Patents Issued in February 9, 2012
  • Publication number: 20120031150
    Abstract: The present application relates to a laundry machine, which comprises a tub (10) to receive wash water, a drum (30) rotatable placed in the tub (10), a shaft connected with the drum (30), a bearing housing to rotatable support the shaft, a motor to rotate the shaft, a suspension unit to reduce vibration of the drum (30) and a heater securing part (113, 122) expanded to an outside of the tub (10) from a lower part of the tub (10). The heater securing part (113, 122) is configured to install the heater (150).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Ig Geun Kwon, Soo Bong Kim
  • Publication number: 20120031151
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a washing machine which can compensate a sagged portion of a drum for preventing a portion between a tub and the drum from exposing in a state the drum holds laundry. The washing machine includes a tub for accommodating washing water, the tub having a laundry opening, a drum rotatably coupled in the tub for receiving laundry, the drum having an opening matched to the laundry opening, and a gasket having a blocking portion for blocking a portion of the laundry opening of the tub, asymmetrically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Min Gyu Jo, Hyun Seok Seo
  • Publication number: 20120031152
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device to allow the washing in washing machines of footwear in general, particularly sport footwear. According to the essential aspects of the present invention, the device comprises means (1; 201; 301; 401) designed to allow to hang at least one shoe on the drum of the washing machine so that the shoe can be washed maintaining substantially the position corresponding to where it hangs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Giampaolo Conti
  • Publication number: 20120031153
    Abstract: A security device is provided for attachment to an object having one or more security features for preventing unwanted removal of the security device from the object. The security device may include any one of a surveillance device, such as an electronic article surveillance tag, and an inventory device, such as a radio frequency identification tag. In a particular embodiment, the security device has at least two security features, one security feature comprises a support member that is configured to engage a head of a key, wherein the key is configured to provide a force to allow the support member to move a clip between a first state, a state that prevents the release of a pin from the clip, and a second state, a state whereby the clip allows the release of the pin from the clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Brian V. Conti
  • Publication number: 20120031154
    Abstract: An everyday safe bag has a dual lock design. A cable is fixed at one end to a first end of the dual lock. The everyday safe bag has a plurality of small openings located at the open end of the bag that receive the cable there through. A fixed ball is affixed to the cable a first distance from the first end of the dual lock. A channel at a second end of the dual lock receives the fixed ball in a locked position, forming a first loop that cinches the bag closed. A lock fob channel located in a second end of the dual lock receives a lock fob on the other end of the cable in a locked position, forming a larger second loop, which may encompass a fixed object. Dials in the dual lock establish an unlock position or combination that secures and releases the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Evan Scott Spiegel, Bizhan Fazeli
  • Publication number: 20120031155
    Abstract: A portable wireless key having an emergency key includes a body in which the emergency key is held. The body has an operation surface and a protrusion action portion. The operation surface defines a part of an outer side surface of the body. The protrusion action portion has a hook that is held in the body under a condition that the emergency key is held in the body. One push to the operation surface causes the protrusion action portion to perform a protrusion action. The protrusion action causes the protrusion action portion to protrude outward from the body in such a manner that the hook of the protrusion action portion is exposed outside the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tokio Shimura, Mitsuru Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20120031156
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a plug assembly and a lock cylinder. The plug assembly includes a plug body, a plurality of key followers, a plurality of racks, and a rack carrier that carriers the plurality of racks. The rack carrier is moveable relative to the plug body between a proximal end and a distal end. A cam follower extends outwardly from the rack carrier. The lock cylinder body includes a cylinder wall with the plug assembly rotatably disposed therein, and has a cam track configured on the cylinder wall at an interior surface to guide the cam follower of the plug assembly. The cam track has a ramp portion configured to longitudinally displace the cam follower and the rack carrier as the plug assembly is rotated relative to the lock cylinder body to facilitate selective disengagement of the plurality of racks from the plurality of key followers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Graham J. Wheatland
