Patents Issued in March 6, 2012
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Patent number: 8127566Abstract: A modular water source geothermal heat pump unit is provided. The water source geothermal heat pump unit comprises separate fan, compressor and coil modules. In one embodiment, the compressor module may be located between the fan and coil modules. In another embodiment the water source geothermal heat pump unit may be a monolithic unit that includes a fan that directs air through a chute located adjacent a compressor. The chute may also be located between the fan and a coil.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Geothermal Design Associates, Inc.Inventor: Jay Allen Hammond
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Patent number: 8127567Abstract: An oil supply passage (68) is formed inside a rotating shaft (56) of a compression mechanism (21). An oil supply passage (38) is formed inside a rotating shaft (36) of an expansion mechanism (22). A boss portion (81) is provided at a lower end of the rotating shaft (56). A shaft portion (82) that is engaged in the boss portion (81) is provided at an upper end of the rotating shaft (36). The circumference of a coupling part (80), which includes the boss portion (81) and the shaft portion (82) is covered by an upper bearing (42) of the expansion mechanism (22). The upper bearing (42) supports both the rotating shaft (36) and the rotating shaft (56).Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Takeshi Ogata, Hiroshi Hasegawa, Masaru Matsui, Atsuo Okaichi, Tomoichiro Tamura, Masanobu Wada
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Patent number: 8127568Abstract: An article of jewelry comprising: a first base having an outer surface and at least two wells; a layer of adhesive material in communication with at least one well; a layer of glitter in communication with at least a portion of the adhesive material in at least one well to provide a glitter adhesive filled well; at least one gemstone in communication with the layer of adhesive material and at least partially contained in at least one well; and at least one circular surrounding piece having an outer circumference and a center opening, the center opening corresponding to and surrounding the gemstone and in communication with the layer of adhesive material.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Inventor: Dimitriy Sobchenko
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Patent number: 8127569Abstract: An I.S. machine has a blow station where a parison is blown into a bottle. The parison is blown with a blow head at the “on” position on the blow mold and following the blowing of the parison, the blow head is lifted away from the blow mold. The spacing between the blow head and the mold is defined by a Pressure Profile which is responsive to the sensed pressure within the mold.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2011Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Emhart Glass S.A.Inventor: Wolfgang Anheyer
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Patent number: 8127570Abstract: A high-refractivity low-dispersion optical glass that can be stably supplied and has excellent glass stability and that has coloring reduced, comprises, by mass %, 5 to 32% of total of SiO2 and B2O3, 45 to 65% of total of La2O3, Gd2O3 and Y2O3, 0.5 to 10% of ZnO, 1 to 20% of total of TiO2 and Nb2O5, 0 to 15% of ZrO2, 0 to 2% of WO3, 0 to 20% of Yb2O3, 0 to 10% of total of Li2O, Na2O and K2O, 0 to 10% of total of MgO, CaO, SrO and BaO, 0 to 12% of Ta2O5, 0 to 5% of GeO2, 0 to 10% of Bi2O3, and 0 to 10% of Al2O3, wherein the mass ratio of the content of SiO2 to the content of B2O3, (SiO2/B2O3), is from 0.3 to 1.0, and the mass ratio of the total content of Gd2O3 and Y2O3 to the total content of La2O3, Gd2O3 and Y2O3, (Gd2O3+Y2O3)/(La2O3+Gd2O3+Y2O3), is from 0.05 to 0.6, the optical glass having a refractive index nd of 1.89 to 2.0 and an Abbe's number ?d of 32 to 38 and having a coloring degree ?70 of 430 nm or less.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Hoya CorporationInventors: Tomoaki Negishi, Xuelu Zou
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Patent number: 8127571Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of refining lithium aluminosilicate glass capable of being controllably ceramized and free of arsenic oxide, antimony oxide and tin oxide, in which at least 0.05% by weight of at least one sulfide is added to the glass batch materials and said materials are melted at a temperature below 1750° C. The invention also relates to the glass-ceramics obtained from said colored glass, especially glass colored by vanadium oxide, and cooktops and cooking utensils including such glass-ceramics.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Eurokera S.N.C.Inventors: Dorothee Martin, Yannick Lefrere
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Patent number: 8127572Abstract: A method of controlling blister formation in a glass melt flowing through a system comprising one or more refractory metal vessels by developing a blister index and determining the critical blister index value. The critical value of the blister index may be used to control the principal variables responsible for blister formation, including the water content of the melt, the concentration of reduced multivalent oxide compounds in the melt, and the hydrogen partial pressure of an atmosphere in contact with the outside surface of the refractory metal vessel. Also disclosed is a minimum partial pressure of hydrogen necessary to produce an essentially blister-free glass article in a glass essentially free of arsenic and antimony.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2011Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: William Gurney Dorfeld, Adam James Gillmar Ellison, Qiao Li, Susan Lee Schiefelbein
