Patents Issued in August 2, 2012
  • Publication number: 20120192629
    Abstract: An erosion testing assembly adapted to test an abradable surface of a component, the testing assembly including: a shroud attachable to the component; the shroud being adapted to receive an erosion gun. The present disclosure also relates to a method of testing an abradable surface of a component, wherein the method includes: attaching a shroud to the component; connecting an erosion gun to the shroud; and testing the abradable surface with the erosion gun. The present disclosure may also relate to a method of testing an abradable surface of a component, wherein the method includes: using the component; and testing a portion of the abradable surface with an erosion gun after use of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Christopher SELLARS, Andrew HEWITT
  • Publication number: 20120192630
    Abstract: The present application provides a shaft speed monitoring system for a pulse detonation combustor with a number of combustion tubes and positioned about a shaft of a pulse detonation turbine engine. The shaft speed monitoring system may include one or more shaft sensors positioned about the shaft and a control in communication with the shaft sensors to determine a number of shaft speed fluctuations related to each of the combustion tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Eric Richard Westervelt, Adam Rasheed, David Walker
  • Publication number: 20120192631
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for testing a turbomachine, with the apparatus including a loading device housing, a disk, and a non-contacting seal. The loading device housing has an inner surface and a fluid inlet configured to receive a pressurized gas. The disk is located outside of a turbomachine housing in which the turbomachine is disposed and is coupled to a shaft of the turbomachine, proximal an axial end of the shaft. The disk is received in the loading device housing and is axially moveable in the loading device housing while the shaft is rotating. The non-contacting seal is disposed between the inner surface and the disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: DRESSER-RAND COMPANY
    Inventors: Joseph A. Tecza, Scott M. Hanaka, Bruce E. Fuller
  • Publication number: 20120192632
    Abstract: An intake air temperature sensor capable of detecting an intake air temperature highly accurately and at high speed. The intake air temperature sensor of the present invention includes: a secondary passage 7 taking in an intake airflow; a flow rate detecting element 13 disposed in the secondary passage 7; an intake air temperature detecting element 4 provided outside the secondary passage; a temperature sensor 9 detecting a temperature of a fitting section of the intake air temperature detecting element 4; a circuit board 11 disposed in a casing; and an integrated circuit 10 applying a correction process to an output of the intake air temperature detecting element 4 on the basis of signals output from the temperature sensor 9 and a flow rate detecting element 13.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro MATSUMOTO, Hiroshi NAKANO, Keiji HANZAWA, Satoshi ASANO
  • Publication number: 20120192633
    Abstract: The invention provides an inter-cylinder air-fuel ratio imbalance abnormality detection device for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, in which when abnormality detection processing of detecting an inter-cylinder air-fuel ratio imbalance abnormality on the basis of revolution speed fluctuations of the multi-cylinder internal combustion engine and ignition timing control for controlling the ignition timing so as to restrict revolution speed fluctuations in the multi-cylinder internal combustion engine are implemented, the implementation of the ignition timing control is restricted when the abnormality detection processing is implemented, and an abnormality detection method to be used in such a device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masashi Hakariya, Yoshihisa Oda, Tatsuro Shimada
  • Publication number: 20120192634
    Abstract: An abnormality determination device for an air-fuel ratio sensor includes a differential value calculator and an abnormality determiner. The differential value calculator is configured to calculate a differential value of an output value of the air-fuel ratio sensor which is configured to detect an air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas. The abnormality determiner is configured to determine abnormality of the air-fuel ratio sensor based on a result of comparison between a reference output value of the air-fuel ratio sensor and a predetermined threshold. The reference output value is obtained by the air-fuel ratio sensor when the differential value calculated by the differential value calculator becomes a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi AOKI, Atsuhiro Miyauchi, Michinori Tani, Hiroyuki Ando
  • Publication number: 20120192635
