Patents Issued in December 19, 2013
  • Publication number: 20130333439
    Abstract: A vise apparatus with a bending fixture is disclosed in which the bending fixture includes a collection of projections on an operative and substantially vertical front face of a holding arrangement of the vise apparatus. The bending fixture supports and enables gravity assisted bending of a workpiece. The vise apparatus promotes bending workpieces with reduced effort and minimizes manufacturing costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: James E. Hamm, Prasad Chatursingh Patil, Sachin Shashikant Dakare, Mahesh Janardan Patil, Nilesh Vidyadhar Puntambekar
  • Publication number: 20130333440
    Abstract: A process variable transmitter for measuring a pressure of a process fluid includes a first inlet configured to couple to a first process pressure and a second inlet configured to couple to a second process pressure. A differential pressure sensor couples to the first and second inlets and provides an output related to a differential pressure between the first pressure and the second pressure. A first pressure sensor couples to the first inlet and provides an output related to the first pressure. Transmitter circuitry provides a transmitter output based upon the output from the differential pressure sensor and further provides enhanced functionality based upon the output from the first pressure sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Robert C. Hedtke
  • Publication number: 20130333441
    Abstract: A method and system for correcting for temperature variation in ultrasonic testing systems is disclosed. In one embodiment, an offset is determined for correcting a time of flight measurement, wherein the offset is based on the pulse delays at first and second calibration temperatures. In another embodiment, a factor is determined for correcting a time of flight measurement, wherein the factor is based on clock signal errors at first and second calibration temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nathan John Smith, Jeffrey Lee Dubler
  • Publication number: 20130333442
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a test specimen for visualizing mechanical impact in a mass production process, wherein the specimen comprises of a body, at least one impact detection means at least partially covering a carrier structure of the body and adapted to visualize mechanical impact impinging on the body. A protective coating or layer covers the impact detection means entirely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: SANOFI-AVENTIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Paul-Gerhard Kibat, Matthias Scharf, Hanno Juhnke, Jasmin Groeschke, Jan-Peter Spengler, Olaf Zeckai
  • Publication number: 20130333443
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to be able to determine an appropriate purge time in a hydrogen flame ionization type exhaust gas analyzer and a system incorporating the analyzer which includes: a collector electrode for capturing ions generated from exhaust gas by hydrogen flame; an acquisition circuit adapted to acquire ion current caused by the ions captured by the collector electrode; and an abnormality determining part for determining an abnormality in the case where a difference between a first output value of the acquisition circuit in the case where there flows no ion current caused by the exhaust gas to the collector electrode and a second output value of the acquisition circuit in the case where zero gas is introduced into the hydrogen flame is equal to a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Masaru MIYAI, Hiroshi NAKAMURA, Masahiro NISHIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20130333444
    Abstract: Provided is a plate-type column which allows the temperature of its inner passage to be rapidly increased or decreased while ensuring the correctness of an analysis or other operations. A plate-type column 10 includes: a plate-shaped main body 11; projecting portions 12 and 13 protruding from a circumferential edge of the main body 11; and a fluid-flow passage 14 extending in the main body 11 and the projecting portions 12 and 13. An intermediate portion of the passage 14 is provided in the main body 11, while each of the end portions of the passage 14 extends from the main body 11 through the projecting portion 12 or 13, with each of the end portions being open to the outside at the tip of the projecting portion 12 or 13.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaki KANAI, Takahiro NISHIMOTO, Masanori NISHINO, Satoshi MATSUOKA
  • Publication number: 20130333445
    Abstract: An analyzer analyzing a fluid containing at least one substance to be analyzed and at least one inflammable substance containing a source of gas to provide a flux of diluent gas, an injecting nozzle for introducing samples of the fluid into the flux of diluent gas and for producing a gaseous flux, and a detector for analyzing the gaseous flux, where the source of gas is intended to deliver a flux of diluent gas containing a material capable of supporting the combustion of the inflammable substance, preferably to deliver a flux of air, the injection nozzle is configured so as to introduce into the diluent gas samples of the fluid such that the average volume fraction of the fluid in the gaseous flux is less than 1/2,000 and preferably less than 1120,000, and the detector contains at least one microsensor for detecting the substance to be analyzed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Philippe Jean ANDREUCCI, Eric COLINET, Philippe CORIC, Jean-Claude DE WIT, Pierre PUGET
