Patents Issued in June 7, 2012
  • Publication number: 20120137748
    Abstract: A plate workpiece having an edge is bent with a press having a stationary upper die with a lower face and a vertically and horizontally movable lower die with an upper face. With the upper face of the lower die spaced below the lower face of the upper die, the workpiece is fitted between the dies such that the edge of the plate bears in a horizontal direction on the upper face of the lower die and an upper face of the plate bears upward on a portion of the lower face of the upper die. Then the lower die is moved vertically upward toward the upper die at a predetermined vertical rate while the lower die is shifted horizontally synchronously in the direction at a predetermined horizontal rate such that the plate edge engaging the lower-die upper face does not shift there along during upward movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Uwe Feldmann, Manfred Kolbe
  • Publication number: 20120137749
    Abstract: Disclosed is a press system having advantages of preventing a molded product panel from bursting or being torn due to a difference in molding depth caused by a protrusion shape to improve the moldability and marketability of the product panel when press molding is performed on a material panel. An illustrative press system comprises: a lower die punch provided on a bolster and having a lower surface shape of a product panel; a blank holder provided on the outside of the lower die punch and mounted on the bolster through cushion pins; an upper die having an upper surface shape of the product panel, mounted on the slider, and pressing a material panel together with the lower die punch to mold the product panel; and a sub blank holder unit provided inside the lower die punch by performing the molding while holding a portion of the material panel to be molded into a protrusion shape together with the upper die such that a difference in molding depth is compensated when molding is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Joo Suk Park
  • Publication number: 20120137750
    Abstract: Volatile liquid vapors formed during the pour of the volatile liquid from a volumetric test measure apparatus are contained in a pour containment apparatus that enhances the rate of vapor formation inside the pour containment apparatus. The interface between a flow control component on the test measure apparatus and a pour inlet on the pour vapor-containment apparatus creates a positive pressure, vapor-saturated environment so that a sufficient positive vapor pressure is maintained between the interior of the test measure apparatus and the pour vapor-containment apparatus when the flow control component is inserted in the pour inlet and the test measure apparatus is rotated about vertical during the pour and drain processes so that the vapor-saturated air formed in the pour vapor-containment vessel transfers during the pour into the interior of the test measure apparatus to replace the liquid that is poured out of the test measure apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Robert M. MURNANE, JR., Christopher Lewis BRADLEY, Henry Vernon OPPERMANN
  • Publication number: 20120137751
    Abstract: Approaches for a testing apparatus for evaluating a cover of a hard-disk drive. The testing apparatus may detect whether the cover has a defect that prevents the cover from being sufficiently airtight. The testing apparatus includes a base structure that comprises a concave recess shaped to receive the cover to be tested. When the cover is disposed within the concave recess, the cover forms a first chamber in the concave recess between the cover and the base structure. The testing apparatus also includes a removable lid. When the removable lid covers the concave recess with the cover disposed therein, the removable lid forms a second chamber in the concave recess between the cover, the base structure, and the removable lid. The testing apparatus also includes a means for introducing helium gas to one of the chambers and a means for detecting how much helium gas leaks from that chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Charles A. Brown, Ryan Davis
  • Publication number: 20120137752
    Abstract: Hydrotesting fluid compositions including stable populations of corrosion reducing microbes, where the populations are is sufficient to reduce or eliminate microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventor: Michael Morrow
  • Publication number: 20120137753
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a property measurement apparatus including: a first plate installed in a state of being rotatable and/or vibratable; and a second plate placed to face the first plate and provided with an impedance measurement section, wherein a stress caused by a distortion generated by rotating or vibrating the first plate to serve as a distortion given to a sample provided in a gap between the first and second plates is measured, and at the same time, the impedance measurement section measures the impedance of the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihito Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20120137754
