Patents Issued in February 7, 2012
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Patent number: 8109105Abstract: In a refrigerating air conditioning system using refrigerant such as CO2 used in a supercritical area, a highly efficient refrigerating air conditioning system is provided by adjusting the amount of refrigerant in a radiator which contributes to the efficiency of the system stably and quickly. During heat utilizing operation, the superheat at the exit of an evaporator is controlled to a predetermined value by controlling the opening of an expansion valve provided on the upstream side of the evaporator, and an expansion valve is controlled so that the state of refrigerant in a connection pipe on the high-pressure side becomes a supercritical state. In this state, a flow rate control valve is controlled to change the density of the refrigerant stored in a refrigerant storage container and the amount of refrigerant existing in the radiator is adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2005Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Fumitake Unezaki, Tetsuji Saikusa, Takashi Okazaki, Makoto Saitou, Hirokuni Shiba, Sou Nomoto
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Patent number: 8109106Abstract: The present invention relates to a malfunction preventing device and a method thereof, which ignores an input signal produced by electricity capacity variation because of moisture to prevent a malfunction of a refrigerator. A malfunction preventing device for a refrigerator includes an inputting part in which a static electricity switch is provided to produce an input signal, and a controlling part that ignores a first input signal inputted in a wait mode, wherein there is no inputted signal from the inputting part for a predetermined delaying time period in the wait mode. A method for preventing a malfunction of a refrigerator includes performing a wait mode in that there is no input signal produced by static electricity for a predetermined delay time period, and ignoring a first input signal inputted in the wait mode.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Dae Jong Kang
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Patent number: 8109107Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device to efficiently regulate flow of refrigerant while maintaining a sealed chamber in systems providing stored thermal energy for use during peak electrical demand. A mixed-phase regulator replaces the thermostatic expansion valve used in conventional air-conditioning systems that, along with capillary tubes and orifices, regulates the refrigerant fed from the compressor to the heat load.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Ice Energy, Inc.Inventors: Ramachandran Narayanamurthy, Robert Scott Hicks, Robert K. Kerrigan, Christopher A. Kay
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Patent number: 8109108Abstract: A ventilation flow path through which air present in an internal space at an instrument panel is drawn and discharged to the outside of the cabin as a blower fan operates is formed in a ventilation mode without forming an air-conditioning flow path for blowing inside air or outside air into the cabin and the air-conditioning flow path is formed without forming the ventilation flow path in a mode other than the ventilation mode.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2006Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroki Nagayama, Hajime Kato, Teruaki Ishikawa
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Patent number: 8109109Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system for cooling residential spaces, such as a garage. The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a steel security door modified with evaporative media to cool incoming air, a water supply and re-circulating subsystem and a large fan to move fresh air through the cool door, into one or more residential spaces, such as a garage and/or an attic.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventor: Weldon Louis Knape, Jr.
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Patent number: 8109110Abstract: A direct exchange geothermal heating/cooling system has a self-adjusting expansion valve and a bypass flow path to improve efficiency when the system operates in a heating mode. The expansion valve may operate based solely on pressure from the vapor refrigerant transport line. The system may alternatively include an accumulator, a compressor, and an oil separator, wherein an oil return line returns oil from the oil separator to the accumulator. Additionally, a direct exchange geothermal heating/cooling system may include a hot-gas bypass valve for diverting heated vapor refrigerant to the liquid refrigerant line. Finally, a direct exchange geothermal heating/cooling system having a sub-surface heat exchanger extending to a depth of at least 300 feet may use a refrigerant particularly suited for such an application.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Earth To Air Systems, LLCInventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