  • Publication number: 20130333446
    Abstract: A gas sensitive material comprising SnO2 nanocrystals doped with In2O3 and an oxide of a platinum group metal, and a method of making the same. The platinum group metal is preferably Pd, but also may include Pt, Ru, Ir, and combinations thereof. The SnO2 nanocrystals have a specific surface of 7 or greater, preferably about 20 m2/g, and a mean particle size of between about 10 nm and about 100 nm, preferably about 40 nm. A gas detection device made from the gas sensitive material deposited on a substrate, the gas sensitive material configured as a part of a current measuring circuit in communication with a heat source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Leonid Israilevich Trakhtenberg, Genrikh Nikolaevich Gerasimov, Vladimir Fedorovich Gromov, Valeriya Isaakovna Rozenberg
  • Publication number: 20130333447
    Abstract: A leak detector includes a fabric having a conductor. The fabric has an electric property between the conductor and a reference. The electric property has a first value in response to the fabric being in a non-wetted state with regard to a working fluid and the electrical property has a second value different than the first value in response to the fabric being in a wetted state with regard to the working fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Arthur White, Seyed Massoud Azizi
  • Publication number: 20130333448
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cartridge device for a measuring system for measuring viscoelastic characteristics of a sample liquid, in particular a blood sample, comprising a cartridge body having at least one measurement cavity formed therein and having at least one probe element arranged in said at least one measurement cavity for performing a test on said sample liquid; and a cover being attachable on said cartridge body; wherein said cover covers at least partially said at least one measurement cavity and forms a retaining element for retaining said probe element in a predetermined position within said at least one measurement cavity. The invention is directed to a measurement system and a method for measuring viscoelastic characteristics of a sample liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Axel Schubert, José Javier Romero-Galeano, Max Kessler
  • Publication number: 20130333449
    Abstract: A particle quantifier includes a filter with a predetermined number of pores of a first predetermined size, a pump, and a fluid path from the pump to the filter. A pressure sensor is responsive to fluid pressure in the fluid path, and a processing module is responsive to the pressure sensor. The pressure increase of a sample fluid in the fluid path is determined as it is pumped through the filter and particles in the fluid are trapped by the filter. This pressure increase is compared with calibration data and an estimate is made concerning the concentration of particles greater than a second predetermined size present in the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas G. Barraclough, Stephen D. Lawrence
  • Publication number: 20130333450
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring a solid-liquid interface during a casting process. The systems and methods enable determination of the location of a solid-liquid interface during the casting process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Nathan G. Stoddard, Monte A. Lewis, Roger F. Clark
  • Publication number: 20130333451
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a partial level of saturation to a mass of sand, through generation of gas bubbles, as a way to prevent liquefaction during earthquakes. The system includes a solution that is operable to generate gas bubbles and a solution generator that prepares the solution. A conduit delivers the solution to the sand, so that the solution generates the gas bubbles during and after being delivered to the sand. A probe may be used to determine whether the sand is susceptible to liquefaction before the solution is delivered and to assess a change in degree of partial saturation after the solution has been delivered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Michac YEGIAN, Akram ALSHAWABKEH
  • Publication number: 20130333452
    Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid chromatograph provided with: a first flow path switching means which switches between connection of a sample storage loop to a mobile phase flow path and separation of the sample storage loop from the mobile phase flow path; a needle which suctions and discharges a sample; a weighing means which performs suction and discharge of the sample to the needle while weighing the sample; a cleaning solution feeding means which feeds a cleaning solution; a second flow path switching means which switches between at least two types of cleaning solutions; a third flow path switching means which switches between connection of the needle and the weighing means and connection of the needle and the cleaning solution feeding means; and a control means which controls operation of the first flow path switching means, the weighing means, the cleaning solution feeding means, the second flow path switching means, and the third flow path switching means, wherein the total amount of the sample is injected into
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Hiroshi Suzuki, Kimihiko Ishii, Mitsuhiko Ueda, Katsutoshi Shimizu, Yoshiaki Seki
  • Publication number: 20130333453
    Abstract: A flow-through measuring cell having one inlet opening for entry of the fluid, and one outlet opening for exit of the fluid. A single measurement space is located between the inlet opening and outlet opening. A radiation measurement region is provided for measuring the interaction of the fluid in the measuring cell with electromagnetic radiation from outside the measuring cell. The radiation measurement region is bordered by two opposite windows of which one is intended for inlet and the other for exit of the electromagnetic radiation. The measuring cell has a positioning range with several operating positions with a different distance A, A? between the windows into which the measuring cell can be set without rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Optek-Danulat GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Platte, Peter Schroeren, Jürgen Danulat, Andreas Reese
  • Publication number: 20130333454
    Abstract: Method for measuring the hardness of agricultural products includes: implementing a test program suitable for identifying and selecting one or more indices (S3, S4) which can be measured with a non-destructive test on a respective product/fruit, correlated with the hardness (Du) of the same product/fruit, measured by a respective penetration test; and calculating the coefficients that define the straight line representative of the linear correlation between said indices and the hardness for the respective product. The method is implemented with the operations of: applying on the product a dynamic force, preferably of impulsive type; detecting the mechanical reaction through at least a piezoelectric transducer capable of generating an electric signal based on the application or transmission of said dynamic force through the respective kiwi fruit; and analyzing said electric signal relative to the fruit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: UNITEC S.P.A.
    Inventors: Luca Benedetti, Enrico Macrelli, Aldo Romani, Rudi Paolo Paganelli
  • Publication number: 20130333455
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for monitoring the state of a piezoelectric injector of the fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, the piezoelectric injector having a piezoelectric actuator and a nozzle needle that can be moved by said piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric injector can be operated in a partial-stroke mode and a full-stroke mode. In the partial-stroke mode, the curve of an electrical parameter over time is recorded, the maximum value of the curve is determined, a constant parameter value that arises after the presence of the maximum value is determined, the duration between the presence of the maximum value and the reaching of the constant parameter value is determined, the difference between the maximum value and the constant parameter value is determined, and conclusions about the state of the piezoelectric injector are drawn on the basis of the determined duration and the determined difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Hoffmann, Michael Katzenberger, Nicolas Nozeran
  • Publication number: 20130333456
    Abstract: A combustion pressure sensor (1) includes a housing (2) having an axial hole (23), a flexible member (8) fixed at one end to the housing (2) and being displaceable along the direction of axis (CL1), a pressure transmission body (3) whose outer circumferential surface is fixed to the other end of the flexible member (8), and a sensor element (42) fixed to the housing (2) and outputting a signal on the basis of a pressure applied thereto from the pressure transmission body (3). The housing (2) includes a main body portion (21) having a screw portion (24), and a cap member (22) having a press contact portion (26) which is pressed against the internal combustion engine when the screw portion (24) is screwed into the mounting hole of an internal combustion engine. The one end of the flexible member (8) is fixed to the main body portion (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shunsuke MAEDA, Yoshihiro NAKAMURA, Masayoshi MATSUI
  • Publication number: 20130333457
