Patents Issued in July 9, 2013
  • Patent number: 8479526
    Abstract: A refrigerant charging method for an air conditioning device in which carbon dioxide is used as a refrigerant includes a connecting step and a refrigerant charging step. In the connecting step, a cylinder containing the refrigerant is connected to a space in the air conditioning device intended to be charged by the refrigerant. A heater is interposed between the cylinder and the air conditioning device. In the refrigerant charging step, the refrigerant is moved to the intended charging space from the cylinder, via the heater. In the refrigerant charging step, further, the refrigerant that has exited the cylinder is heated by the heater so that a specific enthalpy of the refrigerant when it enters the intended charging space will be 430 kJ/kg or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromune Matsuoka, Toshiyuki Kurihara
  • Patent number: 8479527
    Abstract: A refrigerator and a control method of the same are disclosed. A refrigerator includes a plurality of evaporators and a refrigerant path conversion device connected with the plurality of the evaporates, the refrigerant path conversion device controlling a path of refrigerant to perform defrosting operations for predetermined evaporators and cooling operations for the other evaporators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Gye Young Song, Kwang Woon Ahn
  • Patent number: 8479528
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes an air channel configured to receive air from an equipment rack. A fluid circuit is provided having a bi-phase coolant flowing therethrough. The fluid circuit includes a coolant channel coupled to the equipment rack and positioned adjacent to the air channel. The bi-phase coolant is part liquid and part gas as the bi-phase coolant flows through the coolant channel. The bi-phase coolant is configured to condition the air flowing through the air channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton-Williams Group Limited
    Inventors: Jeffrey Muir, Dionysios Didymiotis
  • Patent number: 8479529
    Abstract: A heat-driven adsorption cooling unit, comprising: —a condenser having an input end and an output end; —an evaporator having an input end and an output end, the input end being connected to the output end of the condenser via an operable valve; and —a series of sorption-desorption generators, each of which has input and an output ends for connection to the condenser and evaporator to create a refrigerant flow circuit, and a heat supply for operating each generator at high and low temperatures, the generators being operable to flow refrigerant through the condenser and evaporator to provide a cooling effect at the evaporator; wherein the series of generators comprises two pairs of generators, each pair comprising: —a first generator having an output end connected to the input end of the condenser via a first non-return valve arranged to prevent flow from the condenser to the first generator; and —a second generator having an input end connected to the output end of the evaporator via a second non-return valve
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Millennium Energy Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ayman Adnan Salim Al-Maaitah, Adnan Ayman Al-Maaitah
  • Patent number: 8479530
    Abstract: A heat exchanger has at least one inlet and outlet to permit circulation of refrigerant therethrough. Each heat exchanger includes a plurality of thin sections of material arranged between a pair of thin flat outer plates. Each of the thin sections of material is comprised of parallel flow paths, allowing for the refrigerant to flow through the inlet, then from one section to the next, and finally out the outlet. The arrangement of the sections of parallel flow paths allows for the refrigerant to come into contact with the majority of the inside wall of the outer plates, allowing for maximum heat exchange. In use for cooling liquids, the heat exchangers are arranged within a frame and brought into contact with the liquid to be cooled. When the heat exchangers are used to cool liquid sufficiently to produce ice crystals, a rotating scraping device sweeps across the surface of the heat exchanger, removing any ice crystals that have formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Mikhail Mogilevsky
  • Patent number: 8479531
    Abstract: There is provided a liquid containing bag capable of supplying mixture directly to a cooling cylinder from the bag without depending on gravity and without moving the mixture into a hopper. A liquid containing bag 5 comprises a bag main body 21 containing a liquid and having flexibility, and an outer layer member 23 disposed outside the bag main body 21, capable of forming a sealed space between the outer layer member and the bag main body 21, and having flexibility. Therefore, for example, when compressed air is sealed between the outer layer member 23 and the bag main body 21, an volume of the sealed space between them is enlarged, and the liquid cooled in the bag main body 21 can be pushed to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Maeda, Tsuyoshi Kurosawa, Takeshi Ishii, Koichiro Ikemoto
  • Patent number: 8479532
    Abstract: A machine for the treatment of liquid and semi-liquid food mixtures comprises a mixture whipping and freezing/heating tank (3), a circuit (6) for cooling and/or heating basic products of which the mixture consists, comprising a compressor (7) driven by an electric motor (18), and a mixer (4) rotating inside the tank (3) to mix the basic products. The machine also comprises a control unit (11) for the speed of rotation of the compressor (7) electric motor (18), for regulating the compressor operating speed and varying the thermal power supplied by the compressor (7) according to at least the quantity of mixture treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Carpigiani Group-Ali S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Gianni Zaniboni, Roberto Lazzarini