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Patent number: 8127573Abstract: A mold cooling system for an I.S. machine wherein cooling air is supplied to vertical cooling holes defined in the molds either at their ends or midway along their length.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Emhart Glass S.A.Inventors: Willi Meyer, Thomas Müller
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Patent number: 8127574Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing mineral wool, wherein a mineral base material is melted in a cupola furnace having a shaft to hold the base material, the lower section of said shaft being provided with a grate, and beneath said grate there is a combustion chamber. The combustion chamber is heated by one or a plurality of burners, the burner or burners being run on liquid or gaseous fuel and an oxygen-containing gas. The burners are operated such that the length of the flames occurring during combustion of the fuel with the oxygen-containing gas is between 60% and 100% of the combustion chamber diameter.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Linde AktiengesellschaftInventors: Thomas Niehoff, Herbert Plaschke, Dirk Rogge, Bernd Rudolph
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Patent number: 8127575Abstract: A moisture wicking fabric has one side comprised substantially entirely of inherently hydrophobic fibers such as polyester or polypropylene and the other side comprised of a mixture of hydrophobic fibers such as polyester or polypropylene and hydrophilic fibers, particularly cellulosic fibers such as cotton, lyocell and viscose rayon. A garment can be formed from such a moisture wicking fabric, for example by the whole garment knitting method, the side comprised of the mixture of fibers being the external side of the garment.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Lenzing AktiengesellschaftInventors: Thomas Richard Burrow, Heinrich Firgo
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Patent number: 8127576Abstract: A laundry machine is disclosed. The disclosed laundry machine includes a drum rotatably provided in a cabinet, a substance supply device provided in the cabinet and supplying moisture to the drum, a water supply device supplying water to the substance supply device, and a valve unit provided in the water supply device, to selectively allow water from the water supply device to be supplied to the substance supply device.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Ju Han Yoon, Dong Geun Lee, Sang Hun Bae, Seon Il Heo, Yeon Sik Choi, Sang Jin Kim
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Patent number: 8127577Abstract: The invention relates to a lock, in particular a hoop lock, having a lock housing, in which a locking cylinder of the lock is arranged, including a cylinder housing, a barrel rotatably mounted in the cylinder housing and a driver unit associated in a drive effective manner with the barrel, and having at least one bolt coupled to the barrel via the driver unit, so that by rotating the barrel the at least one bolt is moveable from a locked position into a release position. The lock housing has a receiving space in an axial extension of the locking cylinder, with the locking cylinder or a part thereof being able to be displaced from an operational position into the receiving space on the application of a predefined force in the axial direction of the locking cylinder, to adopt a sabotage position, in which the coupling of the at least one bolt to the barrel is taken out of operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: ABUS August Bremicker Soehne KGInventors: Joachim Buhl, Friedhelm Schell, Martin Hommel, Thomas Becker
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Patent number: 8127578Abstract: A gate latch is adapted to be installed on a gate post and a complementary striker arm is secured typically to a gate so that, upon closure of the gate, the striker arm engages a displacable latching element mounted in a housing of the latch to displace the latching element. The latching element is biased towards its open position but when the striker arm engages with the latching element it is displaced, thereby releasing an interference portion of a biased locking element, whereby the locking element is released to move under its biasing into a locking position so that self-locking is provided for the latch. A rotary release mechanism may be actuated to return the locking element so that the latching element can be released to release the striker bar and the gate may be opened.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: D & D Group Pty LtdInventors: Irek Karcz, Anthony John Clark, Dezso Kiraly
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Patent number: 8127579Abstract: A lock assembly includes a universal core assembly, which provides multiple engagement features to permit the core assembly to be mounted into various lock housings. A torque blade or a spindle assembly is received within a rear segment of the lock core to engage one of the engagement members depending upon the desire lock within which the core is to be mounted.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventor: Eugenio Mannella
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Patent number: 8127580Abstract: A method and a device is provided for controlling the overlapping of leveling rollers in a planishing machine comprising two leveling trains each bearing a series of rollers with parallel axes. The method and device are particularly applicable to sheets and strip products of great thickness and high hardness requiring little roller overlap. The method is characterized in that it consists in measuring at least the overall value of the torques transmitted to the planishing rollers by the motors, in determining the actual value of the torques used for planishing the product, in comparing the determined value with the reference value of the torque provided by the presetting model and in acting on the members regulating the roller overlap to maintain the value of the thus determined torque at the reference value.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Siemens VAI Metals Technologies SASInventors: Dominique Polatidis, Yves Leclercq
