Patents Issued in September 20, 2011
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Patent number: 8020430Abstract: A passive leak detection device may include a pressure switch, a check valve and a balance valve. The pressure switch may include an electric input lead, an electric output lead, a balance chamber and an inlet chamber. A pressure differential between the balance chamber and the inlet chamber may be operable to couple the electric input lead to the electric output lead. The inlet chamber may be fluidly coupled to a fluid port. The balance chamber may be fluidly coupled to the fluid port with a check valve disposed there between. The balance chamber may be fluidly coupled to a balance valve. When the balance valve is closed and fluid is flowing out of the fluid port, the pressure differential from the inlet chamber to the balance chamber is operable to couple the electric output lead to the electric input lead thereby indicating of a leak.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Jared Michael Farnsworth
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Patent number: 8020431Abstract: A system for managing a concrete delivery vehicle having a mixing drum 14 and hydraulic drive 16 for rotating the mixing drum, including a rotational sensor 20 configured to sense a rotational speed of the mixing drum, a hydraulic sensor 22 coupled to the hydraulic drive and configured to sense a hydraulic pressure required to turn the mixing drum, a temperature sensor for sensing temperature of the drum, and a communications port 26 configured to communicate a slump calculation to a status system 28 commonly used in the concrete industry, wherein the sensing of the rotational speed of the mixing drum is used to qualify a calculation of current slump based on the hydraulic pressure required to turn the mixing drum. Temperature readings are further used to qualify or evaluate a load. Also, water purge connections facilitate cold weather operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Verifi, LLCInventors: Roy Cooley, John I. Compton, Michael Topputo, Steve Verdino, Jerold Brickler, Robert B. Fitzpatrick, Mark E. Peters
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Patent number: 8020432Abstract: A rigid, planar, non-resonating boundary is introduced parallel to the surface of the piezoelectric resonator in a measurand chamber in order to both reduce the separation space (l) between the resonator and confining wall and confine the measurand fluid between those surfaces in order to reliably measure acoustic viscosity independently form the mass density (?) of the measurand fluid. The hypothesis is that when the penetration depth (?) is comparable to the separation distance (l) between the resonator and the confining wall, then resonator perturbation is a sensitive function of the abbreviated separation space. Variations in the spacing between the resonator and confining wall are accomplished by adjusting the rigid, planar, non-resonating boundary, or confining wall, with a means for lateral movement. The ability to accurately adjust and control small spaces thereby enables MEMS versions of viscometers and associated types of fluid sensors.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: Arthur Ballato
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Patent number: 8020433Abstract: A fluid collection device comprising a body comprising a capsule interface, and a capsule configured to interface with the body via the capsule interface and configured to hold a sample receiving chip. The sample receiving chip comprises a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid, wherein the substrate is operatively shaped to receive the aliquot volume of sample fluid through capillary action, and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region, whereupon energy properties of the sample fluid can be transduced to produce a sample fluid reading.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Tearlab Research, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Sullivan, Steve Zmina, Eric Donsky, Sasha Miu, Graeme John Bullock, Adam Ernest Donath, Fred Harry Davis, Andreas Knaack, Matthew Daniel Solomon, Erol Craig Harvey, Carl Gang Chen
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Patent number: 8020434Abstract: A probe and method for sensing pressure variations in the exhaust stream of an engine for detecting cylinder misfires. The probe includes a Venturi tube placed in the exhaust stream. The Venturi tube has a sensing tube with an aperture, and the sensing tube is coupled to a pressure sensor for monitoring the pressure of the exhaust stream within the Venturi tube at the point of the aperture. The pressure sensor then generates a voltage signal based on the pressure, and this voltage signal is viewed on an oscilloscope or processed by a microprocessor to generate a waveform readable by a technician. The waveform will indicate the presence of a misfiring cylinder(s), and more specifically, which cylinder(s) is misfiring.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Inventor: Bernie C. Thompson
