Patents Issued in December 15, 2011
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Publication number: 20110302984Abstract: There are provided a bending die to be used in an apparatus and method for manufacturing an automotive suspension arm to allow the manufacturing apparatus to have a simple and low-cost structure and a reduced installation area and perform automated manufacturing, and the apparatus and method for manufacturing the automotive suspension arm using the bending die. A bending die used in the apparatus for manufacturing the automotive suspension arm to bend a rod-like raw material and produce a bent material includes a lower bending die including a mounting portion for mounting thereon the rod-like raw material and an upper bending die including a pressing portion for vertically pressing the rod-like raw material mounted on the lower bending die. The mounting portion and the pressing portion include a lower die contact portion and an upper die contact portion each formed into a shape along the bent shape of the bent material to come in contact with the bent material.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)Inventors: Koji Takeuchi, Masashi Nakano, Chihiro Kitamoto, Shunsuke Suzuki, Hirotoshi Hamada
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Publication number: 20110302985Abstract: A hem is formed in two abutting surfaces of a work piece in a two-pass process in which the work piece is pre-hemmed by a reciprocating tool in a first pass and in which the hem is then formed from the pre-hem by the same reciprocating tool in a second pass upon inversion of the work piece. In especially preferred aspects, the reciprocating tool has an angled contact surface that cooperates with a corresponding static tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: THERMAL STRUCTURES, INC.Inventor: Brett Miller
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Publication number: 20110302986Abstract: A bending apparatus for corrugating a sheet-like material can comprise a support member, a feed mechanism, a bending member, a hold-down member, and a driving mechanism. The support member can comprise a support surface formed with desired corrugations. The feed mechanism can be configured to feed the support member in increments corresponding to one pitch of the corrugations formed on the support member. The bending member can be configured to be reciprocated between an actuated position mating with a corrugation on the support surface such that a sheet-like material laying on the support surface is bent along the corrugation formed on the support member and a retracted position. The hold-down member can be configured to be reciprocated between an actuated position holding the sheet-like material against the support surface and a retracted position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.Inventors: Kensuke Oguri, Tsuyoshi Kimura
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Publication number: 20110302987Abstract: This invention is a hydraulic operated pipe pincher. It comprises a head segment having two hydraulic jacks linked with said head section, a sliding die head housing with said jacks connected to said sliding die head and a foot segment having a die linked with said foot segment. A boat is located on the surface of the water above where the pipe is to be pinched is located. The pipe pincher would be lowered and positioned around the pipe by way of a manipulator arm on a deep water submarine. The sliding die head would then be forced down against the pipe to pinch the pipe closed to restrict or nearly stop the flow of oil within the pipe. The dies are shaped to compress the pipe from each side equally.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventors: Billy E. Dingess, Donald Ray McCann
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Publication number: 20110302988Abstract: A guided keeper assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a base having a mounting face, at least one marginal fastener aperture to detachably mount the base to an associated die shoe, and a central guide aperture. A guide pin with a cylindrically shaped body portion is closely received in the central aperture of the base. A first end of the guide pin has an enlarged head to positively limit travel between the die shoe and die pad, and an opposite second end with a generally flat terminal shoulder configured for close reception in a blind hole in the die pad. The shoulder has a fastener aperture extending perpendicularly therethrough at a location spaced radially offset from the central axis of the guide pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventors: Scott M. Breen, Joel T. Pyper
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Publication number: 20110302989Abstract: A method for safe performance of a calibration and/or an adjusting of a measured variable of a measuring device in automation technology, especially in process analysis technology, in the case of which a calibration result or an adjusting value is ascertained and shown on a display. In order to assure reliable adjusting or calibrating of a measured variable of a measuring device, the calibration result or the adjusting value is shown in multiple instances at random locations of the display, wherein, upon agreement of all shown calibration results or adjusting values, a confirmation is effected by a user of the measuring device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft fur Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KGInventors: Peter Biechele, Jörg-Martin Müller
