Patents Issued in March 1, 2012
  • Publication number: 20120047964
    Abstract: A drum type washing machine is provided. The washing machine may include a tub, a drum, a motor rotating the drum, bearing housings housing bearings to support a rotation shaft, a suspension connected to the bearing housings and a cabinet to mitigate vibration, a bracket coupled to the bearing housings, and gasket installed between the bracket and the tub. Such an arrangement may allow volumes of the tub and the drum may be increased without increasing the volume of the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Jae Won Chang, Hee Tae Lim, Si Moon Jeon, Kyeong Hwan Kim, Hyun Seok Seo
  • Publication number: 20120047965
    Abstract: A drum type washing machine is provided. The washing machine may include a tub, a drum, a motor rotating the drum, bearing housings housing bearings to support a rotation shaft, a suspension connected to the bearing housings and a cabinet to mitigate vibration, a bracket coupled to the bearing housings, and a gasket installed between the bracket and the tub. Such an arrangement may allow volumes of the tub and the drum may be increased without increasing the volume of the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Jae Won Chang, Hee Tae Lim, Si Moon Jeon, Kyeon Hwan Kim, Hyun Seok Seo
  • Publication number: 20120047966
    Abstract: A drum type washing machine is provided. The washing machine may include a tub, a drum, a motor rotating the drum, bearing housings housing bearings to support a rotation shaft, a suspension connected to the bearing housings and a cabinet to mitigate vibration, a bracket coupled to the bearing housings, and a gasket installed between the bracket and the tub. Such an arrangement may allow volumes of the tub and the drum may be increased without increasing the volume of the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Jae Won CHANG, Hee Tae Lim, Si Moon Jeon, Kyeong Hwan Kim, Hyun Seok Seo
  • Publication number: 20120047967
    Abstract: A drum type washing machine is provided. The washing machine may include a tub, a drum, a motor rotating the drum, bearing housings housing bearings to support a rotation shaft, a suspension connected to the bearing housings and a cabinet to mitigate vibration, a bracket coupled to the bearing housings, and a gasket installed between the bracket and the tub. Such an arrangement may allow volumes of the tub and the drum may be increased without increasing the volume of the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Jae Won CHANG, Hee Tae Lim, Si Moon Jeon, Kyeong Hwan Kim, Hyun Seok Seo
  • Publication number: 20120047968
    Abstract: A drum type washing machine is provided. The washing machine may include a tub, a drum, a motor rotating the drum, bearing housings housing bearings to support a rotation shaft, a suspension connected to the bearing housings and a cabinet to mitigate vibration, a bracket coupled to the bearing housings, and a gasket installed between the bracket and the tub. Such an arrangement may allow volumes of the tub and the drum may be increased without increasing the volume of the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Jae Won Chang, Hee Tae Lim, Si Moon Jeon, Kyeong Hwan Kim, Hyun Seok Seo
  • Publication number: 20120047969
    Abstract: A drum type washing machine is provided. The washing machine may include a tub, a drum, a motor rotating the drum, bearing housings housing bearings to support a rotation shaft, a suspension connected to the bearing housings and a cabinet to mitigate vibration, a bracket coupled to the bearing housings, and a gasket installed between the bracket and the tub. Such an arrangement may allow volumes of the tub and the drum may be increased without increasing the volume of the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Jae Won CHANG, Hee Tae LIM, Si Moon JEOM, Kyeong Hwan KIM, Hyun Seok SEO
  • Publication number: 20120047970
    Abstract: The patent application relates to a laundry machine comprising a tub, a drum, a drive assembly, a bearing housing and a suspension assembly to reduce vibration of the drum wherein a total interference gap (G1+G3) for an up-and-down direction between the drum and the tub is greater than a total interference gap (G2+G4 or G5+G6) for a front- and rear or left- and right direction therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Ig Geun Kwon, Jae Hyun Choi
  • Publication number: 20120047971
    Abstract: A plug lock structure that locks a power feeding plug to an inlet, which is fixed to a power feeding subject. The inlet includes a catch. The power feeding plug includes a hook, hooked to the catch, and an operation portion, which separates the hook from the catch. The plug lock structure includes a lock member pivoted in a direction in which the lock member forces the hook against the catch and a direction in which the lock member moves away from the catch together with the hook. A lock block is moved between a first position, at which the lock block permits pivoting of the lock member when the hook moves from the hooked state, and a second position, at which the lock block restricts pivoting of the lock member by contacting the lock member when the hook moves from the hooked state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Toshiharu KATAGIRI, Keiji KAHARA
  • Publication number: 20120047972
    Abstract: An electronic key including an internal power source is provided for transferring electrical power to a merchandise security device to operate a mechanical lock mechanism. In one embodiment, the key transfers power to the device via electrical contacts disposed on a transfer probe of the electronic key and corresponding electrical contacts disposed within a transfer port of the device when the transfer probe engages the transfer port. In another embodiment, the key transfers power to the device via inductive transfer as a result of passing an electrical current through an inductive coil disposed within the transfer probe to generate a magnetic field in the vicinity of a corresponding inductive coil disposed within the transfer port and thereby induce an electric current in the inductive coil of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: INVUE SECURITY PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Christopher J. Fawcett