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Patent number: 8109111Abstract: An optional unit (30) including a high pressure side compressor (31) and a gas-liquid separator (33) is provided between an outdoor unit (20) including a low pressure side compressor (21) and an indoor unit (40). During a defrosting operation, refrigerant discharged from the low pressure side compressor (21) defrosts an outdoor heat exchanger (21) while refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator (33) is sucked into the high pressure side compressor (31) and is then discharged to the suction side of the low pressure side compressor (21). The optional unit (30) includes an injection pipe (36) for returning part of the refrigerant discharged from the high pressure side compressor (31) to the suction side of the high pressure side compressor (31) in the defrosting operation. Hence, the refrigerant flowing into the high pressure side compressor (31) from the gas-liquid separator (33) is gasified by the high-temperature discharged refrigerant.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Masahiro Yamada
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Patent number: 8109112Abstract: A variable ice storage assembly for a refrigerator includes a storage cavity adapted to receive ice from an ice maker. The storage assembly is positioned between a light emitter and a receiver of an ice level sensor. The storage assembly can be utilized in a non-reflecting configuration wherein the ice level sensor functions in a standard manner, or a reflecting configuration wherein the sensing level is effectively lowered within the storage assembly. In the reflecting configuration, first and second mirrored inserts, supported by respective insert portions on the storage assembly, cooperate with first and second reflecting plates on the storage assembly to redirect light from the emitter in a circuitous path. A user may position the mirrored inserts at various angles, depending on the level of ice desired within the storage assembly. The storage assembly may be utilized alone, or as in insert within an ice bucket.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Lindsey A. Smith, Timothy A. Fulton
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Patent number: 8109113Abstract: An apparatus for making and dispensing frozen aerated products includes a rotating horizontal freeze plate with an upper surface for receiving a chilled aerated mix. The chilled aerated mix includes, in one embodiment, ice cream base that has been sufficiently aerated, and flavor. The apparatus further includes a scraper for scraping frozen aerated mix off of the rotating freeze plate. The scraper includes a body that forms an elongated semi-cylindrical channel. The apparatus also includes a plow for pushing the scraped, frozen and aerated mix through the channel towards a cup held by a cup lifter disposed at an end of the channel. The action of the plow pushes the scraped frozen aerated mix through the channel and into the cup resulting in a generally round scoop of scraped frozen aerated mix in the cup that resembles a serving scoop experienced at a traditional ice cream shop.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Fluid Management Operations, LLCInventors: Gary L. Takata, Brian R. Hill, Christopher K. Khoo, Timothy P. Hogan, John J. Hsing, Sam J. Ford, Tim J. DeGroot, William A. Miller, James Martin, Christopher E. Peters
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Patent number: 8109114Abstract: An ice maker and a controlling method thereof are provided. The system and method may prevent the overflow or splashing of water or thin ice out of an ice tray during the supply of water or when the ice maker is shaken by an external force. The ice maker may include an ice tray, and an ice tray cover that covers an open portion of the ice tray. The cover may include an opening through which water may be supplied to the ice tray, and through which ice may be discharged from the ice tray. The cover may move together with the tray, or may move separately from the tray, to facilitate these supply and discharge processes.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Tae Hee Lee, Hong Hee Park, Joon Hwan Oh, Young Jin Kim, Kwang Ha Suh
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Patent number: 8109115Abstract: Refrigeration apparatus comprising a cold storage compartment, accessible from the outside, and provided internally with a sealed container adapted to accommodate a flexible and compressible receptacle holding a beverage; there are provided pneumatic or air-compression means to generate a selectively controllable pneumatic pressure inside said container, but outside said flexible receptacle, and said sealed container is capable of being opened from the outside by means of a closure applied on a face thereof, wherein said closure is provided with a through-aperture, through which there extends a drawing-off conduit. Whenever a need arises for beverage to be drawn off the receptacle, a pressure increase is triggered inside the sealed container, and said pressure increase will act upon the walls of the internal receptacle so that the latter is caused to collapse and reduce its volume, thereby causing the beverage to be ejected therefrom and, therefore, drawn off.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2006Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Electrolux Professional SpAInventors: Ennio Pippia, Deny Longo
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Patent number: 8109116Abstract: A refrigeration air conditioner includes a first equalizer pipe connecting a bottom portion of a first hermetic vessel, which contains a main compression mechanism and lubricating oil, to a bottom portion of a second hermetic vessel, which contains an expansion mechanism, a sub-compression mechanism, and lubricating oil. A second equalizer pipe connects a side of the second hermetic vessel at a position higher than a minimum oil level to a suction side of the main compression mechanism. The space within the second hermetic vessel is isolated from the expansion mechanism and the sub-compression mechanism, and the pressure within the second hermetic vessel is not dependent upon the pressure within the expansion mechanism and the pressure within the sub-compression mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2006Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Shin Sekiya, Masayuki Kakuda, Toshihide Koda, Masahiro Sugihara
