Patents Issued in April 14, 2011
  • Publication number: 20110083490
    Abstract: A gas sensor includes an internal space, diffusion control part, pumping cell, and measuring cell. The diffusion control part communicates with the internal space and has a slit-like shape with a smaller thickness than that of the internal space. The pumping cell pumps out oxygen from the internal space when voltage is applied between a first electrode formed on a surface of the internal space and a second electrode formed outside the internal space. The measuring cell measures a current flowing between a third and fourth electrodes when a voltage is applied between the third and fourth electrodes. The third electrode is formed in the diffusion control part, and can reduce an oxide gas component in a predetermined gas component to which a predetermined diffusion resistance has been applied by the diffusion control part. The fourth electrode is formed in a part different from the diffusion control part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mika MURAKAMI, Hiroki Fujita, Sumiko Horisaka, Takashi Ito, Sang Jae Lee
  • Publication number: 20110083491
    Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the pressure within a filter housing. A pressure sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the pressure within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the pressure sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of pressure values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read pressure values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment. In addition, integrity testing for individual filters within multi-filter configurations is possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: MILLIPORE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anthony DiLeo, John Dana Hubbard
  • Publication number: 20110083492
    Abstract: A leakage detection device includes a housing having a front hole at the front side for guiding in air and an exhaust hole at the rear side for exhaust of air, a sensor mounted in the housing in air communication with the front hole for detecting the presence of a coolant in the intake flow of air, and a fan assembly mounted in the housing for drawing outside air to flow through the front hole, the sensor and the exhaust hole, and a cable connectable to a digital coolant pressure gauge for transmitting power supply from the digital coolant pressure gauge to the fan assembly and the sensor and for transmitting an output signal from the sensor to the digital coolant pressure gauge for indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: An-Chao CHANG
  • Publication number: 20110083493
    Abstract: A flow controller for use with a liquid chromatography detector. The flow controller includes a flow channel comprising an inlet portion, a control channel portion in communication with the inlet portion, and an outlet portion in communication with said control channel portion. The control channel portion has a cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional area of a drift tube of the liquid chromatography detector for channeling the flow of droplets through the smaller cross-sectional area. The flow controller is shaped and sized to reduce pressure fluctuations and turbulence in the droplet stream of the liquid chromatography detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: THE CURATORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
    Inventor: Zhi Xu
  • Publication number: 20110083494
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for a milk measuring device for measuring the acoustic properties, such as acoustic damping and sound velocity in milk, in order to determine milk properties. The sound velocity in milk depends on temperature and composition. By carrying out, for example by means of a piezo element, a reference measurement on vibrations that have been directed by a second piezo element into a wire or the like of known material, which wire is strung in the measuring chamber which is filled with the milk to be tested, the milk temperature can be derived, so that other milk properties, in particular the fat/protein composition, can be determined in a more reliable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventor: Frans Emo Diderik VAN HALSEMA
  • Publication number: 20110083495
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a specimen collection assembly that limits or eliminates the need for transferring a specimen sample and/or solution mixed with the specimen sample from one container to another. The specimen collection assembly includes a specimen collection member, a filter and a lid each to be employed with a vile. The filter is attachable to a distal portion of the specimen collection member. The lid is configured to be positioned over the open end of the vile with both the specimen collection member and filter positioned in the vile. With this arrangement, a liquid solution can be introduced into the vile and then agitated to mix with a specimen sample. The fecal loop with the attached filter can then be withdrawn from the vile to leave the remaining filtered and mixed liquid solution in the vile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Val L. Poll, Steven J. MIller, Jay J. Davis, Brian T. Leishman, Joshua L. Kirk