    Abstract: An engine testing device for dynamic pressure loss and valve seal-tightness testing of a running four-stroke engine includes: a first pressure gauge detecting a pressure value in an air intake line to a cylinder of the engine and outputting a first output signal indicative of the pressure value detected; a second pressure gauge detecting a pressure value in an exhaust line of the engine and outputting a second output signal indicative of the pressure value detected; a trigger device detecting an electrical signal indicative of when a selected cylinder of the engine is the particular active cylinder; and a measured value detection device detecting the output signals of the first and second pressure gauges and an output signal of the trigger device, such that an association between points in time of the pressure measurements and the particular active cylinder is enabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Martin SCHAEDEL
  • Publication number: 20130333458
    Abstract: A tire performance indicator for a tire includes at least one tread wear indicator region structured and arranged in a tread region of the tire and at least one performance symbol guide structured and arranged approximate a sidewall region of the tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Matthew LAMB, Robort LIU
  • Publication number: 20130333459
    Abstract: A valve stem for a wireless tire pressure detector has a tube and a hollow and elastic mounting barrel. The tube has an inflating end, a connecting end, a lower flange, an upper flange and an annular groove. The lower flange is formed on and protrudes from the tube near the connecting end. The upper flange is formed on and protrudes from the tube near the inflating end. The annular groove is formed around the tube between the flanges. The mounting barrel is securely mounted around the tube between the flanges and has an engaging segment, a mounting segment, a mounting hole and an annular protrusion. The engaging segment abuts against the lower flange. The mounting segment is formed with the engaging segment and abuts against the upper flange. The annular protrusion is formed on and protrudes from an internal surface of the mounting barrel and engages the annular groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: ORANGE ELECTRONIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hung-Chih YU
  • Publication number: 20130333460
    Abstract: The accuracy of a measurement of the composition of a multiphase sample containing crude oil and water is improved by pouring the sample into a bottle shaped container (1), which is dimensioned such that the oil-water interface (4) is located in an upper portion (3), which forms a bottleneck that has a smaller cross section than a lower portion (2) of the container (1), which lower portion (2) has a substantially frusto-conical shaped intermediate section (8) contiguous with the upper portion (3) that allows accurate water cut measurement even if the oil-water interface is located within the intermediate section (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Frank Edward Bergren
  • Publication number: 20130333461
    Abstract: Provided is a hydraulic test device for head loss of a strainer and a test method thereof, wherein the hydraulic test device comprises a circulation pipe; an inflow container; a container; a debris interceptor; sensors; a circulation pump; a flow meter; a circulation heating heater; and a data acquisition part which stores data sensed by each sensor, flow rate data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Byung-Chul LEE, Chan-Kook MOON, Hyeong-Taek KIM, Sang-Won LEE, Yu-Jung CHOI, Tae-Hyub HONG
  • Publication number: 20130333462
    Abstract: A system for displaying information obtained along the direction of flight of an aircraft is provided. The system includes a vane assembly pivotally mounted to the aircraft having a sensor mounted thereto. The vane comprises a pointing axis configured to continuously align with the direction of the flight path of the aircraft. A display device is operatively connected to the output of the sensor for providing a display along the actual flight path of the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: ARGEN AVIATION INC.
    Inventor: Michael A. Argentieri
  • Publication number: 20130333463
    Abstract: An automatic hydrologic parameter measuring system for a river flow comprises a supporting installed below a bridge surface; a waterproof box connected to a steel rope for suspending a weight; another end of the rope extending downwards out of the waterproof box for retaining the weight; a waterproof electric wire winding around the steel rope for transferring signals to the signal processor; a water pressure meter installed in a hollow space of the weight; when the weight being in water, the water pressure meter starts the measuring process; after the weight reaches to the riverbed, the water pressure is unchangeable; and a water pressure meter installed in a hollow space of the weight; when the weight being in water, the water pressure meter starts the measuring process; after the weight reaches to the riverbed, the water pressure is unchangeable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Yi-Jiun Liao
  • Publication number: 20130333464