  • Publication number: 20120031157
    Abstract: The invention relates to a composition which is suitable for use as a soil conditioner or fertilizer. The soil health rejuvenator in the present invention is developed to provide soil conditioning which increases organic matter content of the soil and develop immunity in plants to fend off pest and disease. Moreover, the invention developed herein also reduces the harmful effect of chemicals accumulated in soil after prolonged exposure of chemical fertilizers in soil, improving soil physico-chemical properties. The invention provides the solution of sustainable agriculture by reducing the health hazardous caused by the extensive use of chemical amendments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Sitaram Prasad Paikray
  • Publication number: 20120031158
    Abstract: An efficient process for the continuous preparation of calcium thiosulfate (CaS2O3) from lime sulfur, through oxidation is described. The process involves oxidizing calcium polysulfide intermediate in a series of reactors to produce calcium thiosulfate as a clear liquid in high concentration with minimal byproducts. The process results in the complete destruction of polythionates, permitting the calcium thiosulfate produced to be useful in certain leaching processes for precious metals. The invention further makes it possible to recycle the process water from the leaching process for use as a raw material reactant in the process for calcium thiosulfate production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: TESSENDERLO KERLEY, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Massoud Hojjatie, Constance Lynn Frank Lockhart, Alexandros Dimitriadis, Jeroen Van Cauwenbergh, Roeland Van Dael
  • Publication number: 20120031159
    Abstract: To accomplish the object of providing a method of and an apparatus for optimally cooling the rolls of a roll stand, where energy considerations, such as the minimization of necessary cooling fluid flow and cooling fluid pressure, and incident design and manufacturing costs, must be taken into account, the invention proposes that the rolls are cooled with a combination of high- and low-pressure cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Juergen Seidel, Matthias Kipping, Rolf Franz
  • Publication number: 20120031160
    Abstract: The present invention relates to low carbon welded tubes and process of manufacture thereof. Manufacture of welded tubes utilising draw bench processes is energy intensive process due to the need of multiple pass (to enhance mechanical properties, in particular tensile and yield strength) to reduce the diameter of the hollow to desired dimensions as only 20 to 35% reduction achievable in a single pass. Further, there is substantial material loss with every pass and poor control on dimensional stability and surface finish of the tube. The present invention provides a synergistic combination of induction and/or resistance heat treatment of the hollow and the cold rolling process resulting in remarkable reduction in energy consumption, and at the same time enhancing quality of the resulting tubes with improved dimensional stability, closeness of tolerance, reduced thickness variation, concentricity and substantial reduction in material wastage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Arihant Domestic Appliances Ltd.
    Inventor: Harishchandra Waghulade Sanjay
  • Publication number: 20120031161
    Abstract: An electronic torque wrench calibration device is for calibrating a torque value and a pivot angle of an electronic torque wrench. The electronic torque wrench calibration device includes a base, a driving member, a torque setting member and a dial plate. One end of the driving member is driven by a electronic torque wrench, and the other end of the driving member is pivotally connected to the base. The torque setting member is disposed on the base. The torque setting member provides the driving member with a predetermined resistance against a pivotal rotation. The dial plate is pivotally disposed on a surface of the base and linked with the driving member. The dial plate includes a plurality of angular scale markings located on a surface of the dial plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: KABO TOOL COMPANY
    Inventor: Chih-Ching HSIEH
  • Publication number: 20120031162
    Abstract: In order to functionally test a leak detector (20) that comprises a partial pressure sensor (21), a testing device (30) having a variable volume (33) is connected to the leak detector. Said testing device can be a syringe. By changing the volume (33), the partial pressure of the test gas contained in the ambient air is changed. A test is carried out to check whether the leak detector (20) indicates the change. According to the invention, a vacuum pumping device having mechanical vacuum pumps is not required. The method is suitable for testing vacuum systems that contain a vacuum pumping device that is used in the leak test to generate a required vacuum. The service technician can perform the functional test of the leak detector (20) separately from the system and the vacuum pumping device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: INFICON GMBH
    Inventor: Randolf Rolff
  • Publication number: 20120031163