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Publication number: 20110302990Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of automatically calibrating a valve in a fluid flow path of a blown-film extrusion apparatus. The calibration process detects and measures a first and second pressure drop in the flow characteristic, as well as the valve position and time. The process further detects time required to achieve a steady-state in the flow characteristics. These measurements are recorded and used in calculating appropriate valve positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventor: Daniel R. Joseph
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Publication number: 20110302991Abstract: A gas sensor includes a substrate having a low thermal conductivity. Localized heating can be produced using a serpentined heater carried by the substrate. The low thermal conductivity of the substrate substantially confines the generated heat to a region local to the heater thereby reducing required power to operate the sensor. Multiple sensing elements can be deposited onto the substrate adjacent to respective heaters and relatively close together because of the thermal isolation provided by the substrate. In one embodiment, the sensor can include the ceramic substrate, the heater, catalytic material overlying the heater with a gas impermeable layer overlying, at least in part the catalytic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: Life Safety Distribution AGInventor: Keith F.E. Pratt
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Publication number: 20110302992Abstract: A device for measuring oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide production by a respiring subject based on the use of absorption spectroscopy. An absorption spectrometer using cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy at 763 nm to measure oxygen concentration and direct absorption or wavelength modulation spectroscopy at 2.0035 ?m for carbon dioxide concentration is incorporated into a breathing tube in proximity to the respiring subject. This provides measurements of oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration with a good temporal resolution which can be combined with measurements of flow rate as a function of time to obtain oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide production on a breath-by-breath basis. The device can also measure the concentration of water vapour and of anaesthetic gases in exhaled breath.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2009Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: ISIS INNOVATION LIMITEDInventors: Peter Alistair Robbins, Graham Hancock, Robert Peverall, Grant Andrew Dedman Ritchie
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Publication number: 20110302993Abstract: A system and method for determining whether a hydrogen concentration sensor in the exhaust of a fuel cell system is operating properly during operation of the system. The method includes injecting hydrogen gas pulses from an injector directly into the system exhaust and analyzing a sensor response from those hydrogen injection pulses. Alternately, pulses from anode purges or bleeds can be provided to the exhaust to determine sensor response.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Christoph Kuebel
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Publication number: 20110302994Abstract: Components suitable for use in devices such as an evaporative light scattering detector are disclosed. Methods of making and using components suitable for use in devices such as an evaporative light scattering detector are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2009Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventors: James M. Anderson, JR., Josef P. Bystron, Washington J. Mendoza, Raaidah Saari-Nordhaus
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Publication number: 20110302995Abstract: A flowmeter is provided with a solid-state sensor technology for increasing the accuracy and efficiency of fluid flow monitoring and leak detection in the irrigation industry and other cost-sensitive flow-critical applications. The device can monitor and detect usage of fluids such as water more accurately and economically than presently possible to help eliminate waste and ensure correct billing. Measurement can be over an optimized narrow range or can be automatically switched to cover consecutive ranges from leakage to gross fluid conduit faults. With its minimal component count, ease of assembly, independence from the specifics of its housing, low maintenance needs, and its interchangeability this device can serve a wide range of metering needs from low end leak monitoring to standard flow measurement.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventors: Lawrence W. Lebeau, Richard Zapolin
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Publication number: 20110302996Abstract: A device for detecting a property of a fluid includes a body region and a flexible element having a first end and a second end. The first end is fixedly located on the body region. The flexible element is arranged to move from at least a first configuration to a second configuration via bending of the flexible element. The flexible element includes an actuating portion arranged to move the flexible element between the first configuration and the second configuration. The device also includes a movement detector for detecting movement of the flexible element.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: MICROVISK LIMITEDInventors: Vladislav Djakov, Ejaz Huq, Paul Vernon