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a corrected exhaust gas pressure loss calculation device which corrects an exhaust gas pressure loss that varies from moment to moment in accordance with engine operating conditions to a corrected exhaust gas pressure loss that can be used directly in control. The present invention converts an exhaust gas pressure into the corrected exhaust gas pressure loss, which is an exhaust gas pressure loss under a reference condition, from a relationship between an exhaust gas mass flow rate and an exhaust gas mass flow rate under the reference condition, a relationship between an exhaust gas temperature and an exhaust gas temperature under the reference condition, a relationship between the exhaust gas pressure and an exhaust gas pressure under the reference condition, and a relationship between an exhaust gas viscosity coefficient under a condition of the exhaust gas temperature and a viscosity coefficient of a viscous gas under the reference condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Kazunari Ide, Tomohide Yamada, Satoshi Yamada, Kazuki Nishizawa
  • Publication number: 20120192636
    Abstract: A sensor equipped wheel support bearing assembly, in which detection error is relieved to accurately estimate load is provided. A vehicle body fitting flange of an outer member of the bearing assembly has a front elevational shape of line symmetry or of point symmetry. A sensor unit including a strain generating member having two or more contact fixing segments to be fixed to the outer member and a strain sensor is provided at an arcuately sectioned portion lying from the flange to the outer member, or an outer peripheral surface portion of the outer member adjoining to the outboard side thereof, or a position crossing a line segment passing through a center of a rolling element or a position adjoining thereto. Alternatively, a plurality of sensor units are provided on the outer periphery of the outer member in a fashion spaced circumferentially equidistantly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takayuki NORIMATSU, Makoto Okasaka, Hiroshi Kawamura, Kentarou Nishikawa, Kiyotake Shibata
  • Publication number: 20120192637
    Abstract: Method for determining the transverse curve of a receiving surface of generally cylindrical form designed, during the assembly of the tire blank, to receive the components forming a crown belt in which threads are placed at zero degrees relative to the longitudinal direction, the threads being continuously wound without tension. The elongation rate (A) to be applied to a turn of a zero-degree thread is determined according to the desired pre-tension (A=f(T)), according to its axial position in the tire. Depending upon the radial position (Rf) of the thread of the said turn in the tire fitted into its mould, the initial radial position (Ri=Rf/(1+A)) is determined so that the thread of the turn in question sustains the desired elongation rate during forming in the press.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Philippe Tramond, Jean-Yves Denoueix, Bernard Guerinon
  • Publication number: 20120192638
    Abstract: A method of testing one of bond or fatigue strength of an elastomeric seal lip to a metal substrate and apparatus therefor is provided. The method and apparatus avoid causing inadvertent damage to the seal lip during testing. Further, the method and apparatus allow a tensile force to be applied along an axis of the seal lip along which the seal lip extends regardless of the angle of inclination of the seal lip relative to a central axis of a metal substrate to which the seal lip is attached. Accordingly, accurate and repeatable test results indicating one of bond strength of the seal lip to the metal substrate or fatigue strength of the seal lip are obtained via the method and apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Gene Zelinsky
  • Publication number: 20120192639
    Abstract: Systems and methods for gas sorption analysis, or analogous practices, of samples from unconventional reservoirs are described. The described analysis of samples is used to determine various properties of unconventional reservoirs, which are used in evaluating their worth and producibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: JOHN J. VALENZA, II, NICHOLAS J. DRENZEK, FLORA MARQUES, HENDRIK GROTHEER, DEAN M. WILLBERG
  • Publication number: 20120192640
    Abstract: A logging tool having a plurality of different sensor types having close spacings mounted on an articulated or extendible pad, a sleeve, a mandrel, a stabilizer, or some combination of those is provided and used to make measurements in a wellbore in a single logging run. Those measurements are used to create images of the wellbore and the images are used to deduce the local geology, optimize well placement, perform geomechanical investigation, optimize drilling operations, and perform formation evaluation. The logging tool includes a processor capable of making those measurements, creating those images, performing those operations, and making those determinations. The plurality of different sensors may be one or more resistivity sensors, dielectric sensors, acoustic sensors, ultrasonic sensors, caliper sensors, nuclear magnetic resonance sensors, natural spectral gamma ray sensors, spectroscopic sensors, cross-section capture sensors, and nuclear sensors, and they may be “plug-and-play” sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Chanh Cao Minh, Daniel Codazzi, Ruben Martinez, Roger Griffiths, Kais B.M. Gzara, Qiming Li, Colin Michael Sayers, Reza Taherian
  • Publication number: 20120192641