  • Publication number: 20120047973
    Abstract: A lockout device for a component extending from a component supporting structure includes a base member and a shell member. The base member defines an aperture sized to receive the component therethrough, and includes an outer flange portion that extends from the base member. The shell member includes first and second body members configured to be secured together with the base member in a first condition to block access to the component, and movable to a second condition to allow access to the component. At least one of the first and second body members includes an interlock portion received in an outer peripheral recess defined between the flange portion and a surface of one of the base member and the component supporting structure. The first and second members define a clasp portion configured to receive a locking component to secure the first and second body members in the first condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: MASTER LOCK COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Davis Su, Ray Wojtak
  • Publication number: 20120047974
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a new resource processing method of kitchen waste, in particular, provides a method of preparing biochemical humic acid from kitchen waste and biochemical humic acid product prepared therefrom. The kitchen waste treated by technical solution of the present invention has a high conversion rate of organic matter, reaching over 90%. Meanwhile, the biochemical humic acid product prepared by the invention is nutritious, the amount of the total humic acid, free humic acid and water soluble humic acid in the product reach up to 38-42%, 35-40% and 14-16%, respectively; it contains not only the major elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, but also the trace elements such as zinc, iron and manganese as well as other active substances. Thus the product is suitable for fertilizer in agricultural production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Qian Huang, Yu Haiyan
  • Publication number: 20120047975
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously carbonizing materials while co-producing gases in a coking chamber closed to the atmosphere, having a charger at one end comprising a pushing ram surrounding a mandrel that surrounds an air or oxygen injection lance. The other end of the coking chamber collects and separates coke from gases, with coke directed to a closed quenching chamber and gases directed to a cleanup. Thermal energy for converting coal into coke derives from combusting some metallurgical coal by said lance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Albert Calderon, Terry James Laubis
  • Publication number: 20120047976
    Abstract: A material (such as potassium hydroxide or ammonia) capable of reacting with ambient carbon dioxide to produce fertilizer is placed in the path of ambient air movement. Desirably the material is associated with a fabric which in turn is associated with a vane of a vertical axis wind turbine, the turbine performing useful work as well as supporting the material which produces a fertilizer. A misting system controlled by a controller may automatically apply a water mist to the material if the humidity is below a predetermined level. The fabric with produced nitrogen and/or potassium fertilizer may be placed directly into contact with soil, or shredded first, or burned to produce energy and an ash (and the ash applied to the soil). The wind turbine may have a convenient, versatile mounting system with three adjustable legs supporting a central component, and the spokes of the wind turbine may be slotted for easy assembly with vanes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Robert A. Vanderhye
  • Publication number: 20120047977
    Abstract: Methods and Apparatus to increase the efficiency of roll-forming and leveling systems are described herein. An example strip material processing apparatus are described herein includes a first drive system to drive a first plurality of workrolls and a second drive system to drive a second plurality of workrolls. A controller provides a first command reference to the first drive system. The controller measures a first output parameter of the first drive system when the first drive system operates at the first command reference. The controller determines a second command reference based on the first output parameter and the controller drives the second drive system based on the second command reference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Gregory S. Smith, Zachary Williams, Roger Downing
  • Publication number: 20120047978
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metallic valve housing by means of hydroforming a tube section in a die including an upper part having a stamp, a lower part having a depression, the tube section being placed in the die, filled with a liquid, and subjected to a high internal pressure, and opposite walls of the tube section in a middle portion between two tube ends being shaped in that one side of the tube section is pressed inwards transversely to the axis of the tube section by means of the stamp to form a concave curvature and the opposite wall is pressed into the depression in the lower part to form a flat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Walter Neumann, Gerhard Koch, Robert Pop, Klaus Beck, Klaus Siegert
  • Publication number: 20120047979
    Abstract: A hydroforming die assembly for deforming a tube and a method for deforming the tube are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: SCHULER INC.
