Patents Issued in May 1, 2014
  • Publication number: 20140116094
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for alignment of a glass member for high temperature processing are disclosed. The high temperature processing can, for example, pertain to a slumping process to mold glass into a predetermined shape (e.g., a three-dimensional shape). In one embodiment, a glass slumping system can have a mold and an alignment system that support a glass member to be slumped relative to the mold. The alignment system may have a plurality of alignment members being configured to move away from the glass member as the temperature increases during the slumping process to allow the glass member to bend around the mold without interference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Donald Ross, Adam Stagnaro, Matthew Theobald, Andrew Davidson, Michael Kane Pilliod
  • Publication number: 20140116095
    Abstract: Melters for glass forming apparatuses and glass forming apparatuses comprising the same are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a melter for melting glass batch materials includes a base portion and a rigid exoskeleton rigidly attached to the base portion and comprising a plurality of upright members interconnected with a plurality of cross members defining an exoskeleton interior volume. Connection nodes formed at intersections of the plurality of cross members with upper ends of the plurality of upright members are constrained from movement relative to the base portion in a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, and a vertical direction. A tank assembly is positioned on the base portion in the exoskeleton interior volume and coupled to the rigid exoskeleton. In some embodiments, the melter has a dynamic resistance greater than 0.3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Raymond Eugene Fraley, Shayne O. Manning, Jason Sauers
  • Publication number: 20140116096
    Abstract: A laundry treatment machine is provided. The laundry treatment machine may include a top cover, a control panel, a lid assembly, and a lid handle. The top cover may be disposed over a cabinet and have a laundry loading hole. The control panel may be disposed at a front upper side of the top cover. The lid assembly may be disposed over the top cover at a rear side of the control panel and open/close the laundry loading hole. The lid handle may protrude in a forward direction from a front surface of the lid assembly and protrude in an upward direction with respect to a top surface of the lid assembly to form a gap such that a hand of a user may enter the gap between the lid handle and the control panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Youngbae PARK, Jimaeng Kim
  • Publication number: 20140116097
    Abstract: Provided is a laundry treatment machine. The laundry treatment machine may include a main body, a lid, and at least one hinge that supports the lid. The hinge may include a hinge housing filled with a fluid having a prescribed viscosity, an elastic member disposed inside the hinge housing, and a pair of cams disposed in the housing to move in linkage with the lid and the elastic member. A piston may be disposed between the moving cam and the elastic member to deform the elastic member according to a displacement of the moving cam. The piston may divide a cavity inside the hinge housing into a first space in which the elastic member is disposed and a second space in which the pair of cams are disposed. The piston may include a passage for the fluid to flow between the first space and the second space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Youngbae PARK, Yongjun An
  • Publication number: 20140116098
    Abstract: An engagement structure for cable head of the present invention includes a main body, a cable head, and a release mechanism. The main body has movable positioner disposed thereon. When the cable head is inserted in the main body, the positioner is temporarily pushed away and is moved back by an elastic mechanism to block the cable head from removing from the main body. For removing the cable head, a release mechanism is configured for pushing the positioner away. Thus, user can remove the cable head by operating the release mechanism. Therefore, operation of the engagement structure is simplified for user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: LINTEX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHIA-SHENG LIN
  • Publication number: 20140116099
    Abstract: A strip passing through the object stored in the body, a retaining device for retaining the strip and an actuator with a locking area matching a locking area of one end of the strip. When the actuator is in a locking position, the end of the strip is coupled to the retaining device and when the actuator is in an unlocking position, the end of the strip can be decoupled from the retaining device. The locking area of the actuator has a protrusion and the locking area of the end of the elongated member has a recess for receiving the protrusion. Locking means or mechanisms may be provided for retaining the actuator at least in a locking position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: GLIESE 581, S.L
    Inventor: Luis ROMERO PEDRET
  • Publication number: 20140116100
