Patents Issued in November 1, 2011
  • Patent number: 8047057
    Abstract: An output mode switching apparatus including a power unit, a hammering unit, an output shaft, a housing, and a shifting member is provided. The hammering unit includes a gasket cup, a switching ring, a spring member, a hammering seat, and a main shaft. When the power unit is not in operation, the switching ring is restricted so as to be positioned against and secured to the gasket cup. When the mains shaft is driven by the power unit to rotate, the hammering seat is carried to rotate and is applied with a restriction for restricting the hammering seat from axial movement, thus configuring an output mode of electric drill. When the shifting member is turned, the restriction applied to the hammering seat is released. The hammering blocks repetitively hammers the protrusion blocks and axially returns back to the original position, thus configuring an impact output mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Top Gearbox Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ting-Kuang Chen
  • Patent number: 8047058
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and a system for using a thermal measurement method to determine the gas pressure in a vacuum element or in an evacuated body having an envelope and comprising on its exterior a flap delimited by two film faces that are joined together in the region of the free edge of the flap; the system according to the invention is characterized, on the one hand, by the fact that the space between the two film faces of the flap communicates with the space inside the envelope of the vacuum element and is at least partially filled with an open-pored, thin material layer, and, on the other hand, by a device for measuring the gas-pressure-dependent heat exchange coefficient of the flap at the location of the material layer; the invention also relates to the manner of operation of this measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: va-Q-tec AG
    Inventor: Roland Caps
  • Patent number: 8047059
    Abstract: A viscometer having a substantially horizontal reservoir including a trap for retaining a sample indefinitely in the reservoir. A substantially vertical measuring tube disposed perpendicularly to the substantially horizontal reservoir and depends substantially upwardly from the reservoir. A junction interconnects the trap, a generally downwardly projecting fill tube, and a generally upwardly projecting vent tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Cannon Instrument Company
    Inventors: Charles Patrick Maggi, Brian James Poillucci, Keith Graham Carr, Frank L. Carbalan
  • Patent number: 8047060
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for substantially eliminating destructive transients of pressure or flow rate which can degrade the efficiency and useful lifetime of chromatography columns. The present invention enables a substantially constant flow of mobile phase liquid to be maintained through the chromatography system by eliminating the flow blockage interval associated with the actuation of sample injection valves. The present invention further provides a method to reduce the pressure and flow rate transients associated with pressurization of the sample loop contents when the sample loop is introduced to chromatography system delivery pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Theodore A. Dourdeville, Russell L. Keene, Theodore D. Ciolkosz, James E. Usowicz
  • Patent number: 8047061
    Abstract: A system and method for determining whether a particular wheel on a vehicle is un-balanced during operation of the vehicle. The method includes providing wheel angle signals from the wheels of the vehicle and providing a vibration measurement signal from a response point on the vehicle, such as from an accelerometer on a steering column of the vehicle. The method also includes generating a regression vector using the wheel angle signals. The method also includes generating an estimated parameter vector using a recursive least squares algorithm, the regression vector and the vibration measurement signal. The method then calculates an imbalanced magnitude value of each wheel of the vehicle using the estimated parameter vector. The method uses a persistency of excitation test to determine whether the parameter vector has converged to a true value to determine whether the calculated imbalanced magnitude values are accurate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kwang-Keun Shin, Hong S. Bae
  • Patent number: 8047062
    Abstract: A testing device (10) for high-pressure injectors (50) of a common rail injection system of an engine unit, with the high-pressure injectors (50) each having a fuel return connection (52) for a fuel return line (54) is characterized by a throughflow quantity measuring/display unit (12) which can be detachably connected between the fuel return connection (52) and fuel return line (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Friedrich Lehnert
  • Patent number: 8047063
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, a sulfur detection sample gas is generated in a sample gas generation chamber by fuel of an amount smaller than the amount of fuel fed to a combustion chamber and proportional to the amount of fuel fed to the combustion chamber. An SOx sensor having a sensor part trapping the sulfur contained in the sample gas and capable of detecting the amount of sulfur trapped in the sensor part from the property changes of the sensor part is provided. The amount of SOx that flows into the catalyst is estimated from the output value-of this SOx sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinya Hirota, Takamitsu Asanuma, Kohei Yoshida, Hiromasa Nishioka, Kotaro Hayashi, Hiroshi Otsuki