  • Publication number: 20110083496
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for simultaneously moving multiple semiconductor wafers in opposite directions while simultaneously performing processing operations on each of the wafers. The semiconductor wafers are orientated in coplanar fashion and are disposed on stages that simultaneously translate in opposite directions to produce a net system momentum of zero. The die of the respective semiconductor wafers are processed in the same spatial sequence with respect to a global alignment feature of the semiconductor wafer. A balance mass is not needed to counteract the motion of a stage because the opposite motions of the respective stages cancel each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Fu LIN, Yung-Cheng CHEN, Heng-Jen LEE, Chin-Hsiang LIN
  • Publication number: 20110083497
    Abstract: A surface texture measuring machine includes: a stage, a contact-type detector having a stylus, an image probe, a relative movement mechanism and a controller. The controller includes: a center position calculating unit that, when the image probe enters position data of at least three points on a circular contour of a circular concave portion or a circular convex portion of an object, approximates the entered position data to a circle to obtain a center position of the circle; and a stylus setting unit that, after calculating the center position, operates the relative movement mechanism to position the stylus of the contact-type detector at the center position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sadayuki MATSUMIYA, Yoshiyuki OMORI, Sadaharu ARITA, Kotaro HIRANO, Yasushi FUKUMOTO, Koichi KOMATSU, Fumihiro TAKEMURA
  • Publication number: 20110083498
    Abstract: A pressure sensor diagnostic system of the present disclosure includes an excitation module, a frequency determination module, and a fault determination module. The excitation module excites an in-cylinder pressure sensor and causes the in-cylinder pressure sensor to oscillate. The frequency determination module determines an oscillation frequency of the in-cylinder pressure sensor. The fault determination module diagnoses the in-cylinder pressure sensor based on the oscillation frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas R. Verner, Kenneth J. Buslepp, Joseph R. Dulzo
  • Publication number: 20110083499
    Abstract: An adjustable chassis dynamometer includes a fixed roller, an adjustable roller that moves with respect to the fixed roller, and at least one sensor that detects a rotational speed of the fixed or adjustable roller. A belt drive synchronizes rotation of the rollers. The belt drive includes a fixed pulley associated with the fixed roller, an adjustable pulley associated with the adjustable roller, and a tensioner pulley. A belt is provided with an inner surface and an outer surface, and surrounding the fixed, adjustable, and tensioner pulleys, such that each pulley engages the belt's inner surface. The belt drive further includes an idler pulley that moves with the adjustable pulley, is located outside of the belt, and engages the belt's outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: DYNOJET RESEARCH, INC.
    Inventor: Joe Evers
  • Publication number: 20110083500
    Abstract: A sensor system for obtaining data from an air spring having elastomeric body with a plurality of wireless sensors embedded therein. The sensor length-scales range from nano- to micro-scale devices that are small enough to avoid becoming occlusions within the elastomeric body. The air spring may include a spring wall having an internally reinforced elastomeric body portion with the sensors embedded within. The air spring may include a spring wall having an unreinforced elastomeric body portion with the sensors embedded within. The sensors may be configured to provide data related to one or more of temperature, pressure, sidewall flex, stress, strain and other parameters. The sensors may be LCD sensors, and/or conductive polymer sensors, and/or bio-polymer sensors and/or polymer diodes suitable for sensing data during the operation of the air spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE FIRESTONE NORTH AMERICAN TIRE, LLC
    Inventors: John D. Rensel, Paul B. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20110083501
    Abstract: Vibrating wire viscometers are disclosed. An example apparatus to determine the viscosity of a downhole fluid is described, the apparatus including a wire to be immersed in a downhole fluid, to vibrate when an alternating current is applied to the wire within a magnetic field, and to generate an electromotive force when vibrating within the magnetic field, the wire comprising a first resistance. The apparatus further includes a nulling circuit coupled to the wire, wherein the nulling circuit comprises a second resistance that is selectable to be substantially equal to the first resistance, and an analyzer coupled to the wire and the nulling circuit to determine the first resistance, the second resistance, and a viscosity of the downhole fluid based on the first and second resistances, at least one characteristic of the wire, and the electromotive force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: EMMANUEL DESROQUES, SOPHIE NAZIK GODEFROY, ANTHONY ROBERT HOLMES GOODWIN, CHRISTOPHER HARRISON, KAI HSU, NORIYUKI MATSUMOTO
