Patents Issued in May 31, 2011
  • Patent number: 7950262
    Abstract: A guided keeper assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a base having a flat mounting face and at least one marginal fastener aperture to detachably mount the base to an associated die shoe, as well as a central guide aperture. The assembly also includes a guide pin having a central portion closely received in the central guide aperture of the base for precisely guiding reciprocal motion between the die pad and an associated die shoe. The guide pin has an enlarged head at a first end thereof which abuts the mounting face of the base to positively limit travel between the die shoe and the die pad, and a shoulder at the opposite or second end thereof with an alignment mechanism that precisely locates the second end of the guide pin on the die pad. A first fastener extends through the marginal fastener aperture in the base to securely, yet detachably, connect the same with the die shoe. A second fastener securely, yet detachably, connects the second end of the guide pin with the die pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Standard Lifters, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel T. Pyper, Scott M. Breen, Gordon L. Chaisson, Jeremie J. Yoder, Theodore A. McIntyre
  • Patent number: 7950263
    Abstract: A can body manufacturing method has a barrel section of the can body held between first and second rotation bodies. The first body has at a first recess in its outer surface, and the second body has a second projection on its outer surface. The bodies are brought together so the barrel section is pressed radially inward by the second projection and fits into the first recess. When the holding of the barrel section by the rotation bodies is released, that portion of the barrel section corresponding to the first recess and the second projection is caused to restore elastically radially outward. As a result, the outer surface of that portion of the barrel corresponding to the projection and recess is caused to position more outside than the rest of the outer surface of the barrel section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Universal Can Corporation
    Inventor: Takuro Shinguryo
  • Patent number: 7950264
    Abstract: A measurement arrangement comprising a flexible disposable container and a disposable measurement probe for measuring an analytical property of a medium. The measurement probe is mounted on an inside wall of the disposable container and comprises a sensing element extending into the container, which is ready to use and which produces reliable measurement results. The disposable measurement arrangement comprises a closed capsule containing a buffer solution and a tether connecting said capsule to said probe. The container, the measurement probe, the capsule and the buffer solution are sterilized. The sensing element is inserted in the buffer solution during storage and the capsule is removed from the sensing element during measurement operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft für Mess-und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Daniel Klees, Joseph W. Schaffer, Mike Yitref
  • Patent number: 7950265
    Abstract: A system for preventing overflow of a toilet includes a sensor, a processor and an actuator. The sensor senses a parameter caused by fluid dynamics within the toilet during a flush cycle. The parameter may involve vibration, sound, pressure, fluid flow rate or other detectible characteristics of the toilet. The processor uses information regarding the parameter that is gathered by the sensor to evaluate the condition of the flush cycle to determine if an impeded flush condition exists. In the event of an impeded flush condition, the processor directs the actuator to close a valve, which may be the toilet flapper valve in some embodiments. Also disclosed are methods for preventing toilet overflow, detecting an impeded flush condition and calibrating the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Limit, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Bowcutt, Ahmed Shishegar, Matthew Ibarra, Daniel L. Corbin, Dennis Repp, Robert M. Connell, Oscar Dufau, Gregory Blake, Sam Iravantchi
  • Patent number: 7950266
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the functionality of automatic air valves positioned at high points of a pipeline system are provided. The invention generally provides a testing flange and a process for performing various fluid pressure tests to determine whether automatic air valves are properly releasing and/or stabilizing air within a pipeline system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: The Wallace Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Kuhnle, David Monteith, Robert E. Wallace, Jessie L. Garrett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7950267