    Abstract: A smart door unlock system may include a lock cylinder with a rotor receivably having a key inserted thereinto and rotated and a connecting rod rotated together with the rotor, an ignition switch provided with lock LOCK, accessory ACC, on ON, or start START switches, and outputting a signal of an operation state when the rotor is rotated with the key inserted thereinto and the connecting rod is positioned at any one of the switches, a body control module (BCM) automatically locking or unlocking a door or doors according to the signal output from the ignition switch when the connecting rod is positioned at the lock LOCK. The lock LOCK of the ignition switch includes a first lock for locking all doors, a second lock for unlocking only a driver's side door, and a third lock for unlocking all doors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jae Sueng Lee, Eui Chan Cho
  • Publication number: 20140116101
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein can include one or more labels, each label having an indicia receiving surface adapted to receive indicium or indicia. The indicia receiving surface can provide a permanent, durable writing surface. A key for operating a mechanical lock can include one or more labels. The key can include a key main body and at least one label coupled to the key main body. The key main body comprises a head and an elongate body coupled to the head. The elongate body is configured to physically engage and operate a lock, such as a mechanical lock. The label can define an indicia receiving surface adapted to receive indicium or indicia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Write-On-It! LLC
    Inventors: Brian A. Moore, Bruce B. Bailey, Matthew B. McCutchen
  • Publication number: 20140116102
    Abstract: A lock structure includes a lock cylinder, a plug and a pin assembly, the plug is within an accommodating space of the lock cylinder. The plug comprises an outer lateral wall, a plurality of first lower pin holes and at least one second lower pin hole, each of the first lower pin holes comprises a first blocking edge, the second lower pin hole comprises a second blocking edge, wherein a second depth defined between the second blocking edge and the outer lateral wall is smaller than a first depth defined between the first blocking edge and the outer lateral wall. By height difference between the position of the first blocking edge and the position of the second blocking edge, an unmatched key can not contact with the second lower pin under instantaneous bump to prevent an unlock situation. Therefore, the burglar proof function is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Min Lu, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20140116103
    Abstract: A foliarly applicable plant nutrient composition comprises, in aqueous solution, (a) a first component comprising an agriculturally acceptable source of foliarly absorbable silicon; (b) a second component selected from agriculturally acceptable sources of thiosulfate ions, agents effective to inhibit polymerization of silicic acid or silicate ions, and mixtures thereof; and (c) as a third component, an agriculturally acceptable mixture of compounds selected from the group consisting of organic acids, organic compounds having functional groups capable of reversibly binding or complexing with inorganic anions, and mixtures thereof. The composition is useful for silicon nutrition of a plant and for reducing susceptibility of a plant to fungal or bacterial disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: FBSCIENCES HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventor: Brian Goodwin
  • Publication number: 20140116104
    Abstract: The invention relates in particular to a machine bed for hydraulic presses. The machine bed has a bed body and at least one pretensioning unit. The pretensioning unit is realized in such a manner and cooperates with the bed body in such a manner that said bed body is acted upon by lateral pretensioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: LANGENSTEIN & SCHEMANN GMBH
    Inventors: Lothar Bauersachs, Herbert RĂ¼ger
  • Publication number: 20140116105
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and a method for forming an ultrahigh tensile steel. The method may include: (a) preparing a blank from a steel plate sheet; (b) cold-forming the blank into a shape corresponding to a desired end-product; (c) fixing the cold-formed materials to a plurality of pallets; (d) moving the pallets into a heating chamber, and heating the materials to a set temperature in the heating chamber; (e) moving the pallets into a cooling chamber, and cooling the materials in the cooling chamber; and (f) straightening dimensions of the materials which have been transformed in the heat treatment process and cooling process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Youn Soo Han, Young-Hoon Jang, Byung Hun Kim, Heongjoo Park
  • Publication number: 20140116106
    Abstract: A system for calibrating a wind indicator device of a wind turbine of the horizontal-axis type in which a shaft has a portion in a nacelle, the wind indicator device being on an exterior of the nacelle. The system comprises a shaft interface adapted to be positioned on the shaft of the wind turbine in a known manner relative to an orientation of the shaft. An extended body is connected to the shaft interface, the extended body projecting from the shaft interface positioned on the shaft to an exterior of the nacelle. An alignment device is connected to the extended body, the alignment device having a visual indicator at the exterior of the nacelle representative of an orientation of the shaft of the nacelle when the shaft interface is positioned on the shaft in the known manner, whereby a calibration of the wind indicator device is achieved using the visual indicator device. A method for calibrating the wind indicator device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: GESTION VALEO S.E.C.