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Patent number: 8127581Abstract: A tool for correcting the twist angle of a turbine blade includes an adaptor configured to engage a tip of the blade, a socket drive configured to engage the adaptor, a first handle connected to a first side of the socket drive, a second handle connected to a second side of the socket drive, and a torque gauge configured to measure a load applied to the blade.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Ephraim C. Davis, Bryan G. Parrette, Larry D. Cronin
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Patent number: 8127582Abstract: Methods and devices provide for high velocity forming of medical device casings. The high velocity forming may be produced by creating a pressure wave within a liquid contained by an enclosure. A die and a workpiece adjacent to the die are in the path of the pressure wave within the enclosure and the pressure wave forces the workpiece to conform to the contours of the die. Objects may be adhered to the die to provide for customized contours. Trimming features may be included within the enclosure to trim excess material from a formed workpiece as an integral part of the forming process. Various other features may also be provided within the enclosure including a diffuser to disperse the pressure wave. The workpiece may be of various forms including flat sheet stock.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Linda M. Johnson-Morke, Glenn S. Daehn
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Patent number: 8127583Abstract: A mandrel for winding sheet metal has a generally tubular mandrel body extending along and centered on an axis and formed at one end with a plurality of radially throughgoing and angularly spaced apertures each having a pair of closed and axially confronting end faces, a spreading bar extending axially inside the body and having a respective pivot adjacent each of the apertures, respective rigid links extending through the apertures and having inner ends carried on the respective pivots and outer ends projecting outside the body, and respective segments outside the body and each pivoted on the outer end of a respective one of the links. Respective pressure plates are operatively connected at the one end between the segments and the mandrel body.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: SMS Demag AGInventors: Matthias Kipping, Ali Bona, Thomas Holzhauer, Juergen Merz, Michael Braukmann
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Patent number: 8127584Abstract: The present invention provides a Cluster mill which utilizes a Cluster mill gauge control system, has a high mill stiffness, a large work roll gap for threading, a rapid work roll gap opening, accurate roll force computation, side to side tilting, and utilizes work rolls over a much wider diameter range.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2010Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: I2S, LLCInventor: Remn-Min Guo
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Patent number: 8127585Abstract: First shaped item with shaft part is produced by forward extrusion forming of work, and further, upset forming thereof is carried out to thereby obtain second shaped item with large-diameter part. Subsequently, backward extrusion forming of the second shaped item is carried out to thereby obtain third shaped item having not only cup part provided with ball rolling grooves but also circular diameter expansion portion provided at the mouth area of the inside wall of the cup part along the circumferential direction in such a fashion that the diameter is gradually expanded from the bottom side toward the opening side. Outer ring member for constant-velocity joint is obtained by further subjecting the third shaped item to low-temperature annealing treatment, shot blast treatment and lubricating chemical coating treatment, and thereafter to ironing forming.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Satoru Ishizuna, Hiroaki Suzuki, Junji Yoshida, Hiroyuki Kawamura, Isao Nakata, Michie Hirane, Sadaichi Takamatsu, Jun Noguthi
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Patent number: 8127586Abstract: Mechanical converter in a movement device generally for transferring parts with respect to a die converts slave motion in a first direction into basic motions of a drive motion in a second direction different from the first direction, and a pitch motion in a third direction different from the first and second directions, which may be such that it is not converted through a plate or rotating cam. Additional motion(s) of an elevation motion in a fourth direction different from the second and third directions but including a vector component along or opposite to the first direction and/or further motion(s) radial to one or more of the first, second, third or fourth directions may be provided from the mechanical converter, another mechanical converter and/or from another source. Also, assisting motion(s), which can assist the die in performing an operation on a work piece, i.e., part, can be provided, for example, by drawing a motion from the pitch, drive and/or elevation motion(s).Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Inventor: Robert J. Gunst