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining an LPG fuel output characteristic of an LPG injector. The output characteristic of the LPG can be determined by calculating a total mass of LPG injected into a canister of known volume by the injector during a plurality of open/closed cycles of the injector. The pressure differential and temperature in the canister can be used in the calculation of total LPG mass along with a gas constant of the LPG and the volume of the canister. The total LPG mass can then be used to determine the mass of LPG injected by the injector during each open/closed cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Bi-Phase Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Victor Vandyke, Kevin Michael Wolter, Thomas Arnold Kulenkamp
  • Patent number: 7950268
    Abstract: A test fixture for rollover crash testing of a test vehicle onto a movable sled surface employs a cradle to support and rotate the test vehicle. A suspension assembly is attached to each end of the cradle for vertically supporting and dropping the cradle. A gantry has a cross beam supported by a first telescoping column for support of a first of the suspension assemblies and translationally supported by a second telescoping column for support of a second of the suspension assemblies to position and releasably hold the suspension assembly. Roll control arms rotate the cradle and a trigger assembly releases the cradle and test vehicle from the cross beam for contact within a drop impact zone on the contact surface of the sled. A brake assembly then arrests vertical motion of the cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Safety Testing International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Friedman, Acen Jordan
  • Patent number: 7950269
    Abstract: The control apparatus for the internal combustion engine includes: a unit for detecting the change in the alcohol concentration of a fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine including a plurality of cylinders; a unit for detecting an air-fuel ratio variation between the plurality of cylinders; a unit for making the failure diagnosis when the air-fuel ratio variation between the plurality of cylinders exceeds a predetermined threshold value; and a unit for inhibiting the failure diagnosis executed based on the air-fuel ratio variation between the plurality of cylinders when the change in the alcohol concentration is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Maeda, Hideki Takubo
  • Patent number: 7950270
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device (16) for detecting volatile analytes in air samples, where a masssensitive sensor (20) with at least one sensor area (21) which is equipped with a surface layer with selective sensitivity for the analyte(s) to be detected is brought into contact with the air sample to be analyzed, the mass change of the surface layer is detected in the form of electrical signals and the electrical signals are evaluated. It is provided in accordance with the invention that the sensor signal is already evaluated at a point in time at which the maximum sensor signal for the analyte concentration in question is not yet obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventors: Reiner Kober, Thomas Christen, Erich Probeck, Joachim Bargon, Fritz Vögtle, Gerhard Horner
  • Patent number: 7950271
    Abstract: An apparatus for sensing an analyte gas is provided. The apparatus may include a signal amplifier that may include a thin film transistor that may include a semiconducting film that may include a metal oxide capable of chemical interaction with the analyte gas, such as carbon monoxide. The apparatus may be tuned for detecting the analyte gas by varying the gate voltage of the transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: James Novak, Prabhu Soundarrajan
  • Patent number: 7950272
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the sealability of a lithium ion cell comprises a container which is filled with a detecting liquid, a clamp and a high-pressure-gas joint member. The clamp can carry a lithium ion cell to be detected and put it into said container. One end of the high-pressure-gas joint member is connected to an injecting hole of the lithium ion cell to be detected and the other end is connected to a high-pressure gas supply. The detecting apparatus also comprises an elevator which can move the lithium ion cell into and out the detecting liquid within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Shenzhen Bak Battery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junfeng Zhao
  • Patent number: 7950273
    Abstract: An engine misfire system comprises a rough road detection module and a misfire detection module. The rough road detection module selectively generates a rough road indicator based upon a transmission output speed of a vehicle. The misfire detection module selectively diagnoses engine misfire and selectively generates a misfire indicator based on diagnosed engine misfire and the rough road indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventors: Tameem K. Assaf, Sanjeev M. Naik, David S. Mathews
  • Patent number: 7950274
    Abstract: A method for determining an absolute rotational position of a vehicle steering column is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the method determines a relative position of a steering assist motor utilizing a relative position sensor. Thereafter, the method determines the absolute rotational position of the vehicle steering column based upon the relative position of the steering assist motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventors: Kathryn L. Pattok, Geoff P. Krieger, Tony Dodak, William H. Wittig, Steve R. Bannister