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Patent number: 8020435Abstract: A method of visually investigating a coated surface of an object, the coating comprising a metal or an alloy, in order to determine whether or not the coating is tight. An increasing potential is applied to the object until a desired current level has been obtained or until a maximum potential has been reached. In case the coating is tight this results in a change in color of the coating. This may be due to a polarization of the coating material and/or due to an increase in thickness of a naturally occurring metal oxide layer. In case the coating is tight the desired current level can not be obtained, and the potential is increased to the maximum level resulting in a change in color. In case pinholes are present it is possible to obtain the desired current level, and the increase in potential is stopped before it is high enough to cause the change in color. Provides a dramatic visual effect allowing an immediate determination of whether or not pinholes are present.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2006Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Danfoss A/SInventor: Bo Gillesberg
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Patent number: 8020436Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a fiber optic seismic sensing system for permanent downhole installation. In one aspect, the present invention includes a multi-station, multi-component system for conducting seismic reservoir imaging and monitoring in a well. Permanent seismic surveys may be conducted with embodiments of the present invention, including time-lapse (4D) vertical seismic profiling (VSP) and extended micro-seismic monitoring. Embodiments of the present invention provide the ability to map fluid contacts in the reservoir using 4D VSP and to correlate micro-seismic events to gas injection and production activity.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Francis X. Bostick, III
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Patent number: 8020437Abstract: The invention relates to fluid sampling in a test that is used to determine physical and chemical characteristics of the fluids in a subterranean reservoir. The method reconstructs the entire pressure history of the fluid parcel that is captured in the fluid samplers during a test. Using this reconstructed pressure history of the samples, the quality of the samples, particularly, whether there is a phase change in the samples during the test, can be accurately quantified.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Lang Zhan, Dhandayuthapani Kannan, James G. Filas, Graham Birkett
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Patent number: 8020438Abstract: A liquid characterization and level sensor with a coaxial probe attached to a closed loop servo circuitry combined with a DSP and novel algorithms to scan, lock and track signals to ascertain the level and purity of fluid in a container.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Meggitt (New Hampshire), Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Miskell, Vincent J. Rizzo
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Patent number: 8020439Abstract: A food measuring tool comprising of a plurality of hollow right cylinders. A set of free standing measuring cylinders each one comprising of a single piece of solid, flexible or non flexible material. A set of measuring cylinders each one to be used for measuring a multitude of food products. A set of measuring cylinders to be used as an accurate measuring tool to determine the correct portion sizes for food according to the recommendations of the United States Food and Drug Administration and the American Diabetes Association.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Inventor: Susan Lucia Gougian
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Patent number: 8020440Abstract: An inertial sensing system including an inertial sensor having a proof mass providing a deflection signal in response to application of an inertial force, wherein the proof mass has a physical deflection limit and a selected saturation limit set below the deflection limit, elements for providing a closed-loop output in response to the deflection signal from the inertial sensor, wherein the closed-loop output is proportional to the inertial force until the saturation limit of the inertial sensor is reached, elements for providing an open-loop output in response to the deflection signal from the inertial sensor once the saturation limit is reached, and elements for summing the closed-loop output with the open-loop output when the saturation limit of the inertial sensor is reached, to provide a high-range output response for the system.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.Inventors: James A. Modugno, Todd A. Ell
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Patent number: 8020441Abstract: An angular rate sensor is disclosed. The angular rate sensor comprises a substrate and a drive subsystem partially supported by a substrate. The drive subsystem includes at least one spring, at least one anchor, and at least one mass; the at least one mass of the drive subsystem is oscillated by at least one actuator along a first axis. Coriolis force acts on moving the drive subsystem along or around a second axis in response to angular velocity of the substrate around the third axis. The angular rate sensor also includes a sense subsystem partially supported by a substrate. The sense subsystem includes at least one spring, at least one anchor, and at least one mass.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Invensense, Inc.Inventor: Joseph Seeger