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining concentrations of components of a multiphase fluid. A first flowmeter receives a fluid flow and generates measurements of the fluid flow. After at least partially separating the fluid flow into mixtures of its components, second and third flowmeters generate measurements of the mixtures. A data processing apparatus operatively coupled to the flowmeters receives the measurements and determines concentrations of the components of the fluid flow. In an embodiment, the measurements are mass flow and density readings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: INVENSYS SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Manus Henry
  • Publication number: 20120137755
    Abstract: A measurement method that includes irradiating a void-arranged structure on which an analyte has been held with an electromagnetic wave, detecting an electromagnetic wave scattered on the void-arranged structure, and determining a property of the analyte on the basis of at least one parameter, the parameter including the amount of change in the ratio of the detected electromagnetic wave to the irradiated electromagnetic wave at a specific frequency between the presence and the absence of the analyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Takigawa, Takashi Kondo, Seiji Kamba, Yuichi Ogawa
  • Publication number: 20120137756
    Abstract: An apparatus and process of using existing process water sources such as cooling towers, fountains, and waterfalls is provided in which the water sources are utilized as monitoring system for the detection of environmental agents which may be present in the environment. The process water is associated with structures and have an inherent filtering or absorbing capability available in the materials and therefore can be used as a rapid screening tool for quality and quantitative assessment of environmental agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: SAVANNAH RIVER NUCELAR SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: ROBIN BRIGMON, MARK T. KINGSLEY
  • Publication number: 20120137757
    Abstract: A method is provided for analyzing samples of metal melts, wherein a sample is taken from a metal melt using a sampler having a sample chamber and which is constructed as an immersion lance. The method includes transporting the sample from the sampler through a transport conduit to the sphere of action of an analytical device, and analyzing the sample there using the analytical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: HERAEUS ELECTRO-NITE INTERNATIONAL N.V.
    Inventors: Francis DAMS, Lihuan SONG, Johan KNEVELS, Gerrit BROEKMANS
  • Publication number: 20120137758
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an animal urinary function measuring device and an animal urinary function measuring method each with high accuracy in sampling a urine amount of an animal. There are provided an accommodating portion which accommodates an animal other than humans, a collecting portion which is provided below the accommodating portion and collects urine discharged by the animal in the accommodating portion, a reticulated portion which is provided below the accommodating portion, allows the passage of the urine of the animal into the collecting portion, collects an object other than the urine, and whose wire diameter of a net thereof being not more than 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Ryoji Mizumachi, Hiroaki Fukuda
  • Publication number: 20120137759
    Abstract: The present application provides a method of monitoring a compressor. The method may include the steps of determining a blade passing frequency, determining a power indication for a number of frequencies above and below the blade passing frequency, determining a ratio between a maximum power indication and a minimum power indication for the frequencies for a number of predetermined time intervals, and analyzing the ratio for each predetermined time interval to predict a surge condition of the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Krok, John Bolton
  • Publication number: 20120137760
    Abstract: A ride height gauge includes a chassis engaging member biased relative to a base member via springs. Lowering an RC car chassis onto the chassis engaging member causes the chassis engaging member to lower until the car's wheels touch a support surface on either side of the base member. The chassis engaging member's lowered position is displayed on measurement columns that measure the height of the chassis engaging member from the support surface, which can be used to determine the ride height of the vehicle. The measurement columns at opposite ends of the vehicle allow the user to simultaneously measure the ride height at either end of the vehicle without repositioning of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Harold Michael Burton
  • Publication number: 20120137761
    Abstract: The device (18) for checking a tire (14) reinforcing thread comprises: an induction member (68, 70) that induces a magnetic flux (P1, P2; P) in the thread (42a-b; 100; 102), a support (67) supporting the induction member (68, 70) having the overall shape of a U and comprising legs (82, 84) that conduct the magnetic flux (P) into the thread (42a-b; 100; 102), the legs defining a direction of alignment of the device, at least one receiver member (74) that receives the magnetic flux (P1, P2; P) flowing through the thread (42a-b; 100; 102) situated between the legs (82, 84). The dimensions of the receiver member are designed so as to measure only the magnetic flux flowing through the thread (42a-b; 100; 102) when, in operation, the direction of alignment (18) is parallel to the thread (42a-b; 100; 102).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Thierry Dardelin, Patrice Alcalde, Jean-Marc Decitre, Olivier Casula