    Abstract: Techniques for determining one or more fluid flow characteristic values of a structure are disclosed. A fluid flow vector and a pressure gradient vector for a portion of the structure are determined, and a dot/cross product of the fluid flow vector with the pressure gradient vector is obtained to provide a fluid flow characteristic value. The fluid flow characteristic value can be used for modifying the structure to improve fluid flow through the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Robin BORNOFF, Byron Blackmore, John Parry
  • Publication number: 20120192642
    Abstract: Flow sensor assemblies having increased flow range capabilities are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, a flow sensor assembly includes a housing with an inlet flow port, an outlet flow port, a fluid channel extending between the inlet flow port and the outlet flow port, and a bypass channel having a pair of taps fluidly connected to the fluid channel at separate locations. A flow sensor for sensing a measure related to a flow rate of a fluid flowing through the fluid channel can positioned in the bypass channel. A pressure differential between the two taps of the bypass channel can drive a fraction of a fluid flowing through the fluid channel through the bypass channel. The flow sensor assembly may be configured to achieve, control, and/or balance a desired fraction of fluid flow through the bypass channel and past the flow sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Jamie Speldrich, Lamar Floyd Ricks, Craig Scott Becke, Feng Weichao
  • Publication number: 20120192643
    Abstract: Flow sensor assemblies having increased flow range capabilities are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, a flow sensor assembly includes a housing with an inlet flow port, an outlet flow port, and a fluid channel extending between the inlet flow port and the outlet flow port. One or more partitions are provided in the fluid channel of the housing to define two or more fluid sub-passages. A flow sensor, for sensing a measure related to a flow rate of a fluid flowing through the fluid channel, is positioned in one of the two or more fluid sub-passages. In some cases, the cross-sectional area of each of the two or more fluid sub-passages may be substantially the same, but this is not required. The housing may be formed from a single molded part defining the inlet and outlet flow ports, at least a portion of the fluid channel, and one or more of the partitions. In this case, a top cover may be provided and mounted to the housing to define the remaining portion of the fluid channel, if desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Jamie Speldrich, Lamar Floyd Ricks
  • Publication number: 20120192644
    Abstract: A thermal flow sensor includes a heater temperature controller that realizes stable startup characteristics and prevents degradation of a sensor element and can also accommodate a smaller heater. The sensor also includes a semiconductor substrate; a cavity portion provided in the semiconductor substrate; a dielectric film provided on the semiconductor substrate; a thin layer area formed as a result of the dielectric film covering the cavity portion; a heating resistor provided in the thin layer area on the dielectric film; a first temperature-sensitive resistor provided in the thin layer area on the dielectric film; a heating controller; a second temperature-sensitive resistor provided near the heating resistor; and a flow rate detector that detects a flow rate of a fluid on the basis of temperature of the second temperature-sensitive resistor. The heating controller controls the temperature of the heating resistor on the basis of first and second reference temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi ASANO, Masahiro MATSUMOTO, Hiroshi NAKANO, Keiji HANZAWA
  • Publication number: 20120192645
    Abstract: A corrosion resistant flow sensor apparatus includes a flow sensor including a micromachinable substrate mounted on a package substrate that includes electrically conductive traces and substrate bond pads. The flow sensor includes a MEMS sensing structure for sensing a mass flow parameter and sensor bond pads coupled to the sensing structure. The sensor bond pads include a top metal layer on a metal diffusion barrier layer including a metal diffusion barrier layer sidewall. Bond wires couple the sensor bond pads to the substrate bond pads. A housing including sides and a top portion is around the flow sensor and includes a flow channel having an inlet and an outlet. A multi-layer corrosion protection coating includes a nm scale adhesion layer and a self assembled monolayer (SAM) is on the adhesion layer. The protection coating covers the sensor bond pads including the metal diffusion barrier layer sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: SCOTT E. BECK, PAUL P. BEY, JAMIE SPELDRICH, MOHAMMED A. JAVVAD QASIMI
  • Publication number: 20120192646
    Abstract: A storage tank and method for monitoring thereof is provided. The tank includes a first panel that defines a mounting surface for carrying a heating element. The heating element extends into the tank for heating liquids stowed therein. A sidewall interconnects the first panel and a spaced-apart second panel. A support extends from a bottom-facing surface of the second panel for supporting the tank in a spaced-apart relation from a nearby surface. The support further defines an upward-facing pocket for receiving a portion of the heating element. A control system may monitor the storage tank and alert a service provider of operative conditions thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: ENVICOR, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Steven Arnold, Stephen Butts