  • Publication number: 20110083502
    Abstract: The device for metering fluid mixtures, in particular liquids containing a gas such as carbon dioxide, includes a flow sensor, a metering valve, and a controller that drives the metering valve as a function of a set point and of the flow rate measured. The flow sensor has an impeller wheel having a horizontal axis, the fluid mixture being guided on an arcuate path on the periphery of the impeller wheel, the path being directed from bottom to top. Despite the presence of gas, a precise metering is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Rene Bachmann, Kersten Grosse, Johann Gunnesch, Thomas Morchel, Daniel Rammer
  • Publication number: 20110083503
    Abstract: A method comprising preparing a baseline cement slurry comprising a cement, water, and one or more additives, placing a sample of the baseline cement slurry into a sample container having a vertical height, and measuring time of flight of energy through the sample at one or more locations along the vertical height to determine a settling property of the baseline cement slurry. A method comprising providing a settling test apparatus comprising a column having a vertical height and at least one pair of transducers positioned opposite each other with the column there between, placing a cement slurry sample within the column, and measuring time of flight of ultrasonic energy through the sample at one or more locations along the vertical height to determine a settling property of the cement slurry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin John Iverson, Robert Phillip Darbe, Rick Bradshaw
  • Publication number: 20110083504
    Abstract: A device for measuring the fill level in a liquid container has a fill level sensor secured in the liquid container. According to the invention the fill level sensor is supported in pendulum-like fashion on the liquid container about at least one rotary axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Hiie-Mai Unger
  • Publication number: 20110083505
    Abstract: A balance test indexing tool for use in a balance testing machine to assist a user in testing unbalance in a rotor. The tool includes a rotor mount that is temporarily affixed to the rotor being tested. The tool also includes a rotor mount receiver configured to receive the rotor mount and the rotor in the balance testing machine. The rotor mount and rotor mount receiver are configured to provide an indexing coupling that allows the rotor to be readily indexed to any of a plurality of index positions for unbalance testing in the testing machine. The tool allows multiple balancing runs to be made with relatively little effort needed to re-index the rotor. In some embodiments the tool includes a kinematic coupling that provides highly accurate and repeatable indexing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: George I. Allen, IV, Anderson S. Leveille
  • Publication number: 20110083506
    Abstract: A micromechanical structure includes: a substrate; a seismic mass movable relative to the substrate along a first direction parallel to a main plane of extension of the substrate; a first electrode structure is connected to the substrate; and a second electrode structure connected to the substrate. The seismic mass includes a counterelectrode structure having finger electrodes situated between first finger electrodes of the first electrode structure and second finger electrodes of the second electrode structure, along the first direction. The first electrode structure is fastened to the substrate by a first anchoring element in a central region of the micromechanical structure, and the second electrode structure is anchored to the substrate by a second anchoring element situated in the central region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Johannes Classen, Christian Bierhoff
  • Publication number: 20110083507
    Abstract: A yaw rate sensor includes a substrate which has a main plane of extension and a Coriolis element which is movable relative to the substrate. The yaw rate sensor has an excitation arrangement for exciting a drive oscillation of the Coriolis element along a first direction parallel to the main plane of extension. The yaw rate sensor has a detection arrangement for detecting a Coriolis deflection of the Coriolis element along a third direction which is perpendicular to the main plane of extension. In addition, the yaw rate sensor has a quadrature compensation structure which includes a comb electrode structure and a plate capacitor structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Carsten Geckeler, Udo-Martin Gomez, Thorsten Balslink
  • Publication number: 20110083508
    Abstract: An inertial rotation sensor including a vibrating member having facing metal-plated portions forming a variable capacitance capacitor associated with a low impedance load circuit via a multiplexer/demultiplexer member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Vincent Ragot