  • Patent number: 7950275
    Abstract: A manipulation simulator including an input member which moves in response to a driver's braking operation; a reaction force generation device which generates a reaction force according to an amount of deformation; an output member which deforms the reaction force generation device; and a transmission device between the input member and the output member, which transmits a reaction force of the reaction force generation device to the input member via the output member. The input member moves rectilinearly; the reaction force generation device generates a reaction force linearly according to its deformation amount; the transmission device converts the input member rectilinear motion to a rotary motion that is transmitted to the output member; and the ratio of the amount of output member motion to the amount of input member motion is varied continuously and nonlinearly according to the amount of input member motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Isono
  • Patent number: 7950276
    Abstract: A modular vehicle test road construction system and associated installation method. The system includes pre-fabricated pavement modules adapted to be transportable. The pre-fabricated modules are formed so that an upper driving surface thereof includes one or more vehicle testing profiles. The modules are preferably placed adjacent to one another on an engineered surface (e.g., road bed). Adjacent modules may be bonded together using a grout key. A number of modules may be arranged to create a test road of a desired shape and length, and having one or more desired vehicle testing profiles. Use of the modules allows for the creation of an adaptive test road that can be easily reconfigured. Modules of the present invention may also be inserted into an existing test road to impart a particular testing profile thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: David Freyhof
  • Patent number: 7950277
    Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a pressure delivery system of a fluid sampler. The apparatus includes a housing (302) having a longitudinal passageway and defining first and second chambers (338, 348). A piston (346) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway between the first and second chambers (338, 348). A valving assembly (356) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway. The valving assembly (356) is operable to selectively prevent communication of pressure from a pressure source of the fluid sampler to the second chamber (348). The valving assembly (356) is actuated responsive to an increase in pressure in the first chamber (338) which longitudinally displaces the piston (346) toward the valving assembly (356) until at least a portion of the piston (346) contacts the valving assembly (356), thereby releasing pressure from the pressure source into the second chamber (348) and longitudinally displacing the piston (346) away from the valving assembly (356).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyrus A. Irani, Vincent P. Zeller, Charles M. MacPhail, Don H. Perkins
  • Patent number: 7950278
    Abstract: The present invention provides elimination of atmosphere that is not suitable to a space concerned by controlling atmosphere. The present invention is characterized that atmosphere in space is analyzed based on voice, and if atmosphere that is not suitable to the space is detected, the atmosphere in the space is controlled by choosing and irradiating illumination that enables to create atmosphere suitable to the space, atmosphere in the space is controlled for creating atmosphere that is suitable to the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuo Sato, Yasunari Obuchi
  • Patent number: 7950279
    Abstract: A sensor system for sensing liquid level in a bilge, for use in automatic bilge pump actuation. First and second field effect sensors are potted or sealed within a container or the bilge wall and are aligned in a vertical array and each comprise a substantially planar pattern of “electrodes” or conductive traces disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) along with integrated circuits used to create a loop or arc-shaped electric field. As bilge liquid rises to the proximity or level of the field effect sensors, a change in the arc-shaped electric field is sensed and, in response, a bilge pump is automatically actuated to pump liquid out of the bilge. Optionally, the pump control can be programmed by use of a microprocessor to permit control of on-off timing and prevent undesirable effects of “sloshing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Touchsensor Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Roger D. Burdi, Bruce L. Reniger
  • Patent number: 7950280