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Patent number: 8109117Abstract: A method and device for bending superposed sheets of glass. The sheets are picked up by a top form furnished with a suction creating an upward airflow blowing over the rim of the sheets, the suction being sufficient to lift and hold the superposed sheets against the top form, then the sheets are pressed between the top form and a full surface solid concave bottom form furnished with openings, the pressing beginning conducted while the suction is not yet finished or is finishing, then the superposed sheets are formed, by suction of the main face of the bottom sheet through the openings of the bottom concave mold, the forming by suction beginning while the pressing is not yet finished, and then the sheets are cooled. Windshields free of optical defects may thus be produced.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2005Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass FranceInventors: Michael Balduin, Michael Labrot, Karl-Josef Ollfisch, Herbert Radermacher, Guenther Schall
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Patent number: 8109118Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for efficiently remove bubbles present on a surface of molten glass, which can solve a problem that bubbles remaining on a surface of molten glass are get inside at a time of forming the glass to cause inside bubbles, to thereby provide a glass substrate of good quality, and which can improve productivity of glass substrates; and to provide a process for producing glass employing the above method for removing bubbles. The present invention provides a method for removing bubbles from molten glass, which is a method for removing floating bubbles on a surface of molten glass, wherein a floating bubble on the surface of molten glass is irradiated with at least one laser beam.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, LimitedInventors: Mitsuru Watanabe, Yutaka Kuroiwa, Motoichi Iga, Setsuro Ito, Yasuji Fukasawa
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Patent number: 8109119Abstract: A steam generating device and a washing machine having the same are disclosed. The steam generating device includes a lower housing, which contains water, in which a heater is arranged, and which has a vertical length longer than a horizontal length, an upper housing including a steam chamber for containing steam generated as the water is heated, a water level sensor for sensing a water level of the water chamber, and a receptacle for covering the water level sensor, the receptacle including an opening for allowing water to be introduced into the receptacle. In accordance with this configuration, it is possible to easily install the steam generating device, to achieve a superior performance, to prevent the water level sensor from malfunctioning, and to prevent spots from being formed on laundry.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: In Geun Ahn, Kyu Won Lee, Seong Il Moon
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Patent number: 8109120Abstract: A steam generating device and a washing machine having the same are disclosed. The steam generating device includes a lower housing including a main portion for receiving a heater, and connecting portions extending outwardly from the main portion, the lower housing defining a water chamber for containing water, an upper housing connected to the connecting portions, the upper housing defining a steam chamber for containing steam, a water level sensor for sensing a level of water contained in the water chamber, and a receptacle for protecting the water level sensor. The receptacle has an opening for allowing water to be introduced into the receptacle, and is substantially aligned with an inner surface of the lower housing or is arranged at a position spaced apart from the heater by a longer distance than the inner surface of the lower housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: In Geun Ahn, Kyu Won Lee, Seong Il Moon
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Patent number: 8109121Abstract: Disclosed is a drum type washing machine comprising a cabinet having an opening, a door installed at the cabinet, a tub installed in the cabinet, a drum rotatably installed in the tub, a gasket sealing a gap between the door and the tub by being installed between the opening of the cabinet and the tub and a moisture removing means provided at the gasket and a means sealing a gap between the door and the tub installed between the opening of the cabinet and the tub to prevent pollutants from being generated at a middle of a lower end of an inner side surface or to prevent washing water from remaining thereat, where the residual washing water preventing means is implemented as a drain portion or a heating member provided at the gasket that is capable of preventing odor or foreign substances caused by moisture remaining at the gasket.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Su-Hee Shin, Min-Su Kang