    Abstract: According to the present invention a flow meter is provided for measuring a fluid, comprising a measuring tube with a measuring piston movably arranged in said measuring tube, and elements for changing the direction of movement of the measuring piston in said measuring tube, wherein said measuring piston, when measuring, is designed to be moved in said measuring tube under the influence of said fluid. Sensor elements detect movement of the piston and the direction of movement in said measuring tube, and sensor elements detect when the piston is situated in at least one of its reversing areas before the measuring piston has reached the extreme point of the reversing area, so as to afford a substantially continuous flow detection for said fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: EC Instruments AB
    Inventors: Erik Cardelius, Mathias Eklund
  • Publication number: 20130333465
    Abstract: The method comprises the steps of generating a transmission signal; propagating the transmission signal towards the product; receiving a reflected signal; providing a reference signal exhibiting a time-varying phase difference in relation to the transmission signal; forming a measurement signal; and determining the filling level based on the measurement signal. The method further comprises the steps of: determining a reduced time period comprising a time when the time-varying phase difference corresponds to an anticipated filling level, the reduced time period being shorter than the measurement sweep time period; controlling the level gauge system to change from a low-power state to a high-power state at a start of the reduced time period; and controlling the level gauge system to change back from the high-power state to the low-power state at an end of the reduced time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Leif Nilsson, Håkan Delin, Håkan Nyberg
  • Publication number: 20130333466
    Abstract: A probe unit comprising a probe housing, an at least sectionally rod-shaped, probe electrode, a supplemental electrode, which surrounds the probe electrode at least sectionally coaxially and is isolated from the probe electrode by an electrical insulation. A first securement means, by means of which the supplemental electrode is secured in the probe housing is included, and a contacting module, which is mountable on a rod-shaped section of the probe electrode arranged in the probe housing, and which has a flexible circuit board having at least one first conductive trace for electrically contacting the probe electrode and at least one second conductive trace for electrically contacting the supplemental electrode, and a second securement means for securing the contacting module on the probe electrode are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Schmidt, Andreas Krumbholz
  • Publication number: 20130333467
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a vibration element defining a fluidic passageway; an excitation element for exciting vibration of the vibration element; a detector for providing a signal representative of the frequency excited; and control electronics configured to determine a density of a fluid flowing through the fluidic passageway based, at least in part, on the signal provided by the detector. The vibration element is configured such that Coriolis force induced twisting of the vibration element is substantially inhibited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph A. Jarrell
  • Publication number: 20130333468
    Abstract: A balance test indexing tool for use in a balance testing machine to assist a user in testing unbalance in a rotor. The tool includes a rotor mount face disposed on the rotor being tested. The rotor mount face may be machined in a surface of the rotor or provided in a separate rotor mount temporarily fixed to the rotor. The tool also includes a rotor mount receiver configured to receive the rotor mount face in the balance testing machine. The rotor mount face and rotor mount receiver are configured to provide an indexing coupling that allows the rotor to be readily indexed to any of a plurality of index positions for unbalance testing in the testing machine. The tool allows multiple balancing runs to be made with relatively little effort needed to re-index the rotor. In some embodiments the tool includes a kinematic coupling that provides highly accurate and repeatable indexing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Moscow Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Anderson S. Leveille, IV, George I. Allen, IV
  • Publication number: 20130333469
    Abstract: A method for operating and/or measuring a micromechanical device. The device has a first and second seismic mass which are movable by oscillation relative to a substrate; a first drive device for deflecting the first seismic mass and a second drive device for deflecting the second seismic mass, parallel to a drive direction in a first orientation; a third drive device for deflecting the first seismic mass, and a fourth drive device for deflecting the second seismic mass in parallel to the drive direction and according to a second orientation opposite from the first orientation; a first detection device for detecting drive motion of the first seismic mass; and a second detection device for detecting drive motion of the second seismic mass. A first and a second detection signal are generated by the first and second detection devices, the first detection signal being evaluated separately from the second detection signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Johannes CLASSEN, Christoph GAUGER, Patrick WELLNER