  • Publication number: 20110083509
    Abstract: Photoacoustic measurements utilize emitted light to generate an acoustic response in tissue, with the acoustic response being proportional to the presence of an absorber of the light in the tissue. The present disclosure relates the use of focused light to acquire photoacoustic measurements. In one embodiment, the light is modulated, such as spatially modulated, such that the light may be focused within an otherwise scattering medium, such as tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Youzhi Li, Edward McKenna, Andy S. Lin
  • Publication number: 20110083510
    Abstract: A vibration wave output instrument and its use method are provided. The vibration wave output instrument has a base, a vibration device, a pressure device, and a position mechanism. The position mechanism brings both the vibration device and the pressure device to a target region. The pressure device pushes the vibration device to touch against the target region. The vibration device outputs vibration waves beneath the target region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Yu-Min Wu, Chin-Wen Yang, Chih-Hsiung Yu, Hsiao-Cheng Lin, Hsin-Hsueh Wu
  • Publication number: 20110083511
    Abstract: A signal processing apparatus scans a beam of elastic waves into an object to be examined, acquires received waveform data of a plurality of scan lines, and performs signal processing to form a tomographic image of said object to be examined from the received waveform data of the plurality of scan lines. The signal processing apparatus includes a scan line correlation calculation part (009) that calculates a correlation value of received waveform data between a first scan line and a second scan line that has a prescribed correlation with the first scan line, for a plurality of positions on the scan lines, and a correlation change position extraction part (010) that extracts, from among the plurality of positions on said scan lines, a position at which the correlation value becomes a value different from a prescribed value as a position at which a unique region can exist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicants: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KYOTO UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Hirofumi Taki, Kenichi Nagae, Toru Sato
  • Publication number: 20110083512
    Abstract: A weld seam tracking device for tracking weld seams on pipes or the like uses NDT/NDI sensor(s) in conjunction with an NDT/NDI operation, such as an ultrasonic phased array (PA) inspection. Processing of the weld seam tracking data is integrated or combined with the existing data processing element of the existing NDT/NDI inspection devices. Wide scanning areas of phased array probes allow weld seam tracking and inspection to be performed using a single set of probe and data processing elements to achieve both fault scanning and seam tracking with a single run of the PA scan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Christophe Claude Imbert, Jinchi Zhang
  • Publication number: 20110083513
    Abstract: A pressure sensor has a substrate with conductor tracks for contact-connecting electrical components. The pressure sensor has a measuring element for converting a mechanical measurement variable into an electrical signal and a signal converter for processing the electrical signals from the measuring element further. Furthermore, the pressure sensor has a first diaphragm which, together with the substrate, forms a first closed cavity which contains an inert filling medium. At least one side of the measuring element of the pressure sensor, which comprises an active surface, has direct contact with the filling medium in the first cavity. The signal converter is arranged on the substrate in the form of an unhoused integrated circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Christian Wohlgemuth, Peter Thiele
  • Publication number: 20110083514
    Abstract: Flow-meter device (1) for the measurement of a flow of at least one fluid through a measurement chamber (3) arranged in a housing (2) of the flow-meter device (1). The flow-meter device (1) has at least one rotating element (4) that is mounted so that it can rotate and can be rotated by fluid flowing through the measurement chamber (3) and at least two rotation sensors (5) for the measurement of the rotation of the rotating element (4). The two rotation sensors (5) are arranged on a common sensor carrier (6) and another temperature sensor (7) is also arranged on the common sensor carrier (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: KRAL AG
    Inventors: Martin Naier, Reinhard Wipplinger, Markus Schrittwieser
  • Publication number: 20110083515
    Abstract: A flow measuring arrangement for measuring flow of a medium through a measuring tube, including: at least one constriction located in the measuring tube, which effects a reduction of a volume through which the medium flows internally in the measuring tube, and therewith a change in pressure conditions internally in the measuring tube, dependent on dimensions of the constriction and dependent on flow. A measuring system connected to the measuring tube which serves to measure a pressure (?p, p) dependent on flow through the measuring tube and dependent on the dimensions of the constriction. Measuring electronics, which determines flow on the basis of the measured pressure (?p, p). The flow measuring arrangement can, with minimal degradation of flow through the measuring tube, perform an automatic monitoring of its functional ability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Phillips