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Publication number: 20110302997Abstract: A liquid chromatograph apparatus capable of eliminating a deviation of measurement results originating from an instrumental error is provided. According to the present invention, a mobile phase arrival time T of the liquid chromatograph apparatus is determined in advance. The mobile phase arrival time T is a time taken for a mobile phase mixed by a pump to reach a detector. When operating the liquid chromatograph apparatus, sample injection into the mobile phase is started after a time corresponding to the mobile phase arrival time T passes. Collection of data output from the detector is started after a predetermined time passes after starting the sample injection into the mobile phase.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventor: Kosaku TOYOSAKI
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Publication number: 20110302998Abstract: A system for compaction measurement, including at least two compaction measurement systems for determining the compaction state of various portions of a material region at a worksite and a display system for displaying aggregated data from the compaction measurement systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Kristopher A. Hanson, Nicholas A. Oetken, James A. Aardema, Bryan J. Downing
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Publication number: 20110302999Abstract: A device, a method, a computer program and a computer program product for diagnosing an internal combustion engine (100), in which a first cylinder (102) includes a combustion chamber (101), a fuel quantity and a fresh air quantity being supplied to the combustion chamber (101) for combustion; a torque contribution (D), generated by the combustion, of the first cylinder (102) in a first operating mode (B1) of the internal combustion engine (100) being a function of the fresh air quantity supplied, and in a second operating mode (B2) of the internal combustion engine (100) being essentially a function of the fuel quantity, wherein a first variable (L1) characterizing a smooth running of the internal combustion engine (100) in the first operating mode (B1) is ascertained, a second variable (L2) characterizing the smooth running of the internal combustion engine (100) in the second operating mode is ascertained, the first variable (L1) is compared to the second variable (L2), a diagnosis of the internal combustiType: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2009Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventors: Guido Porten, Lu Chen, Marc Schott
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Publication number: 20110303000Abstract: The present invention relates to dynamometer testing of a vehicle comprising at least a first wheel shaft and a second wheel shaft and a first power source for providing power to said first wheel shaft. The method comprises, with only said first wheel shaft being connected to a dynamometer test unit, applying a first power to said first wheel shaft, determining a representation of said first power by means of said dynamometer test unit, determining a second power, being different from said first power, to be applied to at least one of said first wheel shaft and said second wheel shaft, the said second power being a virtual power being represented by a virtual representation of said second power, and by means of the representation of said first power determined by said dynamometer test unit and said virtual representation of said second power, determining a first speed being a representation of the speed of said vehicle when being driven on a road subjected to said first and second power.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventor: Christian Engström
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Publication number: 20110303001Abstract: A rotary angle and rotary torque device includes a rotary torque sensor for sensing rotary torque of a steering shaft, a first magnet, a first magnetism sensing element, a sensing gear engaged with a rotary gear, a second magnet mounted to the sensing gear, a second magnetism sensing element, and a controller. The rotary torque sensor includes a first rotator and a second rotator either one of which has the rotary gear. The first rotator rigidly adheres to the second rotator via a coupler. The first magnet is mounted to either one of the first rotator or the second rotator. The first magnetism sensing element faces the first magnet, and the second magnetism sensing element faces the second magnet. The controller senses a rotary angle based on signals supplied from the first and the second magnetism sensing elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: SHINJI HIROSE, KIYOTAKA SASANOUCHI
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Publication number: 20110303002Abstract: A method for manufacturing a single-wire anemometric probe, or an n-wire (n>1) probe, for making measurements near a surface, comprising, for at least one of the wires: a) positioning and holding of a straight portion of the wire, comprising a metal core surrounded by a protective sheath, on two surfaces; b) elimination of a part of the sheath, to expose an active wire measurement zone; and c) the wire is soldered on two pins of the probe body.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2009Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVESInventor: Jean-Paul Moro