    Inventors: Klaus Hertell, Prashant Soman
  • Publication number: 20120047980
    Abstract: A compound rod bender includes a first handle arm and a second handle arm coupled to a first pivot point. A body portion of the rod bender is coupled to the first handle arm at a second pivot point and the second handle arm is coupled to the body portion at a third pivot point. The body portion also includes first and second distal arms configured with first and second rolling elements coupled to distal ends of the first and second distal arms. A barrel is provided on the body portion which is positioned on a center area of the body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Harper
  • Publication number: 20120047981
    Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a seamless tube, in which after a starting material to be extruded has been heated to a heating temperature T [° C.] satisfying the relationship of Formula (1) or Formula (2) depending on the outside diameter d0 [mm] thereof, the starting material is hot extruded by providing a solid lubricating glass between the starting material to be extruded and a die, whereby a transverse flaw on the outer surface in the top portion of tube can be prevented when hot extrusion is performed by using a starting material for extrusion having low deformability at high temperatures. When d0<200, T?1250+1.1487×A?7.838×ln(t0/t)?10.135×ln(d0/d) . . . (1); when d0?200, T?1219+1.1487×A?7.838×ln(t0/t)?10.135×ln(d0/d) . . . (2), where A=L/Vav×1000 [insect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: SUMITOMO METAL INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Kouichi HARADA, Tomio YAMAKAWA
  • Publication number: 20120047982
    Abstract: Provided is a swaging apparatus for smoothly swaging a can of a rechargeable battery by absorbing excessive load above a predetermined level between a rod of a driving part and a collet of a driven part. A swaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment includes a collet housing for swaging a can including an electrode assembly, a collet for swaging an opening of the can inserted in the collet housing, a shock-absorbing part disposed in the collet housing and connected to the collet, and a rod connected to the shock-absorbing part to transmit a swaging load to the collet through the shock-absorbing part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jung-Bae Cha, Jae-Ho Jeong, Kyung-Doo Ha
  • Publication number: 20120047983
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for a diffuser comprises a first process of forming a first molded component, by gradually forging a cylindrical solid material having fiber flow extending in an axial direction from an axial direction thereof, the first molded component including a flange section having a central hole section, and a bottomed cylindrical section having a communication hole leading to one end, in the axial direction, of the flange, and communicating with the hole section, and having fiber flow that is flowing substantially in the axial direction without being cut, and a second process of forming a second molded component, by split molding a peripheral groove using split dies at the outer periphery of the bottomed cylindrical section of the first molded component, including a flange having a central hole section, and a bottomed cylindrical section having a communication hole leading to one end, in the axial direction, of the flange, and communicating with the hole section, and having the peripheral groove
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: IIDZKA SEISAKUSHO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi IIZUKA, Soichiro SHIBATA
  • Publication number: 20120047984
    Abstract: First, a heat pipe containing a work fluid is provided. The heat pipe is not pressed until the work fluid turns into a vapor phase so as to form a desired shape. The method can be employed to shape a round cross-section of a heat pipe into an oblate one.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Yu-Po Huang, Tung-Jung Kuo
  • Publication number: 20120047985
    Abstract: A shiftable workpiece transfer apparatus for transferring a workpiece to a press while simultaneously shifting the workpiece centerline. Such a transfer apparatus includes cooperating workpiece transfer tables, the movement of which is directed by respective guide rails. A first workpiece transfer table is directed along a path that is substantially parallel to the centerline of the press line. The second workpiece transfer table is directed along a path that is skewed with respect to the centerline of the press line by an amount sufficient to produce a desired shift of the workpiece centerline. As the second transfer table moves along the skewed guide rail and toward the first transfer table, the workpiece is automatically moved across the surface of the first transfer table to a desired centerline offset point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jay Shields
  • Publication number: 20120047986
    Abstract: A sheet metal forming die set includes a rotary cam that is received in a cavity of one of the dies. The rotary cam has a cylindrical body portion and a bullet nose portion that is smaller in diameter than the body portion. A cantilevered insert is provided on the die adjacent to the bullet nose portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Davis, Joseph H. Fornasiero
  • Publication number: 20120047987