  • Publication number: 20120192647
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and a sensor architecture that utilizes the residual quadrature error in a gyroscope to achieve and maintain perfect mode-matching, i.e., ˜0 Hz split between the drive and sense mode frequencies, and to electronically control sensor bandwidth. In a reduced-to-practice embodiment, a 6 mW, 3V CMOS ASIC and control algorithm are interfaced to a mode-matched MEMS tuning fork gyroscope to implement an angular rate sensor with bias drift as low as 0.15°/hr and angle random walk of 0.003°/?hr, which is the lowest recorded to date for a silicon MEMS gyroscope. The system bandwidth can be configured between 0.1 Hz and 1 kHz.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Farrokh Ayazi, Ajit Sharma, Mohammad Faisal Zaman
  • Publication number: 20120192648
    Abstract: In an inertial sensor having a resonator and an accelerometer, acceleration signals are induced by resonating at least one shuttle of the resonator in a device plane at a shuttle resonance mode frequency and modulating the motion of the at least one resonator shuttle to induce accelerometer signals from the accelerometer. The motion may be modulated in the device plane or out of the device plane. A shuttle resonance mode and an accelerometer resonance mode may me matched based on the induced accelerometer signals, for example, by providing a feedback signal to the inertial sensor in response to such induced accelerometer signals to substantially nullify the induced accelerometer signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: ANALOG DEVICES, INC.
    Inventor: John A. Geen
  • Publication number: 20120192649
    Abstract: A high-temperature drive component for a double-ended tuning fork (DETF). The drive component attaches to a surface of at least one of the tines. The drive component includes at least one piezoelectric trace sandwiched at least partially between two electrical traces. At least one of the tines includes a doped silicon base with drive component located thereon. One of the electrical traces is electrically connected to the doped silicon base and the other is electrically isolated from the doped silicon base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: John Strehlow, Doug MacGugan
  • Publication number: 20120192650
    Abstract: A signal processing method is adapted for dealing with a plurality of vector matrixes to detect the image of a predetermined range, and the vector matrix data are generated by reflecting a plurality of ultrasonic beams in the predetermined range. The signal processing method of the present invention is that summing all vector matrix data in a predetermined time interval so as to generate a total correlation matrix. In addition, obtaining a correlation matrix through the total vector matrix multiplied by a transposed total vector matrix, and obtaining a weight value according to inversion correlation matrix. Then, a weighting operation is performed for the vector matrix data in the predetermined time interval according to the weight value, so as to obtain a weighting operation result for performing an image synthesis procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Ming-Chia Tsai, An-Yeu Wu, Pai-Chi Li, Cheng-Zhou Chan, Yu-Hao Chen
  • Publication number: 20120192651
    Abstract: Multi probe unit for an ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus, includes a plurality of probes contacting a surface of an object to be inspected; a plurality of connection members connecting two neighbor probes of the plurality of probes with each other; support members disposed on top portions of the plurality of probes so as to be spaced apart from the plurality of probes; and a pressing member connecting the plurality of probes with the support member and pressing the plurality of probes to the object to be inspected. According to the present invention, a plurality of probes smoothly contacts a flexural surface of an object to be inspected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicants: INDE SYSTEM CO., LTD., KOREA RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND SCIENCE
    Inventors: Seung Seok Lee, Ki Bok Kim, Young Gil Kim, Hyun Jae Shin, You Hyun Jang
  • Publication number: 20120192652
    Abstract: A device for detecting a selvage of a material web or the selvage position in one measuring direction. The device comprises at least one ultrasonic sensor, with the ultrasonic sensor comprising a transmitter element and a receiver element. The external contour of at least one of the transmitter elements and/or of the receiver elements comprises at least one arc segment side and at least one flattened side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: TEXMAG GMBH VERTRIEBSGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Wolfgang Krauth, Lars Zwerger
  • Publication number: 20120192653