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Patent number: 8020442Abstract: An inertial measurement unit is disclosed which includes a system of gyros for sensing angular rates, a system of accelerometers for sensing angular accelerations, an integrator for deriving gyro-less angular rates from the sensed angular accelerations, and a complimentary filter for blending the sensed angular rates and the gyro-less angular rates to produce a virtual angular rate output for the inertial measurement unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.Inventors: Todd A. Ell, Robert D. Rutkiewicz
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Patent number: 8020443Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) transducer (90) is adapted to sense acceleration in mutually orthogonal directions (92, 94, 96). The MEMS transducer (90) includes a proof mass (100) suspended above a substrate (98) by an anchor system (116). The anchor system (116) pivotally couples the proof mass (100) to the substrate (98) at a rotational axis (132) to enable the proof mass (100) to rotate about the rotational axis (132) in response to acceleration in a direction (96). The proof mass (100) has an opening (112) extending through it. Another proof mass (148) resides in the opening (112), and another anchor system (152) suspends the proof mass (148) above the surface (104) of the substrate (98). The anchor system (152) enables the proof mass (148) to move substantially parallel to the surface (104) of the substrate (98) in response to acceleration in at least another direction (92, 94).Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Yizhen Lin, Andrew C. McNeil
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Patent number: 8020444Abstract: A method for optimizing transducer performance in an array of transducers in a structural health monitoring system includes specifying a plurality of paths between pairs of the transducers on a monitored structure and evaluating the quality of signal transmissions along the paths so as to optimize the gain and frequency operating condition of the transducers.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Acellent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Zengpin Yu, Bao Liu, Shawn J. Beard, David C. Zhang
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Patent number: 8020445Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a the three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging apparatus for improving accuracy of internal inspection of an object to be inspected and enabling an automatic determination by means of ultrasonic waves.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2005Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Masahiro Katayama, Hirokazu Karasawa, Motohisa Abe, Takahiro Ikeda, Yoshino Ito
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Patent number: 8020446Abstract: A method for detecting flaws in a railhead, which railhead (1) is provided with a top side (T), a bottom side (B) and longitudinal sides (S) extending between that top side (T) and bottom side (B), wherein at least one ultrasonic first signal (10) is transmitted into the railhead (1) via said head top side (T) and traverses such a transmission path (9) that: —the signal (10) is only once reflected by the railhead bottom side (B), and not by a railhead longitudinal side (S); —the signal (10) reaches at least one substantially central railhead part (C); and —the signal (10) can exit the railhead (1) via the head top side (T); wherein first ultrasonic signals exiting the head top side (T) are detected, wherein the transmission path (9) of the at least first signal (10) extends in a virtual transmission plane, which transmission plane extends substantially transverse to a longitudinal direction (L) of the rail. In addition, the invention provides an apparatus for detecting flaws in a railhead.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2006Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Sonimex B.V.Inventor: Pieter Bestebreurtje
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Patent number: 8020447Abstract: In an ultrasonic sensor, a first receiving device is configured to be sendable and receivable an ultrasonic wave. The ultrasonic wave sent from the first receiving device is transmitted through a vibration-reducing member disposed between the first receiving device and a second receiving device, and the second receiving device detects the ultrasonic wave. The ultrasonic sensor self diagnoses whether the second receiving device is operated without malfunction based on a detection signal of the second receiving device.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Yasuyuki Okuda, Makiko Sugiura
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Patent number: 8020448Abstract: A pressure sensor adapted to provide a high resolution at a low pressure and a high pressure of an operating range is provided. The pressure sensor includes a body having an interface sur ace, a membrane sealingly disposed in the cavity adjacent the interface surface, and a sensing element in communication with the membrane. A fuel cell system including the pressure sensor is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Harald Schlag