    Inventors: Francis PELLETIER, Souheil-Antoine TAHAN
  • Publication number: 20140116107
    Abstract: A meter electronics (20) for a vibrating meter (5) is provided. The vibrating meter (5) includes a sensor assembly located within a pipeline (301). The sensor assembly (10) is in fluid communication with one or more fluid switches (309). The meter electronics (20) is configured to measure one or more flow characteristics of a fluid flowing through the sensor assembly (10). The meter electronics (20) is further configured to receive a first fluid switch signal (214) indicating a fluid condition within the pipeline (301) from a first fluid switch (309) of the one or more fluid switches. The meter electronics (20) is further configured to correct the one or more flow characteristics if the fluid condition is outside a threshold value or band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Weinstein, Aart R Pruysen, Steven M Jones, John Ansdell Houghton
  • Publication number: 20140116108
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a selected yaw rate sensor includes: determining a scaling function between a yaw rate sensitivity and a test signal sensitivity of a yaw rate sensor selected for carrying out a test and denoted as first sampling yaw rate sensor is determined in a first method step, the scaling function being determined from a measured first sample yaw rate sensitivity and from a measured first sample test signal sensitivity of the sampling yaw rate sensor; calculating a production yaw rate sensitivity for a yaw rate sensor denoted as production yaw rate sensor from a measured production test signal sensitivity of the production yaw rate sensor and the scaling function; and subsequently calibrating the production yaw rate sensor with the aid of the production yaw rate sensitivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Axel FRANKE, Mirko HATTASS
  • Publication number: 20140116109
    Abstract: Intrinsically calibrating friction mensuration device has a drive unit with controllable motive member, configured to receive a controllable propulsion force, and to apply tractive force to a test piece on a surface. A force engine couples to the motive member, and applies the controllable propulsion force. The device includes a controller imposing a propulsion control signal actuating the force engine to produce the propulsion force. A force sensor is between the drive unit and the test piece, producing a force signal responsive to a sensed force between the drive unit and the test piece. The drive unit can self-propelled or stationary. A method includes applying an increasing tractive force to a test piece at rest; measuring the tractive force; identifying the maximum tractive force applied at incipient motion; identifying the transition between the resting test piece and incipient motion; determining the SCOF; continuing motion; and determining the DCOF.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Fred M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140116110
    Abstract: A liquid transport apparatus includes a tube for transporting a liquid, plural fingers that push and block the tube, a cam that pushes the fingers in sequence so as to squeeze the tube to transport the liquid, a first electrode and a second electrode that are provided at the tube located further toward the downstream side than a region pushed by the plural fingers, and a determination unit that determines the presence/absence of a bubble on the basis of the impedance between the first electrode and the second electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Makoto KATASE
  • Publication number: 20140116111
    Abstract: A gas chromatograph mass spectrometer including: an oven for gas chromatography, a mass spectrometry part, a sample vaporization chamber, a gas supply part, and a control part. When the replacement operation of a septum or a glass insert begins, the control part controls the gas supply part so that the flow rate of a carrier gas has a constant pressure and then controls heaters so that temperature is equal to or less than a temperature at which replacement is possible. When temperature becomes equal to or less than the temperature at which replacement is possible and the replacement operation of the septum or the glass insert is completed, the control part controls the heaters so that the temperature is an analysis temperature and controls the gas supply part to employ the same control method for the flow rate of the carrier gas as that before the replacement operation is begun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Katsuyuki TANEDA, Shuichi KAWANA
  • Publication number: 20140116112
    Abstract: Methods are provided for rapidly determining the presence or absence of large numbers of contaminants in a test sample, such as a raw material intended for use in the preparation of a nutraceutical. The disclosed methods employ gas chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques together with the specific use of software in combination with a database to analyze data collected after ionization of the sample and determine the presence or absence of the contaminants in the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: K & D LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventors: David Kent HUMPHREY, Nicholas Joseph GEISE
  • Publication number: 20140116113
    Abstract: A particulate sensor apparatus may include an exhaust line through which exhaust gas flows, and a sensor that may be disposed at one side in the exhaust line and generates electrical charges when a particulate passes near vicinity of the sensor, wherein an electrode portion may be formed on a front surface of the sensor facing the particulate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, SNU R&DB Foundation, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jin Ha Lee, Sera Lim, Keunho Jang, Kukjin Chun, Jin-woo Jeong