    Abstract: One embodiment of an electromagnetic flow rate measurement system includes electromagnetic flowmeters arranged at intervals from one another in the peripheral direction of an annular flow passage 1 in which an electric conductive fluid flows. Each of the electromagnetic flowmeters comprises: an excitation member that has magnets arranged at intervals from one another in the outer peripheral surface of the annular flow passage so as to form a magnetic field in the direction perpendicular to the outer peripheral surface of the annular flow passage; and electrodes that are provided between the magnets of the excitation member and between the magnets of the excitation member so as to measure voltage generated when the electric conductive fluid crosses the magnetic field. The polarities of the magnets at the end portions of the closest excitation members of the adjacent electromagnetic flowmeters are opposed to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Takatoshi Asada, Daigo Kittaka, Yasuko Oyamatsu, Masafumi Komai, Hiroyuki Oota
  • Publication number: 20120047988
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system provides for accurately measuring and calibrating liquid products dispensed from a dispenser. A liquid diluent enters an aspirator assembly (12). A liquid product is drawn from a product container through a flow meter (36) into the aspirator assembly (12), wherein liquid product and diluent are mixed to dispense at the outlet of the aspirator (14). The flow meter (36) monitors the amount of liquid product drawn into and dispensed from the aspirator (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC
    Inventors: RICHARD JONDALL MEHUS, JOHN THOMAS PELKEY, RYAN JACOB URBAN, QUANG VAN DAO, SCOTT RUSSELL LIMBACK
  • Publication number: 20120047989
    Abstract: A shock simulation test apparatus and method utilize a test plate and formed explosive charges to sever or penetrate one or more portions of a suspended test plate in order to subject any attached test item(s) to a realistic pyroshock stimulus. One or more shock measurement sensors, such as accelerometers, may be attached to the test plate or the test item(s) to measure the response to this shock stimulus. The apparatus and method is flexible in that many different scenarios can be simulated from different test plate materials, charge sizes and types. This method replicates actual end-use source shock environments typical in aerospace applications, but can be extended to any industry having a pyroshock environment and test requirement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Esteen Bottlinger, JR., Patrick Grosserode, Krzysztof Zbigniew Pennar, Gary Ronald Burnside
  • Publication number: 20120047990
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for chromatography of a polyolefin polymer by flowing a solution of the polyolefin polymer through liquid flowing through a graphitic carbon liquid chromatography stationary phase. The method can be used to determine the monomer to comonomer ratio of a polyolefin copolymer such as a copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene or a copolymer of propylene and ethylene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Freddy A. Van Damme, John W. Lyons, William L. Winniford, Alexander Willem deGroot, Matthew D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20120047991
    Abstract: A particulate matter detection device of the present invention includes a plate-like element base material, and a pair of measurement electrodes arranged in the element base material, each of the measurement electrodes is a combteeth-like electrode including a plurality of planarly arranged combteeth portions, and a comb spine portion which connects the plurality of combteeth portions of each of the measurement electrodes to one another at one end of each of the plurality of combteeth portions, the combteeth portions of the measurement electrodes are arranged to engage with each other with a space being left therebetween, and the comb spine portion of at least one of the measurement electrodes is covered with a comb spine covering portion made of a dielectric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicants: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro TOKUDA, Takashi Egami, Takeshi Sakuma, Atsuo Kondo, Nasanobu Miki, Keizo Iwama, Tatsuya Okayama
  • Publication number: 20120047992
    Abstract: A fuel property determining apparatus is provided that can reduce power consumption in energization of a fuel property sensor by efficiently determining a fuel property as determined by activating the fuel property sensor. Upon starting an internal combustion engine, it is determined whether or not determination is made of the fuel property in a preceding trip. When the fuel property is determined in the preceding trip, a switch is turned ON to activate the fuel property sensor after waiting for a short period of time after the start of the internal combustion engine. When the fuel property is not determined in the preceding trip, the switch is turned ON to activate the fuel property sensor immediately after the start of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Mie Sasai
  • Publication number: 20120047993
    Abstract: A particulate matter detection device of the present invention includes a plate-like element base material, and a pair of measurement electrodes arranged in the element base material, each of the measurement electrodes is a combteeth-like electrode including a plurality of planarly arranged combteeth portions, and a comb spine portion which connects the plurality of combteeth portions of each of the measurement electrodes to one another at one end of each of the plurality of combteeth portions, the combteeth portions of the measurement electrodes are arranged to engage with each other with a space being left therebetween, and the comb spine portion of at least one of the measurement electrodes is covered with a comb spine covering portion made of a dielectric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicants: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro TOKUDA, Takeshi Sakuma, Takashi Egami, Atsuo Kondo, Masanobu Miki, Keizo Iwama, Tatsuya Okayama