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Patent number: 8127587Abstract: The tool reduces or stops the flow of liquid or gas through a conduit and includes a crimping section, comprised of a first and second crimping member pivotally engaged with each other, and a handle section, comprised of a first and second handle member pivotally connected to each other. Each crimping member has a blunt section extending partially along an edge thereof. The first and second handle members are connected to the first and second crimping members. The conduit is crimped by applying a force to the handle members causing the handle members and the crimping members to pivot in a direction opposite each other so that the blunt sections of crimping members crimp a conduit placed therebetween thereby reducing or stopping the flow of the liquid or gas flowing through the conduit. The tool may also hold objects and be locked via separate locking mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Inventor: Thomas Michael Hughes
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Apparatus and methods for forming a finger-engaging portion in a stay-on-tab of a lid of a container
Patent number: 8127588Abstract: An apparatus for forming a finger-engaging portion in a stay-on-tab of a lid of a container includes a support, a fixture mounted to the support for movement between a first position and a second position in opposition to stay-on-tab of the lid of the container, and an abutment mounted to the fixture for movement between an open position and a closed position in opposition to the fixture and the stay-on tab in the second position of the fixture to bend the stay-on-tab between the fixture and the abutment to form in the stay-on-tab a finger-engaging portion that is upturned relative to the lid of the container.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2011Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Inventors: Harold W. Halpin, Katherine E. Higgins -
Patent number: 8127589Abstract: Pliers for pressing work pieces such as mountings, electric contacts, cable lugs and fittings include a first hand lever and a second hand lever. The hand levers are movable with respect to one another. The pliers also include a head and at least two pressing jaws being located in the region of the pliers head and approaching one another during a working stroke of the pressing pliers to press a work piece. The working stroke includes a first partial stroke and a second partial stroke. The pliers also include a first transfer mechanism and second transfer mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Wezag GmbH WerkzeugfabrikInventor: Kurt Battenfeld
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Patent number: 8127590Abstract: In a die-cushion device of a press machine a controller controls an opening degree of a proportional flow-rate control valve to an appropriate opening degree in order to control the flow rate flowing out of a lower chamber of a hydraulic cylinder supporting a cushion pad before a slide collides against the cushion pad using a die-cushion pressure command commanded from a commander in advance and a slide speed signal inputted from a slide speed detector. By this, generation of a surge pressure when a slide collides against the cushion pad at a high speed is restricted.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Aida Engineering, Ltd.Inventors: Yasuyuki Kohno, Katsunori Haseba, Junko Haseba
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Patent number: 8127591Abstract: Calibration for an ultrasonic nondestructive materials testing system is specified, the system having an array of ultrasonic transducers which can be linearly moved and pivoted. In order to compensate for the offset between the beam direction of the ultrasonic transducers and the rotation point of the pivoting system or another desired point of the transducers, this offset is determined using a calibrating body which is, for example, spherical.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Stefan Hain, Hubert Mooshofer, Fabricio De Carvalho Ferreira
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Patent number: 8127592Abstract: A particulate matter sensor includes a particulate matter detection filter having a volumetric soot storage capacity smaller than the volumetric soot storage capacity of a diesel particulate filter, and a differential pressure measuring part measuring a differential pressure between an inlet and an outlet of the particulate matter detection filter.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignees: Ibiden Co., Ltd.Inventor: Athanasios G. Konstandopoulos
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Patent number: 8127593Abstract: A method for detecting a fungal contamination of an indoor environment by calculation of a chemical index of the fungal contamination. A sample of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is withdrawn in indoor surroundings, and the presence or absence of certain predetermined VOCs resulting from fungal metabolism is detected.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Centre Scientifique et Technique du Batiment (CSTB)Inventor: Stephane Moularat
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Patent number: 8127594Abstract: A gas sensor including: a gas sensing element including first and second ceramic layers. The first ceramic layer has a first through hole and a first through hole conductor covering an inner surface thereof. The first ceramic layer includes a first conductor which includes: a first peripheral conductive portion electrically connected to the first through hole conductor; a first lead portion that is narrower than the first peripheral conductive portion; and a first contact conductive portion that is wider than the first lead portion. The first peripheral conductive portion, the first lead portion and the first contact conductive portion are integrally formed and arranged in this order in a longitudinal direction. The second ceramic layer includes a second conductor electrically connected to at least the first contact conductive portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Kawai, Kentaro Mori, Ryohei Aoki