  • Publication number: 20140116114
    Abstract: Disclosed is a permeameter for in-situ measurement of saturated hydraulic conductivity. The permeameter includes a chamber fixedly installed into a streambed sediment such that the inside of the chamber is filled with a medium, sediment at water-sediment interface. First and second hydraulic head-measuring lines are respectively connected to upper and lower portions of an outer circumferential surface of the chamber, these are designed for measuring a hydraulic head difference of the inside of the chamber. A flexible tube is interconnected the chamber with the storage pipe. A storage pipe is designed to regulate a hydraulic head difference from the chamber and to measure a quantity and a flow rate of water introduced from the chamber under the streambed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCES
    Inventor: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCES
  • Publication number: 20140116115
    Abstract: A method for testing a flexible container includes arranging the flexible container on a winding core that can be rotated about a winding axis W and forms an internal support. The method continues by winding the flexible container around the winding axis W arranging an external support around the wound container and connecting at least one container opening of the container to a fluid source. The method proceeds by filling the container with a fluid from the fluid source to generate a predetermined positive pressure P1 in the flexible container at a first time T1 and determining whether the container is sufficiently leaktight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Dahlberg, Lars Böttcher, Thomas Regen, Stefan Obermann, Marc Hogreve
  • Publication number: 20140116116
    Abstract: Methods of design, testing and quality control for asphalt concrete pavement mixtures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Pine Instrument Company
    Inventor: Rajendra Nidhish DONGRE
  • Publication number: 20140116117
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for determining the composition of a multiphase mixture (MG), the multiphase mixture (MG) having at least three phases, in particular mineral oil, water, sand and/or sludge. The multiphase mixture (MG) is conveyed away or led from a delivery point, for example, in a through-flow device (DF), in particular a pipeline. At least two electrodes (E1, E2) for the capacitive management of an impedance (Zx) of the multiphase mixture (MG) are fitted to the through-flow device (DF) so as to be insulated electrically from the multiphase mixture (MG), and a changing electric voltage having a defined amplitude is applied to the multiphase mixture (MG) by a voltage source (VQ), wherein a frequency of said voltage can be adjusted. Then, with the aid of a reference impedance (Zref), a capacitive measurement of the impedance (Zx) of the multiphase mixture (MG) is carried out (2) via the electrodes (E1, E2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Martin Joksch
  • Publication number: 20140116118
    Abstract: Indole-3-propionic acid as a marker and for treatment for Huntington Disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: COUNTERPOINT HEALTH SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Wayne R. Matson
  • Publication number: 20140116119
    Abstract: For measuring a quantity of water on oil and oil products, a hollow coaxial resonator unit is provided, through which oil or oil product is supplied to pass through, an electrical measuring bridge composed of electrical resistances is arranged so that the resonator is connected with the electrical measuring bridge; changes in a frequency characteristic of the resonator are measured when oil or oil product passes through it, and a quantity of water in the oil or oil product is determined based on the measured changes in the frequency characteristic of the resonator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Argosy Technologies
    Inventors: Peter Mouler, Andrei Kaloshin, Roman Danilov, Nikolai Evstigneev
  • Publication number: 20140116120
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for cleaning optical windows used in an inline optical fluid analyzer. One system includes a sampling module having an inlet and an outlet and a flow path extending therebetween, the flow path being fluidly coupled to a pipeline containing a fluid, at least one optical computing device arranged within the sampling module in optical communication with the flow path and configured to monitor a sample flow of the fluid for one or more characteristics of the fluid, the at least one optical computing device having one or more optical sampling windows in contact with the sample flow of the fluid, and a solvent dispenser fluidly coupled to the flow path and configured to provide a solvent to the flow path to remove a residue built up on the one or more sampling windows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Seckar
  • Publication number: 20140116121
    Abstract: Instruments, devices and methods of analysis are provided which fully integrate a significant number of process steps in a continuous operation. Accurate positioning and full contact between components is also provided by the relative movement the designs allow. An effect interface between a low cost disposable cartridge or device and the instrument to process it is also detailed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: BioAccel