    Abstract: A balance ring for a component (1) rotating about a rotation axis (3), for example a tool holder for a rotating tool or else a machine spindle or the like, is proposed. The balance ring has an annular body (11) which is rotationally symmetrical with respect to an axis of rotational symmetry, a guide arrangement (13) guiding the annular body (11) in a radially movable but axially fixed manner on the component (1) with an axis of rotational symmetry essentially parallel to the rotation axis (3) of the component (1), and a plurality of adjusting elements (21) arranged in the circumferential direction of the annular body (11), preferably at equal angular distances from one another, radially supported between the annular body (11) and the component (1) and having a variable radial supporting length. The guide arrangement may be designed as an axially extending spring link arrangement or else as spring webs extending in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Franz Haimer Maschinenbau KG
    Inventor: Franz Haimer
  • Patent number: 7950281
    Abstract: A sensor has a suspended mechanical resonator being responsive to one of a linear acceleration and an angular velocity of the sensor such that a first area and a second area are subjected to opposite elongation movements and responsive to the other such that the first area and the second area are subjected to a common elongation movement, a first mechanical-electrical interface interacting with the first area, a second mechanical-electrical interface interacting with the second area, a common mode signal generator coupled to the mechanical-electrical interfaces with a common mode signal output, a differential mode signal generator coupled to the mechanical-electrical interfaces with a differential mode signal output, a first processing circuit coupled to the differential mode output, with an output for a first processed signal, and a second processing circuit coupled to the common mode output with an output for a second processed signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Dirk Hammerschmidt
  • Patent number: 7950282
    Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes: a piezoelectric vibration device; an oscillation circuit; and a detection circuit, wherein the piezoelectric vibration device includes a substrate, an insulation layer formed above the substrate, a vibration section forming layer formed above the insulation layer, a vibration section formed in a cantilever shape in a first opening section that penetrates the vibration section forming layer and having a base section affixed to the vibration section forming layer and two beam sections extending from the base section, a second opening section that penetrates the insulation layer and formed below the first opening section and the vibration section, and a piezoelectric element section formed on each of the beam sections; the oscillation circuit vibrates the piezoelectric vibration device at a resonance frequency; and the detection circuit detects a change in the frequency of vibrations of the piezoelectric vibration device which is caused by an acceleration applied in a direction i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Takamitsu Higuchi, Yasuhiro Ono
  • Patent number: 7950283
    Abstract: A method of predicting workpiece deformation prior to machining that causes the workpiece to deform through release of residual stresses. The method includes emitting a beam of ultrasound waves onto the workpiece surface in such a way that a longitudinal wave is propagated in a given direction under and substantially parallel to the surface, positioning at least one transducer in receive mode on the surface to receive a subsurface longitudinal wave that has been propagated, and measuring the propagation velocity of the subsurface longitudinal wave. The method further includes performing these steps in two workpiece regions, a first region sensitive to residual stresses and a second region somewhat insensitive to residual stresses, then calculating a difference in propagation velocity between the velocity measured in the first region and the velocity measured in the second region and from the difference, deducing the deformation that will result from machining the first region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Jean-yves Francois Roger Chatellier, Eric Charles Louis Le Letty
  • Patent number: 7950284
    Abstract: Device for ultrasonic inspection of a wall of a pipeline that encloses a fluidum. The device is arranged to be moveable along a device axis through the pipeline along a longitudinal direction of the pipeline. The device is provided with electronic means, a body, a transmitting transducer and at least two receiving transducers, mutually spaced apart in a first transducer array along an array direction that is directed substantially parallel to the device axis. The electronic means are arranged to operate the transmitting transducer for transmitting a first ultrasonic signal to propagate through the fluidum to reach the wall, and to operate the at least two receiving transducers for receiving a second ultrasonic signal, which originates from the first ultrasonic signal after it is modified by the wall, according to a tandem method. The at least two receiving transducers are operated for receiving substantially simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Röntgen Technische Dienst B.V.