  • Patent number: 8479533
    Abstract: An appliance includes a cabinet and a cabinet door and an ice maker. A primary ice bin is disposed in the cabinet door of the appliance. A secondary ice bin is disposed in the cabinet of the appliance. A routing device is disposed inside the cabinet. The routing device includes a stationary base that supports an adjustable ramp. The ramp is operable between a first position that directs ice to the primary ice bin and a second position that directs ice to the secondary ice bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin M. Chase, Tony L. Koenigsknecht, John A. Williams
  • Patent number: 8479534
    Abstract: To provide a beverage dispenser capable of appropriately and smoothly supplying a supercooled beverage. [Solving Means] The present invention provides a beverage dispenser 1 which supplies a beverage brought into a supercooled state at a solidifying point or less and which releases the supercooled state in the outside, and the beverage dispenser includes a primary cooling device 13 which cools the beverage to an ice point or so, a beverage supply circuit 7 which supplies the beverage cooled by the primary cooling device 13 to the outside, a brine circuit 31 through which an antifreezing liquid cooled to the solidifying point or less of the beverage is circulated, and a heat exchanger 16 for supercooling the beverage, which performs heat exchange between the beverage flowing through the beverage supply circuit 7 and the antifreezing liquid flowing through the brine circuit 31.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Tachibana, Takashi Nishiyama, Kazuhide Saito, Kazuaki Mizukami, Hiroyuki Hashimoto, Takeshi Ishii, Hiroshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8479535
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of producing high purity oxygen in connection with low purity liquid oxygen produced by a plurality of cryogenic air separation plants. The low purity liquid oxygen from the air separation plants is introduced into a distillation column of an auxiliary cryogenic rectification plant that is reboiled by nitrogen also produced by the air separation plants. Nitrogen is separated from the low purity liquid oxygen to produce high purity liquid oxygen from residual liquid located in a bottom region of the distillation column that can be taken as a product. Optionally, an argon column can be connected to the distillation column to produce a liquid argon product stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David Ross Parsnick, Richard David Karp
  • Patent number: 8479536
    Abstract: A method and system providing for customizable jewelry is disclosed. The customizable jewelry system comprises a plurality of jewelry strands with releasable clasps at each end and multi-connector findings. The multi-connector findings are connectors with multiple loops capable of being a connecting joint to the jewelry strands. The multi-connector findings are especially suitable for multiple layer necklaces and belts. The opposing ends of each jewelry strand can be releasably secured to one another and to multi-connector findings to form various structures suitable for use as necklace, bracelet, chain belt, or other component jewelry accessory. Each strand can be repeatedly utilized in multiple jewelry item combinations. Each strand within a jewelry structure can also be removed or substituted with another strand to achieve any configuration that is desirable for a particular outfit and setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Sheila A. Masterson
  • Patent number: 8479537
    Abstract: A frame member has two spaced apart parallel rings that are fixed to one another at a first location. At a second location diametrically opposed to the first location of the spaced apart parallel rings provide a seat for an ornamental article. A securing ring is disposed in the space between the parallel rings of the frame member and is fixed to the frame member by a pivot pin that is located nearer to the second location than to the first location. The securing ring is provided with a rigid wire that is aligned with the securing ring and is configured complimentary to a surface of the ornamental article for securing the ornamental article on the seat of the frame member. The securing ring pivots about the pivot pin to allow placement of the ornamental article on the seat and the removal of the ornamental article from the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Mary L. Patterson
  • Patent number: 8479538
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein comprise a gemstone or other piece of jewelry, which incorporates one or more diffractive optical elements to enhance the fire displayed by the gemstone. In certain embodiments, the diffractive optical element comprises a diffraction grating etched on one or more facets of the gemstone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: George Maltezos, Axel Scherer, Jeremy Witzens
  • Patent number: 8479539
    Abstract: A method of making a press-moldable glass, including melting starting materials, forming a melt, and annealing a formed glass, wherein the melt has a composition such that, (1) when rapidly cooled to room temperature, it becomes glass that has a scattering coefficient of less than 0.005 cm?1 at wavelengths of from 400 to 2,500 nm or comprises crystals with a volumetric ratio of less than 10?6, and (2) when maintained for three hours at a temperature 10° C. higher than the glass transition temperature, maintained for 10 min at a temperature yielding a viscosity of 104.5 to 103.5 dPa·s, and then rapidly cooled to room temperature, (3) the resulting glass has (a) a scattering coefficient of at least one wavelength from 400 to 2,500 nm of greater than 0.01 cm?1 or (b) crystals with a volumetric ratio of greater than 10?5. A temperature for annealing is lower than for glass transition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiko Kasuga, Kazuo Tachiwana, Hiroaki Yanagita