  • Publication number: 20120137762
    Abstract: Disclosed is a floating mechanism loading vehicle provided with double shafts and eight wheels for pavement accelerated loading test. The floating mechanism loading vehicle comprises front and rear rotating shafts (5), on each of which two loading steel wheels (3) and two backhaul steel wheels (2) are mounted, the loading steel wheels (3) being fixed on the rotating shafts (5) and the backhaul steel wheels (2) being rotatable round the rotating shafts (5). During the loading rolling course, the loading steel wheels (3) runs on the loading rail (4), while during the unloading backhaul course, the backhaul steel wheels (2) runs on the backhaul rail (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: SHANDONG JIAOTONG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jinxiang Feng, Xingyu Guo, Ying Han, Qingzhen Wu, Xuguang Wang, Peng Zhang, Xiangzhen Kong, Zhiguang Guan, Xianggui Li, Qian Jia, Jiwei Zhang, Huijun Wang
  • Publication number: 20120137763
    Abstract: An adapter assembly for attaching a tire pressure monitor onto an inflation valve which incorporates a distal end flange. An adapter is included in the assembly that consists of a collar having a configuration sized to fit over and be internally retained by the valve distal end flange. An O-ring is positioned on the flange contiguously engaging the collar. A tire pressure monitoring cap is threadably attached to the collar which is disposed above and compresses the O-ring between the cap, collar and valve end flange. The adapter permits the tire pressure monitor to be attached, for use with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and also prevents minor air leaks. A fourth embodiment incorporates an outward-extending integral arm formed with the collar for mounting the TPMS sensor on the drop center of the wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: William C. Falkenborg
  • Publication number: 20120137764
    Abstract: A gas separation and detection tool for performing in situ analysis of borehole fluid is described. The tool comprises a sampling chamber for a downhole fluid. The sample chamber comprises a detector cell with an opening. The tool also comprises a gas separation module for taking a gas from the downhole fluid. The gas separation module comprises a membrane located in the opening, a support for holding the membrane, and a sealant applied between the housing and the membrane or support. Moreover, the tool comprises a gas detector for sensing the gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Jimmy Lawrence, Tim G. J. Jones, Kentaro Indo, Tsutomu Yamate, Noriyuki Matsumoto, Michael M. Toribio, Hidetoshi Yoshiuchi, Andrew Meredith, Nathan S. Lawrence, Li Jiang, Go Fujisawa, Oliver C. Mullins
  • Publication number: 20120137765
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor device (4) for measuring a direction of incident flow (2) with which a flowing medium flows against the sensor device (4), having a flow body (1) which is set up to have the flowing medium flow around it, the flow body (1) having a plurality of pressure-sensitive or force-sensitive sensor elements (3) which are arranged on the outer surface of the flow body (1) or are arranged in the flow body (1) and are connected to the outer surface of the flow body (1), and the sensor elements (3) being arranged behind one another along the intended course (30) of the flow around the flow body (1). The invention also relates to an evaluation device for such a sensor device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Hannes Wagner, Fabian Kluessendorf
  • Publication number: 20120137766
    Abstract: A water meter casing and manufacturing process thereof are provided. The water meter casing comprises a middle casing (1), a water inlet port (2) and a water outlet port (3), which are separate parts, wherein a water inlet (4) and a water outlet (5) where the water inlet and outlet ports (2, 3) are arranged are respectively provided at the two sides of the middle casing (1), and a support ring (6) is also provided in the inner cavity of the middle casing (1). The manufacturing process of the water meter casing relates to a method of forming the water meter casing by high pressure hydraulic bulging. The manufacturing process is simple and easy to carry out, and it presents the advantage of low cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: JIANGXI SANCHUAN WATER METER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Caihua Song, Ming Luo, Guomin Xu
  • Publication number: 20120137767
    Abstract: Time domain reflectometers are described that include a sensor circuit, a feed line, a lead line, and a signal generator. The feed line and lead line are configured such that when a signal propagates through the feed line and the guide line at least one of the reflected signals of the plurality of reflected signals is delayed beyond full measurement range of the apparatus so as to prevent the reflected signal from being possibly sensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: ATEK Products, LLC
    Inventor: Emanuel H. Silvermint
  • Publication number: 20120137768