    Inventors: Frederic ZENHAUSERN, Alan NORDQUIST, Ralf LENIGK, Cedric HURTH, Jianing YANG, Xiaojia CHEN, John LEE-EDGHILL, Nina MORAN, Andrew HOPWOOD, Pieris KOUMI
  • Publication number: 20140116122
    Abstract: A sensor device package includes a pressure sensor and a humidity sensor mounted on the same substrate and in the same housing with light protection for the pressure sensor a media opening for gas exchange for the humidity sensor. Light protection and rapid response times are provided through strategic positioning of the media opening, strategic arrangement of the pressure sensor, humidity sensor, and the media opening, and/or the use of opaque materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicants: Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Lammel, Sybille Waffenschmidt, Ando Feyh, Gary O'Brien, Andrew Graham
  • Publication number: 20140116123
    Abstract: A test rig for testing a component in a wind turbine is proposed. The test rig has an adjustable radial weight arrangement mounted on a rotatable shaft; a driving means for rotating the shaft at a shaft rotational velocity; and an adjusting means for adjusting the centre of mass of the adjustable radial weight arrangement relative to the shaft while the shaft is rotating. A wind turbine test setup for testing components of a wind turbine has a test rig mounted to a component such that centrifugal forces generated by the rotating radial weights during operation of the test rig are transferred as lateral forces to the wind turbine component under test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Brian Gabe Jensen
  • Publication number: 20140116124
    Abstract: A health index (124) can be determined from vibration signatures (108, 110, 112, 114) arising out of an analysis of vibration data (102, 104, 106) by using a combination of frequency analysis (e.g. crest factor, side-band factor) and analyses done in time domain. The health index (124) can thus be calculated by summing a product of one or more of these vibration signatures (108, 110, 112, 114) and a corresponding weighting factor (116, 118, 120, 122).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: ROMAX TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Xiaoqin Ma, Daniel Edwards
  • Publication number: 20140116125
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine and a method wherein an oil filter is installed with a main filter element and a filter element for a pressure relief valve, then said oil filter is removed after use. The filter is opened and the filtered-out products are analyzed resulting from wear with respect to the qualitative and quantitative composition thereof and to ascertain the engine parts to which the products belong. During operation it is possible to determine the degree of wear of the parts and to increase the ecological and technical safety of the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Georgii Anatolievich Koltunov
  • Publication number: 20140116126
    Abstract: A tire-condition-ascertaining cartridge (100) comprising a scaffoyer structure which performs both scaffolding and fluid-foyer-forming functions. The scaffoyer (600) includes planks and/or derricks which properly posture a first fitting (200), a second fitting (300), an electronics assembly (400), and a power source (500) during cartridge construction. The scaffoyer (600) also forms a fluid foyer to the sensing site and this foyer can be tested for fluid integrity (e.g., leaks) prior to creating the housing capsule (800).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Gary Steven Rothstein, Michael James Keller
  • Publication number: 20140116127
    Abstract: The present inventions relate generally to methods, apparatus and systems for measuring snow stability and structure which may be used to assess avalanche risk. The disclosed apparatus includes a sensing unit configured to measure a size of snow grains as the sensing unit is being driven into a layer of snow. The disclosed apparatus may also be configured to take other environmental measurements, including resistance to penetration, temperature, humidity, slope aspect and inclination. Methods and apparatus are also disclosed for generating a profile of snow grain size according to depth based on the measured size of snow grains. Systems and apparatus are also disclosed for sharing the generated profiles among a plurality of users via a central server, and for evaluating an avalanche risk at a geographic location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: AVATECH, INC.
    Inventors: James Loren CHRISTIAN, Samuel Tileston WHITTEMORE, Brinton Johnston Wadsworth MARKLE
  • Publication number: 20140116128
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for measuring the flow rate of a liquid through a conduit. The apparatus is based on a flow rate meter which is adapted to accurately measure the volumetric flow rate of a liquid using a simple, cost and energy effective, and accurate method using only one temperature sensor. The method is based on applying a pulse of thermal energy to the flowing liquid and measuring the temperature increase as a function of time and energy input. By comparing these measurements to a calibration table made by performing similar measurements for known flow rates, the rate of flow can be determined. One application, which will be described to illustrate the features of the method and apparatus of the invention, is measurement of the flow rate of urine excreted by a catheterized patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: RENAL SENSE LTD.