    Inventors: Frederik Hendrik Dijkstra, Paul André De Jong, Herman Jozef Moolenaar, Thomas Theodorus A. Van Overbeek
  • Patent number: 7950285
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure sensor for measurements in hot, dynamic processes. The pressure sensor comprises a cylindrical housing in which a measuring element is located, and a round or annular membrane having at least one outer support. The outer support is arranged on the housing, offset behind a housing extension. The measuring element is adapted to acquire measurement data as a result of an axial displacement of the membrane. The housing extension is provided with a heat shield which is arranged, except on its edges, interspaced behind a gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Kistler Holding AG
    Inventor: Josef Glaser
  • Patent number: 7950286
    Abstract: A multi-range pressure sensor apparatus and method that provide multiple signal paths for detecting a broad range of pressures with a high accuracy. A pressure transducer can be configured to include the use of a pressure sense die with piezoresistive elements integrated into the sensor die and in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. A sensed output signal from the sense die can be transferred to one or more amplifier circuits. A programmable compensation circuit can be utilized to multiplex different amplified output signals from each of the amplifier circuits and to provide a digital output. A memory associated with the programmable compensation circuit provides separate compensations, which are stored for each of the different signal paths and removes errors due to amplifier gain and offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Ian Bentley
  • Patent number: 7950287
    Abstract: A pressure-sensor system having a sensor element and a hermetic housing for the sensor element has a particularly uncomplicated installation, in particular even under aggressive ambient conditions. The housing of this pressure-sensor system includes a first housing part having a housing bottom, and at least one additional housing part. The sensor element is installed on the housing bottom, and the pressure is supplied via an opening in the housing bottom. The at least one additional housing part is disposed above the sensor element and is connected to the first housing part. Apart from this, connecting pins for the electrical contacting of the sensor element are provided. The connecting pins are guided through the additional housing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hauer, Laszlo Szakacs, Hans-Martin Irslinger, Richard Muehlheim
  • Patent number: 7950288
    Abstract: A physical quantity sensor for detecting a physical quantity includes: a first substrate having a first physical quantity detection element; a second substrate having a second physical quantity detection element, wherein the second substrate contacts the first substrate; and an accommodation space disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first physical quantity detection element is disposed in the accommodation space. The first physical quantity detection element is protected with the first substrate and the second substrate since the first physical quantity detection element is sealed in the accommodation space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuo Fujii, Eishi Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 7950289
    Abstract: A damage sensor comprises a probe track, a sense track, and a signal generator operable to input a probe signal to the probe track. The probe track and the sense track are electromagnetically coupled by a structure on which they are provided, such that the probe signal induces, in dependence on the degree of electromagnetic coupling between the probe track and the sense track, a sensed signal in the sense track. The magnitude, phase and frequency of the sensed signal can be analysed in order to determine whether and where damage has occurred to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: BAE Systems PLC
    Inventor: Peter David Foote
  • Patent number: 7950290
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a mode of failure of a bond between an electrically conductive ball deposit and a substrate when breaking the ball deposit off of the substrate. The method and apparatus utilize tool force and displacement values to plot a force/displacement curve. The force/displacement curve is used to calculate the energy necessary to break the ball deposit off of the substrate. The energy value of a portion of a force/displacement curve is selected by reference to a peak force. In one preferred embodiment, this energy value is compared with a predetermined reference energy value to indicate a mode of failure. The peak force is preferably the maximum peak force, in the preferred embodiment, the method and apparatus distinguish between a ductile failure mode and a brittle failure mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Robert John Sykes
  • Patent number: 7950291
    Abstract: An instrument housing comprising a first portion having a wedge form, a third portion having a wedge form, a second portion between the first portion and the third portion, a first hinge portion between the first portion and the second portion, the first hinge portion extending normal to a major axis A-A, a second hinge portion between the second portion and the third portion, the second hinge portion extending normal to a major axis A-A, and the second portion having a portion for receiving an instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Ruskin Company
    Inventor: Timothy A. Vogel
  • Patent number: 7950292
    Abstract: In a constant current circuit, a constant current is caused to flow through a resistor, thereby causing a constant voltage to occur across the resistor. This constant voltage is then superimposed on an output signal of an operational amplifier that is to be fed back to the drain of a field effect transistor, thereby maintaining the same potential in an AC manner between the output terminal of the operational amplifier and the drain of the field effect transistor. In this way, the gate and drain of the field effect transistor is caused to exhibit the same potential in an AC manner, so that no current will occur through the stray capacitance between the gate and drain of the field effect transistor. As a result, similarly to a case of using a feedback capacitor, the input impedance of the field effect transistor can be raised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Yamatake Corp.
    Inventors: Yutaka Harada, Ichiro Mitsutake, Kouji Okuda, Taka Inoue, Tetsuya Kajita
  • Patent number: 7950293
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring flow rates in liquid melts in a temperature range above 200 DEG C. using an ultrasonic generator and to an associated ultrasonic waveguide according to the ultrasonic Doppler method. The aim of the invention is to provide good signal incoupling and outcoupling. This is achieved by the preparation of the wettability of the end face of the ultrasonic waveguide before the measuring operation, subsequent direct incoupling of ultrasonic measuring signals into the melt at an angle that is not equal to 90 DEG, achieved by the immersion of the end face of the ultrasonic waveguide into the melt, outcoupling of the ultrasonic signals reflected in the melt via the end face of the ultrasonic waveguide and routing of said signals to an evaluation circuit. To prepare the wettability of the end face, the latter is mechanically and chemically cleaned and subsequently coated with a suitable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden, Rossendorf e.V.