    Abstract: A radar level gauge using electromagnetic signals to determine a filling level of a product in a tank, comprising an electronics unit including transceiver circuitry, a signal propagation device arranged to direct electromagnetic signals into the tank and to return electromagnetic signals reflected from the tank, and a directional coupler. The gauge further comprises a wave guiding structure comprising a rod of a dielectric material. A mounting portion of the electronics unit defines an opening and is detachably mountable on the dielectric rod so that the rod extends through the opening and is at least partly surrounded by the opening. The mounting portion is further arranged to secure the circuitry portion relative the rod so that said directional coupler is in a position to couple signals between the transceiver circuitry and the rod. The radar level gauge according to the present invention facilitates replacement of an electronics unit, e.g. in case of malfunction or upgrades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Olov Edvardsson
  • Publication number: 20120137769
    Abstract: Systems and methods for evaluating a golf ball design are disclosed. In one implementation, a method for evaluating a golf ball design may comprise designing a proposed golf ball having a size and dimple design; determining a specific gravity of the proposed golf ball; selecting a material for a test golf ball that will mimic the specific gravity of the proposed golf ball when the material is formed into a test golf ball having substantially the same size, shape, and dimple pattern as the proposed golf ball, but having a predetermined construction differing from the proposed golf ball; forming the selected material into the size and dimple design of the proposed golf ball to form the test golf ball; and testing the test golf ball to evaluate the golf ball design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Derek A. Fitchett
  • Publication number: 20120137770
    Abstract: Systems and methods for evaluating a golf ball design are disclosed. In one implementation, a method for evaluating a golf ball design may comprise designing a proposed golf ball having a size and dimple design; determining a specific gravity of the proposed golf ball; selecting a material for a test golf ball that will mimic the specific gravity of the proposed golf ball when the material is formed into a test golf ball having substantially the same size, shape, and dimple pattern as the proposed golf ball, but having a predetermined construction differing from the proposed golf ball; forming the selected material into the size and dimple design of the proposed golf ball to form the test golf ball; and testing the test golf ball to evaluate the golf ball design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Derek A. Fitchett
  • Publication number: 20120137771
    Abstract: A functional capacity evaluator has a strain block and a strain gauge attached to the strain block. A first pair of grips is attachable to the strain block such that when a user squeezes them together using a grip motion, the strain block and strain gauge are flexed for measuring the user's grip strength. A second pair of grips is attachable to the strain block such that when the user squeezes them together using a pinch motion, the strain block and strain gauge are flexed for measuring pinch strength. A deadlift bar is attachable to the strain block such that when the strain block is supported in a first direction and the user pulls on the bar in an opposing direction, the strain block and strain gauge are flexed for measuring deadlift strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Charles D. Cyphery, Marco N. Vitiello
  • Publication number: 20120137772
    Abstract: A multi-functional hand strength assessment device includes a housing and at least one bellows device supported by the housing. A grip bar is interfaced with the bellows device for compression thereof. The grip bar is supported by the housing and is accessible by a user to grasp the grip bar for assessment of grip hand strength and finger pinch strength of the user. A grip is interfaced with the bellows device for compression thereof for assessment of twisting hand strength of the user. A pinch bar is supported by the housing opposite the grip bar and movement of one of the grip bar and the pinch bar towards the other compresses the bellows device for assessment of finger pinch strength of the user's fingers. A mechanical or electronic pressure gauge is in fluid connection with the bellows device to register a reading relating to hand strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Carl Miller
  • Publication number: 20120137773
    Abstract: One or more electrodes that interact with a movable mass in a MEMS device are anchored or otherwise supported from both the top and bottom and optionally also from one or more of the lateral sides other than the transduction side (i.e., the side of the electrode facing the mass) in order to severely restrict movement of the electrodes such as from interaction with the mass and/or external forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: ANALOG DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael W. Judy, John A. Geen, Houri Johari-Galle
  • Publication number: 20120137774