    Abstract: A testing machine tests the durability of backer pads on the track shoe assembly and the surface of the road wheel. The test machine utilizes two eccentric drives to move a section of a road wheel to simulate actual vehicle conditions. A positioning system positions the track shoe assembly with respect to the road wheel to adjust the loading between the two components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: The Pullman Company
    Inventor: Kenneth A. McGill
  • Publication number: 20120031164
    Abstract: A method of compensating friction in a force-feedback device comprising a control member manipulated by a user and coupled to a tensioned cable that is actuated by a motor and gearbox unit. The method includes the steps of (1) detecting a variation in the sag of the cable caused by a manipulation of the control member, and (2) in response to such a detection, controlling the unit so that it develops a force (Fa) that compensates, at least in part, for the internal friction (Rsa) of the unit that opposes movement of the control member manipulated by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventor: Philippe Garrec
  • Publication number: 20120031165
    Abstract: An improved method of breath sampling, particularly adapted for use in connection with motor vehicle alcohol breath monitoring devices, comprises the sending of a drive signal to a piston pump to draw a breath sample into a sensing chamber, the pump being connected to the sensing chamber. The operational status of the pump is monitored by monitoring the condition of a switch associated with the pump which is adapted to change state when the pump piston is withdrawn into its pump housing as a proper reaction of the pump to its drive signal and return to its original state when the pump piston is no longer withdrawn. The state condition of the of the switch is used to confirm proper pump operation in drawing the breath sample into the chamber; if proper pump operation is confirmed, the breath sample can be accepted for further processing and analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: John T. Ruocco, Ronald A. Koppel
  • Publication number: 20120031166
    Abstract: A breath alcohol ignition interlock device includes a mock beverage housing including at least one of breath alcohol electronics and a hand held breath alcohol analyzer therein, a mouthpiece in fluid communication with an alcohol sensor associated with the at least one of breath alcohol electronics and a hand held breath alcohol analyzer and a vent exhausting breath from the mock beverage housing. The mock beverage container housing can be disguised as a coffee cup, a fountain drink cup, a soda can and a soft drink bottle. The mouthpiece can be disguised as a coffee cup lid, a fountain drink cup straw, a soda can opening and a soft drink bottle top. A wireless communication module can support data synchronization and communications between the device and a base station installed within a motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Davin E. Lopez, Luis M. Ortiz
  • Publication number: 20120031167
    Abstract: A method for controlling or monitoring firing systems and for monitoring buildings having gas burners using spectroscopy, provides at least one wavelength-tunable monochromatic light source. An absorption spectrum of a measuring gas is received with at least one photodetector in an absorption path with spectral tuning of the light source, and the concentration of target gases carbon monoxide (CO) and methane (CH4) can be determined simultaneously during tuning of the light source. A device for carrying out the method includes a monochromatic laser diode, in particular a VCSEL, an absorption path in the exhaust gas region or a space endangered by leakage, a photodetector for receiving light passed through the absorption path, and an evaluation unit for determining the concentration of target gases based on the absorption spectrum covered during the laser or laser diode tuning. The method and device are applied in laser-optical gas sensors in gas firing systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2009
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Jia Chen, Andreas Hangauer, Hans Link, Rainer Strzoda
  • Publication number: 20120031168
    Abstract: A sensor controller is for a particulate matter detection sensor that includes a pair of opposed electrodes spaced from each other and disposed on an attachment portion. The sensor controller includes a calculation portion configured to calculate an amount of particulate matter attached to the particulate matter detection sensor based on a detection value from the particulate matter detection sensor, and a determination portion configured to determine whether water exists in the exhaust passage based on the detection value. Thus, it is possible to accurately determine whether water exists in the exhaust passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuuki SAKAMOTO, Mikiyasu Matsuoka, Yuuzou Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20120031169