    Inventors: Sven Eckert, Gunter Gerbeth, Thomas Gundrum
  • Patent number: 7950294
    Abstract: A valve system includes a valve and a controller that controls the valve. The valve includes a valve body, and a motor configured to deliver a torque to the valve body to cause the valve body to move between an open position and a closed position. The controller is configured to drive the motor by applying a current to the motor. The controller is configured to measure the torque delivered by the motor to the valve body, compare the calculated torque with a threshold value, and diagnose a need by the valve system for preventive maintenance when the calculated torque is substantially equal to the threshold value. The threshold value represents substantially the maximum amount of torque available from the stepper motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladislav Davidkovich, Gordon Hill
  • Patent number: 7950295
    Abstract: A handheld torque measuring meter adapted to measure the downward thrust and torsional force required to apply or remove a screw type closure from the threaded neck or finish of an associated container is disclosed, the handheld meter having a first portion graspable a user, a member adapted to receive a portion of a closure of a container, means connecting said main body to said member including a load cell, and a means for displaying a measurement adapted to receive the output signal from the load cell and indicate one of the torsional force and the linear force required to effect a movement of the closure relative to the associated container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Plastic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank E. Semersky, Jonathan A. McGurk, Aaron R. Teitlebaum, Spencer W. Crissman
  • Patent number: 7950296
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for sample analysis. More particularly, the invention encompasses a method and an apparatus for continuous, constant, flow sample introduction of fluid samples of varying viscosity and composition. The invention further includes the option of the apparatus being associated with at least one fluid analyzer system. A temperature controlled environment may also be provided for the processing and analysis of a fluid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Bade, Steven H. Trimble
  • Patent number: 7950297
    Abstract: An inspection head where non-destructive inspection is structured to fit into narrow spaces, and to accurately and repeatably move an inspection probe along a surface to be inspected. Movement of the inspection head along an X, Y, Z, ?, and ?-axis is precisely controlled by individual drive mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Crawford Moore, Michael Charles Moore, Michael F. Fair, James A. Bauer, Michael J. Metala
  • Patent number: 7950298
    Abstract: A motorized bracelet assembly for ultrasonic crack detection in a pipe. The bracelet has a motorized frame adapted for installation around the pipe and a sliding arrangement slideably mounted onto the frame. The sliding arrangement guides a displacement of sensor modules in periphery of the pipe. A first driving device controllably drives the sliding arrangement and thereby displacing the sensor modules in periphery of the pipe at desired operating positions. The bracelet comprises biasing devices for biasing the sensor modules against the pipe and a second driving device for controllably driving the frame along the axial direction of the pipe at a desired operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Hydro-Quebec
    Inventors: Eric Lavoie, Gilles Rousseau
  • Patent number: 7950299
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjusting and guiding system for guiding tools (1) in relation to a workpiece (2), said system comprising the following characteristics: a navigation system (3) used to identify reference points, a first reference point unit (4) that can be fixed to the workpiece (2), a first template receiving element (5) that can be fixed to the workpiece (2), a second reference point unit (6) that can be fixed to the first template receiving element (5), and a template. Said template comprises a coupling part (7a) adapted to the first template receiving element, a tool guiding element (7b) adapted to the tool (2) to be guided, a lockable coupling device (7c) connecting the coupling part (7a) to the tool guiding element (7b) and enabling the tool guiding element (7b) to be oriented in relation to the coupling piece (7a), and a template adjusting device (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Rainer Burgkart
  • Patent number: 7950300
    Abstract: A thrust transfer device includes: a motor serving as a driving source; a sun gear rotatable to an output shaft of the motor, a plurality of nut members each provided with an outer peripheral external tooth meshed with the sun gear and provided with an inner peripheral nut side spiral screw groove; and a plurality of screw shafts, each provided, at an outer periphery thereof, with a screw side spiral screw groove corresponding to the nut side spiral screw groove, and reciprocally moved in accordance with nut rotation by fitting the screw side screw groove into the nut side screw groove; and an internal tooth gear meshed with the external tooth formed to each of the nut members. When the sun gear is rotated, the nut members perform planetary motion inside the internal tooth gear, by which the screw shafts are reciprocally moved in axial directions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: THK Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomozumi Murata