    Abstract: Bulk acoustic wave (BAW) gyroscopes purposefully operate using non-degenerate modes, i.e., resonant frequencies of drive and sense modes are controlled so they are not identical. The resonant frequencies differ by a small controlled amount (?f). The difference (?f) is selected such that the loss of sensitivity, as a result of using non-degenerate modes, is modest. Non-degenerate operation can yield better bandwidth and improves signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) over comparable degenerate mode operation. Increasing Q of a BAW resonator facilitates trading bandwidth for increased SNR, thereby providing a combination of bandwidth and SNR that is better than that achievable from degenerate mode devices. In addition, a split electrode configuration facilitates minimizing quadrature errors in BAW resonators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Judy, John A. Geen, Houri Johari-Galle
  • Publication number: 20120137775
    Abstract: A piezoelectric substrate includes rod-shaped resonating arms; a base portion that connects one set of end portions of the respective resonating arms; weight portions which are formed on the other end portions of the respective resonating arms and which have a width larger than that of the respective resonating arms; and groove portions which are formed on each of the front and rear surfaces along the center line of vibration of the respective resonating arms. The piezoelectric substrate also includes excitation electrodes which are formed on each of the front and rear surfaces of the respective resonating arms including the inner side of the respective groove portions. A plurality of frequency adjustment slits extending in a straight line form along the longitudinal direction of the respective resonating arms are formed on the respective weight portions so as to penetrate through the front and rear surfaces of the weight portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akinori YAMADA
  • Publication number: 20120137776
    Abstract: An X-axis acceleration level determining section determines whether an X-axis acceleration signal output from a three-axis acceleration sensor has a value equal to or more than a predetermined positive threshold level, a value equal to or less than a predetermined negative threshold level, a value between the positive threshold level and a level of 0, or a value between the level of 0 and the negative threshold level. A Y-axis acceleration level determining section also makes a similar determination for a Y-axis acceleration signal output from the three-axis acceleration sensor. An attitude determining section determines the rotated attitude of a device equipped with the three-axis acceleration sensor with respect to the Z axis based on results of determinations made by the X-axis acceleration level determining section and the Y-axis acceleration level determining section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: HOKURIKU ELECTRIC INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Ogihara, Hiroaki Nakabayashi
  • Publication number: 20120137777
    Abstract: Acceleration and/or tilt sensor having a ferromagnetic fluid that is located in a receptacle, and the receptacle constitutes a neutral position for the fluid, and the fluid is permanently magnetized, and a magnetic field detector arrangement is located at the receptacle to detect a displacement of the fluid, wherein a portion of the fluid can be displaced relative to the receptacle from the neutral position to an operating position by an external force while maintaining a continuous surface with the portion of the fluid remaining in the neutral position, and the fluid returns to the neutral position after removal of the external force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Gilbert Erdler, Joerg Franke
  • Publication number: 20120137778
    Abstract: Ultrasonic inspection equipment facilitates alignment of display positions of three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data and three-dimensional shape data, and quickly discriminates between a defect echo and an inner-wall echo. A computer 102A has a position correction function of correcting a relative display position between three-dimensional shape data and three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data. A display position of the three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data or that of the three-dimensional shape data is moved by a norm of a mean vector along the mean vector that is calculated from a plurality of vectors defined by a plurality of points selected in the three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data and by a plurality of points selected in the three-dimensional shape data. The three-dimensional shape data and the three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data are displayed in such a manner as to be superimposed on each other on a three-dimensional display unit 103C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: So KITAZAWA, Naoyuki KONO, Atsushi BABA
  • Publication number: 20120137779
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic probe for the non-destructive testing of metal work pieces, particularly pipes, for transverse defects, comprising a row-shaped arrangement of oscillator elements located on a lead wedge for coupling to the work piece. According to the invention, the lead wedge is designed as a wedge-shaped hollow body, which is filled with fluid and the wedge angle of which is a maximum of 24, and which is arranged on the work piece such that the intromission angle into the work piece is a maximum of 70.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: SALZGITTER MANNESMANN LINE PIPE GMBH
    Inventors: Alfred Graff, Gert Fischer, Karl-Heinz Breckel, Jochen Berkemeier