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Patent number: 8127595Abstract: This invention describes a multi-stage pre-concentrator device for use with a detector system. One pre-concentrator stage is detachable and may be used to collect sample remotely from the detection system. The detachable pre-concentrator stage mates with the detector system and can transfer its desorbed sample to another pre-concentrator stage which also incorporates the functions of a sample loop serving as an injection volume to the separation column of an analytical instrument. In one embodiment the fixed pre-concentrator stage serves as a sample loop that preferably integrates suitable valves with sorbent materials onto the same structure to minimise dead volume, maximise sensitivity, improving column loading efficiency, reducing duty cycles and minimising detection system response time.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Microsaic Systems PLCInventors: Alan Finlay, Eric Yeatman, Steven Wright
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Patent number: 8127596Abstract: In a method for verifying the tightness of a tank bleeding system with a tank bleeding valve, a stop valve for air-tightly closing the tank bleeding system relative to an atmosphere prevailing outside the motor vehicle, and a bistable pressure switch whose switched condition indicates whether a predefined switching pressure is exceeded or not reached in the tank bleeding system, in order to be able to determine the tightness of the tank bleeding system without using a pressure sensor, the following steps are carried out: waiting until the vehicle speed drops below a certain threshold; opening the tank bleeding valve; closing the tank bleeding valve when a negative pressure has been attained which lies below the switching pressure; measuring the duration from the time an initial pressure lies below the switching pressure until the moment the switching pressure is exceeded again; and assessing the tightness is assessed based on the measured duration.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Oliver Grunwald, Alexander Ketterer
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Patent number: 8127597Abstract: An engine oil system comprises an oil condition sensing device and a control module. The oil condition sensing device includes an electrically actuated member and is in fluid communication with an engine oil reservoir. The control module selectively causes current to be supplied to the oil condition sensing device to actuate the member, measures the current, determines a parameter of the current, and selectively identifies at least two of an oil level, an oil change event, and an oil viscosity level based on the parameter.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Inventors: David R. Staley, Bryan K. Pryor, William C. Albertson, Timothy L. Neal, Mike M. McDonald
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Patent number: 8127598Abstract: A procedure for determining the proportion of components of a fuel mixture, which is boosted with a fuel pump, and a device for implementing the procedure are suggested. A measure for the power input of the fuel pump is detected, with whose aid the proportion of components of the fuel mixture is determined. By proceeding according to the invention a special sensor, which is susceptible to components of the fuel mixture can be waived.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Dimitrios Stavrianos
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Patent number: 8127599Abstract: A method for the chassis measurement of a motor vehicle by a chassis measuring device, measuring in a contactless manner, having two measuring devices situated opposite to each other, includes the steps of positioning a first vehicle axle between the two measuring devices; the contactless measuring of the two wheel rims of the first vehicle axle by the two measuring devices; the positioning of a second vehicle axle between the two measuring devices; the contactless measuring of the two wheel rims of the second vehicle axle by the two measuring devices; and ascertaining the wheel position values of all the measured wheel rims by the chassis measuring device.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Stefan Schommer, Craig Dry, Hermann Bux
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Patent number: 8127600Abstract: In a highway tractor trailer vehicle, a brake control sensor is operative to detect each activation of the manual trailer brake control, and a recorder receives and stores data comprising a speed of the tractor at each manual trailer brake control activation. Trailer brake wear is reduced by penalizing an operator of the tractor for each unauthorized activation of the manual trailer brake control. Testing of the connection of the tractor to the trailer is encouraged by tracking the activation of the manual trailer brake control and penalizing the operator for failure to test the connection.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Inventor: Ken Olson
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Patent number: 8127601Abstract: A method for testing the break-through strength of a tissue product is disclosed. The method entails the steps of: a) observing a first condition of the tissue product; b) disposing the tissue product between a lower platen and an upper platen; c) disposing at least a portion of the tissue product within an aperture disposed within the lower platen and an aperture disposed within the upper platen; d) providing a simulated mucous composition; e) directing the simulated mucous composition toward the tissue product disposed within the aperture disposed within the lower platen and the aperture disposed within the upper platen; f) after step d), observing a second condition of the tissue product; and, g) comparing the first and the second conditions of the tissue product.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Kevin Mitchell Wiwi, Gregg Thomas Weaver, Michael Scott Prodoehl, LaTisha Evette Salaam