  • Publication number: 20110083516
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a recirculation type hydrodynamic oscillator flow meter for measuring the flow of fluids such as gas, air, water and oil, flowing through a conduit. This flow meter gives very accurate measurements over a long period of time since piezoelectric sensors are employed. The principle of working of this hydrodynamic oscillator flow meter is the generation of a self induced jet where the frequency of oscillations of the fluid jet is proportional to the flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Avinash Shrikrishna Vaidya
  • Publication number: 20110083517
    Abstract: A sensor system includes a first sensing device that includes a sensor, and first and second surrounding portions that surround the sensor at least partially, a second sensing device that comprises a sensor, and first and second surrounding portions that surround the sensor at least partially, wherein at least one of a combination of shapes of the first and second surrounding portions of the respective first and second sensing devices and a combination of physical properties of the first and second surrounding portions of the respective first and second sensing devices is configured such that a detection characteristic of the first sensing device is different from a detection characteristic of the second sensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicants: TOHOKU UNIVERSITY, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA CHUO KENKYUSHO, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masanori MUROYAMA, Masayoshi ESASHI, Shuji TANAKA, Sakae MATSUZAKI, Mitsutoshi MAKIHATA, Yutaka NONOMURA, Motohiro FUJIYOSHI, Takahiro NAKAYAMA, Ui YAMAGUCHI, Hitoshi YAMADA
  • Publication number: 20110083518
    Abstract: The present device enables measurement of the susceptibility of plants to root lodging, stalk or stem lodging and brittle snap (broken stems or stalks). The device is used to push on a plant stalk or stem and the force used to push over the stalk/stem, and the vibration of the stalk/stem caused by the push are recorded. As material breaks in the stalk/stem, an accelerometer, measures stalk/stem vibration response to the breaking events; the data is then recorded to allow quantitative measurements of the susceptibility of plants to root lodging, stalk or stem lodging and brittle snap (broken stems or stalks). This allows meaningful comparisons of various hybrids or varieties at early stages of evaluation and advancement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: Roberto Barreiro, Christopher L. Baszcynski, Terry EuClaire Meyer
  • Publication number: 20110083519
    Abstract: The present device enables measurement of the susceptibility of corn plants to stalk lodging and brittle snap. The device is used to push over a corn stalk and the force used to push over the stalk, and the vibration of the stalk caused by the push are recorded. As material breaks in the stalk, an accelerometer, measures stalk vibration response to the breaking events; the data is then recorded to allow quantitative measurements of the susceptibility of corn plants to stalk lodging and brittle snap. This allows meaningful comparisons of various hybrids at early stages of hybrid evaluation and advancement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Pioneer Hi-Bred International
    Inventors: Roberto Barreiro, Christopher L. Baszczynski, Terry EuClaire Meyer
  • Publication number: 20110083520
    Abstract: Devices using a winch are currently used for taking samples in the boundary layer formed at the bottom of a water basin. In order to minimize the potential mixing effect at the whole length of the sampling tube, the design is presented where the sampling tube disassemble into sections is provided with horizontal valves dividing the interior of the tube into layers isolated from each other in the presented application, several shorter sampling tubes are used with their inlet holes being located at different heights. Thus, layers located at different heights are sampled by different sampling tubes. Substitution of contacts elements (shoes) with a contact surface, e.g. inflatable support belt, guarantees the stability of the sampling tube on the soft bottom. To ensure the vertical stability of the sampling tube, the device is provided with an upper stabilizing balloon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: OU DIMENTIO
    Inventors: Martin Voll, Ants Erm, Andres Voll, Mehis Voll
  • Publication number: 20110083521