  • Patent number: 8047064
    Abstract: An apparatus or a method for detecting an abnormality of inter-cylinder air-fuel ratio dispersion in a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine according to the invention is equipped with a catalytic element that purifies exhaust gas of hydrogen, a first air-fuel ratio sensor that detects an air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas that has not passed through the catalytic element, a second air-fuel ratio sensor that detects an air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas that has passed through the catalytic element, a device that detects an abnormality of inter-cylinder air-fuel ratio dispersion on the basis of a divergence state of a detected value of a second air-fuel ratio to a lean side from a detected value of a first air-fuel ratio, and a device that forcibly reduces fuel injection amounts in cylinders individually when an abnormality on dispersion is detected by the abnormality detector, detects a divergence state of the detected value of the second air-fuel ratio to the lean side from the detected value of the first air-fue
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasushi Iwazaki, Toru Kidokoro, Hiroshi Sawada, Keiji Imamura, Fumihiko Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8047065
    Abstract: A diagnostic system and method for operating the same includes a pressure monitoring module generating a diagnostic pressure signal and a camshaft driven engine component correction module generating an engine component oil pressure correction signal and generating a corrected diagnostic pressure signal based on the diagnostic pressure signal and the engine component oil pressure signal. The system further includes a diagnostic module generating a failed variable valve lift mechanism signal based on the corrected diagnostic pressure signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Cinpinski, Craig D. Marriott, Andrew P. Bagnasco, Ronald Jay Pierik
  • Patent number: 8047066
    Abstract: A steering angle sensing apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus and method sense the steering angle of a steering shaft by using a rotated bit value difference corresponding to the rotated angles of magnets, which are respectively coupled on an axis of one of a plurality of sub gears, when the sub gears with respectively different gear ratios rotate with a shaft gear that rotates together with the steering shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyong Ho Kang, Choon Wook Park, Sung Kyu Bae, Chang Hwan Lee
  • Patent number: 8047067
    Abstract: A sensor structure notably for a harsh environment in a motor vehicle is disclosed. The sensor structure has a sensor body (1) having at one end an element (2) sensitive to the quantity to be measured in the harsh environment and at another end a connection circuit (3) for the latter, placed away from the harsh environment, and physically separated from one another. The sensor structure is connected by means for transmitting information by carrier current on an electrical conductor (5) of the sensor with which the sensitive element and the connection circuit are associated by wireless coupling means and between which are provided means (4) for protecting the connection circuit from the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignees: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA., Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Bernard Bavoux, Jean-Sébastien Danel, Philippe Robert, Maxime Pauly
  • Patent number: 8047068
    Abstract: A snap-in tire pressure monitoring system having a valve that deforms to form an annular sealing surface around an opening in a tire rim. A sensor housing having electronics components configured to sense conditions within the tire may be attached to the valve. Data collected by the components may be wireless transmitted for further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Schrader Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence W. Hamm, Michael A. Uleski
  • Patent number: 8047069
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method of using the apparatus for measuring the cut resistance of polymeric and elastomeric materials having specimen holding and tensioning devices arranged on a common axis; a blade cutting device located orthogonally to the axis of the first and second specimen tensioning devices and a cutting block assembly located on the same axis as the cutting device and on the opposite side of the specimen tensioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: William Herbert Coulter, Mark Allan Lamontia
  • Patent number: 8047070
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for estimating a roll angle of a projectile may include a measurement unit outputting roll rate, yaw rate, and pitch rate signals indicative of rotation rates about substantially orthogonal roll, yaw, and pitch axes, the roll axis substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the projectile. A controller may sample the roll rate, yaw rate, and pitch rate signals to obtain time sequential roll rate, yaw rate, and pitch rate samples; calculate time sequential cumulative roll estimates by summing the roll rate samples; calculate time sequential gravity vector estimates from the corresponding yaw rate and pitch rate samples; de-roll each gravity vector estimate based on the corresponding cumulative roll estimate; filter the de-rolled gravity vector estimates to determine a filtered initial roll estimate; and add the filtered initial roll estimate to the current cumulative roll estimate to provide a current roll angle estimate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Anthony K. Tyree
  • Patent number: 8047071