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Patent number: 8109122Abstract: A key-operated cylinder lock for operating a bolt or a latch, that can be programmed for use with one of a plurality of user keys without disassembling the lock or replacing the tumblers, with reduction or elimination of incidental or accidental re-keying of the lock. The lock has a rotating plug having one or more retainer cavities formed into the periphery, and lock configuration change balls, movable within the lock between a first position within a driver chamber and a second position within a corresponding retainer cavity when the plug is in a programming position. The positioning of the change balls within either the pin chambers or the retainer cavities determines the key configuration that can operate the lock. The lock employs a means for isolating selectively the retainer cavities from the corresponding driver chambers when the plug is in the programming position, to prevent incidental or accidental movement of the change members from the driver chamber into the retainer cavities.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: JaNaKa Limited PartnershipInventor: Rodrick A. Herdman
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Patent number: 8109123Abstract: A riveting unit is assembled with an electric rivet gun, including a transmission unit, a clamping jaw having a locating portion driven by the transmission unit to be moveable between a first position and a second position, a first sensor detecting whether the locating portion of the clamping jaw is located at the first position, and a second sensor detecting whether the locating portion of the clamping jaw is located at the second position. When the locating portion of the clamping jaw is located at the first position, a blind rivet can be installed in the clamping jaw, and when the locating portion of the clamping jaw is located at the second position, the blind rivet can be ejected, and meanwhile the second sensor can allow the transmission unit to stop the movement of the clamping jaw, thereby preventing the clamping jaw from moving backwards excessively.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Tranmax Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hsin-Chi Chen
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Patent number: 8109124Abstract: An elongated strap member that is coiled in a box and is bent lengthwise as it is drawn out of the box, providing an economical, light, compact means of connecting multiple structural members without sagging or other disadvantageous deformations between the structural members. The structural members are bridged by strap member. The end of the strap member is bent over.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie CompanyInventor: Jin-Jie Lin
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Patent number: 8109125Abstract: A method for manufacturing ultralow-resistance current sensors of size 0402 to 4518 of IEEE specifications includes the steps of: a raw metallic strip being pressed to roll over a first tension roller, a cutting tool over the first tension roller being fed to cut the raw metallic strip so as to form a deep groove thereof along the moving metallic strip, an insulating material being filled into and along the deep groove so as to form an lengthwise insulating portion of the metallic strip, and the metallic strip with the insulating portion being segmented into a plurality of ultralow-resistance current sensors.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventor: Jen-Huan Pan
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Patent number: 8109126Abstract: A dewatering system includes a selective calibrating sensor circuit configured to receive sensor readings from an electronic sensor, to determine if the electronic sensor is immersed in water, and to generate a control output signal accordingly. The selective calibrating sensor circuit periodically performs a self-calibration when the electronic sensor is not immersed in water to cancel the effect of potential contaminants deposited on the electronic sensor over its operating life. The selective calibrating sensor circuit inhibits calibration when the electronic sensor is immersed in water.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: SEEwater, Inc.Inventor: Robert F. Gibb
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Patent number: 8109127Abstract: A device for measurement of entrained and dissolved gas has a first module arranged in relation to a process line for providing a first signal containing information about a sensed entrained air/gas in a fluid or process mixture flowing in the process line at a process line pressure. The device features a combination of a bleed line, a second module and a third module. The bleed line is coupled to the process line for bleeding a portion of the fluid or process mixture from the process line at a bleed line pressure that is lower than the process pressure. The second module is arranged in relation to the bleed line, for providing a second signal containing information about a sensed bleed line entrained air/gas in the fluid or process mixture flowing in the bleed line.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: CiDRA Corporate Services, Inc.Inventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Douglas H. Loose