    Abstract: A wireless circular chart recorder is presented. The wireless chart recorder includes a probe for sensing a process variable, a wireless transmitter coupled to the probe, a circular chart recorder having an input terminal, and a wireless receiver coupled to the input terminal of the circular chart recorder. The wireless transmitter receives data including the sensed process variable form the probe and transmits signals including the data over a wireless communication path. The wireless receiver receives the transmitted signals over the wireless communication path and provides the received signals to the circular chart recorder for display thereon. In one embodiment the process variable includes at least one of temperature, voltage, relative humidity, pressure, strain, resistance, motion, light, current, velocity and flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Milton B. Hollander, Shahin Baghai
  • Publication number: 20110083522
    Abstract: A slide locking kick arm includes a shaft connectable to an engine kick starter and a foot pedal which fits over the free end of the shaft for stowage and slides to the free end of the shaft where it can be pivoted outboard away from the engine to deploy. The shaft includes an offset as necessary to avoid interference by engine-mounted or vehicle mounted parts. A spring-loaded locking pin with one or more alignment plates may be incorporated to provide positive engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: JOHN GRANT
  • Publication number: 20110083523
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a gear and a method for forming a tooth profile thereof. In the method of the present invention, a cubic curve is used to modify a basic tooth shape of a standard rack to obtain an amended basic tooth shape, wherein the cubic curve contacts tangentially with the basic tooth shape at the midpoint of a dedendum, a midpoint of a lateral and a midpoint of an addendum of the basic tooth shape. The amended basic tooth shape is reproduced to obtain an amended rack, and the amended rack is further used to generate a tooth profile of a desired gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Chin-Lung Huang, Kuang-Rong Chang, Shi-Duang Chen
  • Publication number: 20110083524
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control apparatus includes frictional engagement elements which include a multiple use frictional engagement element applied in common when a first speed stage of the D range, the R range, the P position, and the N range are selected, a first hydraulic pressure supply source for engaging the multiple use frictional engagement element, a second hydraulic pressure supply source for engaging the multiple use frictional engagement element, and a switching mechanism switching a first state where a pressure is supplied from the first hydraulic pressure supply source when the P position or the N range is selected and a second state where the engaging hydraulic pressure is supplied from the second hydraulic pressure supply when the D range or the R range is selected. The switching mechanism switches the first state and the second state in accordance with a level of pressures outputted from a range selector valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Osamu SAKAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20110083525
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device is provided with a first operating unit, a second operating unit and a connecting member. The first operating unit includes a clamp portion for attaching the bicycle operating device to a bicycle and a first operating member. The second operating unit includes a housing and a second operating member. The connecting member includes a first portion detachably coupled to an outwardly facing surface of the clamp portion and a second portion coupled to the second operating unit. The first portion includes a retaining part with an outwardly facing surface that faces an inwardly facing surface of the clamp portion when the connecting member is attached to the clamp portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Hirose, Shinichi Takizawa
  • Publication number: 20110083526
    Abstract: A connecting apparatus is provided for an actuating cable on a receiver that includes, but is not limited to a base body, a receiving body for connection to the receiver, two separate housing parts, which surround the receiving body, two damping elements, which are each disposed between one of the housing parts and the base body, and a holder. The holder is displaceably coupled to the housing parts and can be connected to the actuating cable. On actuating the actuating cable, the holder exerts force on a housing part and on a damping element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Thorsten HAHN, Frank LINDNER
  • Publication number: 20110083527