  • Patent number: 8479540
    Abstract: Glass is heated from above and below while the glass resides on rolls (3) in a tempering furnace (1). The upper surface of the glass (4) is heated by hot air jets formed by sucking air from inside the furnace (1) and pressurizing the hot air and recycling it back to the upper surface of the glass. Air which has been taken from outside the furnace (1) and pressurized by a compressor (17) and heated is blown to the lower surface of the glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Uniglass Engineering Oy
    Inventor: Jukka Vehmas
  • Patent number: 8479541
    Abstract: A knitting needle with a jointed tip is disclosed. The knitting needle comprises a shank having a first end comprising a protuberance and a second end having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper and lower portions of the shank each configured to comprise a dip. The dips of the upper and lower portion configured to form a track wherein a tip may be coupled. The tip comprising a working end and a non-working end. A plurality of ridges runs along the non-working end of the tip. The ridges are configured to allow the non-working end to be coupled in the track formed by the dips of the upper and lower portions of the shank. The joint tip knitting needle may apply to single-pointed, double-pointed, circular, and/or cable knitting needles configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: Amy Elisabeth Baily, Matthew Thomas Jenkins
  • Patent number: 8479542
    Abstract: A modular laundry system comprises at least one laundry appliance with a closed top and a worksurface that extends over the closed top of the at least one laundry appliance and comprises a functional insert provided on the worksurface. The modular laundry system can further comprise a second laundry appliance with a closed top, and the work surface can extend over both laundry appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: James William Kendall, Lorraine J. Achterberg, Ameresh Babu Viswanathan
  • Patent number: 8479543
    Abstract: A door locking system with an idle handle has a door panel having a front face, a rear face, a hinged side, a free side, an upper side, a lower side, and an electronic lock and a mechanical lock installed in the door panel respectively having a keypad and a keyhole on the front face. The system further has a level toggler, at least one bolt, a chamber defined therein, a handle seat, a handle lever, a latch lever, a linking arm, a swivel pillar, a paddle shifter, an upright toggler, and an handle lever resume spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: Zaifu Yang, Zhongwei Cao
  • Patent number: 8479544
    Abstract: An auto-unlock assembly for a tubular lock has a rotating pipe, a rotating mount, a positioning board, a rotating spindle, a limiting mount, an retaining board and a limiting spring. The rotating pipe has a through hole. The rotating mount is connected to the rotating pipe and has two connecting wings. The positioning board is mounted in the rotating mount and has a body and two positioning wings. The rotating spindle is rotatably mounted through the rotating pipe and the positioning board via the rotating mount and has two protruding blocks. The limiting mount is mounted around the rotating spindle and has an acting face, a limiting recess and two mounting recesses. The retaining board is mounted around the rotating spindle, abuts the limiting mount and has a base and two protruding lugs. The limiting spring is mounted around the rotating spindle and abuts the retaining board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Eversafety Precision Industry (Tianjin) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiu-Feng Liu, Ming Chai
  • Patent number: 8479545
    Abstract: A key body and an associated lock core are disclosed. The disclosed lock core includes a core body, a core sleeve, a core plug, and a side pin assembly including a side pin, a region pin, and a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Stanley Security Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Diana Teixeira
  • Patent number: 8479546
    Abstract: The invention relates to a module for extending a retractable insert of a key, in particular for a motor vehicle, which is intended to be mounted in a casing for said key and which comprises an insert (5, 7), intended to be pivotably mounted relative to said casing (3) between an inoperative and an operative position, and comprising a bit (7) and a bit holder (5), which is pivotably mounted relative to said casing (3), and a mechanism for extending the insert (5, 7), which includes a push-button (19), and an elastic return element (23) for the insert (5, 7) consisting of a helical torsion spring, one end (23a) of which is connected to the insert (5, 7), in order to urge the insert (5, 7) by pivoting towards said operative position, when the push-button (19) is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle
    Inventors: Benoit Delande, Jean-Patrick Favier
  • Patent number: 8479547
    Abstract: A vehicle portable device that locks and unlocks a door of a vehicle by remote control has a case that accommodates a mechanical key operable to lock and unlock the door of the vehicle therein, and having an accommodation part in which the mechanical key is inserted in a predetermined insertion direction, a first engagement part that engages with a second engagement part of the mechanical key, and a retaining member in which the first engagement part is formed. The retaining member is supported in the case while being rotatable about a first support point. An external force is provided on the retaining member so as to rotate the retaining member in a first rotating direction. When the mechanical key is accommodated in the accommodation part, an exposed portion of the mechanical key is partially exposed from the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Omron Automotive Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihisa Kataya, Takayuki Suzuki, Akihiro Fujimoto, Hirofumi Ohata