  • Publication number: 20120137780
    Abstract: A structure for attaching a vibration sensor to a storage device having a recording or reproducing head that records on or reproduces from a recording medium, includes: a first vibration sensor which is provided on a first outer surface of a base of the storage device, and detects vibration in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the recording medium; a second vibration sensor which is provided on a second outer surface of the base, the second surface orthogonal to the first outer surface, and detects vibration in an in-plane direction of the recording medium; an urging section which has a first end portion in contact with an upper surface of the first vibration sensor and a second end portion in contact with an upper surface of the second vibration sensor, and has a substantially L-shape; and a damping member affixed to the urging section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigeru Kasai, Yasuhiro Sasaki, Hiroshi Sakai
  • Publication number: 20120137781
    Abstract: This invention relates to the fibre optic distributed acoustic sensing to detect P and S waves in a solid medium. Distributed acoustic sensing can be achieved using an unmodified fibre optic by launching optical pulses into the fibre and detecting radiation which is Rayleigh backscattered there from. By analysing the returns in analysis bins, acoustic disturbances can be detected in a plurality of discrete longitudinal sections of the fibre. The present invention extends such fibre distributed acoustic sensing to detection of S and P waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: QINETIQ LIMITED
    Inventors: David John Hill, Magnus McEwen-King
  • Publication number: 20120137782
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vibratory gyro-sensor including a vibratory section, a synchronous detector which synchronously detects a detected signal from the vibratory section in timed relation to a timing signal for synchronous detection, and a timing signal output section which outputs the timing signal for synchronous detection. The timing signal output section has a low-pass filter, a comparator, and a first phase shifter. The vibration monitor signal as converted into the binary signal by the comparator and shifted in phase by the first phase shifter is used as the timing signal for synchronous detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshihisa Sameshima
  • Publication number: 20120137783
    Abstract: A generator includes a bio-compatible substrate onto which one mechanical generating unit is disposed. A plurality of elongated piezoelectric fibers each have a first end that is in electrical communication with a first electrode and an opposite second end that is in electrical communication with a second electrode. An insulative layer covers the first electrode, the second electrode and the elongated piezoelectric fibers. A third electrode and a fourth electrode are each disposed on the bio-compatible substrate opposite from the mechanical generating unit. A proton conducting member is in contact with both the third electrode and the fourth electrode. A glucose catalyzing enzyme is electrically coupled to the third electrode. An oxidase enzyme is electrically coupled to the fourth electrode. The third electrode is in electrical communication with each first electrode and the fourth electrode is in electrical communication with each second electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zhong L. Wang, Caofeng Pan, Ben Hansen, Ying Liu
  • Publication number: 20120137784
    Abstract: A relative pressure sensor includes: a pressure measuring transducer having a measuring membrane of a semiconductor chip and a platform, wherein, between both of these, a reference pressure chamber is formed; a support body, connected with the platform by means of a pressure-bearing adhesion, wherein a reference pressure path extends through the two former elements into the reference pressure chamber; and a sensor outer body, in which a transducer chamber with a first opening and a second opening is formed. The pressure measuring transducer is brought into the transducer chamber through the first opening, and is held therein by means of the support body. The support body pressure-tightly seals the first opening, and a side of the measuring membrane facing away from the reference pressure chamber is contactable with the media pressure through the second opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Olaf Krusemark, Norbert Gill
  • Publication number: 20120137785
    Abstract: The invention is for a method and apparatus for a pressure measuring cell for measuring a metered pressure, with a base body having at least one base body electrode and with a membrane body connected to the base body to form a sensor chamber, which has at least one membrane electrode and can be subjected to the pressure of a medium that is below the measurement pressure, wherein both the wall of the sensor chamber that is formed by the base body and the wall of the sensor chamber that is formed by the membrane body is covered with a protective layer; according to the invention, the protective layer is fashioned as a glass layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: VEGA Grieshaber KG
    Inventors: Thomas Kopp, Jörn Jacob, Martin Mellert, Josef Fehrenbach, Thomas Deck
  • Publication number: 20120137786