  • Patent number: 7950301
    Abstract: A feed screw mechanism includes internally threaded member fixed within an output rod. The internally threaded member is threadedly engaged with an externally threaded member connected at axially one end in the direction of an axis thereof to a drive source, so that the output rod is moved in a direction of the axis relative to the externally threaded member by the relative rotation of the externally threaded member and the internally threaded member. The internally threaded member is coupled to the output rod at the axially other end in the direction of the axis by a threadedly coupling portion. Therefore, when pulling loads in directions away from each other are applied to the output rod and the externally threaded member, a compression load can be prevented from being applied from the output rod to the internally threaded member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kotaro Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7950302
    Abstract: A step variable transmission for a motor vehicle has a plurality of forward gear stages and at least one reverse gear stage. The transmission comprising: a drive input shaft arrangement, a drive output shaft arrangement, and a plurality of wheel sets which have loose wheels and shift wheels, wherein the shift wheels are rotatably mounted on a shaft arrangement and can be rotationally fixedly connected to the associated shaft arrangement by means of respective shift clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG
    Inventors: Georg Burgardt, Reinhard Schaarschmidt, Stefan Kapp
  • Patent number: 7950303
    Abstract: As one example, a propulsion system for a vehicle is provided, comprising: a propulsion device configured to provide mechanical work via a crankshaft; a transmission having an input shaft coupled with the crankshaft and an output shaft, wherein said transmission includes a plurality of selectable gear ratios between the input and output shaft; at least one drive wheel coupled with the output shaft; an actuation device configured to adjust the selected gear ratio of the transmission; and a control system configured to adjust an electrical signal provided to the actuation device to obtain an indication of a temperature dependent electrical parameter of the actuation device and to adjust the selected gear ratio of transmission by varying the signal provided to the actuation device in response to said indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Allan Roy Gale, Marvin Paul Kraska
  • Patent number: 7950304
    Abstract: A roller screw of the present invention has a screw shaft 1 having a roller rolling surface 1a spirally formed with a lead on an outer surface thereof; a nut 2 having a roller rolling surface 2a spirally formed on an inner surface thereof to face the roller rolling surface 1a of the screw shaft 1; and a plurality of rollers 4 arranged in a rolling path 3 between the roller rolling surface 1a of the screw shaft 1 and the roller rolling surface 2a of the nut 2 and moving around the screw shaft while rotating on rotation axes of the rollers. In this roller screw, each of the rotation axes 4a of the rollers 4 substantially crosses a center line 1b of the screw shaft 1. Since each of the rotation axes 4a of the rollers 4 crosses the center line 1b of the screw shaft 1 (in other words, the rollers 4 arranged in the rolling path 3 are not skewed from the beginning) even when the rolling path 3 has the lead, the roller 4 are allowed to move smoothly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: THK Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidekazu Michioka, Makoto Iizumi, Satoshi Fujita, Akimasa Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7950305
    Abstract: In the toothing system (1) of a gearwheel having a plurality of teeth (2, 3; 19) whose tooth flanks (4, 5, 6; 22) have involute form above a tooth-root region (7, 8, 9; 23) of the tooth flanks (4, 5, 6; 22), the tooth-root region (7, 8, 9; 23) of the tooth flanks (4, 5, 6; 22) that, as viewed in normal section, extends between a root useful point (15, 16, 17; 23) and a root point (F) has elliptical shape, tangentially adjoins the involute region of the tooth flank (4, 5, 6; 22) at the root useful point (15, 16, 17; 24) and tangentially contacts the root circle (FKS) at the root point (F). In its tooth-root region (7, 8, 9; 23), the tooth flank (4, 5, 6; 22), as viewed in normal section, substantially follows a partial section (B) of an ellipse (10, 11, 12; E) whose semiaxes (a, b) have different lengths, one semiaxis (a, b) of the ellipse (10, 11, 12; E) being inclined at an ellipse tilting angle alpha larger than 0° and smaller than 90° relative to a radial (R) through the root point (F).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Sona BLW Prazisionsschmiede GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Gutmann, Jin Hong Li