  • Publication number: 20130333470
    Abstract: A planar Coriolis gyroscope comprising at least two counter oscillating masses attached to a common rigid frame by means of a first plurality of elastic members and constituting an excitation axis, said frame is attached to a support region by means of a second plurality of elastic members which together with the masses constitute at least one Coriolis resonator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Yishay Netzer, Michael Girgel
  • Publication number: 20130333471
    Abstract: In a teeter-totter type MEMS accelerometer, the teeter-totter proof mass and the bottom set of electrodes (i.e., underlying the proof mass) are formed on a device wafer, while the top set of electrodes (i.e., overlying the teeter-totter proof mass) are formed on a circuit wafer that is bonded to the device wafer such that the top set of electrodes overlie the teeter-totter proof mass. The electrodes formed on the circuit wafer may be formed from an upper metallization layer on the circuit wafer, which also may be used to form various electrical connections and/or bond pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: ANALOG DEVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Yu-Tsun Chien
  • Publication number: 20130333472
    Abstract: A method for and apparatus for inspecting a location on a test object with a number of obstructions to reaching the location. An elongate optical fiber carrier holding a number of optical fibers is moved to the location on the test object with the number of obstructions to reaching the location. A pattern of light is transmitted from the number of optical fibers onto a surface of the test object at the location. The pattern of the light is configured to cause sound waves in the test object when the pattern of the light encounters the surface of the test object. A response is detected to the sound waves using the number of optical fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Gary E. Georgeson, Richard H. Bossi, Clarence L. Gordon, III, Jeffrey R. Kollgaard, William P. Motzer, Alan Frank Stewart
  • Publication number: 20130333473
    Abstract: Continuous casting moulds used in automated installations casting metal melts into strands require comprehensive, reliable real-time monitoring. Currently used systems are susceptible to damage and limited to just a few sensors, as arrangements involving a higher number of sensors have proven impractical due to the substantial effort they cause when exchanging a mould. To overcome this obstacle it is suggested to use wirelessly interrogable passive surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors for monitoring of physical parameters in continuous casting moulds, and install at least one wireless link section in the signal path between SAW sensors and their reader devices. Continuous casting moulds thus become easily exchangeable with their sensors installed, making it industrially practicable to equip continuous casting moulds with a significantly higher number of sensors than previously feasible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: SMS CONCAST AG
    Inventors: Luca Cestari, Guido Michelon, Antonio Sgro, Alfred Binder, Rene Fachberger
  • Publication number: 20130333474
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of monitoring a fluid carrying conduit, comprising interrogating an optic fibre positioned along the path of said conduit to provide distributed acoustic sensing, measuring by distributed acoustic sensing the acoustic signal at each of a plurality of discrete longitudinal sensing portions along the length of the optic fibre, to monitor the optic fibre for the presence of a first characteristic signal, the first characteristic signal being indicative of ground heave the vicinity of the optic fibre, and determining that a failure has occurred in said conduit when a first characteristic signal is measured in the distributed acoustic sensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: OPTASENSE HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Alastair Godfrey, Philip Newton Winder
  • Publication number: 20130333475
    Abstract: A device for implementing a method for pickling/stripping and for simultaneously non-destructively checking a part (100), the device including: a. an energizing laser head capable of generating pulsed energisation (212) on the surface of a part (100, 300) according to an energy spectrum adapted for the detachment of the particles (231) adhering to the surface; b. a detection laser head (220) connected to the energizing laser head and capable of measuring the response of the part to a pulse generated by the energizing head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS (S.A.S)
    Inventors: Hubert Voillaume, Benjamin Campagne, Franck Benthouhami
  • Publication number: 20130333476