  • Publication number: 20120047994
    Abstract: A nitrogenous gas sensor comprises a piezoelectricity plate which has a sensing surface; two transducers placed on the sensing surface of the piezoelectricity plate for transduction of electrostatic potential energy and acoustic energy, in order to generate surface acoustic waves on the piezoelectricity plate; and a sensing layer installed on the sensing surface of the piezoelectricity plate between the two transducers, which is consisted of polyaniline and tungsten oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Chi-Yen Shen, Shih-Han Wang
  • Publication number: 20120047995
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention generally relates to an FET-based detector for carbon monoxide which is based on two sensitive layers. In at least one embodiment, the first of the sensitive layers is catalytically active and therefore reacts equally to alcohols, in particular ethanol, and carbon monoxide. The second of the sensitive layers is not catalytically active and therefore does not react to carbon monoxide, but only to ethanol. The concentration of carbon monoxide can be deduced from the comparison of the signals of the two layers. The two sensitive layers are implemented via similar metal oxide layers, an additional layer having a catalyst such as palladium being provided for the catalytically active layer. Alternatively, two different layers can be used, one of which is already catalytically active without an additional layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Maximilian Fleischer, Ulrich Hoefer, Roland Pohle, Stefan Stegmeier
  • Publication number: 20120047996
    Abstract: A portable scent detection system for moving air from a search area to an animal's nose such as a dog that can include a hand-held pickup for collecting air from a target area, an air moving unit containing at least one fan, a return hose coupled between the pickup and the air moving unit, and a scent presentation device. The air moving unit can contain one or more fans. The pickup device can also optionally contain a fan. The fans can be battery powered using fixed or rechargeable batteries. The air moving unit can be contained in a waist or backpack for ease in use. The scent pickup can also optionally contain a filter to filter out dust or unwanted particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: David Reese
  • Publication number: 20120047997
    Abstract: A method is described for detecting the independent running and/or the start/stop of an internal combustion engine, in which parameters of the internal combustion engine characterizing the combustion process, especially pressure changes or vibrations, are evaluated for this detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Gholamabas ESTEGHLAL, Rolf Stracke
  • Publication number: 20120047998
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure sensor employed in a stability control apparatus for a vehicle. According to an aspect, there is provided a pressure sensor installed to a hydraulic unit and being in contact with a circuit board of an electronic control unit to sense brake oil pressure. The pressure sensor comprises a connecting terminal formed on the circuit board of the electronic control board and comprising a press-fit terminal; a press-fit being in slidable and movable contact with the press-fit terminal; and a spring connecting the press-fit and the press-fit terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: Mando Corporation
    Inventor: Chae Soo KIM
  • Publication number: 20120047999
    Abstract: An ECU determines whether condensed water is present at a rotor and vanes based on an electric current, which flows in an electric motor that drives the rotor. When the condensed water is determined to be present, the ECU drives the motor for a predetermined time period. When the condensed water is determined to be absent, the ECU stores a pressure, which is sensed through a pressure sensor, as a first pressure. The ECU is adapted to sense an abnormality in a pump characteristic based on a value of the first pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomohiro ITOH, Mitsuyuki Kobayashi, Shinji Sugihara
  • Publication number: 20120048000
    Abstract: The described method and system utilize continuous and/or periodic measurement of the fuel pipes to detect leakage of fuel. In general, the piping is enclosed in an air-tight containment cover so that a passage is formed between the piping and containment cover. Measurements can be conducted, using known hydrocarbon and other combustible gases industrial analyzers, and leak detectors. Pressure drop within the passage can be compensated by controlling of air inlet flow into the passage, coordinated with the analyzer pumping rate. Temperature and motion of a gas sample can be controlled by heating the inlet air. The system can includes the controlling valves for the leak source localization. The described method and system can be used to analyze and control fuel leak for late lean injection system for combustor of a turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph KIRZHNER
  • Publication number: 20120048001
    Abstract: A method of testing for leaks in a contained system with an interior containing system gas and system liquid at an operating pressure, the method comprising: pressurizing the interior of the contained system, by introduction of gas comprising tracer gas into the interior, to at least 0.5 pounds per square inch above the operating pressure to disperse the tracer gas throughout the system liquid; and sensing for the presence of the tracer gas using one or more sensors located outside the contained system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Allan Pawlyk