    Abstract: An accelerator pedal apparatus includes a pedal arm rotating around a first rotation axis line and having a contact portion, a return spring and a reaction force adding mechanism including a drive source and a rotation member rotating around a second rotation axis line in a state of being contacted to the contact portion which adds reaction force to return the pedal arm toward the rest position. A first distance from the contact position of the rotation member with the contact portion to the first rotation axis line is longer than a second distance to the second rotation axis line. The rotation member includes a contact section having the contact portion displaced while being contacted so that the contact portion is to be closer to the second rotation axis line when rotating toward the maximum depression position and to be farther from the second rotation axis line when rotating toward the rest position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: MIKUNI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Osawa, Masato Kumamoto, Yoshitomo Fukushima, Kouji Kikuchi, Tsuyoshi Shimizu, Hisashi Kawade, Hiromutsu Touhachi
  • Publication number: 20110083528
    Abstract: An accelerator pedal apparatus includes a pedal arm rotating around a first rotation axis line, a return spring and a reaction force adding mechanism including a drive source and a rotation member rotating around a second rotation axis line and having a contact portion contacted to the pedal arm which adds reaction force in the direction to return the pedal arm to the rest position. A first distance from the contact position of the pedal arm with the contact portion to the first rotation axis line is longer than a second distance to the second rotation axis line. The pedal arm includes a contact section having the contact portion displaced while being contacted so that the contact portion is to be farther from the first rotation axis line when rotating toward the maximum depression position and to be closer to the first rotation axis line when rotating toward the rest position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: MIKUNI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Osawa, Masato Kumamoto, Yoshitomo Fukushima, Kouji Kikuchi, Tsuyoshi Shimizu, Hisashi Kawade, Hiromutsu Touhachi
  • Publication number: 20110083529
    Abstract: A linkage method and apparatus for linking a support frame and a pawl axle in a tie-down tool used on vehicles. The linkage includes an interface between a support frame and pawl axle, with the pawl axle inserted through the support frame, with the pawl fitted on the pawl axle and located on the outside of the support frame, with the pawl axle being a pin axle with a larger diameter head portion. The head portion of the pawl axle is located on the inside of the support frame, with a fastening mechanism at the outer end of the pawl axle to prevent the pawl from falling off the axle. The linkage between the support frame and pawl axle simplifies the manufacturing process through elimination of a welding step due to inserting the pawl axle inside-out through the support frame, and the use of a fastening device at the end of the pawl axle to prevent the pawl from falling off the axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Bu Qin Ruan
  • Publication number: 20110083530
    Abstract: A bicycle pedal has a pedal spindle, a pedal body and a step-in cleat engagement structure. The pedal body includes a tubular mounting portion rotatably mounted on the pedal spindle. The tubular mounting portion includes a center tube section that has a widthwise dimension and a lengthwise dimension as measured from the center spindle axis to an outside surface of the center tube section along reference planes that are substantially perpendicular to each other. The widthwise dimension is substantially perpendicular to a cleat pedaling force direction applied to the pedal spindle, as viewed along in a direction of the center spindle axis. The outside surface of the center tube section has an overall transverse cross sectional shape that includes a generally convex arc that extends a majority of the outside surface of the center tube section on a side of the reference plane that faces the cleat engagement structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Akira INOUE
  • Publication number: 20110083531
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recovering gold from an acid digest of a gold-containing copper anode slime. The acid digest is selectively extracted with an alcohol having low miscibility with water. Gold is then recovered from the resulting alcoholic extract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: AUSTRALIAN NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ORGANISATION
    Inventor: Karin Soldenhoff
  • Publication number: 20110083532
    Abstract: A process for increasing the percentage of metal recovery from dross containing metal particles of different sizes having oxide and salt components adhered thereto. The process includes crushing and tumbling the dross to mechanically remove all of the oxide and salt components from the larger of the metal particles, separating the larger metal particles from the removed oxide and salt components and the smaller metal particles to provide a supply of larger metal particle concentrate, separating the removed oxide and salt components from the smaller metal particles, mechanically impacting the smaller metal particles to remove any additional oxide and salt components from the smaller metal particles, and separating the smaller metal particles from the additional oxide and salt components to provide a supply of smaller metal particle concentrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: ALTEK, L.L.C.