    Abstract: To provide a gas sensor which can stably carry out a securement of an electric continuity between a sensor element and a contact member. A contact member in which an electric connection to a sensor element is obtained by pinching and fixing the sensor element in an inserting port formed by a pair of housing members includes a constraint member which is provided in an outer periphery of a pair of housing members. The constraint member constrains a displacement of a pair of housing members within a predetermined range before the sensor element is pinched and fixed by a pair of housing members, and exists in a state of being pinched between the annular member and a pair of housing member without generating any reaction force with respect to the external force, after the sensor element is pinched and fixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Masuda, Hirohito Kiyota, Nobukazu Ikoma
  • Publication number: 20120192654
    Abstract: A hybrid component supporting component for a motor vehicle includes a base component made of a metallic material, at least some parts of which are provided with a plastic material. The hybrid component includes a detection device having at least one conductor element by means of which a deformation of the hybrid component can be detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Oliver Kropla
  • Publication number: 20120192655
    Abstract: The device is used to perform component and material tests on samples, in particular compression tests and tensile tests on springs and elastic components, assemblies, and material samples. The device comprises two sample retainers (2.1, 2.2) arranged opposite each other, between which sample retainers a force for loading the sample (1) arranged therebetween can be generated, wherein one sample retainer (2.1) is fixed to a base frame (3) and the other sample retainer (2.2) is arranged on a movable adjusting element (4). Furthermore, the device is provided with a displacement recorder (6) that detects the travel of the sample retainer (2.2) by means of a displacement sensor (5) and a force transducer (7) that detects the force applied to the sample (1). The adjusting element (4) comprises a hollow-drilled spindle (8), which surrounds the displacement sensor (5) at a small distance and which is connected to the sample retainer (2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Ulrich Kindermann
  • Publication number: 20120192656
    Abstract: A measuring tube, a measuring system and a method for determining and/or monitoring flow through a measuring tube, comprising a measuring tube, on which ultrasonic transducers are releasably placeable. The ultrasonic transducers transmit and/or receive ultrasonic signals, which pass through the measuring tube approximately coaxially to the measuring tube axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Achim Wiest, Vivek Kumar
  • Publication number: 20120192657
    Abstract: Vortex flowmeter (1) having a measuring tube (2), a housing (3), a bluff body (4) and a sensor unit (6), wherein the sensor unit (6) serves to detect a vortex measuring signal caused by the bluff body (4). A vortex flowmeter (1) with which the quality of the measuring results is increased is implemented in that, additionally, at least one inertial sensor (7) is provided for detecting parasitic oscillations acting on the vortex flowmeter (1). In accordance with a method, parasitic oscillations acting on a vortex measuring signal of the vortex flowmeter are identified by evaluating a measuring signal of the inertial sensor and a vortex measuring signal of the sensor device is processed at least partially controlled by the evaluated measuring signal of the inertial sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: KROHNE MESSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: Kai Gossner
  • Publication number: 20120192658
    Abstract: A Coriolis mass flowmeter with at least four bent measuring tubes, at least one actuator assembly and at least one sensor assembly, wherein a first measuring tube and a second measuring tube are located in a common first plane and a third measuring tube and a fourth measuring tube are located in a common second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane run parallel to one another, and wherein all four measuring tubes are joined together in terms of flow on the input side and on the output side with a collector. A Coriolis mass flowmeter for large amounts of flow, which is improved in respect to its measurement accuracy, is implemented in that the geometry and/or the surface characteristics of the measuring tubes are set so that the tube flow resistance of all four measuring tubes is identical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: KROHNE AG
    Inventors: Yousif HUSSAIN, Tao WANG
  • Publication number: 20120192659
    Abstract: A push force simulator for measuring a force applied to a first component being attached to a second component with a pressure-sensitive adhesive located therebetween. The push force simulator can include a handheld block having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a palm-simulating polymer layer attached to the bottom surface. In addition, a pushable force gauge having an engagement end engaged with the top surface of the handheld block can be included. The pushable force gauge can measure an amount of force applied thereto, and thus measure the force transmitted through the block, through the palm-simulating polymer layer and applied to the pressure sensitive adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Lauren Sterling, Kale William Hooper, Christian Arthur Trager
  • Publication number: 20120192660