  • Patent number: 8479548
    Abstract: An electric wire sizing-cutting apparatus including an electric wire delivery apparatus, which is easily handled and can smoothly supply the electric wire without generating a kink, is provided. The electric wire delivery apparatus includes: a transfer means transferring an electric wire, which is delivered from an electric wire reel, along a longitudinal direction of the electric wire; a correcting means arranged between the electric wire reel and the transfer means and correcting a bending habit of the electric wire by allowing the electric wire to pass through between a plurality of rollers arranged zigzag; and a rotation controlling means arranged on an upstream-side of the correcting means and putting the electric wire between a pair of rollers biased in a direction approaching each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Teruyuki Ishibashi, Koji Higuchi
  • Patent number: 8479549
    Abstract: A method of producing a seamless, tubular product includes centrifugally casting a corrosion resistant alloy into a tubular workpiece having an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The method then removes material from the inner diameter of the workpiece and subjects the workpiece to at least about a 25% wall reduction at a temperature below a recrystallization temperature of the workpiece using a metal forming process. The metal forming process includes radial forging, rolling, pilgering, and/or flowforming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Dynamic Flowform Corp.
    Inventor: Matthew V. Fonte
  • Patent number: 8479550
    Abstract: A method for the production of a hot-rolled steel strip from a steel melt in a continuous manufacturing process: continuously casting a steel strand in a continuous casting mold of a continuous casting plant, roll-forming the case steel strand in a first group of roll stands into a pre-rolled hot strip, roll-forming the pre-rolled hot strip in a second group of roll stands into a hot-rolled steel strip, setting the hot strip to a rolling temperature between the first and second groups, and winding or dividing the hot-rolled steel strip; further: descaling the hot strip before temperature setting, holding the hot strip in a protective gas atmosphere during temperature setting. A combined casting and rolling plant for the method is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Vai Metals Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Gerald Eckerstorfer, Gerald Hohenbichler, Josef Maierl
  • Patent number: 8479551
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for protecting control lines used with tool strings in a downhole environment. A control line protector assembly comprises a plurality of components formed into a unitary piece which includes a guard section having a first end section and a second end section, a slot on each of the first end section and the second end section, and a securing mechanism for coupling the guard section having the first end section and the second end section to the coupling. A control line protector assembly is formed using a metal stamping process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Iain Baxter
  • Patent number: 8479552
    Abstract: A component forming system has an induction heating coil for induction heating of a component and a die forming shell for supporting the component and for defining the final shape of the formed product. A support structure for supporting the die forming shell during the induction heating of the component may be formed of a metallic material, and/or may include insulating elements to limit or substantially preclude inducement of electrical current through the support structure during the induction heating process. The die forming shell may be formed of a metallic material and/or may include insulating elements to limit or substantially preclude inducement of electrical current through the support structure during the induction heating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Temper IP, LLC
    Inventor: William C. Dykstra
  • Patent number: 8479553
    Abstract: A method for fabricating wings of bicycle pedals includes, first, stamping a plate to form a preformed body which includes an opening and a body with a preset working surface. The working surface has a preset force receiving zone. The body has a first expanded portion and a second expanded portion and two arched portions bridging two sides of the first and second expanded portions; then applying a punching force to the force receiving zone to bend the first expanded portion, second expanded portion and arched portions to become a product; finally performing a bending process and a hole forming process on the product to obtain the wings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Jia Tsun Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tung-Chu Yang
  • Patent number: 8479554
    Abstract: A sensing device obtains range-related data—such as Doppler data or pulse time-of-flight data—from a sports projectile during flight. The time course of the range-related data is employed, in light of predictable characteristics of the projectile trajectory, to determine and output an accurate determination of the projectile speed for one or more points of interest in its flight. Such determination of speed may, for instance, be the speed at the time of projectile release, even though range-related data is gathered later in the flight, when the projectile is traveling neither so fast, nor straight at the sensor. Such sensing device may employ inexpensive short-range acoustic Doppler, and be incorporated into a target device that automatically displays to a pitcher-in-training the speed and ball/strike condition of each pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Jerry B. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8479555