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Publication number: 20110303003Abstract: An apparatus for determining the fluid level of a container, such as an accumulator, may include both a remote quantity indicator and a direct quantity indicator. The remote quantity indicator may include a remote dial at the end of a flexible cable or an electrical signal receiver receiving an electrical signal from a rotary variable differential transformer (RVDT), such as a potentiometer. The RVDT type of indicator may include an electrical connector on the accumulator to attach an electrical cable to carry the quantity level signal. The direct quantity indicator may include a dial directly mounted on the accumulator. The remote/direct quantity indicators may include, for example, one of the following three combinations: 1) a dial directly on the accumulator and a remote dial at the end of a flexible cable; 2) an RVDT output and a dial directly on the accumulator; and 3) an RVDT output on an accumulator, a remote dial at the end of a flexible cable and a dial directly on the accumulator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: STEVEN R. ECCLES, FILIP REINIS, AMANDA L. ANTHONY, MIKE M. MASOUDIPOUR
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Publication number: 20110303004Abstract: A method, useful for wastewater liquid level indication rods in wastewater treatment facilities, of correcting the readings from the rod's electrode based liquid level sensors for inaccuracies and distortions caused by fat, oil, and grease (FOG) contaminant build up. The method may also detect how the electrical signals change as the liquid levels progress ever higher above the level of the measuring electrode of interest. These methods allow for the creation of improved wastewater liquid monitoring systems and management systems that can warn when cleaning is needed, help prevent pump burnout, overflow, and address other common wastewater management problems.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventor: Stephen Carson-Rowland
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Publication number: 20110303005Abstract: A method of determining the dip or apparent dip of a section of a subterranean formation is described using the measurements of a borehole gravity meter and a dip-dependent model for the response of the gravity meter.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Jean-Marc Donadille, Khaled Hadj-Sassi
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Publication number: 20110303006Abstract: A retractable assembly for a sensor, which determines a physical and/or chemical, process variable in a process medium. The retractable assembly has a housing, in which a tubular holder for accommodating the sensor is arranged such that it can be moved linearly by a drive unit. At least one cascaded cylinder is provided for the linear shifting of the tubular holder, wherein the cascaded cylinder comprises at least two cylinders arranged one after the other in the direction of the stroke movement. Furthermore, the cascaded cylinder is, or the cascaded cylinders are, embodied and/or operable in such a manner that the sensor is movable into at least two different positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2009Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft für Mess- und Regeltechnik mbh + Co.Inventors: Ingrid Wunderlich, Thomas Pfauch
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Publication number: 20110303007Abstract: The invention relates to a MEMS gyroscope for detecting rotational motions about an x-, y-, and/or z-axis, in particular a 3-D sensor, containing a substrate, several, at least two, preferably four, drive masses (2) that are movable radially with respect to a center and drive elements (7) for the oscillating vibration of the drive masses (2) in order to generate Coriolis forces on the drive masses (2) in the event of rotation of the substrate about the x-, y-, and/or z-axis. The oscillating drive masses (2) are connected to at least one further non-oscillating sensor mass (3) that however can be rotated about the x-, y-, and/or z-axis together with the oscillating drive masses (2) on the substrate. Sensor elements (9, 10) are used to detect deflections of the sensor mass (3) and/or drive masses (2) in relation to the substrate due to the generated Coriolis forces. At least two, preferably four anchors (5) are used to rotatably fasten the sensor mass (3) to the substrate by means of springs (4).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: SENSORDYNAMICS AGInventor: Alessandro Rocchi
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Publication number: 20110303008Abstract: A cantilever beam structural resonant-type integrated optical waveguide accelerometer, includes an input waveguide (1), a dissymmetrical structural Mach-Zehnder interferometer (2), a micro-mechanical vibration cantilever beam (3), a short curved waveguide (4) and an output waveguide (5); all the waveguide structures and the cantilever beam use the integrated optical micromachining technique, and the device single-scale integration can be realized by using the temperature-insensitive organic polymer optical waveguide structure and the organic polymer substrate, the key technique indexes such as detection sensitivity, dynamic range are extensively adjusted. The phase difference of the optical signal can be measured by detecting the optical intensity of the resonant frequency of the optical circuit so as to achieve high sensitive acceleration detection, and to be free from the effect of the ambient temperature disturbance and waveguide birefringence.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2009Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventors: Tong Zhang, Xiaojun Xue, Xiaoyang Zhang, Pengqin Wu