    Abstract: Optical pulses are output from a light source to an optical fiber at one selected emission wavelength, a reflection light reflected at a fiber Bragg grating at the optical fiber is received at an optical receiver and is converted to a reflection signal by an optical to electrical conversion, a fiber Bragg grating which reflects the reflection light is identified by the signal processing unit when an intensity of the reflection signal obtained by the optical receiver is over a predetermined threshold value, and a measurement step that calculates acoustic frequencies at the fiber Bragg grating based on a temporal change of the intensity of the reflection signal at the fiber Bragg grating is repeated more than two times while changing an emission wavelength of the light source. The acoustic frequency at each fiber Bragg grating is calculated to determine an acoustic distribution along a longitudinal direction of the fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventors: Koji OMICHI, Yoshihiro TERADA, Daiichiro TANAKA
  • Publication number: 20130333477
    Abstract: A measuring system for measuring a physical quantity related to one of an electromagnetic wave and a magnetic field includes a vibration-type actuator, a waveform generating unit configured to generate a driving waveform signal of the vibration-type actuator, an optical transmitter unit configured to receive the driving waveform signal and convert the driving waveform signal into an optical signal, an optical receiver unit configured to receive the optical signal and convert the optical signal into an alternating-current voltage signal, and a drive circuit configured to receive the alternating-current voltage signal and apply the alternating-current voltage signal to the vibration-type actuator. The waveform generating unit and the optical transmitter unit are disposed outside a magnetic shield room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Kenichi Kataoka
  • Publication number: 20130333478
    Abstract: A nacelle test apparatus for testing a wind turbine nacelle is provided. The test apparatus includes a physical tower model apparatus realised to model the behaviour of a wind turbine tower and/or a physical rotor model apparatus realised to model the behaviour of a wind turbine rotor, and an exciter apparatus for exciting a physical model apparatus. Also provided is a method of testing a wind turbine nacelle, which method includes mounting the nacelle onto a physical tower model apparatus of a nacelle test apparatus, which physical tower model apparatus is realised to model the behaviour of a wind turbine tower, and/or mounting a physical rotor model apparatus of the nacelle test apparatus to a hub of the nacelle, which physical rotor model apparatus is realised to model the behaviour of a wind turbine rotor, and exciting the physical tower model apparatus and/or the physical rotor model apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Jens Bomholt Jensen
  • Publication number: 20130333479
    Abstract: A flange for a corrosion resistant and nevertheless low cost flange for pressure measurement cells, or pressure transfer means, is composed essentially of a metal foundation of a standard material and is protected on the side facing a process medium by a there applied layer of a highly alloyed, special material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Berger, Volker Frey, Christoph Bollig
  • Publication number: 20130333480
    Abstract: A test apparatus configured to test connectors is provided. The test apparatus may include a fixture that holds a first connector and an actuator that holds a mating second connector. The actuator may axially displace the second connector in and out of engagement with the first connector. A compliance mechanism, which may be coupled to the fixture or the actuator, may provide one of the connectors with compliance in order to facilitate alignment of the connectors during engagement and disengagement thereof. The compliance mechanism may allow movement of one of the connectors perpendicularly to the actuation axis and/or angular movement about the actuation axis while preventing axial movement within the compliance mechanism. Accordingly, forces associated with engagement and disengagement of the connectors measured by a load cell may more closely resemble actual forces experienced by a user during use of the connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick KESSLER, Michael A. Damianakis
  • Publication number: 20130333481
    Abstract: In a method of determining a fatigue crack lifetime of a low-alloy steel material coming in contact with high-pressure hydrogen in a high-pressure hydrogen environment, estimate a fatigue crack acceleration starting point KmaxT of the low-alloy steel material using a crack-growth threshold stress intensity factor KIH-R obtained through a rising load test on the low-alloy steel material in a high-pressure hydrogen environment. The high-pressure hydrogen environment of the rising load test is a high-pressure hydrogen environment which has the same pressure and atmosphere as in the high-pressure hydrogen environment in which KmaxT is estimated and in which the test temperature tolerance between both environments is ±5° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: THE JAPAN STEEL WORKS, LTD.