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a housing, a processor unit received in the housing, and an anemometer unit mounted on the housing and electrically connected to the processor unit. The anemometer unit transforms pressure of wind blowing thereon into electronic signals, and the processor unit receives and processes the electronic signals to obtain wind pressures and velocities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Li-Jin Jia
  • Patent number: 8047072
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to flow meters and more particularly to improved plastic water flow meters for commercial or residential use. In various embodiments, a plastic water meter is provided that may include metal threads for connecting the water meter to a water system. In particular, the plastic water meter may include at least one spud that is shaped to receive and engage a plastic spud insert, in which the plastic spud insert may include a metal ring with a threaded outer surface. The plastic spud insert may include an annular lip portion extending outwardly to discourage removal of the metal ring when the spud insert is engaged with the water meter. Furthermore, the plastic spud insert and the inner surface of the metal ring may have complementary circumferential profiles to discourage relative rotation between the metal ring and the spud insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Marty Scott Ball, Jeremy Alan McCraven
  • Patent number: 8047073
    Abstract: A capacitive liquid level detector for detecting a liquid level of a liquid in a receptacle, the liquid being conductive, the detector comprising: a capacitor with a first plate having a fixed size and being insulated from the liquid, and a second plate being formed by the liquid itself, its size being variable depending on the liquid level inside said receptacle, wherein a thin film dielectric layer is formed on the surface of the first plate and located between the first plate and the second plate, the first plate with the thin film dielectric layer formed on its surface is arranged such that it covers an open part of the outer wall of the receptacle, the first plate with the thin film dielectric layer formed on its surface is attached to the receptacle by sealing means in order to seal the receptacle against liquid leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Andreas Zabel, Stefan Mergel
  • Patent number: 8047074
    Abstract: Provided are a humidity sensor and a method of manufacturing the same. The humidity sensor has high sensitivity, quick response time, improved temperature characteristics, low hysteresis and excellent durability. Moreover, for the humidity sensor, a humidity sensitive layer may be formed of various materials. The humidity sensor may be manufactured in a small size on a large scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Chi Hoon Jun, Sang Choon Ko, Chang Auck Choi, Byoung Gon Yu
  • Patent number: 8047075
    Abstract: A system and method in accordance with the present invention provides for a low cost, bulk micromachined accelerometer integrated with electronics. The accelerometer can also be integrated with rate sensors that operate in a vacuum environment. The quality factor of the resonances is suppressed by adding dampers. Acceleration sensing in each axis is achieved by separate structures where the motion of the proof mass affects the value of sense capacitors differentially. Two structures are used per axis to enable full bridge measurements to further reduce the mechanical noise, immunity to power supply changes and cross axis coupling. To reduce the sensitivity to packaging and temperature changes, each mechanical structure is anchored to a single anchor pillar bonded to the top cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Invensense, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven S. Nasiri, Joseph Seeger, Goksen Yaralioglu
  • Patent number: 8047076
    Abstract: Provided is an acceleration sensor that has high detection sensitivity and that can enhance production efficiency. The acceleration sensor has: a ceramic substrate made of Al2O3; a ferroelectric layer formed in a predetermined area on the ceramic substrate by screen printing, the ferroelectric layer being made of BaTiO3; a proof mass disposed so as to face the ferroelectric layer, the proof mass being formed at a predetermined distance d from the ferroelectric layer; and a first electrode and a second electrode that are formed on that side of the proof mass which faces the ferroelectric layer, so as to be fixed thereto. The first electrode and the second electrode are each formed in the shape of comb teeth, and comb tooth portions and thereof are arranged in an alternating manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Yoshikawa, Hiroyuki Tajiri
  • Patent number: 8047077
    Abstract: A surface acoustic wave (“SAW”) sensor includes; a first signal generator which generates a first signal having a predetermined frequency bandwidth using a pseudo random sequence, a second signal generator which generates a second signal with a predetermined frequency, a signal blender which blends the first signal with the second signal to generate a blended signal having the predetermined frequency bandwidth with the predetermined frequency as a center frequency, a wave generator which generates a surface acoustic wave using the blended signal, which converts the surface acoustic wave into a third signal after the surface acoustic wave travels a predetermined distance, and which outputs the third signal, and a signal detector which detects a change in the third signal from the wave generator to sense a substance bound to the wave generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hun Joo Lee, Soo Suk Lee, Soo Hyung Choi