  • Publication number: 20120048002
    Abstract: Embodiment of the present invention features a device, method and kit for performing one or more processing steps on a sample. The device includes a housing and a processing component. The housing has a first vessel connector for receiving a first vessel and a second vessel connector for receiving a second vessel, and a passage, to provide fluid communication between the first and second vessels. The processing component is in fluid communication with the passage and for effecting a change in a fluid moving from the first vessel to the second vessel through the passage via centrifugal force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Claude R. Mallet
  • Publication number: 20120048003
    Abstract: A method for performing an assay of at least one target vitamin in an oral care product includes: a) preparing a first analyte comprising a standard solution of the target vitamin to be assayed; b) preparing a second analyte comprising a sample solution derived from the oral care product containing the target vitamin; c) preparing a third analyte comprising a placebo solution derived from the oral care product which does not contain the target vitamin; d) chromatographically analyzing and providing a chromatogram for each said analyte; e) comparing the chromatograms of the first and second analytes to determine the amount of target vitamin in the sample solution; and f) comparing the chromatograms of the second and third analytes to verify that the assay is specific for the target vitamin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: GOLDEN PRODUCTS LLC, Limited Liability Company
    Inventor: Bruce Alan Golden
  • Publication number: 20120048004
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus processes an input signal from a load controller including an input surface and a load detecting means for detecting a load value applied to the input surface. The information processing apparatus detects a center-of-gravity position of a load applied to the input surface of the load controller based on the input signal from the load detecting means. The information processing apparatus determines whether or not the load value applied to the load controller is smaller than a predetermined value, based on the load value detected by the load detecting means, and when the result of determination is positive, executes a menu operation process based on the center-of-gravity position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Miyanaga
  • Publication number: 20120048005
    Abstract: A sensor system for determining at least one parameter of a fluid medium flowing through a channel, in particular of an intake air mass of an internal combustion engine. The sensor system has at least one sensor chip situated in the channel for determining the parameter of the fluid medium. The sensor chip is accommodated in a sensor carrier that extends into the channel. The sensor carrier has an inflow edge situated transversely to the flow of the fluid medium, which on its part has at least one turbolator, which is equipped to develop turbulences in the flowing fluid medium in the area of the sensor carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Erhard Renninger, Achim Briese, Hans Hecht, Ulrich Wagner, Uwe Konzelmann, Christoph Gmelin
  • Publication number: 20120048006
    Abstract: At least one of ground contact pressure, shear stress and amount of skidding is measured at a measurement point on a tread surface of a tire. A sensor is arranged on a road surface and the measurement point is made to contact the sensor while the tire rotates. An initial position of the tire is set, where the measurement point is at a previously-set reference position and the tire is at a running start position on the road surface. The tire is made to run from the initial position to obtain a rotation angle difference ? between a tire rotation angle until the rotation axis of the tire passes over the arrangement position of the sensor and a tire rotation angle until the measurement point contacts the road surface. The tire is set at the initial position and rotated by ? without changing the running start position of the tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA KOBE SEIKO SHO, THE YOKOHAMA RUBBER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Noritaka Koguchi, Shogo Sarumaru
  • Publication number: 20120048007
    Abstract: The invention relates to a structure and a process for measuring an energy of adhesion between two substrates bonded in a transverse direction. The method involves providing for at least one of the two substrates to have a plurality of elementary test cells within a test layer each being capable of locally applying, in the transverse direction, a preset mechanical stress (?), dependent on the temperature (T), to a bond interface between the substrates in a direction tending to separate them, applying a test temperature to the substrates and identifying debonded regions of the bond interface so that the local adhesion energy at the test temperature in the regions may be deduced therefrom, the local adhesion energy in a region of the bond interface being deduced from the stress applied by the test cells that caused debonding in the region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Didier Landru
  • Publication number: 20120048008