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Patent number: 8020449Abstract: An apparatus for sensing pressure is provided comprising a housing, electronics, a pressure sensor and a secondary seal. The housing comprises an interior bore and a first end, with the interior bore forming an opening at the first end. The electronics may be disposed in the interior bore. The pressure sensor is mounted at the first end of the interior bore. The pressure sensor may be operatively connected to send signals to the electronics in response to external fluid pressure. The pressure sensor may, at least in part, form a primary seal at the first end of the interior bore. The secondary seal may be disposed in the interior bore in between the pressure sensor and the electronics. The secondary seal may be configured to act as a backup seal to the primary seal. The secondary seal provides an added degree of safety from high pressure pipeline contents.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Argus Machine Co. Ltd.Inventors: Jason Weiss, Brian Bruchal, William MacDonald
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Patent number: 8020450Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure gauge having a cylindrical housing to which a bushing is fixed, which penetrates the housing. The pressure gauge is furthermore provided with a pressure sensor together with an allocated electronic evaluation unit, said sensor is operatively connected to a pressure port coaxially positioned to the longitudinal axis of the housing. A turnable adjustment pin to engage with an adjustment device of the electronic evaluation unit in the pressure gauge is accommodated in the bushing in a liquid-proof manner, and is equipped with holding means by means of which it is undetachably secured to the bushing.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Wika Alexander Wiegand GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Horst Landwehr, Holger Glaab
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Patent number: 8020451Abstract: An apparatus and method for determination of susceptibility of asphalt concrete materials to moisture damage. An asphalt sample of known bulk specific gravity (density) is placed inside a chamber filled with water, which is capable of heating the sample to a pre-determined temperature. The chamber is pressurized by introduction of air pressure to a flexible membrane that decreases the volume within a chamber containing the sample and water, increasing the pore pressure in the sample. The pressure is then released and allowed to come to ambient pressure. This process is repeated a predetermined number of times (cycles). When a selected number of cycles are complete, the asphalt sample is removed from the chamber and its bulk specific gravity (density) measured again. The difference between the density before and after conditioning is an excellent method of rating the degree at which moisture would deteriorate asphalt samples due to introduction of moisture.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: InstroTek, Inc.Inventors: Ali Regimand, Lawrence H. James, Peter D. Muse, Keith Landreth, Tianqing He
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Patent number: 8020452Abstract: A device for measuring the volume flow rate of the controlled medium in a pipeline comprises first and second transmitting-receiving radiators installed and spaced on the pipeline and alternately fed with ultrasonic signals. Received after they have passed in and counter the direction of the flow, the signals are digitized and stored. Times of signal transmission in and counter the direction of the flow of the medium and the difference of the times are calculated. Providing an additional unit for the time difference calculation, applying a correlation measuring method and increasing the sampling rate enhance the accuracy in measuring the volume.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Closed Corporation CoherentInventors: Yuriy Igorevich Romanov, Dmitry Yurievich Svilpov, Stanislav Vladimirovich Maletskiy, Olga Vladimirovna Chagina
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Patent number: 8020453Abstract: A system to measure the displacement of relatively moveable bodies along an axis comprising: a resonant electrical intermediate device further comprising an inductor, whose width varies along the displacement axis, and a capacitor in electrical series which co-operates with an antenna comprising transmit and receive windings whose mutual inductance varies according to the position of the electrical intermediate device relative to the antenna.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2005Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Inventors: Darran Kreit, Mark Anthony Howard
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Patent number: 8020454Abstract: A torque detection device has a magnetic flux collecting ring, arranged outside an outer periphery of a magnetic circuit forming member which is provided in a rotating body applied with a torque, for collecting a magnetic flux generated by the magnetic circuit forming member; a detector for detecting the torque applied to the rotating body based on a density of the magnetic flux collected by the magnetic flux collecting ring; and a holding ring for holding the magnetic flux collecting ring and the detector and including an attachment part to be attached to a stationary object on an outer periphery on one side in a radial direction. An attachment-preventing convex part for preventing attachment to the stationary object by contacting the stationary object is formed on one end face in an axis line direction of the holding ring.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2006Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignees: JTEKT Corporation, Denso CorporationInventors: Toshiharu Ishihara, Yoshitomo Tokumoto, Sinji Hakamata, Kaname Joushita, Tomoharu Horiuchi, Noriyuki Yahata, Naoki Nakane