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Patent number: 8109128Abstract: A photo acoustic trace gas detector (100) is provided for detecting a concentration of a trace gas in a gas mixture. The detector (100) comprises a light source (101) for producing a light beam and a light modulator (103) for modulating the light beam into a series of light pulses at a chopping frequency for generating sound waves in the gas mixture. The amplitude of the sound waves is a measure of the concentration of the trace gas. The detector (100) further comprises an optical cavity (104a, 104b) with the gas mixture. The optical cavity (104a, 104b) amplifies the light intensity of the light pulses. A transducer (109) converts the sound waves into electrical signals. A feed back loop (110, 111, 113, 114) regulates a ratio of a length of the optical cavity (104a, 104b) and a wavelength of the light beam for amplifying the light intensity of the light pulses in the optical cavity (104a, 104b).Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Jeroen Kalkman, Maarten Marinus Johannes Wilhelm Van Herpen, Hans Willem Van Kesteren
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Patent number: 8109129Abstract: A nanoparticle size classifier comprising a variable flow rate system with a single diffusion element 3 placed inside a cell 2 containing inlet 1 and outlets 6 and 7, an aerosol filter 8, flow meter 9, pump 10 and pump controller 11, which enables a plurality of measurements to be obtained by means of passing an aerosol through the diffusion element 3 at various flow rates. Preferably, outlet of the diffusion cell is connected to a particle counter 5 via a three-way valve 6. The diffusion element has a net or screen that permit air through but capture some particles. In a preferred embodiment, the nanoparticle size classifier is connected to a PC 12 (a notebook or a palm-size computer) to acquire and process data.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Naneum LimitedInventor: Boris Zachar Gorbunov
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Patent number: 8109130Abstract: A gas detector and process for detecting a fluorine-containing species in a gas containing same, e.g., an effluent of a semiconductor processing tool undergoing etch cleaning with HF, NF3, etc. The detector in a preferred structural arrangement employs a microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-based device structure and/or a free-standing metal element that functions as a sensing component and optionally as a heat source when elevated temperature sensing is required. The free-standing metal element can be fabricated directly onto a standard chip carrier/device package so that the package becomes a platform of the detector.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.Inventors: Frank Dimeo, Jr., Philip S. H. Chen, Jeffrey W. Neuner, James Welch, Michele Stawasz, Thomas H. Baum, Mackenzie E. King, Ing-Shin Chen, Jeffrey F. Roeder
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Patent number: 8109131Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a fluid and determining a leak comprising the steps of providing a meter and a meter register coacting with the meter. When a leak is detected, a signal is transmitted from the meter register regarding fluid consumption. The transmitted signal indicates a leak either when the measured flow rate remains a fixed volume over a fixed period of time, or the measured flow rate exceeds a threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Arad Measuring Technologies Ltd.Inventor: Dan Winter
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Patent number: 8109132Abstract: The apparatus (1) comprises a sensor (3) having a sensor axis (A), for monitoring at least one property of a fluid; a body (2) for comprising said fluid; and a connecting system for detachably connecting said sensor to said body; wherein said connecting system comprises a fixing member (9) arranged at said body, rotatable around an axis (R) of rotation; and a retaining member (6) arranged at said sensor, interacting with said fixing member; wherein said axis of rotation is arranged substantially perpendicular to said sensor axis. The method is a method for detachably connecting a sensor (3) for monitoring at least one property of a fluid to a body (2) containing said fluid, said sensor having a sensor axis (A).Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2006Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Swan Analytische Instrumente AGInventor: Heinrich Maurer
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Patent number: 8109133Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for measuring the ability of a material to absorb a liquid, whereby a liquid is brought into contact with a surface of a test specimen (P) of the material, and wherein the amount of liquid that has been absorbed in the test specimen is calculated. A certain amount of liquid is supplied to a liquid chamber unit, which on one side is limited by said surface, such that an amount of liquid which is absorbed by the test specimen leaves the liquid chamber unit and a representation comprising an indication of the reduction of the amount of liquid in the liquid chamber unit is produced.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Fibro System ABInventors: Bernt Bostrom, Ulf Backlund
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Patent number: 8109134Abstract: In a method for determining the degree of hardening or drying of one or more printed ink and/or coating film(s) on a substrate, for instance, paper, cardboard, plastic film or composite materials, a faster and more efficient measuring method can be found that furthermore supplies secure and easily interpreted results. The method is to be used in the mass production printing processes comprising intaglio printing, flexographic printing, screen printing or offset printing. The degree of hardening or drying is determined indirectly by way of the change in the mechanical and/or viscoelastic properties of the ink and/or coating films on the substrate that result from the hardening or drying process. The detection of acoustic waves by means of a piezoelectric sensor is used as the measuring method.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: manroland AGInventor: Magdalena-Elena Casagrande