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Patent number: 8127602Abstract: A fill-measuring device for determining and/or monitoring the fill level of a container, includes: a membrane (1) which can be caused to vibrate; a rigid membrane rim (2) in which the membrane (1) is disposed; a drive device (4) having a drive end face (5) to impel the membrane (1) into vibration, and/or to convert vibrations of the membrane (1) into an electrical signal; and an attaching device (13) for attaching the drive device (4) to the membrane rim (2); wherewith, according to the invention: a part of the attaching device (13) is disposed in a region extending between the membrane (1) and the drive end face (5) of the drive device (4); and at least one pressure transmission element (6) is disposed between the membrane (1) and the drive end face (5) of the drive device (4), in a manner such that the membrane (1) and the drive end face (5) are coupled together for purposes of transmission of vibration.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Vega Grieshaber KGInventors: Holger Gruhler, Gerd Ohmayer, Martin Mellert, Joern Jacob
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Patent number: 8127603Abstract: A physical quantity sensor includes a sensor element that converts an externally applied physical quantity to an electrical signal; a detection circuit that amplifies and detects the output signal of this sensor element; and an adjustment circuit that adjusts the output signal from the detection circuit to a predetermined signal by applying the power supply wherein the adjustment circuit comprises an amplifier circuit that amplifies the output signal from the detection circuit and a reference amplifier circuit that has a gain that is made to correspond to the gain of the amplifier circuit. This configuration allows the gain of the amplifier circuit in the adjustment circuit to be varied according to the power supply voltage and, as a results, provides a physical quantity sensor having reliable sensor detection sensitivity and high-accuracy ratiometric characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Citizen Holdings Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoichi Nagata
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Patent number: 8127604Abstract: The liquid level sensing device includes rotating electrically conductive probes and uses a self-cleaning rotary electrical connection system with a contact stylus on a rotating conductive barrel, for sensing a liquid level in a dispensing container of an aircraft galley insert. The probes, pivot arms of the probes, rotating drum and stylus may have an exterior surface formed of an electrically conductive, corrosion resistant material.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: B/E Intellectual Property, Inc.Inventors: Gary R. Hannah, Nathaniel F. Yoder, Jeff Renz, David Weiss
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Patent number: 8127605Abstract: The present invention comprises a portable measuring vessel with a removably attached digital measuring device. The digital measuring device includes one or more load cells, one or more processors, an input unit, and an output unit. Preferably the input unit is one or more finger-actuatable switches and the output unit is a visual display, such as an LCD. The processor is connected to the input, output, load cell and power source, thereby making a convenient, portable and easily used product.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Priority Worx, LLCInventors: Paul Kolada, Chris Daniels, J. Ryan Eder
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Patent number: 8127606Abstract: An inertial system design approach that can sense and tolerate failures of individual single dimensional acceleration and/or rotation sensors with a minimal number of sensors. Sets of 4 single dimensional acceleration and/or rotation sensors can provide full 3 dimensional sensing in spite of a sensor malfunction or failure, and sets of 3 single dimensional acceleration and/or rotation sensors can provide full 2 dimensional sensing in spite of a sensor malfunction or failure.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Inventor: Tenny Dahlin Lode
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Patent number: 8127607Abstract: An angular velocity detection apparatus includes an angular velocity detection signal amplifier circuit which amplifies an angular velocity detection signal Vo output from an angular velocity sensor, and an offset control circuit which controls an offset so as to be a reference voltage which is output when a value of an angular velocity is 0. The angular velocity detection apparatus further includes an input switch circuit which selects the reference voltage and a discharge switch circuit which short-circuits a capacitor included in a high-pass filter in an offset control period.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideaki Sugibayashi
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Patent number: 8127608Abstract: A detection device includes a driver circuit and a detection circuit. The detection circuit includes an amplifier circuit which amplifies an output signal from a vibrator, a sensitivity adjustment circuit which performs sensitivity adjustment by variably controlling a gain, and a synchronous detection circuit which performs synchronous detection based on a reference signal. The sensitivity adjustment circuit is provided in the preceding stage of the synchronous detection circuit. The sensitivity adjustment circuit operates as a programmable-gain amplifier and a high-pass filter.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2010Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Noriyuki Murashima