    Abstract: A method for compensating for the quadrature of a micromechanical structure, the micromechanical structure having a substrate having a main extension plane, a seismic mass that is attached by spring elements to the substrate, and first and second compensation electrodes anchored to the substrate; in response to application of a first quadrature voltage between the first compensation electrode and the seismic mass, a first compensation force being produced on the seismic mass and, in response to application of a second quadrature voltage between the second compensation electrode and the seismic mass, a second compensation force being produced on the seismic mass and, in addition, the second quadrature voltage being adjusted as a function of the first quadrature voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Classen, Christoph Gauger
  • Patent number: 8479556
    Abstract: I-beam wear assessment trolleys include a first sensor assembly including a first upper block, a first lower block, a first pressure sensor positioned between the first upper block and the first lower block, and at least one first biasing member positioned between the first pressure sensor and either the first upper block or the first lower block of the first sensor assembly, wherein the at least one first biasing member biases the first upper block and the first lower block of the first sensor assembly away from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. Welch, Tomokazu Okuno, Tetsuya Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8479557
    Abstract: A shock simulation test apparatus and method utilize a test plate and formed explosive charges to sever or penetrate one or more portions of a suspended test plate in order to subject any attached test item(s) to a realistic pyroshock stimulus. One or more shock measurement sensors, such as accelerometers, may be attached to the test plate or the test item(s) to measure the response to this shock stimulus. The apparatus and method is flexible in that many different scenarios can be simulated from different test plate materials, charge sizes and types. This method replicates actual end-use source shock environments typical in aerospace applications, but can be extended to any industry having a pyroshock environment and test requirement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Orbital Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Esteen Bottlinger, Jr., Patrick Grosserode, Krzysztof Zbigniew Pennar, Gary Ronald Burnside
  • Patent number: 8479558
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing analyte. The method includes the steps of sensing one or more parameters in reaction to the presence of one or more analytes and outputting a current therefrom in accordance with level of the sensed parameter by each of a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors being provided in one or more sensor array columns, receiving an output current from one of the plurality of sensors from each of the plurality of sensor arrays by a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) arranged in a VCO array. The method further includes the steps of generating an output oscillation frequency by each VCO in accordance with the level of the received output current, and counting a number of oscillations over a predetermined time received from each of the plurality of VCOs in the VCO array by a plurality of counters arranged in a counter array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Sensorbit Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Klaus Dimmler, Thomas Moss, III
  • Patent number: 8479559
    Abstract: A photoacoustic detection device includes a cylindrical acoustic resonator having an arrangement for guiding light essentially perpendicular to a cylinder axis in such a manner that a second azimuthal resonance of cylinder oscillation is excitable by absorption of the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Andras Miklos, Judit Angster
  • Patent number: 8479560
    Abstract: A differential resonant sensor apparatus and method for detecting relative humidity in an ambient air. The apparatus generally includes a sensing loop, a reference loop and a mixer. A hydrophilic sensing layer can be deposited on a sensing resonant beam and a corresponding hydrophobic reference layer can be deposited on a reference resonant beam for detecting water vapor concentration in the ambient air. The hydrophobic reference layer possesses similar visco-elastic properties as the hydrophilic sensing layer with no water absorption properties. A differential reading electronic circuit may be interconnected with each resonant beam for signal processing. The absorbed humidity with respect to the sensing resonant beam changes the mechanical resonance frequency, which can be detected as a change in the electric resonance frequency of the associated electronic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Cornel Cobianu, Bogdan Serban, Mihai N. Mihaila
  • Patent number: 8479561