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid testing device which utilizes a small, cross-section fluid interface to separate a test fluid chamber from a drive and measuring chamber. The test fluid chamber contains the test fluid and a paddle-type fluid test assembly. The drive and measuring chamber contains a second fluid and assemblies for moving the paddle and for determining the resistance movement. The two chambers are connected together by a narrow cross-section passageway allowing for continuous testing while test fluids are flowed through the test chamber and for successive testing of different samples without breaking down the device between tests. A pair of coaxial shafts extends between the test fluid chamber and the drive and measuring chamber. The shafts are connected together by a spring located in the drive chamber whereby the resistance to movement is determined by measuring the deflection in the spring. The shafts are magnetically coupled to a motor to rotate the shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Sairam K.S. Pindiprolu, Dennis Willie Gray, Christopher Lynn Gordon, Balasundaram Balaraman
  • Publication number: 20120048009
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method, a system, the use of the system and a reinforcement member for the direct detection of the presence of a cavity in a drill-hole intended for the reception of a reinforcement member. The method comprises the injection of a drill-hole with hardening grout 6, the introduction of a reinforcement member 7, 40 to introduce a pressurised medium 37 and the measurement of the change in pressure or the detection of a flow of medium, whereby the fall in pressure or the presence of a flow of medium indicates the presence of a cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: MALMFALTEN AB
    Inventors: Sture Åberg, Leif Gustafsson
  • Publication number: 20120048010
    Abstract: A vane anemometer includes an anemometer body forming a receiving chamber that has a side wall forming retention slots for receiving and retaining therein an impeller assembly. The impeller assembly includes an upper cage forming retention tabs and coupling slots, a lower case forming coupling tabs and notches, and an impeller set rotatably supported between the upper cage and the lower case. Each coupling tab of the lower case forms a coupling pawl engageable with each coupling slot of the upper cage to couple the upper cage and the lower case together. The retention tabs of the upper cage are received in the notches of the lower case and each includes a retention nub, whereby the retention tabs form engagement with the retention slots of the receiving chamber of the anemometer body to easily mount the impeller assembly to the anemometer body in a secure manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: DONG-CHANG LIN
  • Publication number: 20120048011
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor (1) for measuring the surface level of a liquid phase metal in a continuous casting plant including an ingot mold having an upper surface into which an opening (4), in which a liquid metal is fed, leads, characterized in that the sensor includes: an air excitation coil (7) perpendicular to the upper surface of the ingot mold and arranged near the opening, powered by a current for generating a magnetic field, the field lines of which propagate along upper field lines away from the ingot mold and along the lower field lines covering the upper surface of the ingot mold and the molten metal surface; a lower air reception coil (8) parallel to the excitation coil, in which an induced voltage is generated by the action of the lower field lines, wherein the latter can be modified by a variation in the level of the molten metal surface; and an upper air reception coil (9) parallel to the excitation coil, vertically adjacent to the lower excitation coil, and having a shape and characte
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: AVEMIS
    Inventor: Michel Dussud
  • Publication number: 20120048012
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a fuel tank assembly and fuel pump module for a vehicle. One embodiment disclosed herein comprises fuel pump module with a body portion having an outer surface and a fuel level sender located on the body portion. The fuel level sender comprises a float arm movable along a movement range between an empty position and a full position and a fuel level sender protector. The protector comprises a guard portion positioned at a predetermined distance from the float arm such that the float aim is positioned between the guard portion and the outer surface of the body portion and configured to maintain the predetermined distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Himeki, Jon Sussman
  • Publication number: 20120048013
    Abstract: There is provided a jaw motion measuring system that can attach a simple detector and can accurately carry out measurement of jaw motion. The jaw motion measuring system includes: an acceleration detector having at least an acceleration sensor that senses accelerations of three-axis directions, a flexible wire whose one end is connected to the acceleration sensor, an output terminal that is connected to another end of the flexible wire and outputs acceleration data of the three-axis directions, and an attachment portion that attaches the acceleration sensor to a chin portion of a lower jaw; and a jaw motion measuring device that acquires acceleration data corresponding to jaw motion from the acceleration detector, and carries out correction, with respect to the acquired acceleration data, of errors due to the acceleration sensor, and measures jaw motion expressed by acceleration waveforms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: National University Corporation Tokyo Medical and Dental University
    Inventors: Ichiro Minami, Teruyasu Nakamura, Yoshimasa Igarashi, Tetsu Nemoto