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Patent number: 8020455Abstract: A magnetostrictive measurement system having one or more encoded polarized magnetic regions disposed circumferentially about a shaft, wherein adjacent magnetic regions along a section of the shaft have opposing polarities. In one embodiment the shaft is hollow and the encodings are interiorly disposed while in another embodiment the encodings are on the exterior surface of the shaft. There are one or more sensors, such as contact sensors, disposed about the shaft wherein the sensors enable measurements of at least one of bending moments or torque sensing. The sensors can also include non-contact sensors measuring the magnetic flux densities caused by the alternating magnetic fields from the rotating shaft. A processing section is used to process the sensor measurements, wherein the sensor measurements are used to compute at least one of shaft power, torque, speed, and bending moments.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Christof Martin Sihler, Jan Erich Hemmelmann, Simon Schramm
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Patent number: 8020456Abstract: A sensor is provided, which includes a plurality of conducting elements spaced apart from each other and at least one deformable electrolyte bridge contacting each of the conducting elements at one or more contact points having an aggregate contact area. Upon formation of an ionic circuit between two of the conducting elements, a first resistivity between the two conducting element exists. Upon application of a compressive force on the at least one deformable electrolyte bridge directed toward at least one of the conducting elements, the aggregate contact area increases such that a second resistivity between the two conducting elements exists.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Florida State University Research FoundationInventors: Tao Liu, Chun Zhang, Ben Wang, Zhiyong Liang
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Patent number: 8020457Abstract: An apparatus for use in a sample monitoring system is provided and includes a first enclosure configured to enclose a probe body into which the sample is drawn, a sensor coupled to the probe body and configured to sense a chemical composition of the sample and at least one first heater configured to heat an interior of the first enclosure, a second enclosure configured to enclose a pump coupled to the probe body and configured to draw the sample therein and a second heater configured to heat the pump, and a third enclosure configured to enclose a pump motor configured to control an operation of the pump and to support heating controlling units configured to control the at least one first heater and the second heater.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, Inc.Inventors: Mark Wayne Holt, William Howard Eberhardt
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Patent number: 8020458Abstract: In a sample introducing system that can be easily adapted to a variety of analytical conditions without being affected by a flow rate of gas introduced into an analytical device, can introduce an analytical sample into the analytical device without loss, and can contribute to a simple and highly accurate high-sensitivity analysis, a pretreatment device removes unnecessary components from an untreated sample gas containing the analytical sample. A treated sample gas that has been pretreated by the pretreatment device is introduced into the analytical device via a connection gas flow channel. A gas addition device that adds a carrier gas to the treated sample gas flowing toward the analytical device in the connection gas flow channel has a means for changing the addition flow rate of the carrier gas. Pressure fluctuations of the gas containing the analytical sample are restricted by a pressure adjusting device upstream of the gas addition device.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co., LtdInventors: Keisuke Utani, Kohei Nishiguchi
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Patent number: 8020459Abstract: A sampling apparatus comprising: at least one distribution element for distributing a flow of material; one or more sampling ports for collecting a sample from the distributed flow of material; wherein at least one sampling port is adapted to move in the distributed flow in order to collect a sample; and wherein, in use, the at least one sampling port has a container associated therewith which moves with the sampling port and which receives and retains the sample collected by the said sampling port.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2006Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Sandivk Mining and Construction Australia (Production/Suppy) Pty LtdInventor: Toby Adam Lennox Day
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Patent number: 8020460Abstract: An in-line inspection tool comprising sensors and sensor housings is disclosed. Each sensor housing may contain at least one sensor. The tool may further comprise a structure comprising a central axis and a plurality of sensor mounts distributed circumferentially about the central axis. Each sensor mount may support a different sensor housing. The plurality of sensor mounts may support the sensor housings such that the first end of each sensor housing circumferentially overlaps the second end of an adjacent sensor housing. By overlapping, sensor housings may support sensors with substantially uniform spacing around the circumference of the inspection tool in normal operation and still allow sensor housings to move relative to one another to accommodate changes in the dimension of the circumference.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Inventor: Philip M. Hoyt