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Patent number: 8109135Abstract: A cantilever assembly (1) comprises a cantilever (10) having a cantilever tip (11). The cantilever is mounted to a rigid support (12,120,121) and is provided on its back side with an area (110) of a high reflectance material having a boundary (111) sloping towards the support (12). The extensions (c, ?c) of the area (110) and of the boundary (111) towards the support fulfil the condition c/?c?1 wherein c denotes the extension of the area (110) of the high reflectance material in the direction towards the support (12), and ?c denotes the extension of the sloped boundary (111) of the area (110) of the high reflectance material in the direction towards the support (12).Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2004Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Nano World AGInventors: Hans J. Hug, Bart Hoogenboom, Sascha Martin, Jinling Yang
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Patent number: 8109136Abstract: In order to acquire the angular position of a shaft of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, in particular a crankshaft or a camshaft, a shaft angle sensor and a shaft angle sensor system are proposed. The shaft angle sensor has a magnetic transducer element and a magnetic sensor element. Either the magnetic transducer element or the magnetic sensor element is capable of being connected fixedly to the shaft. The magnetic sensor element produces at least one angle signal that is transmitted wirelessly to a base station by a transmitter device.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: David Moessner
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Patent number: 8109137Abstract: A device detects the cam top position in an in-line type high pressure pump with a decreased amount of time required to detect the rotation position of the cam top position in an engine starting operation, thereby decreasing the time for starting an engine. A cam for driving a plunger has a plurality of cam lobes, and a plurality of cam top position pointers are attached to the outer periphery of the camshaft or to the outer periphery of a flywheel connected to the camshaft such that each of the pointers corresponds to each of the cam lobes of the cam in number and angle phase, respectively. A cam top position detector is located to face the pointers when the camshaft rotates so that the pointers are detected by the detector.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Kensho Kato
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Patent number: 8109138Abstract: A method and control module for indicating engine oil life includes a viscosity determination module determining a viscosity of the engine oil based on an engine oil pressure and engine oil temperature. The control system further includes a comparison module comparing the viscosity of the engine oil to a threshold and generating a warning signal in response to comparing the viscosity.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventors: Taeyoung Han, Liyun Zheng
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Patent number: 8109139Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring air pressure in vehicle tires using wheel electronics, which comprise a pressure sensor for measuring the air pressure present in the tire, a transmitter for transmitting pressure information, and a receiver for receiving interrogation signals, wherein a transmission activity of the wheel electronics is triggered by the reception of an interrogation signal, which is transmitted as a pulse train comprising a command section that encodes a transmission instruction for the wheel electronics. According to the invention, the pulse train comprises an adjustment section having several pulses before the command section.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: BorgWarner BERU Systems GmbHInventors: Markus Wagner, Karsten Sandrock
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Patent number: 8109140Abstract: A reservoir sampling apparatus (20) is described having at least one probe (26) adapted to provide a fluid flow path between a formation and the inner of the apparatus with the flow path being sealed from direct flow of fluids from the borehole annulus with a heating projector (251) adapted to project heat into the formation surrounding the probe and a controller (253) to maintain the temperature in the formation below a threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2006Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Gary John Tustin, Ahmed Hammami, Shawn David Taylor
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Patent number: 8109141Abstract: A system and/or method for sensing the presence of moisture (e.g., rain) and/or other material(s) on a window such as a vehicle window (e.g., vehicle windshield or backlite). In certain example embodiments, a capacitor-based system and/or method is provided for auto-correlating sensor data to determine the existence of a material on the window, and then cross-correlating sensor data to identify the type and/or amount of that material (e.g., rain). This data may be used to actuate and/or deactivate a vehicle's wiper(s), and/or adjust wiper speed. In certain example embodiments, the sensor may include an array of at least two capacitors. In certain example embodiments, the system and/or method may perform check(s) to enhance the accuracy of the detection by comparing, for example, the sign of autocorrelation values, maximum autocorrelation values, and/or gradients of autocorrelation values.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.Inventor: Vijayen S. Veerasamy