  • Patent number: 8047078
    Abstract: There is provided a flaw detection testing method applied to a slot dovetail portion of a turbine generator rotor shaft. The flaw detection testing method includes an angle determining step of determining a slot angle of the slot dovetail portion using a variable-angle ultrasonic probe, a flaw detection performing step of, on the basis of a determination result in the angle determining step, using an angle ultrasonic probe or a phased array probe to perform flaw detection to detect a flaw in the slot dovetail portion, and a flaw depth measuring step of, when the flaw is detected in the flaw detection performing step, using an angle ultrasonic probe to measure a depth of the flaw from a surface of the slot dovetail portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroaki Koinuma, Koji Matsuyama
  • Patent number: 8047079
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for controlling an electronic manometer for measuring pressure (p) inside a pressurized gas receptacle. The manometer comprises at least one pressure sensor, an electronic unit designed for the acquisition, storage and processing of data, and at least one information device device capable of transmitting at least one item of information (p).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Christian Bleys, Fabrice Pin, Philippe Deck
  • Patent number: 8047080
    Abstract: An electromagnetic flowmeter for giving a magnetic field to a measurement fluid, detecting an electric signal occurring in the measurement fluid according to the magnetic field, and computing a flow quantity value based on the electric signal includes a zero point measurement section for measuring a zero point of the measurement fluid; a storage section for storing the measured zero point measurement value; a determination section for determining whether or not the difference between the preceding zero point measurement value stored in the storage section and the present zero point measurement value is beyond a predetermined value range; and at least either a transmission section for transmitting the determination result or a display section for displaying the determination result when the determination section determines that the difference is beyond the predetermined value range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Ikuhiko Ishikawa, Yasumi Koike, Toru Shimura
  • Patent number: 8047081
    Abstract: An apparatus for ascertaining, and/or monitoring, volume-or mass-flow of a medium flowing through a pipeline in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pipeline. The apparatus includes: at least one ultrasonic sensor, which radiates/receives ultrasonic measuring signals at an angle of incidence/emergence into/out-of the pipeline; and a control/evaluation unit which provides, based on the ultrasonic measuring signals, information concerning volume- and/or mass-flow of the medium through the pipeline. The ultrasonic sensor includes at least one sound-producing element, a coupling shoe and a coupling adapter. The end region of the coupling adapter facing the coupling shoe has a securement mechanism for releasable securement of the coupling adapter to the coupling shoe. The end region of the coupling adapter facing the pipeline is embodied as a function of the pipeline in such a manner that it is form-fittingly securable to the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Oliver Berberig, Andreas Berger, Patrick Oudoire, Achim Wiest
  • Patent number: 8047082
    Abstract: A device is provided for determining a mass flow of a first gas flowing in a flowing channel of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. The device includes: sound transducers arranged at respective ends of a measuring path for providing sound signals, a temperature sensor for determining a temperature of an overall mass flowing in the flow channel, and an evaluation unit arranged downstream of the sound transducers. The evaluation unit is capable of carrying out the following: determining a flow rate of the overall mass and a speed of sound based on delay times of the sound signals, determining an overall mass flow based on the flow rate, the temperature, and a pressure of the overall mass in the flowing channel, ascertaining a proportion of a second gas flowing in the flow channel at a temperature above 10° C. and based on the speed of sound and the temperature, and correcting the overall mass flow to obtain the mass flow of the first gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Bierl, Martin Lesser, Andreas Meyer, Frank Steuber
  • Patent number: 8047083
    Abstract: A flexible sensor is disposed in a power tool. The flexible sensor has an electrical resistance that varies based on a radius of curvature of the flexible sensor. A trigger partially disposed in the power tool, operates to apply a bending force at an engagement point on the flexible sensor to bend the flexible sensor and alter the radius of curvature. A controller outputs an electrical signal to the power tool based on the electrical resistance to control a function of the power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Puzio, Qiang J. Zhang, Aris C. Cleanthous, Stephen Alan Debelius, Gabriel Eduardo Concari, Michael Kenneth Forster, David C. Tomayko, James B. Watson, Kenneth David Long, Daniele C. Brotto
  • Patent number: 8047084