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Patent number: 8020461Abstract: A travel drive system for a hybrid vehicle includes a thermal engine with an engine output shaft carrying a clutch, a driven shaft connected to said clutch and linked to a speed variation means, at least one electric machine with a rotor, and a motion transmission chain between speed variation means and wheels of the vehicle, said chain comprising an output shaft for the speed variation means and a motive axle connected to said output shaft. The system includes a disengageable coupling between one of the elements of the transmission chain and rotor of electric machine, and another disengageable coupling between output shaft of thermal engine and said rotor.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventors: Alexandre Pagot, Stéphane Venturi
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Patent number: 8020462Abstract: A ball screw/nut type linear actuator (1) where a ball nut (32) moves in forward-backward directions by rotation of a ball screw shaft (31) connected to a motor (22), wherein the ball screw shaft (31) is connected and fixed, in a small diameter hollow section (22c) of the motor shaft (22), to the motor shaft so that a part of the locus of the movement of the ball nut (32) also enters into a large diameter hollow section (22a) of the motor shaft (22). The construction eliminates the need of a coupling for connecting the motor shaft (22) and the ball screw shaft (31) and enables the ball screw shaft (31) to be supported together with the motor shaft (22) by bearings (27, 28) of the motor. As a result, a support bearing for supporting the ball screw shaft can be eliminated. Thus, a short and light linear actuator is realized.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2005Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Harmonic Drive Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kiyoto Kobayashi, Akihiro Yokoyama
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Patent number: 8020463Abstract: A rotation/linear motion converting mechanism includes a shaft 1 having an external thread 1a on an outer circumferential surface, a nut 2 having an internal thread 2a on an inner circumferential surface, and a roller 3 arranged between the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 1 and the inner circumferential surface of the nut 2. The roller has a thread 3a threaded to the external thread 1a and the internal thread 2a. A spur gear 3b and a spur gear 3c are provided in portions of the roller 3. A spur gear 1b is provided in a portion of the shaft 1. The spur gear 1b is meshed with the spur gear 3b of the roller 3. Internal teeth 4a are provided in a portion of the nut 2. The internal teeth 4a are meshed with the spur gear 3 of the roller 3. This improves the lead accuracy of the shaft 1 when the nut 2 is rotated.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2006Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuo Kinoshita, Toshiaki Hamaguri, Motohiro Tsuzuki, Koji Kasahara
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Patent number: 8020464Abstract: This disclosure relates to a gear pair for power transmission in a speed increaser or reducer and its tooth profile forming method. The tooth profiles of driving gear and driven gear are separately designed from reference points. The upper tooth profiles are composed of conjugate curves, while the lower tooth profiles are composed of smooth convex analytic curves. The reference point of the driven gear is located adjacent the middle of the working depth. The reference point on the tooth profile of the driving gear and the reference point on the driven gear tooth flank are a pair of conjugate points.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Inventors: Hong Jiang, Xiaochun Wang
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Patent number: 8020465Abstract: A parallel spherical mechanism with two degrees of freedom for connecting a body to a fixed base in such a manner as to enable it to be oriented in three dimensions by turning about a first axis that is fixed relative to said fixed base, and about a second axis that is fixed relative to said body for orienting, these two axes intersecting at a center of spherical motion situated in said body for orienting, wherein: it comprises at least four links, each of said links being connected to said fixed base via a first connection point and to said body for orienting via a second connection point, and each link belonging to a first type or a second type, there being at least one link of each type, in which: in the link(s) of the first type, the first connection point is at any point of said fixed base, and the second connection point coincides with said center of spherical motion situated in said body for orienting: and in the link(s) of the second type, the first connection point lies on said first axis and the secType: GrantFiled: May 22, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Agence Spatiale EuropeenneInventors: Rocco Vertechy, Carlo Menon, Vincenzo Parenti Castelli