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Patent number: 8109142Abstract: An inertial sensing system includes a diamagnetic mass, a plurality of permanent magnets positioned to form a curved base, wherein the plurality of permanent magnets are configured to provide an inhomogeneous magnetic field upon which the diamagnetic mass becomes levitated above the plurality of permanent magnets within the curved base and wherein the curved base also provides a confinement potential to substantially prevent the diamagnetic mass from exiting an interior of the curved base, and a tracking apparatus for monitoring at least one of a position and an orientation of the diamagnetic mass with respect to the curved structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Alexandre M. Bratkovski, Iakov V. Kopelevitch
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Patent number: 8109143Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for a sealed housing for downhole transducers. The housing system includes a housing body and a transducer positioned within the housing body, and one or more flexible members sealably mounted on the housing body. The flexible members each have one or more undulations which facilitate movement of the flexible member in directions primarily perpendicular to the surface of the flexible member. The dimensions of the one or more undulations are designed so as to optimize the ability of the movements of the member thereby accommodating volume changes in the sealed housing. A substantial amount of compensating material can also be positioned within the housing body. The compensating material has a coefficient of thermal expansion substantially less than that of the housing material.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Wei-Heong Tan, Noriyuki Matsumoto
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Patent number: 8109144Abstract: A multi-axis accelerometer or a multi-axis angular rate sensor which can be made by an easy process and the size of which can be greatly reduced is provided. An inertia sensor has a substrate, a flat proofmass formed on the substrate and a stacked structure including at least a lower electrode, a piezoelectric film, and an upper electrode, an anchor unit formed in a cutout inside of the proofmass and fixed on the substrate, and a plurality of flat piezoelectric beams each having one end connected to the proofmass, the other end connected to the anchor unit, and a stacked structure formed in a cutout inside of the proofmass and including at least a lower electrode, a piezoelectric film, and an upper electrode, wherein the inertia sensor enables to detect an acceleration applied on the proofmass based on charges generated to the electrodes of the piezoelectric beams.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Takashi Kawakubo, Toshihiko Nagano, Michihiko Nishigaki
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Patent number: 8109145Abstract: One embodiment is a micro hemispheric resonator gyro having: a plurality of pickoff and forcer electrodes; a hemispheric resonator; a guard ring having first and second opposed sides, the guard ring containing the plurality of pickoff and forcer electrodes, and the hemispheric resonator; a top cover operatively coupled to the first side of the guard ring; and a bottom cover operatively coupled to the second side of the guard ring; wherein the plurality of pickoff and forcer electrodes, the hemispheric resonator, the guard ring, the top cover and the bottom cover form a micro hemispheric resonator gyro.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Northrop Grumman Guidance and Electronics Company, Inc.Inventor: Robert E. Stewart
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Patent number: 8109146Abstract: There are disclosed systems and methods for measuring the bowing parameters and the bowed string dynamics of a player playing a bowed string instrument. A system for measuring the bowing parameters and the bowed string dynamics may comprise a computer, a bow system and a base component. The bow system may comprise a force sensing mechanism and a bow board. The bow board may comprise an acceleration and angular velocity sensing mechanism, a position and speed sensing mechanism, a data communication module, and a power module. The base component may comprise an acceleration and angular velocity sensing mechanism, a position and speed sensing mechanism, a data communication module, and a power module.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventor: Diana Young
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Patent number: 8109147Abstract: A method for an imaging ultrasonic inspection of a three-dimensional workpiece, in which ultrasonic waves are coupled into the workpiece with at least one ultrasonic transducer and ultrasonic waves reflected within the workpiece are received by ultrasonic transducers and converted into ultrasonic signals forming the basis of the non-destructive imaging ultrasonic inspection.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.Inventors: Michael Kröning, Andrey Bulavinov, Krishna Mohan Reddy, Ludwig Von Bernus