    Abstract: A sensor controller is applied to a particulate matter detection sensor that includes an attachment portion to which conductive particulate matter contained in gas is attached, and a pair of opposed electrodes spaced from each other at the attachment portion. The particulate matter detection sensor is adapted to output a detection signal corresponding to a resistance between the pair of opposed electrodes, and the sensor controller is adapted to calculate an amount of attached particulate matter based on a sensor detection value from the particulate matter detection sensor. The sensor controller includes a heater for heating the attachment portion so as to burn and remove the particulate matter attached to the attachment portion, and an abnormality diagnosis portion for obtaining the sensor detection value during a heating of the heater and for performing diagnosis of abnormality of the particulate matter detection sensor based on the obtained sensor detection value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuuki Sakamoto, Mikiyasu Matsuoka, Yuuzou Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20120031170
    Abstract: A determination oxygen storage amount used to determine whether a catalyst is degraded is a value obtained by applying a correction amount for removing error caused by response delay time of an output signal of an oxygen sensor to an oxygen storage amount calculated every short time. The correction amount is a value that is calculated using slopes stored in memory, i.e., the slopes for the number of storage cycles (>the short time) corresponding to the response delay time, or the like, and becomes more accurate as a value corresponding to the error as the storage cycle becomes relatively shorter with respect to the response delay time and the number of the slopes stored in the memory increases. The necessary storage capacity of the memory is inhibited from increasing excessively even if the number of the slopes stored in the memory is large.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takuya Matsumoto, Takashi Nakamura, Takeho Aisaka
  • Publication number: 20120031171
    Abstract: In a gas sensor, when an arithmetical mean roughness Ra of an inner periphery of a metal tube 95 is 1 ?m or less and end portions 93 and 94 of U-springs 92 are formed as curved contact portions, the end portions 93 and 94 of the U-springs 92 can slide smoothly along the inner periphery of the metal tube 95. Therefore, when vibration is applied to the gas sensor, the U-springs 92 can be prevented from being caught in the inner periphery of the metal tube 95, and the vibration can be absorbed by an elastic function of the U-springs 92. Even if the gas sensor vibrates, defective contact between a sensor element 20 and contact fittings 71 and wear and cracks in the sensor element 20 are less likely to occur. That is, the gas sensor resistant to vibration can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi MASUDA, Hirohito Kiyota, Nobukazu Ikoma
  • Publication number: 20120031172
    Abstract: A device for applying a force to a planar surface includes a tub, a cavity, a membrane, and an opening. The tub includes a bottom wall, at least one sidewall, and a cavity defined between the bottom and sidewalls. The membrane is disposed within the cavity and a perimeter edge of the membrane is fixed to the tub. The opening is formed in the tub and adapted to receive a pressurized fluid to fill a portion of the cavity below the membrane to displace at least a portion of the membrane away from the bottom wall to apply a force to the planar surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Marijo Cosic, Stefan Scheller, Thomas Malysa
  • Publication number: 20120031173
    Abstract: A method of determining viscosity of structurally viscous fluids or beverages containing small pieces, fibers, pulps, fruit cells, cereals, particles or the like, for processing in filling, fruit juice preparation, dairy or brewery process plants, includes providing a tube rheometer having an at least substantially horizontal, straight meter tube with an inner diameter over a length of the meter tube length. At least two different volume flows are generated, exclusively gravimetrically, in the tube rheometer. The at least two different volume flows are adjusted to be substantially constant so as to determine a flow index and a consistency factor of the at least two volume flows. Pressure losses of the at least two volume flows are measured. The viscosity is determined based on the flow index, the consistency factor and the pressure losses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Krones AG
    Inventor: Joerg Zacharias
  • Publication number: 20120031174
    Abstract: A cleaning chamber is provided in a seal holder and two cleaning chamber flow paths communicating with the cleaning chamber from outside are provided. A pipe connected to a vessel storing a mobile phase is connected to one of the cleaning chamber flow paths. A pipe as a flow path connected to a mobile phase sucking flow path into a pump chamber is connected to the other cleaning chamber flow path. When the mobile phase is taken in, the mobile phase is sucked into the pump chamber via the cleaning chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Aso
  • Publication number: 20120031175