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Publication number: 20110303009Abstract: An tri-axis accelerometer is disclosed. The tri-axis accelerometer includes a mass, a first group of capacitance, a third group of capacitance being neighbor to the first group of capacitance. The mass defines an upper surface, a lower surface parallel to the upper surface and a side wall connecting the upper surface and the lower surface. The first group of capacitance includes a first movable electrode and the third group of capacitance includes a third movable electrode. The first movable electrode is perpendicular to the third movable electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventors: Bin Yang, Zhen-kui Meng, Rui Zhang, Zhou Ge, Yi-lin Yan
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Publication number: 20110303010Abstract: A MEMS three-axis accelerometer includes a silicon substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode etched in the same silicon substrate. The first electrode is constituted by a mobile mass fitted with a plurality of mobile fingers extending laterally. The second electrode is composed of two conductive parts located on two opposite sides of the mobile mass. Each conductive part comprises a plurality of fixed fingers formed parallel to the mobile fingers. Each mobile finger is positioned between two contiguous fixed fingers to cooperatively form a microstructure with interdigital combs. The mobile mass is connected to the substrate by a spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventor: Bin Yang
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Publication number: 20110303011Abstract: A sensor apparatus, a sensor system and a method employ coupling characterization of a sensor housing to a local environment. The apparatus includes a vibration sensor and a vibration actuator attached to and enclosed by the sensor housing in a spaced apart relationship. The vibration actuator is configured to vibrate the sensor housing with a vibration signal to excite a coupling between the sensor housing and the local environment. A response of the sensor housing to the vibration signal is indicative of a coupling characteristic of the coupling. The system further includes a coupling structure. The method includes coupling the sensor housing to the local environment, vibrating the sensor housing with the vibration actuator and detecting the response that is indicative of the coupling characteristic.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventors: Kai-Mei Camilla Fu, John Paul Strachan, Peter G. Hartwell
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Publication number: 20110303012Abstract: A method of measuring the thickness of any deposit of material (28) on an inner wall (12) of a structure (14). The method comprises: (a) causing vibrations in the structure; (b) detecting said vibrations in the structure; (c) determining a resonance frequency of the structure based on the detected vibrations; and (d) determining the thickness of any deposit of material on the inner wall of the structure based on the determined resonance frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: STATOIL ASAInventors: Lene Amundsen, Rainer Hoffmann
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Publication number: 20110303013Abstract: Disclosed is a wear plate assembly for NDT/NDI probes which provides sufficient protection for the probe being wrung against test objects, desirable acoustic performance meeting the requirements for versatile ultrasonic inspections while providing a mechanism that allows the transducer to be put into or taken out conveniently. The wear plate protects probes from being pieced, worn or structurally deformed albeit being thinner than a wavelength of the acoustic echoes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventors: Daniel Stephen Kass, Matthew Edward Stanton, Thomas J. Nelligan
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Publication number: 20110303014Abstract: An ultrasonic wave propagation time measurement system comprises: a transmitting section that transmits an electromagnetic wave signal indicating transmission timing and an ultrasonic wave signal, and a receiving section that detects the transmitted electromagnetic wave signal and the ultrasonic wave signal and calculates an ultrasonic wave propagation time based on reception times of the electromagnetic wave signal and the ultrasonic wave signal; and an initial mode setting mechanism that constitutes an optimum ultrasonic wave transmission/reception system by selecting the set values of one or more setting parameters is provided in a controlling unit that controls the transmission of the signals in the transmitting section and in a data processing unit that controls the detection and calculation in receiving section.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventor: Hiroshi Kajitani