    Abstract: A pressure sensor measuring element for a pressure sensor operates to detect pressure in a combustion space of an internal combustion engine. The pressure sensor measuring element includes a separating diaphragm, a plunger for the transmission of deflections of the separating diaphragm to a force measuring element, and a sleeve which receives the plunger. The sleeve is closed by the separating diaphragm at a first end intended to face the combustion space and is designed to hold the force measuring element at the opposite second end. Accordingly, the pressure sensor measuring element can be produced more cost-effectively. Furthermore, the plunger can be produced in one piece with the separating diaphragm as a diaphragm/plunger unit, and the sleeve and the diaphragm/plunger unit can be formed from the same metal material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: TRAFAG AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Staiger, Peter Dias-Lalcaca, Peter Hauri, Dieter Zeisel
  • Publication number: 20120137787
    Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor comprising a piezoelectric film formed on a surface of an object to be monitored; a plurality of electrodes formed on a surface of the piezoelectric film; and wherein electrical polarization of the piezoelectric film is about coplanar with the surface of the piezoelectric film. A method of forming a piezoelectric sensor. The method comprises forming a piezoelectric film on a surface of an object to be monitored; forming electrodes on a surface of the piezoelectric film; and orientating electrical polarization in the piezoelectric film to be about coplanar with the surface of the piezoelectric film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Kui Yao, Chin Yaw Tan, Ajit S. Gaunekar, Hon Yu Peter Ng
  • Publication number: 20120137788
    Abstract: A flowmeter having an inlet through which the medium can flow into a measurement zone and having an outlet through which the medium can flow out, wherein a damping device is provided in front of the inlet, and has a first mass which can be flowed through having a first inlet and a first outlet for the medium, a second mass which can be flowed through having a second inlet and a second outlet for the medium as well as a flow connection which is capable of vibration and which connects the first outlet to the second inlet, wherein a minimal flow cross-section (d) of the flow connection is smaller than the inlet cross-section (E) at the first inlet or smaller than the outlet cross-section (A) at the second outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Levitronix GmbH
    Inventors: Mario Haefliger, Natale Barletta
  • Publication number: 20120137789
    Abstract: a magnetostrictive torque sensor includes a rotation shaft, a magnetostrictive member, and a plurality of detectors. The rotation shaft is rotationally supported. The magnetostrictive member is disposed on a surface of the rotation shaft and being deformable in accordance with a magnitude of rotation torque applied to the rotation shaft to change magnetic permeability. The plurality of detectors are disposed on a periphery of the rotation shaft. Each of the detectors is configured to detect a change in magnetic permeability of the magnetostrictive member in a form of an electrical change. The detectors are configured to detect different amounts of electrical change from one another if amounts of change in deformation are same throughout the magnetostrictive member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yutaka ARIMURA, Yasuo SHIMIZU, Takeshi WAKABAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20120137790
    Abstract: A torque detector includes an output body, an input body adapted to permit a torque to be applied thereto, a torque beam unit, and a detecting unit disposed between the input and output bodies for converting a relative rotation of the input and output bodies into an electric signal. The torque beam unit includes a shaft, at least one flexible first beam extending radially and outwardly from the shaft and having a proximate end portion connected to the shaft, and a distal end portion connected to and co-rotatable with the output body, and at least one second flexible beam extending radially and outwardly from the shaft in a direction different from that of the first beam and having a proximate end portion connected to the shaft, and a distal end portion connected to and co-rotatable with the input body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Tsung-Hsien Hu, Chau-Chih Yu, Chih-Jung Yeh
  • Publication number: 20120137791
    Abstract: A sensing device for sensing a force is provided. The sensing device includes a soft laminose dielectric structure, a first electrode, a second electrode, at least one third electrode and a measuring element. The soft laminose dielectric structure has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The first electrode is disposed on the first surface. The second electrode is disposed on the second surface. The whole of the second electrode overlaps with the first electrode. The third electrode is disposed on the second surface. The third electrode partially overlaps with the first electrode. The measuring element is used for measuring the electronic characteristic between the first electrode and the second electrode, and for measuring the electronic characteristic between the first electrode and the third electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Chen-Pang KUNG, Jia-Chong Ho