    Abstract: First outer gas apertures 144a are arranged in a first corner 144b such that the outer opening plane of each first outer gas aperture 144a forms an angle of 45 degrees with a bottom face of a step element 145 and the outer opening plane forms an angle of 90 degrees with an inner circumferential face of the first outer gas aperture 144a. Second outer gas apertures are arranged in a second corner 146b such that the outer opening plane of each second outer gas aperture 146a forms an angle of 45 degrees with a bottom face of an edge section 146 and the outer opening plane forms an angle of 90 degrees with an inner circumferential face of the second outer gas aperture 146a. This structure prevents water from adhering to a sensor element 110 and thereby enhances the response of a gas sensor 110.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Sekiya, Kei Kosaka, Shodai Hirata
  • Patent number: 8479562
    Abstract: The aim of the present invention is to identify stationary and moveable high explosives and chemical warfare on-field with a unique structure of a portable neutrons generator used in strategic and public places, vehicles and airplanes. The present invention includes also a unique operation of fusion fuel below breakdown which is characterized with high production efficiency. The analysis of identifying the elements and their concentrations is also introduced in the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: Yasser Ragab Shaban, Milen K. Panteleev
  • Patent number: 8479563
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for measuring the permeance of a material. The permeability of the material may also be derived. Systems typically provide a liquid or high concentration fluid bath on one side of a material test sample, and a gas flow across the opposing side of the material test sample. The mass flow rate of permeated fluid as a fraction of the combined mass flow rate of gas and permeated fluid is used to calculate the permeance of the material. The material test sample may be a sheet, a tube, or a solid shape. Operational test conditions may be varied, including concentration of the fluid, temperature of the fluid, strain profile of the material test sample, and differential pressure across the material test sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Technical Services Y-12, LLC
    Inventors: Russell Louis Hallman, Jr., Michael John Renner
  • Patent number: 8479564
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an air-micrometer calibration device capable of securely causing an axis of a measuring-head tip portion and an axis of a master hole to coincide with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Noritaka Fujimura
  • Patent number: 8479565
    Abstract: Provided are a fluid conveying tube and a fluid leakage detecting system which can convey a cryogenic fluid such as LNG and which can quickly and reliably detect leakage of the fluid within the tube and the position of the leakage. An optical fiber is continuously wound over the entire length of a flexible tube. Leakage information detected by an optical fiber temperature sensor is transmitted via a terminal to an externally provided temperature measurement device. Meanwhile, when similar leakage occurs in the vicinity of a coupling section, the gas pressure inside the heat insulating layer or the like increases due to the pressure of LNG within a corrugated tube or a pressure generated as a result of evaporation of LNG. When the pressure inside the heat insulating layer increases, information representing a change in the gas pressure is transmitted to a terminal via a hollow pipe. A tube or the like is externally connected to the terminal, and is connected to a pressure meter or like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignees: Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Izumo, Yasuhiro Naka, Kenichi Ishii, Toru Kagoura
  • Patent number: 8479566
    Abstract: A pipeline leak detection system, includes, in combination, a pipeline; pressure sensors positioned at regular spaced intervals along the pipeline to monitor pressure within the pipeline; and a monitoring station receiving data from the pressure sensors. The monitoring station establishes a normal pressure profile of relative pressures recorded by the pressure sensors along the pipeline in the absence of a leak and issues an alarm should one of the pressure sensors provide data which is uncharacteristic of the normal pressure profile, indicating a leak in the vicinity of the one pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Optimum Oilfield Instrumentation Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Haseloh, Donald LaFleur
  • Patent number: 8479567
    Abstract: A method of focusing a plurality of discrete particles. The method comprises establishing a flow of a fluid medium carrying a plurality of discrete particles within a capillary having a plurality of separate walls and a longitudinal axis. The method further includes vibrating the plurality of separate walls to apply an acoustic field having a central axis substantially along the longitudinal axis to focus the plurality of discrete particles substantially along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Technion Research & Development Foundation Limited
    Inventors: Peter Vainshtein, Michael Shapiro
  • Patent number: 8479568
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring variations in the flatness of an Almen strip holding surface includes a gaging block having opposing parallel surfaces defining an aperture extending between said parallel surfaces and substantially conforming to the size of the holding surface. A plunger is mounted in a cross member which extends across the aperture and is moved along opposite sides thereof. A dial indicator responds to displacement of the aperture to permit detection of any variation in flatness as the plunger is moved over the holding surface and along and between the side and end edges thereof. Placement of the Almen strip holding screws is verified to be in tolerance by the gaging block in that the gaging block cannot be mounted on the holding surface if the distance between the openings is out of tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignees: Electronics, Inc., Metal Improvement Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jack Champaigne, David Francis