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Patent number: 8020466Abstract: An umbilical-member processing structure for an industrial robot which includes a forearm having a tool managing and relaying device and a wrist with proximal end rotatably connected to the forearm and having a work tool mounted on the distal end thereof, with an umbilical-member connected to the work tool being disposed to run along the wrist via the tool managing and relaying device: wherein the forearm has a first reduction gear which reduces the rotational speed of a driving source to drive the forearm in rotation; the first reduction gear having a first insertion hole for passing the umbilical-member therein; and wherein the wrist comprises a first wrist element having a through-path in communication with the first insertion hole and rotatably connected to the forearm, and a second wrist element having a second insertion hole in communication with the through-path and rotatably connected to the first wrist element.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: FANUC LtdInventors: Toshihiko Inoue, Kazutaka Nakayama, Takatoshi Iwayama
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Patent number: 8020467Abstract: The present invention is an industrial robot with a cable spanned between and end effector and an upper arm. The cable does not twine around the upper arm or interfere with a peripheral device. A passage opening, through which the cable for supplying power, signals, or materials to an end effector attached to a rotating element is drawn out of a body, is opened at a position where the body intersects the center of a first rotational axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2010Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa DenkiInventors: Kazuhiro Haniya, Atsushi Ichibangase, Koichi Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 8020468Abstract: A belt tension adjustment apparatus and a robot arm having the belt tension adjustment apparatus are disclosed. The belt tension adjustment apparatus includes a tension measurement part for measuring tension of a belt running on an endless track, a tension adjustment part for pressing the belt in a direction inclined with respect to a surface of the belt to apply a pressing force to the belt, and a controller for controlling the tension adjustment part depending on the measured tension. The belt tension adjustment apparatus prevents variation of a running speed of the belt and maintains tension of the belt.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kum-Souck Yang
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Patent number: 8020469Abstract: A base frame 1 is such as to be fixedly provided on a body so that a parking brake device 2 is provided thereon which causes a brake applying portion of a parking brake to apply the brake and release the brake so applied, a base frame main body 1a is molded into an integral unit, a parking device mounting portion 10A where the parking brake device 2 is mounted is formed on one side A of the base frame man body 1a, and a gearshift device mounting portion 10B where a gearshift device of a transmission is provided is formed on the other side B thereof.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Otsuka Koki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masateru Momozu, Naoto Shibui, Hideto Nebuya, Satoru Masuda, Yukiyoshi Akutsu, Tomoya Sugiyama
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Patent number: 8020470Abstract: A harmonic gear drive includes a flexspline and a rigid spline which are meshed with each other, and a wave generator which deforms the flexspline to displace meshing points between the flexspline and the rigid spline. The length of each contact part between the flexspline and the wave generator always becomes shorter as viewed in a sectional plane containing a rotation axis of the wave generator than the width of the wave generator.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasuji Saito
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Patent number: 8020471Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a drill bit has a body intermediate a shank and a working face, the working face comprising a plurality of blades formed on the working face and extending outwardly from the bit body. Each blade comprises at least one cutting element. The drill bit also has a jack element coaxial with an axis of rotation and extending out of an opening formed in the working face. A portion of the jack element is coated with a stop-off.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: David R. Hall, Ronald Crockett, John Bailey
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Patent number: 8020472Abstract: A nut capturing socket assembly includes a socket, an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The socket has a non-circular shaped interior opening to receive a nut and a circular cylindrical outer surface area. The inner sleeve has a circular cylindrical opening at one end sized to slidingly receive the socket. The inner sleeve has a non-circular shaped opening at an opposite end of the same size and configuration as the non-circular shaped interior opening of the socket. A first abutment element is fixed relative to the socket and a second abutment element is fixed relative to the inner sleeve. An elastic element is positioned between the first and second abutment elements to bias the inner sleeve rotationally relative to the socket. The outer sleeve surrounds the inner sleeve is sized to engage the inner sleeve to co-rotate therewith. The outer sleeve captures the elastic element internally of the socket assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Inventors: Michael W. Kelly, Laura Patterson, Douglas John Francis, Sr.