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Publication number: 20110303015Abstract: A photoacoustic measuring apparatus includes a light source, a movable holding unit which holds an object, a light diffusing unit which fixes the distance between the light diffusing unit and the holding unit and diffuses light incident from the light source, and an acoustic wave obtaining unit which obtains an acoustic wave generated from the object by the light emitted via the holding unit and the light diffusing unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shigeru Ichihara, Yukio Furukawa, Shuichi Kobayashi
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Publication number: 20110303016Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to MEMS-based medical devices including a flexible housing that forms a chamber for encapsulating a fluid or liquid. The devices also include encapsulated electrodes, portions of which are exposed to the fluid or liquid within the chamber for sensing and/or physical actuation (controlled movement). Such medical devices can function specifically as: contact force sensors; and/or out-of-plane actuators. Device function is enabled by the encapsulation of liquid within the microchamber. Depending on the kind of electrical input applied, the encapsulated electrodes can function as electrochemical sensing elements; and/or electrolytic generation electrodes. Devices according to the present disclosure can have a fluidic coupling to the external environment or can be isolated. Fluidic isolation from the surrounding environment can be accomplished by the inclusion of an annular-plate stiction valve within the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIAInventors: Christian A. Gutierrez, Ellis Meng
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Publication number: 20110303017Abstract: A high pressure tank that has particular application for storing hydrogen gas on a vehicle for a fuel cell system. The tank includes a gas tight inner liner layer and a fiber bundle outer composite structural layer. A first strain gauge is provided in the outer layer and a second strain gauge is provided in the inner liner layer both proximate a transition between the layers. The strain gauges are calibrated relative to each other to identify the pressure where the inner liner layer begins to shrink and separate from the outer composite layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Christoph Kuebel
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Publication number: 20110303018Abstract: The invention relates to a testing apparatus, comprising a carrying construction for supporting a road section, and a frame for positioning a test wheel on the surface of the road section. During operation of the apparatus the test wheel, by a tread thereof, describes a circular path over the road surface. The frame is provided with a sensor for measuring a force exerted on the measuring wheel by the road surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: OOMS NEDERLAND HOLDING B.V.Inventors: Adriaan Hermann de Bondt, Radjan Nerinderpersad Khedoe, Frederik Roelf Spieard
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Publication number: 20110303019Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of monitoring multiphase fluid flow passing within a pipe is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: Expro Meters, Inc.Inventor: Daniel L. Gysling
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Publication number: 20110303020Abstract: The invention relates to a torque sensor comprising an inner body, an outer annular body surrounding the inner body concentrically and webs connecting the inner body to the outer annular body in a star shape. Further on the torque sensor comprises a means for introducing torque and at least one measuring element on a web for determining deformation. The webs have the form of a u-profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventors: Petar Valov, Rainer Schwafertz, Hans-Joachim Mehlau
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Publication number: 20110303021Abstract: A test fixture is provided for automotive wiper systems. The wiper system includes a plurality of connection points and one or more wiper arm connectors. The test fixture measures forces caused by the wiper system's operation at the plurality of connection points while a resistive torque is applied to each of the wiper arm connectors. The test fixture allows for multiple attachment configurations to accommodate the many wiper system configurations that exist.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventor: Dana F. Nicgorski, II
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Publication number: 20110303022Abstract: Methods and instruments for characterizing a material, such as the properties of bone in a living human subject, using a test probe constructed for insertion into the material and a reference probe aligned with the test probe in a housing. The housing is hand held or placed so that the reference probe contacts the surface of the material under pressure applied either by hand or by the weight of the housing. The test probe is inserted into the material to indent the material while maintaining the reference probe substantially under the hand pressure or weight of the housing allowing evaluation of a property of the material related to indentation of the material by the probe. Force can be generated by a voice coil in a magnet structure to the end of which the test probe is connected and supported in the magnet structure by a flexure, opposing flexures, a linear translation stage, or a linear bearing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Paul Hansma, Barney Drake, Douglas Rehn, Jonathan Adams, Jason Lulejian