    Abstract: An automated processing machine, in particular an automated coverslipper or an automated stainer used for processing samples placed on slides and having an output device for outputting slides that have been processed by the automated processing machine. The output device includes an extensible and retractable drawer unit. The drawer unit includes at least one receiving channel for receiving a plurality of holders for slides. Holders received in any position in the receiving channel can be removed therefrom when the output device is in the open position. The automated processing machine is designed such that holders intended for output are inserted into the at least one receiving channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBH
    Inventors: Midhat Hajrovic, Bernhard Neef, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff, Simon Keimer
  • Publication number: 20120192661
    Abstract: A measurement apparatus includes a pedestal, a supporting tray, a first movable base, a first measuring assembly, a second movable base, a second measuring assembly, a third movable base, a third measuring assembly, and a console. The supporting tray is rotationally fixed in the pedestal and can be rotated to position a workpiece at different angles to ensure that images of all portions and surfaces needing to be measured can be captured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INSDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHIH-KUANG CHANG, WEN-DONG LIU
  • Publication number: 20120192662
    Abstract: Proposed is a ball screw for a steering device of a motor vehicle, which ball screw has a threaded spindle (2), a first nut (3) and a second nut (4), wherein the nuts (3, 4) run on the threaded spindle (2) in each case via balls guided in ball channels, and the nuts (3, 4) can be elastically preloaded by means of at least one spring element (6). The nuts (3, 4) can be coupled to one another by means of a sleeve (9) such that a translatory relative movement of the nuts (3, 4) is possible but a rotational relative movement of the nuts (3, 4) is inhibited. Also described is a steering device for a motor vehicle, in which the ball screw according to the invention is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Torsten Kluge
  • Publication number: 20120192663
    Abstract: A linear ball screw assembly and method of construction thereof is provided. The assembly includes a screw having a helical external groove and a ball nut having a through bore configured for receipt of the screw therethrough and including a helical internal groove radially aligned with the external groove of the screw to form a helical raceway. A plurality of axial load balls are disposed in the helical raceway. The nut includes a pair of non-grooved internal cylindrical surfaces extending in axially opposite directions from the internal groove along the external groove of the screw to provide outer surfaces of a pair of radial load raceways. A plurality of radial load balls are disposed in the radial load raceways. The radial and axial load balls have different diameters and/or the internal cylindrical surfaces are provided by a pair of sleeve inserts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: James A. Babinski
  • Publication number: 20120192664
    Abstract: Disclosed is a powertrain comprising a three speed transmission and an electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Jonathan D. Bridges
  • Publication number: 20120192665
    Abstract: A shifting sleeve for selectively engaging a transmission gear in a vehicle transmission is provided. The transmission gear has at least one opening defined therein. The shifting sleeve comprises at least one tooth for selectively engaging the at least one opening defined in the transmission gear. The at least one tooth extends from the shifting sleeve body and has a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first portion has a top surface disposed at a first height and the second portion has a top surface disposed at a second height, the first height being greater than the second height. The third portion is disposed between the first and second portions, and has a top surface disposed at an angle and extending between the top surfaces of the first and second portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: BRP-POWERTRAIN GMBH & CO KG
    Inventors: Michael GUMPESBERGER, Thomas GAERTNER, Gerhard WIESINGER, Friedrich NEUWIRTH
  • Publication number: 20120192666
    Abstract: A movement mechanism for moving an interception element of a solar plant. The mechanism is mounted on a support frame and is constrained to the interception element to allow the movement thereof with respect to the support frame. The mechanism comprises a drive member which generates a motion, and a transmission kinematism which transmits the motion to a rotation shaft constrained to the interception element. The transmission kinematism comprises a first mechanical member with gears mounted rotatable on a first support and mechanically connected to the drive member, and a second mechanical member with gears engaged on the first mechanical member, mounted on a second support, and keyed to the rotation shaft. The first and the second support are pivoted to each other with respect to a determinate pivoting axis, in order to rotate around the pivoting axis, so as to bring together/distance the first and the second mechanical member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Luigi De Cillia, Giordano Duri', Gianfranco Zuliani