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Patent number: 8109148Abstract: A pressure compensation unit for use in a pressure sensor includes a housing which has at least one continuous channel, at least one opening being provided in a wall of the channel. The opening is connectable to a reference pressure chamber of the pressure sensor via at least one air passage in the housing. The opening is closed by at least one gas-permeable and preferably fluid-tight filter diaphragm.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Masoud Habibi, Thomas Fessele
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Patent number: 8109149Abstract: A contact stress sensor includes one or more MEMS fabricated sensor elements, where each sensor element of includes a thin non-recessed portion, a recessed portion and a pressure sensitive element adjacent to the recessed portion. An electric circuit is connected to the pressure sensitive element. The circuit includes a thermal compensator and a pressure signal circuit element configured to provide a signal upon movement of the pressure sensitive element.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventor: Jack Kotovsky
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Patent number: 8109150Abstract: The precision of crack-propagation prediction is improved by taking into consideration a variation in the error due to inspectors and inspection methods. There is provided a crack-propagation prediction method including a correlation-information preparing step of measuring the length of a crack initiated in a test object by a plurality of inspectors and/or a plurality of inspection methods and obtaining correlation information between data acquired through the measurement and the condition of an actual crack; a crack-length estimating step of estimating the actual length of the crack initiated in an inspection target on the basis of the crack length measured by an inspector during inspection of the inspection target and the correlation information; and a crack-propagation-curve estimating step of estimating a crack-propagation curve of the inspection target originating from the crack length estimated in the crack-length estimating step.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Yoichi Sato, Koichi Morimura, Shinichiro Hori, Shintaro Kumano, Takanori Karato, Masato Kurita
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Patent number: 8109151Abstract: A flow sensing system is provided. The system can include a first graphitic member and a first measurement device communicatively coupled to the first graphitic member. The first measurement device is adapted to measure a voltage along each of a plurality of orthogonal axes defined by the first graphitic member. The system can further include a display communicatively coupled to the first measurement device, the display adapted to convert the measured voltages into a signal proportionate to the fluid flow past the first graphitic member.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Alexandre M. Bratkovski, Iakov Veniaminovitch Kopelevitch
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Patent number: 8109152Abstract: A flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a vibratable flowtube, and a driver connected to the flowtube that is operable to impart motion to the flowtube. A sensor is connected to the flowtube and is operable to sense the motion of the flowtube and generate a sensor signal. A controller is connected to receive the sensor signal. The controller is operable to determine a first flow rate of a first phase within a two-phase flow through the flowtube and determine a second flow rate of a second phase within the two-phase flow.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventors: Wade M. Mattar, Manus P. Henry, Mihaela D. Duta, Michael S. Tombs
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Patent number: 8109153Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and/or monitoring at least one flow parameter of a medium, which medium flows through a measuring tube, wherein the measuring tube is contacted by at least two transducer elements, by means of which the measuring tube is excitable to execute mechanical oscillations and by means of which mechanical oscillations of the measuring tube are receivable. Each of the at least two transducer elements is applied, offset in time, alternately, for exciting the measuring tube to execute mechanical oscillations and for receiving the mechanical oscillations of the measuring tube.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventor: Michael Kirst
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Patent number: 8109154Abstract: A dual-driver vibratory flowmeter (100) is provided according to the invention. The dual-driver vibratory flowmeter (100) includes a first flowtube (102A) and a second flowtube (102B) positioned substantially adjacent to the first flowtube (102A). The first and second flowtubes (102A, 102B) include a longitudinal length L. The dual-driver vibratory flowmeter (100) further includes a first driver (121) comprising first and second driver portions (121A, 121B) and affixed to the first and second flowtubes (102A, 102B), with the first driver (121) being located at a third longitudinal location Y along the first and second flowtubes (102A, 102B) and a second driver (122) comprising first and second driver portions (122A, 122B) and affixed to the first and second flowtubes (102A, 102B), with the second driver (122) being located substantially at the third longitudinal location Y and substantially spaced-apart from the first driver (121).Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventors: Anthony William Pankratz, Roger Scott Loving