    Inventor: Yoru Wada
  • Publication number: 20130333482
    Abstract: A compression testing device includes a receiving unit and a pressing unit movable relative to the receiving unit. The receiving unit includes an outer housing, a sleeve inserted removably into the outer housing, and a liquid supplying mechanism. The liquid supplying mechanism is operable to force a culture medium to flow through the outer housing and the sleeve. A specimen unit is disposed removably within the outer housing. Due to the design of the liquid supplying mechanism, a compression test can be performed on the specimen unit, and cells can be cultured on the specimen unit. In this manner, relationship and change between the specimen unit and the cells can be observed in a real life simulating condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Sheng-Chih Chang, Sheng-Nan Chang
  • Publication number: 20130333483
    Abstract: Dynamic characteristics of a liquid surface (160) are measured by sending acoustic signals (140) to or more target areas (162a-162c) on the liquid surface and receiving said acoustic signals (150a-150c) after reflection from the target area. The detected signals are processed to measure phase shift between the sent and received acoustic signals, the measured phase shift varying over time. The varying phase shift is used to indicate fluctuations over time in the local height of the liquid surface in the target area. The liquid may be water, effluent etc. flowing in a channel or conduit. With suitable calibration, the measured height fluctuations can be used to infer flow characteristics such as surface roughness, wave height, flow depth, flow velocity, volumetric flow rate, shear stress, sediment transport. Using an array of receivers and target areas, additional spatial and temporal characteristics of the surface and the flow can be measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: University of Bradford
    Inventors: Kirill Horoshenkov, Andrew Nichols
  • Publication number: 20130333484
    Abstract: Drive techniques for a digital flowmeter are described. The drive techniques account for delays caused during digital signal processing of sensor signals that correspond to a motion of a flowtube, as well as drive signals that impart motion to the flowtube. Such delays may be caused by a variety of factors, including delays associated with analog/digital conversion of the signals and/or filtering of the signals. The techniques include open-loop techniques and closed-loop techniques, which can be used separately or together during the start-up and operation of the digital flowmeter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Manus P. Henry, Mayela E. Zamora
  • Publication number: 20130333485
    Abstract: Embodiments are generally directed to methods and apparatuses having electronic device cover glass that includes embedded sensors. In particular, one embodiment may take the form of a device having a device housing and a cover glass coupled to the device housing. The device includes a plurality of sensors coupled to the cover glass and configured to acquire data related to stress and strain experienced by the cover glass. The plurality of sensors is embedded within the cover glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Dhaval Shah, Stephen B. Lynch, Andrzej Baranski
  • Publication number: 20130333486
    Abstract: When a warm-up operation at a set speed is carried out to measure a mechanical loss that is generated during warm-up operation, a device to display setting of operation time, vehicle speed, etc. and the operation status on a single window is demanded. An operation display portion on a top display screen provided on a control terminal includes a menu function block having a warm-up window calling section for calling a warm-up operation window function block. The warm-up operation window function block includes a warm-up condition setting section configured to set a warm-up operation condition, a measurement flow indicating block configured to indicate a warm-up operation by a pattern, a trend indicating section configured to indicate a braking force that is generated upon the warm-up operation in time sequence, and a measurement status indicating block comprising a judgment indicating section configured to indicate measurement results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Kenji Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20130333487
    Abstract: An embodiment of the subject invention is directed to a jack incorporating one or more strain gauges. The one or more strain gauges can be positioned on, within, or integral to the jack. When a load or force is applied by the jack, one or more materials within the jack are deformed or displaced as a result of the applied load. The one or more strain gauges are used to measure the deformation or displacement and thus measure the strain. The measured strain can be used to determine the magnitude of the load applied by the jack. In an embodiment, a plurality of strain gauges are used and the resulting strain measurements can be combined to determine the applied load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: JOHN A. HAYES
  • Publication number: 20130333488
    Abstract: A foreign matter detection sensor includes a sensor section, power supply members, a sealing member, and includes an elastic elongated hollow insulating body with separated electrode wires inside the insulating body. The sensor section includes a first end and a second end and detects foreign matter by receiving external force from the foreign matter and being elastically deformed. The power supply members are electrically connected to the electrode wires at the second end of the sensor section via electrode connecting portions. Each power supply member includes a direction changing section, extending from an associated electrode connecting portion in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the sensor section and further extends in a direction toward the first end of the sensor section. The sealing member on the second end of the sensor section seals the electrode connecting portions, the direction changing sections, and one end of the hollow body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Hidenori Ishihara