    Abstract: A reagent preparation apparatus for supplying a reagent, prepared by mixing a high concentration reagent and purified water supplied from a purified water production device, to a sample measurement device for measuring a sample using the prepared reagent, the reagent preparation apparatus comprising: a reagent preparation unit for preparing the reagent by mixing the high concentration reagent and the purified water supplied from the purified water production device; and a controller, communicably connected to the purified water production device, for controlling the purified water production device to continue producing the purified water until a predetermined time has elapsed from when the purified water production device starts the production of the purified water. Also, a reagent preparation system and a reagent preparation method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yutaka IKEDA, Noriyuki NAKANISHI
  • Publication number: 20120031176
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidics device (100) for characterising microfluidic samples. The microfluidics device (100) comprises at least one input well (110) for receiving an amount of liquid to be characterized in the microfluidics device (100) and a storage chamber (140) for storing the liquid, prior to said characterization. The microfluidics device (100) thereby is adapted for, upon receipt of the amount of liquid in the input well (110), spontaneously transferring substantially all of said amount of liquid to said storage chamber (140).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Kris Naessens, Tony Montoye, Ronny Bockstaele, Bert Luyssaert
  • Publication number: 20120031177
    Abstract: A sealing head for an installation configured to perform fluid tests on an aircraft turbine engine part. The sealing head includes a sealing element crossed by a passage for flowing of a gas flow, the sealing element including a sealing surface configured to come into contact with a part to be tested, at an aperture of the part to be tested configured to be fed with the gas flow. The sealing head includes a mechanism centering the sealing element relatively to the aperture of the part, the centering mechanism being firmly attached to the sealing element and protruding towards the front of the surface having an outer portion surrounding the centering mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Ludovic Bregier, Cathy Cleach, Philippe Moreau
  • Publication number: 20120031178
    Abstract: An offset in the signal of a pre-catalytic converter lambda probe of an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine affects a measured oxygen intake storage capacity and a measured oxygen removal storage capacity of an oxygen store with identical magnitude, but with opposite mathematical sign, so that their sum is independent of the offset. The oxygen intake storage capacity and the oxygen removal storage capacity are hereby determined until the output signal of the post-catalytic converter probe exceeds an intermediate threshold value of, for example, 0.45 V for intake and 0.8 V for removal. Exposure of the oxygen store to rich and/or lean exhaust gas is maintained after this threshold value has been crossed to ensure that the oxygen store is indeed sufficiently filled after the oxygen intake storage capacity has been measured, or is sufficiently emptied after the oxygen removal storage capacity has been measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventor: BODO ODENDALL
  • Publication number: 20120031179
    Abstract: A system and related method for improving tire uniformity includes providing at least one set of test tires constructed with one or more process elements provided at known relative angular locations. At least one uniformity parameter, such as radial or lateral run-out, balance, mass variation, radial lateral or tangential force variation, is measured for at least one harmonic of interest for each test tire. Respective rectangular coordinates are determined for each measured uniformity parameter and harmonic of interest for each tire. A form of the determined rectangular coordinates (e.g., the rectangular coordinates themselves and/or the log of the residuals squared) is analyzed for each tire to identify optimized relative angular locations for each process element that reduce dispersion (or dispersion and mean) of the measured uniformity parameter. New tires are built with the one or more process elements positioned in the identified optimized relative angular locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: William David Mawby
  • Publication number: 20120031180
    Abstract: An apparatus to maintain optimal air pressure in a tire of a vehicle may use centrifugal force to compress air which may be delivered to the tire when the tire has low air pressure. The necessary centrifugal force to compress air may be achieved through the rotation of the tire itself. A weight may be disposed, in a chamber, near the center of rotation of a tire. The weight may be held in place with a spring or similar device. As the tire rotates, the weight may be forced outward, compressing air present in the cylinder. If the air pressure within the tire is low, the weight will compress air from inside the cylinder into the tire. The apparatus may act autonomously to add air to a low pressure tire, as opposed to simply notifying the driver that tire pressure is low.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: DANIEL PAUL
  • Publication number: 20120031181