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Patent number: 8020473Abstract: The present invention discloses a handle of a hand tool, which comprises a handle body and grinding members. The grinding member is mounted on the handle body, and the grinding member contains abrasive particles and has at least a grinding face, so that the user can grind the sharp edge of articles straightly by grinding member possessed by the handle. Also the user can easily replace a new grinding member when the old one is out of use. Furthermore, the abrasive particles of grinding members have average diameter being different from each other so as to grind the article to have different fine degrees.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Inventor: Chiung-Chang Tsai
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Patent number: 8020474Abstract: A tool holder (1) has a shaft (2) intended to be arranged in a tool holder in a manufacturing machine, a head (3) on which a cutter is intended to be arranged and a viscoelastic materials (4) arranged so that the cutter is in contact with the manufacturing machine solely via the viscoelastic material (4), in which at least those parts on the surface (5) of the shaft (2) that are intended to be in contact with the manufacturing machine are provided with the viscoelastic material (4). The viscoelastic material (4) is attached on a bearer material that is attached to the surface (5) of the shaft (2).Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2005Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Microna ABInventor: Peter Mihic
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Patent number: 8020475Abstract: The production of liquid crystal displays (LCDS) on plastic substrates is desirable over glass substrates so that the finished product is thinner, lighter, and more robust. Plastic substrates can enable the use of new and different processing techniques which are not possible on glass such as roll-to-roll processing. This invention discusses an advancement which is laser cutting a plastic substrate and display layer. One aspect of the invention is laser cutting and welding together two or more plastic substrates and LCD layer therebetween from a larger sheet or roll of plastic LCDs.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Kent Displays IncorporatedInventors: Tod Schneider, Sean Franklin, Nithya Venkataraman, Donald Davis
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Patent number: 8020476Abstract: A plate dividing-system includes a first advancing device for moving plate-shaped workpieces, the first advancing device having a first support and a plurality of first gripping mechanisms, the plate dividing-system having a second advancing device for moving plate-shaped workpieces, the second advancing device having a second support and at least a second gripping mechanism. In addition, the plate dividing-system features a feed area that extends transversely to the advancing device, in which feed area the workpieces to be moved are arranged. The second support is arranged laterally outside the feed area and is movable in the direction of feed.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: HOLZMA Plattenaufteitechnik GmbHInventors: Gerhard Hartmann, Peter Groening, Werner Ziegler
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Patent number: 8020477Abstract: A cutting machine includes a main body in which a rotary blade is included, a base over which a workpiece is to be placed, and a guide fence mountable to the base. The main body is provided above the base in such a manner that the main body is movable upward and downward, and a longitudinal direction of the guide fence is perpendicular to the rotary blade as viewed from top when the guide fence is mounted to the base. The guide fence provides a guide surface that extends in the longitudinal direction of the guide fence and is configured to be rendered perpendicular to a top face of the base when the guide fence is mounted to the base. The guide fence includes a stopper that is configured to project from the guide surface, to be movable upward and downward, and to be fixed at any level.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Makita CorporationInventor: Syuji Aoyama
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Patent number: 8020478Abstract: A window shade cutting apparatus includes a hollow frame which has a base, a front wall, a rear wall and a plurality of side walls to hold a shade guiding assembly, a cutter assembly located above the shade guiding assembly and coupled therewith, a clipping assembly located at one side of the base and a shade measuring assembly located at another side of the base. The cutter assembly has a transmission screw bar to drive a first toggle lever set and a second toggle lever set at two opposite sides to move a cutter vertically up and down to cut off a window shade easily with less effort.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Inventor: Li-Ming Cheng
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Patent number: 8020479Abstract: A trimming apparatus includes a base, a ridge portion protruding from the base, a sliding block mounted on the base, a fixing member, and a trimming tool. The base defines a sliding groove. The sliding block is slidably engaged in the sliding groove and defines a holding groove receiving a workpiece to be trimmed. The fixing member is fixes the sliding block in the sliding groove. The trimming tool is arranged over the base. The trimming tool has a main body and a blade facing and aligned with the ridge portion, and moves toward the ridge portion to trim the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tsung-Yu Lin