  • Patent number: 8479569
    Abstract: In a malfunction determination apparatus and a malfunction determination method for a cooling apparatus that cools an internal combustion engine by circulating a cooling medium that flows in a first passage that extends through an inside of the engine, using an electric pump, a first temperature of the cooling medium is detected at an inlet of the first passage, through which the cooling medium flows into the inside of the engine; a second temperature of the cooling medium is detected at an outlet of the first passage, through which the cooling medium flows out from the inside of the engine; and it is determined that the switching valve is able to normally select the second passage, if both of the first temperature and the second temperature reach a first threshold value when a temperature of the cooling medium increases due to start of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hitoki Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 8479570
    Abstract: A fixture for measuring the resistance of a piston ring in a cylinder, comprising an elongate member having a first end and a second end and a central axis extending therebetween, and an expandable platform attached to the second end of the stem, the platform having a top surface facing towards the first end, the top surface being perpendicular to the central axis, the top surface including first, second and third points movable radially outward from the central axis, and methods of use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Timothy Huttner
  • Patent number: 8479571
    Abstract: A measurement device is disclosed which includes a structure adapted to be removably coupled to a Christmas tree, a sleeve operatively coupled to the structure and a flowmeter positioned at least partially within the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Zollo, Andrew Beck, Sean Walters
  • Patent number: 8479572
    Abstract: There is provided a bubble column type hydrocarbon synthesis reactor which synthesizes a hydrocarbon compound by a chemical reaction of a synthesis gas including hydrogen and carbon monoxide as main components, and a slurry having solid catalyst particles suspended in liquid. The hydrocarbon synthesis reactor includes a reactor main body which accommodates the slurry, a synthesis gas supplying section which supplies the synthesis gas to the slurry; one pressure sensor which is arranged higher than the liquid level of the slurry to measure the pressure of the synthesis gas above the liquid level, another pressure sensor which is arranged lower than the liquid level of the slurry to measure the pressure of the slurry, and a liquid level detecting device which detects a liquid level position of the slurry on the basis of measurement results of the pressure sensors. A plurality of the other pressure sensors are provided at arbitrary intervals in an axial direction of the reactor main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignees: Nippon Steel Engineering Co. Ltd., Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, Inpex Corporation, Nippon Oil Corporation, Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd., Cosmo Oil Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Onishi, Yuzuru Kato, Eiichi Yamada
  • Patent number: 8479573
    Abstract: A fluid level sensor to determine the level of fluid into a container used in negative pressure wound therapy. The sensor includes an array of conductive plates to produce electric field lines through the container and fluid within, the plates serving as the plates of a capacitor. The plates (1-4), are located close to the wall of the container, and are connected to a circuit board, electronics and software to determine the fluid level in the container based on the relative changes of capacitance between the plates. The capacitance is converted into a voltage signal representative of the change. The algorithms are designed to check the fluid level over predefined time periods to indicate the fluid level at more than one point and also track the fluid level. The fluid sensor can be used in the vertical, horizontal or other position of the container as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Huntleigh Technology Limited
    Inventors: Greg Baily, Alan Beale
  • Patent number: 8479574
    Abstract: An angular rate sensor device is presented. The sensor device comprises a disk-shaped structure having a proof mass region and a flexible portion. The disk-like structure is coupled to a substrate in a manner enabling a wave type precession motion such that during the wave type precession motion each material point of the proof mass performs elliptic motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Ramot at Tel-Aviv University Ltd.
    Inventors: Viacheslav Krylov, David Schreiber, Yosi Shacham-Diamand
  • Patent number: 8479575
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microgyroscope for determining rotational movements about an x-axis and/or a y-axis and a z-axis. Oscillating masses are fastened to a substrate by springs. Drive elements vibrate individual masses in an oscillatory manner in the x-y plane in order to produce Coriolis forces when the substrate is rotated, and sensor elements detect deflections of the masses on account of the Coriolis forces produced. The Individual masses are arranged in two groups that are jointly induced by the drive elements to carry out an oscillating primary movement in the plane of the x-y axis. The masses of the first group allow movements starting from the x-y plane, and the masses of the second group allow movements perpendicular to the oscillating primary movement in the plane of the x-y axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Kempe