    Abstract: A method and apparatus in connection with a hydrometeor measuring device. According to the method, the amount of precipitation is determined with the aid of the number and size of the hydrometeors. The determining of the size of the hydrometeors is altered as a function of the prevailing atmospheric pressure, in such a way that, the higher the atmospheric pressure, the larger a hydrometeor with the same speed will be estimated to be.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Atte Salmi, Lasse Elomaa
  • Publication number: 20120031182
    Abstract: The filling noise generated inside a pressurized container when liquid is injected into the container is detected at the outer end of a vent tube which extends into the container. When the level of liquid in the container reaches the lower end of the vent tube, the filling noise detected at the outer end is abruptly diminished. This abrupt change is detected and used to automatically terminate filling of the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Laslo Olah
  • Publication number: 20120031183
    Abstract: A yaw-rate sensor for determining a Coriolis force includes a semiconductor substrate, a mass body mounted so it is movable over the semiconductor substrate, a drive unit for setting the mass body into an oscillating movement, and a detection unit for determining a deflection of the mass body which is caused by the Coriolis force. The detection unit includes a piezoresistive element, whose electrical resistance is a function of the deformation of the piezoresistive element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Reinhard NEUL, Daniel Christoph Meisel
  • Publication number: 20120031184
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for driving a gyroscope sensor, including: a detector detecting voltage corresponding to the deformation of a gyroscope sensor due to vibrations generated by a driving voltage supplied through a driving electrode and Coriolis force by using a detecting electrode; a phase shifter shifting the voltage from the detector by a preset phase to generate the driving voltage, in order to meet oscillation phase conditions; an inverter inverting the voltage from the phase shifter to generate the inverting voltage, in order to stop the driving of the gyroscope sensor; a selector selecting any one of the driving voltage from the phase shifter and the inverting voltage from the inverter; and an amplifier amplifying the driving voltage or the inverting voltage from the selector to a preset gain and supplying it to the driving electrode of the gyroscope sensor, in order to meet oscillation amplitude conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chang Hyun KIM
  • Publication number: 20120031185
    Abstract: A micromechanical acceleration sensor is described which includes a substrate and a seismic mass which is movably situated with respect to the substrate in a detection direction. The micromechanical sensor includes at least one damping device for damping motions of the seismic mass perpendicular to the detection direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Johannes Classen, Sebastian Guenther, Harald Steffes
  • Publication number: 20120031186
    Abstract: An inertial sensor includes a substrate, a mass element, and a detecting device for detecting a movement of the mass element relative to the substrate, the mass element being coupled to the substrate with the aid of a spring device, wherein the spring device has a T-shaped cross-sectional profile. A method for manufacturing an inertial sensor is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Johannes CLASSEN
  • Publication number: 20120031187
    Abstract: A machine has at least two wheels (at least one of them driven) arranged on a base body and connected with a revolving belt. A transmitter and a receiver are arranged on the base body. The transmitter transmits contactless to the belt a transmitted signal having an oscillation frequency, with the receiver from the belt a reflected signal in response to the transmitted signal. An evaluation device connected to the receiver checks if the reflected signal received by the receiver satisfies an acquisition condition indicating that a speed of the belt is in a predetermined speed range. The evaluation device determines, if the acquisition condition is satisfied, a frequency spectrum which is based of the oscillation frequency and the reflected signal in the predetermined speed range and indicative of a mechanical oscillation characteristic of the belt, and generates a control signal based on the evaluated frequency spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gunther Bohn, Karl Gebert, Jörg Niedergesaess
  • Publication number: 20120031188
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device to indicate a predetermined critical corrosion of a metallic structure located in soil, water or concrete environment. The device comprises a probe that has a closed tubular container intended to contain a pressurized medium, and that has a wall thickness t that corresponds to the predetermined critical corrosion. A protective coating is arranged essentially over the entire outside of the container with the exception of a surface that is intended to be subjected to corrosion attack. The container is allowed to corrode so that the container becomes perforated, whereupon the pressure of the pressurized medium falls. The pressure change is measured by means of a pressure gauge, and in this way, information is obtained about the fact that the corrosion has reached the predetermined critical level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: SCS Engineering AB