  • Patent number: 7950306
    Abstract: A manipulator, such as for use in medical procedures, is provided. The manipulator includes a body and a first actuator system connected to the body at a first attachment point and capable of moving the first attachment point with at least three degrees of freedom. A second actuator system is connected to the body at a second attachment point and capable of moving the second attachment point with at least three degrees of freedom. A third actuator system is integrated with the body and is capable of moving at least a portion of the body with at least one degree of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: MicroDexterity Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Michael Stuart
  • Patent number: 7950307
    Abstract: The bicycle brake and shift operation device is a device mounted on a drop handle of a bicycle, and includes: a bracket, a lever member, a winding body, a positioning mechanism, and a shift position display portion. The bracket is mounted on the drop handle. The lever member is a member that is pivotally supported by the bracket. The winding body is mounted to be rotationally movable on a support shaft provided on the lever member, and engages with a shift cable. The positioning mechanism, supported by the lever member, is a mechanism for positioning the winding body to positions that correspond to a plurality of shift positions of a rear derailleur. The shift position display portion is mechanically interlocked with the rotational movement of the winding body to display shift positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshimitsu Miki
  • Patent number: 7950308
    Abstract: The hammer for breaking polycrystalline silicon is provided with a handle portion extending along a center axis and a head portion extending in a direction intersecting a direction of the center axis at the leading end of the handle portion. The head portion is provided with a head main body connecting with the handle portion, a striking part installed at one end of the head main body via a coupling shaft portion, and a counter weight portion installed at the other end of the head main body. The head main body, the coupling shaft portion, the striking part and the counter weight portion are formed integrally from a hard metal. A round-raised striking surface is formed at the striking part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Materials Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Atsumi, Munehiro Takasugi
  • Patent number: 7950309
    Abstract: A torque intensifying tool for tightening and loosening threaded connectors has at least one torque intensifier unit with a torque intensifier housing portion, an input and a first output and a second output, a drive connected with the input unit for transmitting a torque from the drive through the intensifying unit to a threaded connector, so that in one mode of operation the housing portion together with the first and the second outputs turn in the same direction, and in another mode of operation the housing portion together with one of the first and second outputs receives a turning force in one direction while the other one of the first and second outputs receives an equal turning force in the opposite direction, and so that one of the first and second output means turns in the one mode and in the another mode while the other of the first and second output means turns in the one mode and reacts in the another mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Unex Corporation
    Inventors: John K Junkers, Peter Koppenhoefer, Calin Voicu, Neil Smith, Edward Kim
  • Patent number: 7950310
    Abstract: A magnetic structure for a socket includes a containing body made of a soft material. The containing body has an embedding hole defined therein. A magnetic element is received in the embedding hole. The containing body has a plurality of ribs disposed around an outer periphery of the containing body. When the containing body is embedded into the socket, the rib abuts an inner wall of the socket for appropriately adjusting a compression level of the containing body with respect to the inner wall of the socket to securely couple the containing body with the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Cheng Hao Hung
  • Patent number: 7950311
    Abstract: A screwdriver kit includes a main body which has a first end adapted for connecting to a tool and a second end. A column projects from the second end and has an opening formed therein longitudinally. A linkage has a first end and a second end, with the second end of the linkage slideably received in the opening. A cap member, which has the second end of the linkage installed therein, is movable between a first position and a second position. The cap member is coupled to the main body when the cap member is in the first position. The cap member is detached from the main body along the linkage when the cap member is moved toward the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Tsai-Ching Chen