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Publication number: 20110303023Abstract: A pressure sensor, comprising: a semiconductor pressure measuring transducer having a measuring membrane and a circuit for transducing a deformation of the measuring membrane into a signal; a pressure transfer structure having a hydraulic path, which extends through a solid body between a first a second opening. The first opening is sealed by an isolating diaphragm, which is contactable with a pressure, in order to introduce the pressure to be measured into the hydraulic path. The hydraulic path opens, at the second opening, into a transducer chamber, in which the pressure measuring transducer is arranged and which is sealed by the measuring membrane of the pressure measuring transducer. The hydraulic path contains a transfer liquid; a filling element, which is arranged in the transducer chamber, in order to fill hollow spaces between metal walls of the transducer chamber and the semiconductor pressure measuring transducer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Raimund Becher, Ralf Nurnberger, Fred Haker, Olaf Krusemark, Olaf Textor
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Publication number: 20110303024Abstract: An inlet apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may include a first conduit for sampling, and a second and third conduit for directing flow throughout the inlet apparatus. Flow may be induced in two opposite directions through the second conduit, which affect the flow of gas through the first conduit for sampling. The various conduits of the apparatus may be connected to a device for inducing flow in different directions. The duration of the flow in a particular direction affects the amount of sample gas that enters a detection device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: General Dynamics Armament and Technical ProductsInventors: Eric Charles WALLIS, Paul J. Rauch, Matthew Todd Griffin, John Michael Alfred Petinarides
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Publication number: 20110303025Abstract: The present invention hereby describes an apparatus and/or apparatuses to collect aqueous solutions, gas compounds, solid compounds and/or hydrocarbon liquid samples from a pipe, pipeline, tank or vessel for microbiological analysis; to determine if that environment contains microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) bacterium, which may contribute to the internal wall corrosion of the pipe's, pipeline's, tank's or vessel's metallic composition. The present invention also includes sterile absorbent materials within the apparatus(es); which have different absorbency rates and coatings, which are hydrocarbon and/or aqueous soluble at differing time periods, to represent adequate sampling of the fluids; as it travels through and within a pipe, pipeline, tank or vessel system. Solids are trapped within, and included within, a coated or non-coated sterile matrix which may contain sessilic MIC bacterium.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: MIC Corrosion Tek, LLCInventor: Douglas Maurice Chartier
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Publication number: 20110303026Abstract: A testing system for testing a prosthetic valve. The system includes a housing having a main channel defines a circuitous flow path for a fluid. The solid housing also includes a chamber which in turn includes a piston having an opening at the bottom end. The piston moves in a reciprocating motion within the chamber. Further, a holding mechanism, for holding a prosthetic valve, is positioned within the main channel at either or both sides of the chamber, or within the opening in the piston. A user of the device may selectively control a flow path of the fluid between 1). having the fluid flow through the prosthetic valve installed in the piston, and 2). having no fluid passing though the piston.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventor: Shouyan Lee
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Publication number: 20110303027Abstract: The invention provides methods and components for assembly of arrays of sensors from modular units containing component sensors of the array. The methods are particularly useful for forming arrays of microarrays. The sensor modules can readily be assembled in different combinations thereby allowing many different modular sensor arrays to be assembled from the same building blocks. Such modular sensor arrays offer advantages of economies of scale for a manufacturer of the modular units and flexibility for an end user in allowing the user to customize the array of sensor according to the user's own needs from a relatively small number of sensor modules provided by the manufacturer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: Affymetrix, Inc.Inventors: Mohsen Shirazi, John A. Mundaden, Scott A. Perrault