    Inventor: Anders Dahlström
  • Publication number: 20120031189
    Abstract: A pressure sensor includes: a pressure receiving member; and first and second pressure sensitive elements which have a pressure sensing portion and a pair of base portions connected to both ends of the pressure sensing portion, and which have a detection axis parallel to a line connecting the base portions, and in which the detection axis is parallel to a displacement direction of the flexible portion. One base portion of the first pressure sensitive element is fixed to the flexible portion, and the other base portion is fixed to a first supporting member that is supported by the peripheral portion. One base portion of the second pressure sensitive element is fixed to the peripheral portion, and the other base portion is fixed to a second supporting member that is supported by the flexible portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenta SATO
  • Publication number: 20120031190
    Abstract: An improved capacitive manometer, the manometer comprises: a diaphragm including (a) a common electrode and (b) an electrode structure including a center electrode and ring electrode, wherein the diaphragm is movable between (i) a zero position when the pressure on each side of the diaphragm is the same and (ii) a maximum differential position when the maximum measurable differential pressure is applied to the diaphragm, and a support structure arranged so as to support the diaphragm so that the diaphragm is constrained relative to the electrode structure, and the common electrode is spaced from and axially aligned with the center and ring electrodes relative to an alignment axis of the manometer: wherein the electrode structure is secured relative to the diaphragm at at least three clamping locations angularly spaced around the alignment axis; and wherein the angle defined within each right plane containing a point of constraint of the diaphragm and the point of each clamping location relative to the plane o
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventor: Steven D. Blankenship
  • Publication number: 20120031191
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a device for determining mechanical stress load, and optionally interface effects, on particles dispersed in a fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicants: Friedrich-Alexander-Universitaet Erlangen- Nuernberg, Abbott GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Krause, Carsten Weber, Sonja Simon, Wolfgang Peukert
  • Publication number: 20120031192
    Abstract: A strain monitoring system including an array of semiconductor strain gauges. Each strain gauge in the array of strain gauges includes a lithographically fabricated 4-resistor bridge for providing a voltage potential corresponding to the strain in the bridge and thin film transistors to provide addressability to each 4-resistor bridge in the array. After completion of the array of strain gauges, in preferred embodiments the array of strain gauges are transferred to polyimide film which is in turn bonded to a surface region of the component to be tested for strains. Each bridge provides voltage signals corresponding to the strain to which the material under the bridge is being subjected. In preferred embodiments control and data acquisition function are separated from the semiconductor strain gage array. Preferred embodiments the system are utilized to monitor strains on components of aircraft, especially light weight robotic aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Terrisa Duenas, Shiv Joshi, Cesar Del Solar
  • Publication number: 20120031193
    Abstract: Structural health monitoring systems can be limited to a minimum number of sensors due to cost, complexity, and weight restrictions. Some embodiments described herein pertain to a load and damage identification techniques that utilize one sensor. Several passive force estimation techniques are presented. Some techniques use either the shape or the amplitude of the magnitude of the applied force in the frequency domain. Several techniques iteratively reduce an underdetermined set of equations of motion into many overdetermined systems of equations to solve for the force estimates. The techniques are shown to locate and quantify impulsive impacts with over 97% accuracy and non-impulsive impacts with at least 87% accuracy. Impacts not acting at a specific input degree of freedom are also accurately located depending on the distance away from the modeled input degrees of freedom, and damaging impact forces are quantified by making assumptions about the impulsive nature of the applied force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Douglas E. Adams, Nick A. Stites, Nathanael C. Yoder, Jonathan R. White
  • Publication number: 20120031194
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of diagnosing the operation of a water purification installation of the filter medium device type, the material of the filter medium being made up of particles, the method including the following steps: a characterization step of characterizing at least one physical and/or mechanical parameter of the filter medium device to establish a permeability value Ks (expressed in m/s); a comparison step of comparing said established permeability value Ks with a predetermined range [kmin; kmax] of permeability values representing a satisfactory operating state of the purification installation; and a diagnosis step during which the filter medium device is assigned an operation indicator according to the result of the comparison step. Applications include non-collective sanitation (NCS) systems and stand-alone sanitation systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicants: UNIVERSITE BLAISE PASCAL- CLERMONT II, VEOLIA EAU