  • Publication number: 20120137792
    Abstract: A trace particle collection system accumulates trace particles of those materials that are adhering to target surfaces. The particles are removed from the surface, transported and collected in a particle collection medium, and then provided to a detection instrument. Trace particles are often bound tenaciously to the target surface, and simple techniques, such as blowing air, will either remove only the largest particles or none at all. The removal of trace particles is described which utilizes an aerosol mixture of frozen carbon dioxide aerosol particles in a gas stream to impact and more efficiently remove the target particles from the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen N. Bunker
  • Publication number: 20120137793
    Abstract: An automated sample collection workstation is provided. The workstation includes a processor, a peristaltic pump, a valve actuator, and an algorithm. The peristaltic pump and the valve actuator are in electrical communication with the processor. The valve actuator can move a plurality of valves, when disposed therein, among an off position, a flush position, and a sample position. The algorithm is resident on the processor and is configured to: move all of the valves to the off position and place the pump in an off state when no sampling or flushing is required, move all of the valves to the flush position and place the pump in an on state for a predetermined flush time period when flushing is required, and move a respective one of the valves to the sample position, move any of the valves upstream of the respective valve to the flush position, and place the pump to the on state for a predetermined sample time period when a sample is required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Alfa Wassermann, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan Hofman
  • Publication number: 20120137794
    Abstract: The invention includes a forceps and collection assembly for acquiring and storing a plurality of tissue samples in a single pass, and accompanying mechanisms for use with the forceps and collection assembly. The accompanying mechanisms include an endoscope working channel cap assembly configured to minimize compression of a pouch of the forceps and collection assembly as it traverses a seal of the cap assembly, and a flush adapter configured to be coupled to the pouch so as to assist in removing tissue samples in the pouch by flowing fluid through the pouch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Adam L. Cohen, John B. Golden, Liem T. Vu
  • Publication number: 20120137795
    Abstract: Motion Analysis is used to classify or rate human capability in a physical domain via a minimized movement and data collection protocol optionally producing a discreet, overall figure of merit of the selected physical capability. The minimal protocol can be determined by data mining or other analysis of a more extensive movement and data collection. Protocols can be relevant in medical, sports and occupational applications. Kinematic, kinetic, body type, Electromyography (EMG), Ground Reactive Force (GRF), demographic, and psychological data can be encompassed. Resulting protocols can be capable of transforming raw data representing specific human motions into an objective rating of a skill or capability related to those motions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Allen Joseph Selner
  • Publication number: 20120137796
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for determining the average surface radius ro and/or the density r of the particles of a nanopowder in a sample levitating in an electropositive plasma with a volume V formed between a first electrode powered by a radiofrequency voltage and a second electrode with a fixed voltage, in particular a ground one, characterised in that: V is the amplitude at the measuring time t of the radiofrequency voltage RF powering the first electrode when the powder is present in the plasma, V is the amplitude of said radiofrequency voltage powering the first electrode in the absence of powder in the plasma, V is the self-polarisation voltage of the first electrode at the time t when the powder is present in the plasma, V is the self-polarisation voltage of the first electrode in the absence of powder in the plasma, ?AB is the surface variation of the second electrode in the presence of powder at the time t relative to a situation in which powder is absent, and the values of n and K are dete
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: UNIVERSITE D'ORLEANS, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE
    Inventors: Laïfa Boufendi, Gaëtan Wattieaux
  • Publication number: 20120137797
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting material to be tested 100 having small variations in electrochemical measurement values includes a work electrode 1 and a counter electrode 2 integrated into one via an insulator 3. As a result of contact between the material to be tested and the work electrode 1, output voltage changes. The work electrode 1 smaller than the counter electrode 2 and the insulator 3 is installed on a part of the surface of the insulator 3, and a peripheral wall 4 for surrounding the work electrode 1 is formed on the insulator 3 to operate as a storage part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: NAT'L INSTITUTE FOR MATERIALS SCIENCE
    Inventor: Makoto Sawamura