  • Publication number: 20120192667
    Abstract: A ball screw with a circulating assembly is disclosed. The circulating assembly of the ball screw is divided into a first circulating block and a second circulating block and can be assembled on the ball screw in such a method that the first and the second circulating blocks are assembled separately, so that the circulating assembly is applicable to the screw shaft whose helical groove doesn't extend to the shoulder portion thereof. In addition, the circulating assembly is limited in terms of an angle, and the relation between the first circulating block and the second circulating block is especially limited, so that the ball screw is applicable to the nuts with smaller outer diameter. Hence, the ball screw can be applied to both the nuts with smaller diameter and the screw shafts whose helical groove doesn't extend to the shoulder portion thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: SIN-HE CHEN, Dian-Yu Jhan
  • Publication number: 20120192668
    Abstract: A deflector for use in a ball screw is composed of a main body and a junction member connected with the main body to form a channel having a first guide groove and two second guide grooves formed at two opposite sides of the first guide groove. Each of the second guide grooves has two walls extending outward from the first guide groove. Each two of the walls have a conjunction formed therebetween. The vertical section of the channel can define an extending axis passing through centers of the two conjunctions. At least one of the walls of each second guide groove is not parallel to the extending axis. In light of the above features, the roller chain can avoid wear and tear to prolong its service life thereof. Besides, the mold for forming the deflector can be designed to be structurally subject to mold release, such that the production efficiency can be increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Po-Chuan Hsu, Yan-Yu Chen
  • Publication number: 20120192669
    Abstract: A front/rear brake control device applicable for bicycles, electric bicycles or motorcycles includes a first driving member and a second driving member accommodated in a control member, coupled to each other and brake lines of the rear and front wheels respectively, and moved in the control member reciprocally. The first driving member is coupled to the brake handle through the control line, and the second driving member is delayed and driven by the first driving member. When the brake handle is operated, the first driving member links and moves the corresponding brake line to brake the rear wheel, and then the delayed and driven second driving member brakes the front wheel by the corresponding brake line, such that the brake handle of the bike body can be operated to brake the rear wheel first, and then the front wheel to achieve a safe, comfortable and sectional braking operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: JEN-FA LO
  • Publication number: 20120192670
    Abstract: An operation device of a shift mechanism in a manual transmission includes a cylindrical support member fixedly mounted within the transmission housing in such a manner that a radial projection on an operation shaft of the shift mechanism is concentrically placed in the cylindrical support member and a leaf spring having a central portion formed with a V-shaped concave to be engaged with the radial projection of the operation shaft and a pair of side portions fixed to opposite ends of the cylindrical support member such that the V-shaped concave is maintained in engagement with the radial projection to retain the operation shaft in a neutral position, whereby load of the leaf spring acting on the operation shaft respectively when shifted in one direction and in the other direction can be adjusted in different characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: AISIN AI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Isao MIZUTANI, Arisa Himeno
  • Publication number: 20120192671
    Abstract: A motor-driven joint of a robot arm comprising a first segment (1), a second segment (2) movably mounted on the first segment, and a motor-drive device mounted between the segments and connected to a control unit, the motor-drive device comprising an actuator (5) arranged to transmit movement in reversible manner to the second segment relative to the first segment, and blocking means (6, 7, 8, 9; 31) that are interposed between the first segment and the second segment and that are controllable to make the transmission of movement temporarily non-reversible, the joint being characterized in that the motor-drive device includes an actuating element mechanically connected to a portion of the blocking means and mounted on one of the segments to be movable, under the effect of a driving force greater than a predetermined threshold, to actuate the blocking means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Alain Riwan, Jonathan Van Rhijn
  • Publication number: 20120192672