    Abstract: A torque-index sensor having index sensor and torque sensor closely arranged and integrated therein with lightened interference between them is provided. The invented torque-index sensor is comprised of torque sensor that includes first magnetic sensor arranged beside first annular-shaped magnet and index sensor that includes second magnet arranged beside annular-shaped encoder and second magnetic sensor that are arranged being in-line on common axis; and means for varying magnetic flux, which changes direction of magnetic flux that is generated from second magnet toward first magnetic sensor, positioned between first magnetic sensor in torque sensor and second magnet in index sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Cable, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken Okuyama, Yukio Ikeda, Yukitoshi Terasaka, Takahiro Sanada
  • Patent number: 8047085
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus (7) for monitoring the tension (17) and pinch force (19) associated with the contact of angled stub rollers (91) with a glass ribbon (23) are provided. The apparatus (7) includes a support member (39) which supports the shaft (13) of the stub roller (91). The support member (39) undergoes linear displacement (45) in response to tension (17) in the glass ribbon (23) and rotation (59) in response to a pinch force (19). The linear displacement (45) and rotation (59) are detected and converted to force values by a calibration procedure. By monitoring these forces, glass attributes such as residual stress can be improved which is of importance in glass sheets used in such applications as the manufacture of liquid crystal displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Raymond C. Cady, James P. Peris, G. Clinton Shay
  • Patent number: 8047086
    Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8047087
    Abstract: A method for fixing a fuel level sensor in a fuel tank having an upper and a lower wall, the sensor having a foot and a top. The method fixedly secures the foot of the sensor to the bottom wall of the fuel tank through a molded-in retainer, and elastically fixes the tubular top of the sensor to the top wall of the tank through a molded-in retainer as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Greg Massa, Jim Thompson, Dean Armstrong
  • Patent number: 8047088
    Abstract: Disclosed are an environmental test chamber having a movable panel and a method of driving the same. The environmental test chamber is used in a thermo-hygrostat, a thermostat, and a high temperature-low temperature tester. The chamber body includes a test cavity in which an object is disposed. An air-conditioning unit conditions the air inside the test cavity, thereby controlling a condition of the test cavity. A movable panel is accommodated in the chamber body to decrease or increase a volume of the test cavity. The efficiency of the chamber is enhanced, and the cost and space required for installing additional equipment is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Kwang-su Yun, Chong-hee Yu, Jai-sang Koh
  • Patent number: 8047089
    Abstract: A device for the optical measurement of a printed sheet includes a measurement table with a displaceable measurement head. The measurement head is cleaned in a fully automatic or at least semi-automatic manner through the use of a cleaning device of the measurement table. A method for operating the device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmachinen AG
    Inventors: Christopher Berti, Hans Engler
  • Patent number: 8047090
    Abstract: The present invention relates to motors and, more specifically to rotary motors which can supply output motive power about an output axis in response to input rotary power about a different axis. A motor (1) comprises a wheel (2) mounted on a shaft (3) for rotation about a first axis (4). The shaft (3) is additionally mounted for rotation about both an inclination axis (16) and the output axis (11) of the motor (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Erke Erke Arastirmalari Ve Muhendislik A.S.
    Inventor: Mustafa Naci Öztürk
  • Patent number: 8047091
    Abstract: A method of controlling an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle having clutches controlled by an electronic control unit. A transmission rotational speed in an initial transmission stage is determined. If a first transmission shifting rotational speed is reached, the transmission is shifted from the initial transmission stage to a target transmission stage. A target transmission rotational speed of the target transmission stage is then ascertained. A difference is next ascertained between the target transmission rotational speed and a second shifting transmission rotational speed. An initial counter value, of a counter, is determined, which depends on the transmission rotational speed difference. The counter is next caused to carry out counting, from the initial counter value, as time progresses. If and when the counter value reaches zero, the transmission is shifted from the target transmission stage toward the initial transmission stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Werner Wolfgang, Maik Würthner, Ingo Sauter, Achim Tegen
  • Patent number: 8047092
    Abstract: In a spiral bevel gear, a contact area between tooth flanks that mesh with each other is increased, thereby reducing teeth knocking noise and strengthening tooth sections. A shape of a tooth form on a normal plane T of a tooth section 15 of a spiral bevel gear becomes gradually larger as the normal plane moves from a small-diameter end section side towards a large-diameter end section side along a tooth trace H, as indicated by (a), (b), and (c). In correspondence, a tooth crest arc section S is provided in a connecting section 21 between a tooth flank 17 on a meshing side and a tooth crest 16. The tooth crest arc section S is formed such that a curvature radius r gradually increases within a range that does not exceed a radius R of an inscribed circle inscribed within two tooth flanks 17 and 18 and the tooth crest 16 on the normal plane T. The tooth crest arc section S can increase contact area when contact is made with a tooth flank of a partner gear and elastic deformation occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Enplas Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Suzuki, Issei Sato