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Publication number: 20110303028Abstract: A controllable steering rack guide system includes a pinion having pinion gear teeth and a steering rack having rack gear teeth engaged with the pinion gear teeth of the pinion. A rack guide is radially moveable relative to the steering rack for applying a radial force to the steering rack. A primary spring applies a compression force on the rack guide for forcing the rack guide radially toward the steering rack. The compression force of the primary spring is continuously adjustable during operation of the pinion and the steering rack.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Jinghong Yu, Daniel Vogel
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Publication number: 20110303029Abstract: Describes a snow and debris removal system containing both lift and rotational actuators. The actuators allow for both up and down and rotational movement relative to the implement mounting device the removal system is attached to. The rotational movement is provided by a rotation actuator fixed to a frame which applies force to a cable via a worm. The cable is mounted to an implement causing the implement to rotate about a pivot point attached to the frame. Rotational forces incurred on the implement go from the cable to the nut to the worm which does not back-drive thereby, avoiding damage to the motor actuator. Up and down movement is provided by an actuator that is mounted to the frame of the debris removal system which drives a rack which is attached to a fixed point on the implement mounting device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventor: Bert Wanlass
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Publication number: 20110303030Abstract: A rotational-to-linear conversion mechanism inhibits interference from occurring in places except for an engagement site to increase the efficiency of conversion mechanism and reliability, which has: a rack rod 1 including thread on its outer peripheral face; a holder member 3 provided on the outer periphery of the rack rod, rotating about the rack rod and moving in the axis direction; and revolving rollers 21 rotatably supported in the holder member, each having ring-shaped grooves formed in its outer peripheral face to be engaged with the thread, and placed at an axis angle with respect to a center axis of the rack rod to allow the ring-shaped grooves to be engaged with the thread on the rack rod. A contact face of the thread with each ring-shaped groove in an engagement site of the thread and the ring-shaped groove is formed as a convex face having different curvatures in a radial direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventors: Yoshio Okamoto, Kenji Hiraku, Isamu Tsubono
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Publication number: 20110303031Abstract: A novel apparatus and method of controlling sails and their related mechanical forces on sailing systems through the utilization of threaded elements/forms. This device is easily scaled to the requirements of the particular sailing system being controlled. It has four basic elements providing control. The first is a rotatable lead screw having a lead angle of 5° or less. A matching internally threaded element, which travels in a linearly upon the lead screw when same is rotated. The lead screw may have non-threaded smooth sections on each end, which provide an area for rotary bearing supports. Rotation of the lead screw is provided for upon either or both ends. The lead screw may be of any form or design provided it has a lead angle of 5° or less. This feature eliminates the need for brakes or other holding devices to sustain loads after they have been positioned.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventor: William Steven Kroll
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Publication number: 20110303032Abstract: The invention relates to a gearing mechanism (1) that serves particularly as a worm gear for assemblies for outside force activated adjustment of elements of a motor vehicle, comprising a housing component (9) and a shaft (2) mounted in the housing component (9). The shaft (2) is driven rotating relative to the housing component (9) with regard to a rotation axis (8) in a first rotation direction (11) and in a second rotation direction (12) opposite the first rotation direction (11). There is also a wrap element (15) that wraps the shaft (2) multiple times. The wrap element (15) is designed as a spring-elastic wrap element (15). A first end (19) of the wrap element (15) is fastened in a stationary manner to the housing component (9). This can achieve a self-locking of the shaft (2) dependent on the rotation direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2009Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Hans-Juergen Oberle, Wilhelm Braun, Willi Schmidt, Siegfried Reichmann, Roland Braun
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Publication number: 20110303033Abstract: A gear selector apparatus for a transmission having a first gear and a second gear selectively engageable to a shaft through a synchronizer. The gear selector apparatus includes a hydraulic actuator, a gear selection fork engaged with the actuator, a guide bar fixed for common movement to the gear selection fork, a detent mechanism disposed in contact with a first edge of the guide bar, a position sensor disposed in contact with a second edge of the guide bar, a first and a second pressure control valve in communication with the hydraulic actuator, a controller in electrical communication with the position sensor and the first and second pressure control valve. The controller includes a control logic sequence.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Shushan Bai, Vijay A. Neelakantan, Paul G. Otanez