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a throttle adjustment device, for a brush cutter in which an engine is mounted at one end of a handle pipe and in which a throttle adjustment wire extends from a throttle of the engine, include: a throttle lever having an operation portion to be operated by the user; a sub lever having a holding portion to be connected with an extending end of the throttle adjustment wire; a case to be fixed to the handle pipe, the throttle lever and the sub lever being rotatably mounted in the case; and a connecting member configured to bring the throttle lever and the sub lever into: an interlocked state where the throttle is adjustable in accordance with an operation amount of the throttle lever; or an un-interlocked state where the throttle is not adjustable regardless of the operation amount of the throttle lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Yoshinori Horikoshi, Minoru Shibasaki
  • Publication number: 20120192673
    Abstract: An arrangement having a gear side and a shaft side includes a shaft. A first flange is disposed on the gear side. A second flange is disposed on the shaft side. A mass damper is attached between the first flange and the second flange and including a damper ring, a hub and an elastomer layer disposed between the damper ring and the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: CARL FREUDENBERG KG
    Inventors: Markus Duerre, Andreas Mahling
  • Publication number: 20120192674
    Abstract: A bicycle clipless pedal includes a pedal, a locking sheet pivotally mounted on the pedal, and a plastic elastomer located between the pedal and the locking sheet. The pedal has a first clipless end extending therefrom. The locking sheet has a second first clipless end extending therefrom opposite to the first clipless end. A clipping space is defined between the first clipless end and the second clipless end. The elastomer has one end abutting against the pedal and the other end abutting against the locking sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: WELLGO PEDAL'S CORP.
    Inventor: Chung-I CHEN
  • Publication number: 20120192675
    Abstract: A modular housing, which comprises a first housing assembly for accommodating at least one main transmission by which various gear ratios can be obtained, and whose transmission output shaft can be brought, in an area of the first housing assembly, into functional connection with a drive output of a vehicle that comprises at least one driven vehicle axle. The first housing assembly has an interface, at least in this area, by which the first housing assembly can be connected with an interface of a second housing assembly for accommodating at least one further transmission element. The interface of the first housing assembly is designed as a universal interface for connection of variously designed second housing assemblies with a respectively corresponding interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Ulrich MAIR, Ruben CÜPPERS
  • Publication number: 20120192676
    Abstract: A dual speed drive system for alternatively driving a pair of parallel output shafts at one or the other of two different speeds, comprises a pair of parallel idler shafts interposed between the output shafts. A first gear train for mechanically couples the idler shafts to each other and to the output shafts. An input shaft is aligned coaxially with and rotatable independently of one of the idler shafts, and first and second drive gears are respectively received on and are rotatable relative to the input shaft and the one idler shaft. A second gear train mechanically couples the first drive gear to the second drive gear. The second gear train is configured and arranged to effect rotation of the second drive gear in the same direction as and at a different speed from that of the first drive gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
    Inventor: Peiliang P. Zhang
  • Publication number: 20120192677
    Abstract: A carbonaceous-based metallizing method and apparatus wherein a metallic oxide is converted into a carbon-containing, metallized intermediate that is melted in an induction channel furnace to produce liquid metal from said metallic oxide. In the application of iron ore in the form of fines or concentrate, using low-cost coal will greatly reduce capital and operating costs by virtue of eliminating agglomeration of ore, cokemaking, and blast furnace operation. The liquid iron so produced is efficiently converted into steel in a steelmaking furnace such as a basic oxygen furnace (BOF), especially when it is physically integrated to the induction channel furnace wherein the liquid iron is directly poured into the integrated BOF by the induction channel furnace, producing low-cost steel, little heat loss, and minimum emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Albert Calderon, Terry James Laubis, Richard Owen McCarthy
  • Publication number: 20120192678
    Abstract: A method of using scrap rubber and other scrap materials, such as tires or parts or pieces of tires, to manufacture or melt steel and other metals in a furnace is disclosed. The scrap rubber may be used as a carbon source for the manufacture of steel and other metals, and may be used as an energy source to melt the scrap metal used to make the steel and other metals. The net benefit of this method includes reducing the amount of scrap rubber, such as tires, to be sent to a waste disposal facility or landfill, thereby improving the environment. In addition, by increasing the use of scrap rubber as a source of energy for steel or metal production, less energy is required from other sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Rex Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Franklin Leroy Stebbing