  • Patent number: 8047093
    Abstract: A parallel robot including a movable-section drive mechanism having a parallel mechanism configuration and operating to allow a movable section to perform a three-axis translational motion with respect to a base section; and a wrist-section drive mechanism operating to allow a wrist section to perform a rotational motion with respect to the movable section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Satoshi Kinoshita, Hikaru Yamashiro
  • Patent number: 8047094
    Abstract: Mechanical joints are provided in which the angle between a first coupled member and a second coupled member may be varied by mechanical actuators. In some embodiments the angle may be varied around a pivot axis in one plane and in some embodiments the angle may be varied around two pivot axes in two orthogonal planes. The joints typically utilize a cam assembly having two lobes with an involute surface. Actuators are configured to push against the lobes to vary the rotation angle between the first and second coupled member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Lonnie J. Love, Randall F. Lind
  • Patent number: 8047095
    Abstract: Provided is an XY table actuator that, while building-in a drive means for freely moving an object placed on a table within an XY-plane and positioning the object, can be significantly reduced in size and that helps to suppress an increase in table height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: THK Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Aso, Yoshihiro Kimura
  • Patent number: 8047096
    Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly for a vehicle having an outer jacket and an inner jacket slideably disposed within the outer jacket along a longitudinal axis for telescoping movement. A pivot pin is coupled to the outer jacket and defines a pin axis. A pawl is disposed about the pivot pin and is rotatable about the pin axis between and engaged position engaging the inner jacket for preventing the telescoping movement and a disengaged position disengaging the inner jacket for allowing the telescoping movement. An actuator is mounted to the pivot pin for concurrent rotation with the pivot pin about the pin axis and is coupled to the pawl for moving the pawl between the engaged and disengaged positions in an opposing rotational direction from the concurrent rotation of the pivot pin and the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventors: Jason R. Ridgway, Lee M. Tinnin
  • Patent number: 8047097
    Abstract: A steering wheel assembly, comprising: an insert comprising an armature, a rim portion and at least one spoke connecting the armature to the rim portion; a rim assembly comprising a first rim portion and a second rim portion, the first rim portion and the second rim portion each being configured to be disposed around a periphery of the rim portion of the insert and the first rim portion and the second rim portion are configured to be secured to each other about the rim portion of the insert, the first rim portion and the second rim portion each being separately formed from a polymeric material prior to the securement of the rim assembly to the rim portion of the insert; and a decorative cover disposed about an exterior surface of the rim assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, James J. Simpson, Philip W. Hopf, Frank G. Meyer
  • Patent number: 8047098
    Abstract: A steering wheel includes a rim that is rotatable around a steering shaft. The rim includes an armature; a first rim portion surrounding the armature; and a second rim portion, covering part of the surface of the first rim portion. A method of manufacturing a steering wheel includes providing an armature; injection molding a first rim portion such that the it surrounds the armature; injection molding a second rim portion; and attaching the first and second rim portions such that the second rim portion covers part of the surface of the first rim portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignees: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Joonmo Park
  • Patent number: 8047099
    Abstract: A hammer includes a handle and a head. The head is disposed on an upper portion of the handle. The hammer includes an overall length dimension. A ratio of the overall length dimension to the surface area of the striking surface of the head is less than 11.0. The head also includes a striking surface at one end thereof and a head weight. The head may be integrally formed with the upper portion of the handle, wherein a ratio of the head weight to the surface area of the striking surface of the head is less than 16.25. The head may alternatively be mounted on the upper portion of the handle, wherein a ratio of the head weight to the surface area of the striking surface of the head is less than 14.0. The head can have a ratio of radial measurements that is less than 1.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. St. John, Paul Wechsler, Keith M. Lombardi, Karl Vanderbeek
  • Patent number: 8047100
    Abstract: A tool assembly with a driving tool and a holder assembly. The driving tool has a housing, a motor, an output member and a transmission for rotatably coupling the output member to the motor. The motor and the transmission are housed in the housing. The holder assembly has a leg, which is telescopically coupled to the housing, a fastener guide and an adjustment mechanism. The fastener guide includes a longitudinally extending groove that is configured to support a threaded fastener and a cam that is disposed transverse to the groove. The adjustment mechanism couples the fastener guide to the leg on a side of the leg opposite the housing. The adjustment mechanism is configured to vary a distance between the groove and a rotational axis of the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Wade C. King
