Inventors: Zhong Wang, Wenbo Wang, Gary L. Rogers, Scott A. Kegebein, Lan Wang, Yan Wang
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Patent number: 7878058Abstract: A fluid monitoring apparatus and method is disclosed for use in an underground utility vault. Specifically, a system utilizing multiple sensors to determine the total amount and type of fluid present in a utility vault is disclosed. A first sensor located above the fluid detects and determines the overall depth of fluid present. A second sensor, relying on specific properties of the fluid(s) present, is located in contact with the fluids present. The information regarding specific fluid level and type is conveyed to a central location for monitoring.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Walker Engineering Inc.Inventors: Lawrence Blendinger, Robert M. Ryan
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Patent number: 7878059Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle includes an axle housing having a tubular portion. A bimetallic sensor mount having a first region of corrosion resistant material and a second region of weldable material is welded to the tubular portion. A differential unit including a side gear is disposed in a central cavity of the axle housing. An axleshaft having a shaft portion and a target portion with a plurality of teeth is disposed in the tubular portion of the axle housing. The shaft portion is coupled to the side gear. A sensor is coupled to the sensor mount and extends through an aperture in the mount and the tubular portion to locate an end portion of the sensor a predetermined distance from the teeth of the target portion. A method of making an axle assembly having a sintered bimetallic sensor mount is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2009Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Rodney J. Campbell
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Patent number: 7878060Abstract: A micromachine includes a movable section formed of a conductor and a support section formed of a conductor, wherein the movable section and the support section are separated from each other, an insulating layer is provided on the conductor, a conductive layer is provided on the insulating layer, and the conductive layer is formed so as to straddle the movable section and the support section.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Ryoichi Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 7878061Abstract: A micromechanical system includes a substrate, a first planar electrode, a second planar electrode, and a third planar electrode. The second planar electrode is movably positioned at a distance above the first planar electrode and the third planar electrode is positioned at a distance above the second electrode.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Johannes Classen, Arnd Kaelberer, Patrick Wellner, Dietrich Schubert, Lars Tebje
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Patent number: 7878062Abstract: An ultrasonic interferometer for the characterization of the matter (solids, fluids & gases) in a medium is described, along with a method of using the same. The interferometer accurately determines the travel time of the multi-frequency ultrasonic signal in the matter that is being queried. By carefully selecting the design of the multi-frequency ultrasound signal, various properties of the material can be derived using a trainable classification system to classify or recognise the substance, or state of a process. The apparatus exploits the normally undesirable higher harmonics characteristics of the piezoceramic transducer to gain penetration through a spatial-frequency window that is not suitable for the higher frequency signals that are required to achieve the measurements.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2006Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Nimtech Inc.Inventor: Miroslaw Wrobel
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Patent number: 7878063Abstract: The present invention provides a hexagonal, delay line surface acoustic wave device fabricated on a a piezoelectric substrate, such as lithium tantalate, coated with an insulating waveguide on to which a sensing film, such as an anti-human Interleukin-6 biosensor film, is physically absorbed. The acoustic waves that propagate along the delay lines of the SAW device provide for detection of biological species along one delay line and simultaneously provide for removal of non-specifically bound protein along the remaining delay lines.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignees: University of South Florida, Sandia CorporationInventors: Stefan Cular, Venkat R. Bhethanabotla, Darren W. Branch
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Patent number: 7878064Abstract: Analytical apparatus for analysing at least one substance has an array of sensors (1) driven by an electronic driver (14) for operating each sensor. The signals produced by the sensors are received by a receiver (82), and the apparatus includes one or more calibration elements connected to the driver and the receiver for enabling changes in parasitic losses in the apparatus to be determined. The invention is particularly applicable to apparatus in which the sensors are electrical-mechanical transducers, individually connectable (in sequence) to the driver and receiver by a corresponding array of switches forming part of an interface (4).Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2005Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Akubio LimitedInventors: Julian Paul Abbott, Klaus Wiehler
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Patent number: 7878065Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection apparatus includes a container containing de-ionized water, at least one limiting member, a loading member, and a cover member. The at least one limiting member, the loading member, and the cover member are disposed in the de-ionized water and between the transmitting transducer and the receiving transducer. The limiting member is supported on the limiting member for loading the integrated circuits to be inspected. The cover member is detachably disposed on the loading member for holding the integrated circuits by a gravitational force of the cover member acting on the loading member.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Wei Chen