    Inventor: David J. Roth
  • Publication number: 20110083533
    Abstract: A heap leach process for the recovery of nickel and/or cobalt from a laterite ore, said process including the steps of: a) providing one or more heaps of a nickeliferous laterite ore; b) leaching the ore in a heap leach step by applying acid to one or more heaps to provide a pregnant leach solution; c) neutralising the pregnant leach solution with ground saprolite ore; and d) recovering the nickel and/or cobalt from the neutralised pregnant leach solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Houyuan Liu, Eric Girvan Roche
  • Publication number: 20110083534
    Abstract: An extension shaft for holding a tool for rotary motion of the tool includes a first end adapted to cooperate with a chuck of a handheld instrument and a second end including a tool holder for holding the tool for rotary driven motion thereof. The tool holder includes a base portion operatively connected to the extension shaft and a swivel portion capable of holding the tool. The swivel portion is pivotly coupled to the base portion through a pivot assembly, wherein the tool is capable of being rotated about an angle with respect to an axis of the chuck through rotation of the extension shaft in response to rotation of the chuck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Combined Products Co. #1 Inc.
    Inventors: Burton Kozak, Ira Kozak
  • Publication number: 20110083535
    Abstract: A two-section tool joint comprises a first rod, an engaging element, a second rod and a limiting element. The two-section tool joint utilizes an elastic engaging structure to obtain an engaging effect during a multi-angle screwing/unscrewing operation, meanwhile, the tool joint can be fixed stably, avoiding the retraction of the tool joint and reducing the difficultly and inconvenience of the screwing/unscrewing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Cheng-Wei SU
  • Publication number: 20110083536
    Abstract: A screwdriver with a dual headed axial shaft allows for easy alternation between two screwdriver heads while maintaining the traditional screwdriver design. An axial shaft member having two screwdriver heads located at opposite distal ends of the axial shaft member is sized to snuggly slide through a longitudinal channel extending between opposite ends of the screwdriver handle. A locking mechanism on the screwdriver handle serves to lock the axial shaft member within the screwdriver handle, thereby safely exposing one of the two screwdriver heads at a time. A user can then release the locking mechanism and slide the axial shaft member within the screwdriver handle, exposing the second screwdriver head at the opposite end of the axial shaft member. The shaft member is then locked into place by the automatically engaging locking mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Douglas Palmisano
  • Publication number: 20110083537
    Abstract: An apparatus for facing a flange of a pipe comprises a housing and an anchor assembly rotatably supported by the housing. The anchor assembly is configured to engage an inner surface of the pipe. The apparatus further comprises a tool holder translatably supported by the housing. The tool holder is configured to support a facing tool for facing the flange of the pipe. The apparatus further comprises a drive shaft that is rotatable relative to the housing to translate the tool holder relative to the housing. The housing is rotatable relative to the anchor assembly about a first axis in a first direction and the drive shaft is simultaneously rotatable relative to the housing about a second axis in a second direction opposite the first direction to move the tool holder along a spiral path and thereby face the flange of the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Brent K. Place, Pieter W. Ernest
  • Publication number: 20110083538
    Abstract: A band saw has a band saw blade and a guide for the band saw blade. The guide comprises at least two magnets enclosing the band saw blade within a gap between them and exerts on the band saw blade a force influencing a position thereof in space. A blow out device is provided which is connected to the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Hans DIETZ, Erwin Resch
  • Publication number: 20110083539
    Abstract: A flush cut tool is configured with a support unit operative to hold an armored cable in a desired position. The flush cut tool is further configured with a cutting unit including a hand crank, a blade assembly fixed to the hand crank and a friction assembly. The hand crank is configured to rotate relative to the friction assembly about a pivot axis until the blade assembly is brought in contact with the jacket of the cable. Thereafter, the hand crank, blade assembly and friction unit continue t rotate together about the axis of the cable so that the blade assembly is operative to produce a ring cut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Lucien C. Ducret