  • Patent number: 8047101
    Abstract: A wrench comprises a handle connected to a housing. A socket is rotatably supported in the housing for ratcheting movement relative to the housing. A retaining member releasably secures a device in the socket. A retainer is supported on the housing and is movable between a first position and a second position. The retainer, when in the first position, at least partially overlays the socket. A plurality of guides orient a member relative to the socket. The guides are mounted in a rotatable body. A first handle is permanently connected to the housing and a second handle is removably connected to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: Brandon Seth Cross, Derek James Nash
  • Patent number: 8047102
    Abstract: A multi-purpose tool may be comprised of a body having a gripping configuration on the outer surface of the body for long bolts and a lengthwise bore through the center of the body. The multi-purpose tool has a socket located at a first end of the body and a crown located at the second end of the body to receive various fasteners, such as flange and wing nuts. A multi-purpose tool may also be comprised of a body having a gripping configuration on the outer surface of the body and a lengthwise bore through the center of the body for a sleeve. The multi-purpose tool has a socket located in the sleeve at a first end of the sleeve and a crown located at the second end of the body to receive various fasteners, such as flange and wing nuts. The sleeve has a lengthwise bore through the center of the sleeve for long bolts or to accept a tool shaft. The tool shaft may accept various tool bits, and the tool shaft may be inserted into and engaged with the sleeve bore along its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Chris Gnatz
  • Patent number: 8047103
    Abstract: A universal joint includes first and second parts interconnected by a coupling element, and a coupling mechanism for detachably engaging tool attachments such as sockets. The disclosed coupling mechanisms include an engaging element and an actuating element. The engaging element can include a pin, and the pin can be oriented either obliquely or longitudinally in the drive stud of the universal joint. The actuating element can include a collar and a central portion that crosses the central longitudinal axis of the drive stud. The central portion can be offset along the longitudinal axis toward the coupling element, and the actuating element can be configured to extend into an aperture formed by the coupling element and the second part of the universal joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Joda Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Davidson, C. Robert Moon
  • Patent number: 8047104
    Abstract: In a vibration cutting unit, a root portion of a holding member for supporting a vibration body is fixed on a fixed portion of a node portion which is common to axial vibration and bending vibration, on a jointless basis. Therefore, the node portion, namely, a vibration body main part is firmly fixed, thereby, the vibration body main part is supported stably, and vibrations of the vibration body main part is stabilized. In other words, vibrations under the mode where the vibration body main part cannot be controlled can be restrained, and works representing objects to be processed can be processed accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Imai, Shigeru Hosoe, Hiroyuki Matsuda
  • Patent number: 8047105
    Abstract: A machining tool of the present invention is used for finishing an end face having an arcuate cross section on a machined portion of a workpiece. A machining tool 30 has a tool body 31 and a cutting portion 32 provided integrally on a tip of the tool body 31. The cutting portion 32 is formed in substantially semispherical shape, and has a substantially spherical flank 33 and a substantially flat rake 35 joined to the flank 33 via an arcuate cutting edge 34. In the state that the cutting edge 34 abuts the arcuate end face of the rotated workpiece, the arcuate end face is finished using the machining tool 30 by varying the position of the cutting edge 34 abutting the arcuate end face in a circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Koganei Corporation
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Komatsu, Kazuto Ohyama
  • Patent number: 8047106
    Abstract: A wood working lathe includes a granite lathe bed including a guiding rail extending thereon longitudinally and an opening vertically formed through an end thereof, with the opening in communication with the guiding rail. A driving unit is installed to the lathe bed. A granite fixed stock is disposed on the end of the lathe bed relative to the opening of the lathe bed and includes a driven unit inserted therethrough axially and a compartment formed therein and in communication with the driven unit. The driving unit drives the driven unit to turn through the compartment. A granite foot stock is slidably installed on another end of the lathe bed and includes a positioned member for selectively fixing the foot stock to the lathe bed and a feeding device. An axis of the feeding device is coaxial with an axis of the driven unit, with cooperation of the driven unit and the feeding device adapted for clamping works to be turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Lee-Cheng Chang