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Patent number: 7878066Abstract: The invention relates to a vibration measurement system for frequency-selective oscillation measurement in particular of low frequencies as are relevant in the field of automation and drive technology. The invention proposes coupling a broadband transmitter structure, which is excited directly by the excitation signal to be determined, via an electrostatic or inductive force to a receiver structure. This force coupling results in amplitude modulation of a carrier signal exciting the receiver structure. The actual excitation signal can be extracted from the spectrum of the amplitude-modulated carrier signal, for example by suitably selecting the frequency of the carrier signal. In order to make an oscillation analysis possible which is as unsusceptible to interference possible, an interference signal brought about, for example, by connector excitations is largely eliminated in advance from the amplitude-modulated carrier signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2006Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Dirk Scheibner, Jens Makuth
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Patent number: 7878067Abstract: A temperature compensating pressure sensor arrangement includes a capacitive pressure sensor having a substrate carrying CMOS layers. A conductive membrane is arranged on the substrate and defines a reference chamber such that capacitance changes resulting from displacement of the conductive membrane can be converted to pressure change values. A cap covers the conductive membrane and has openings to permit pressure changes to be detected by the conductive membrane. A capacitive temperature sensor is operatively arranged with respect to the capacitive pressure sensor and has a conductive membrane arranged on the substrate and defines a reference chamber such that capacitance changes resulting from displacement of the conductive membrane can be converted to temperature change values. The conductive member defining openings and cap covers and seals the conductive membrane from an external environment.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Samuel George Mallinson
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Patent number: 7878068Abstract: A digital pressure sensor, which is mounted on a pressure controller of a pneumatic tube system, includes a casing including a control circuit, which has a pressure sensing unit, therein, a display, which has a plurality of displaying units for showing numerals or icons, on a front side connected to said control circuit, and a connection tube on a bottom thereof for communication with a connection tube of the pneumatic tube system that said pressure sensing unit of said control circuit senses a pressure in the tube via said connection tube; and a battery set received in said casing and electrically connected to said control circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Chanto Air Hydraulics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tsai-Chao Wu
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Patent number: 7878069Abstract: There is disclosed a high pressure sensing header which is relatively insensitive to mounting torque. Essentially the header consists of an outer torque isolating shell which has a “C” shaped cross section with the cylindrical shell surrounding an inner “H” section header. The inner “H” section header has a thick diaphragm and is surrounded by the torque isolating shell which is secured to the “H” section header at a peripheral flange of the “H” section header. In this manner when the header is installed, the installation force is absorbed by the outer shell and there is no installation force or torque exhibited by the inner “H” section which will respond only to stress due to pressure. The torque isolating shell also contains a top surface which has a counterbore which can accommodate a crush ring, and when the unit is installed, the crush ring is forced or crushed against an installation wall to enable the inner header to receive pressure without experiencing any significant installation force.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2009Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Adam Kane, Boaz Kochman
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Patent number: 7878070Abstract: A chuck body for a clamping chuck for clamping a workpiece has a substantially rotationally symmetrically formed basic body, provided on which is a receiving opening, which is formed as a portion of a cone and is formed for receiving a clamping head in such a way as to transmit force. Attached to the basic body is a deformation sensor, for example as a strain gauge, which is intended and designed for determining a deformation of the basic body in a circumferential direction. In this way, the condition and state of wear of the clamping chuck can be determined.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Hainbuch GmbH Spannende TechnikInventors: Hans-Michael Weller, Attilio Mandarello
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Patent number: 7878071Abstract: The invention is an indenter tip that is modified to permit both compression testing and tensile testing on samples having dimensions smaller than approximately 1 ?m. The modified indenter tip has both a surface that can be used to apply compressive forces, and tines that can be used to engage a free end of a specimen to be tested in tension. The apparatus used to perform the tests includes elements of a scanning electron microscope that permit visualization of the specimen to be tested and the modified indenter tip, so as to permit appropriate alignment and engagement of the same. The apparatus also includes elements of a microindenter that provide mechanical manipulation of the relative position and orientation of the modified indenter tip and of the specimen to be tested, as well as the necessary controls and instrumentation to perform the test and to collect, record and manipulate data.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventor: Julia R. Greer