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Patent number: 8127609Abstract: An angular velocity sensing element is provided, which is able to prevent breakage of an oscillation arm even when an excessively large shock is given. An angular velocity sensing element 2 according to the present embodiment includes oscillation arms 22, 23 and 24 formed of a semiconductor material, and a stopper member provided to limit the oscillation range of the oscillation arms. As such a stopper member, a first stopper member 25 is provided, for example, which limits the oscillation range of the oscillation arms at least within a single plane of the arms. Fixing portions 21, the oscillation arms 22, 23 and 24 and the first stopper member 25 are integrally formed by processing a semiconductor material, such as silicon.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: TDK CorporationInventors: Ken Unno, Takao Noguchi, Kenichi Tochi, Kazuya Maekawa
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Patent number: 8127610Abstract: A method is present for monitoring a structure. A plurality of modes is identified for a first response for the structure at a first temperature. Each mode in the plurality of modes is adjusted from the first temperature to the second temperature to form a plurality of temperature adjusted modes. A temperature adjusted response is formed from the plurality of temperature adjusted modes in which the temperature adjusted response is adjusted to a second temperature from the first temperature. The temperature adjusted response is compared to a second response to evaluate the changes in the structure between the two sets of measurements.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: V. John Mathews
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Patent number: 8127611Abstract: The use of a harvester head, processor head or merchandiser to deploy or place probes into a standing tree, felled stem or trunk, log, cant or the like whereby a time of flight of a stress or acoustic wave can be measured for the purpose of comparing a relationship to a threshold for the purpose of attributing a characteristic to be harvested, processed or broken down tree, stem or trunk, log, cant or the like.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Fibre-Gen Instruments LimitedInventors: Nigel James Sharplin, Peter Charles Stratton Carter
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Patent number: 8127612Abstract: A system and method for ultrasonic examination of a threaded test object, and more particularly, the mounting threads of a compressed gas tube while the tube is affixed to a tube trailer is provided. The disclosed ultrasonic test instrument includes a probe having one or more transducers for transmission and reception of ultrasound pulses, a contoured wear plate, and a shoe of highly attentuative material having a thread-like exterior surface adapted to mate with the threaded surface of the test object. The shoe further includes a narrow window in the thread-like exterior surface such that the shoe absorbs most of the ultrasonic pulses transmitted from the piezoelectric crystal except for the ultrasonic transmissions passing through the narrow window to the test object.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventor: James R. Mitchell
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Patent number: 8127613Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer for installation in an instrument housing, the ultrasonic transducer having a transducer housing and a housing fixture, the transducer housing being put under pressure by a medium in its installed state on its emitting and/or receiving side. To provide an ultrasonic transducer for installation in an instrument housing, which implements a measure for avoiding crosstalk of ultrasonic signals and avoids the disadvantages known from the prior art—at least partially, the ultrasonic transducer is wherein the transducer housing indirectly forms at least one contact area in its installed state with the housing fixture, the transducer housing and the housing fixture being at least indirectly pressed against one another in a first contact area with existing, but as slight as possible, surface pressure by a pre-loading mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Krohne AGInventors: Jereon Martin van Klooster, Arie Huijzer
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Patent number: 8127614Abstract: Apparatus and methods for ultrasonic coupling using ultrasonic radiation pressure generating are provided. Ultrasonic energy is generated to propagate in the form of ultrasonic waves in a medium coupled to a second element. The ultrasonic energy is converged in the medium to couple the medium to an object located at a distance from the second element. Additional apparatus and methods are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Microsonic Systems Inc.Inventors: Vibhu Vivek, Babur Hadimioglu, Ratnakar Dadi
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Patent number: 8127615Abstract: A method for embossing a separating membrane of a pressure transfer means including a membrane carrier having a membrane bed. With the method, an optimal forming of the separating membrane matched to the form of the membrane bed is achievable. The method includes steps of: welding a planar, separating membrane blank onto the membrane carrier; filling with a lubricant a pressure receiving chamber enclosed by the welded, separating membrane blank and the membrane carrier; producing the separating membrane from the separating membrane blank by embossing the separating membrane blank by pressing it against the membrane bed while lubricant is present in the pressure receiving chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Wolfgang Dannhauer, Igor Getman, Harri Notacker