    Inventors: Christian Vignoles, Pascal Molle, Alain Lienard, Laurence Rolland, Pierre Breul, Fathe Bouteldja, Daniel Boissier
  • Publication number: 20120031195
    Abstract: Fluid flow meters and methods for measuring different aspects of fluid flow with a non-contact sensor are provided. In some cases a fluid flow gear meter is provided with a fluid chamber that is sealed with a cover portion carrying the non-contact sensor. An optional separation member may be located between the cover portion and the chamber to seal the chamber. In some cases the cover portion and/or separation member are configured to transmit visible light to allow viewing of the fluid chamber, through material selection and/or the presence of viewing cavities within the material. The flow meter is optionally configured to prevent or reduce the transmission of ambient environmental radiation into the flow meter to lessen the likelihood that it may adversely affect an optical non-contact sensor used to detect movement of gears within the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Anatoly Skirda, Richard Mehus, William M. Christensen, Scott Limback
  • Publication number: 20120031196
    Abstract: An electromagnetic flowmeter for measuring the flow of a medium through a measuring pipe, wherein the flowmeter includes first and second electrodes arranged on opposite sides of the measuring pipe and coupled electrically or capacitively to the medium. A common mode test signal is passed to the first and second electrodes. A third electrode is provided at the top of the measuring pipe for receiving a response signal in response to the test signal passed to the first and second electrodes. The flowmeter also includes a detection device for detecting whether the third electrode is in contact with the medium based on the response signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Siemens AG
    Inventor: Steen Moellebjerg Matzen
  • Publication number: 20120031197
    Abstract: A system and method for corrosion protection of measuring electrodes in electromagnetic flowmeters, wherein an electromagnetic flowmeter for measuring the flow of a medium through a measuring tube comprises first and second metallic measuring electrodes arranged on opposite sides of the measuring tube and in contact with the medium. The rate of flow of the medium in the measuring tube is measurable by output signals from the measuring electrodes representative of a potential difference between the measuring electrodes induced by the flow of the medium in the measuring tube in the presence of a magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Steen Moellebjerg Matzen
  • Publication number: 20120031198
    Abstract: An ultrasound flow meter unit arranged to measure a fluid flow rate with one or more ultrasound transducers (606), and a circuit board (602) with an electronic circuit arranged to operate the ultrasound transducer(s) (106, 306). The ultrasound transducer (606), e.g. in the form of a piezo-electric element, is mechanically fixed to the circuit board (602) by a first electrically conducting fixing means which additionally serve(s) to provide an electrical connection between an electrical terminal of the transducer (606) and the electronic circuit. Hereby a functional flow measurement unit (600) is provided which can be tested prior to assembly with a flow meter housing etc. Preferably, a set of ultrasound transducers (106, 306) are soldered directly onto electrically conducting paths (631) on a surface of the circuit board (602) being in electrical connection with the electronic circuit, e.g. in a single SMT mounting process together with mounting of all other electronic components on the circuit board (602).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: KAMSTRUP A/S
    Inventors: Anders Skallebaek, Peter Schmidt Laursen, Søren Tønnes Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20120031199
    Abstract: An ultrasonic liquid sensor for detecting liquid in a tube having sidewalls includes a first intermediate mounting plate held in physical communication with a first sidewall of the tube, a second intermediate mounting plate held in physical communication with the second sidewall of the tube. The plates are configured to allow the ultrasonic signal to pass therethrough. The sensor also includes a first and a second transducer element. The first and second transducer elements are mounted to the intermediate mounting plates and are configured to receive the ultrasonic signal passing through the sidewalls of the tube as well as the intermediate mounting plates to determine the presence or absence of liquid in the tube. The sensor can be enclosed in a self-contained unit and a support assembly can be used and formed of metal material or non-metal material to interface with the sensor and a secondary circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Charles F. Bremigan, III, Kenneth A. Albrecht