    Inventors: Jack Yehoshua Mantinband, Michael Adler
  • Publication number: 20140116129
    Abstract: This invention is related to an apparatus which incorporates a microfabricated silicon mass flow sensor to measure city gas flow rate in a medium pressure range for utility industry which is dominated by conventional mechanical meters such as turbine and rotary meters. The microfabricated mass flow sensor is so called micro-electromechanical systems (a.k.a. MEMS) device. Due to the small feature size of micro scale for MEMS mass flow sensor, the invented apparatus includes many advantages such as low power consumption, compact package, high reliability and extended dynamic measurement range. This apparatus is also provided with a stable flow conditioning to achieve a desired dynamic range capability. Furthermore, because of the high accuracy characteristic, the apparatus in this invention could be applied tot custody transfer or tariff in utility industry as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: M-TECH INSTRUMENT CORPORATION (HOLDING) LIMITED
    Inventors: Xiangyou Yang, Yong Feng, Sugang Jiang, Chih-Chang Chen, Liji Huang
  • Publication number: 20140116130
    Abstract: A measuring device, measuring arrangement and a method for determining a measured quantity. The measuring device a sensor device, an evaluation device and an interface. The sensor device generates measurement information which is dependent on the measured quantity and the evaluation device determines a result value for the measured quantity. To devise a measuring device which manages with a limited power demand and storage demand and which also allows a complex evaluation for obtaining the result value for the measured quantity, the evaluation device of the measuring device outputs the measurement information or information dependent on it via the interface to a separate data device of the measuring arrangement, receives intermediate information from the data device which is generated depending on the measurement information or the information dependent on it and determines the result value based on the intermediate information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: KROHNE MESSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: Michael Daheim
  • Publication number: 20140116131
    Abstract: In at least some implementations, a liquid level sensor includes a liquid level responsive member, first and second circuit elements and a magnetic field member. One circuit element generates a magnetic field and the other is responsive to the magnetic field. The magnetic field member is responsive to movement of the liquid level responsive member and alters, in at least some positions of the magnetic field member, at least one characteristic of the magnetic field experienced by the second circuit element as a function of the position of the magnetic field member. The magnetic field experienced by the second circuit element can be correlated to a position of the magnetic field member which can be correlated to a position of the liquid level responsive member to provide an indication of the liquid level in the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: John R. Forgue
  • Publication number: 20140116132
    Abstract: A device for measuring angle and angular velocity or distance and speed of a moving part is described. The device has a sensor which is or can be arranged in a stationary manner and an encoder which is or can be arranged on the moving part and, together with the sensor, generates a modulation signal to be demodulated by the sensor. For the frequency measurement which is needed to measure the angular velocity/speed, the encoder has a structure which reproduces a periodic pattern and is interrupted by at least one index area for the angle/distance measurement. In the index area, the encoder has a substitute pattern which differs from the periodic pattern by at least one physical variable which can be detected by the sensor but has a structure which also enables the frequency measurement in the index area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Continental Teves AG & Co., oHG
    Inventor: Heinrich Acker
  • Publication number: 20140116133
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to the control and utilization of multiple sensors within a device. For an example, motion of a device may be detected in response to receipt of a signal from a first sensor disposed in the device, and a power state of a second sensor also disposed in the device may be changed in response to detected motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Leonid Sheynblat, Thomas G. Wolf, Alexander Hodisan
  • Publication number: 20140116134
    Abstract: Micromechanical structure, in particular a yaw rate sensor having a substrate including a main plane of extent for detecting a first yaw rate about a first direction perpendicular to the main plane, a second yaw rate about a second direction parallel to the main plane, and a third yaw rate about a third direction parallel to the main plane and perpendicular to the second direction, includes a rotational oscillating element driven to rotational oscillation about a rotational axis parallel to the first direction. The micromechanical structure includes a yaw rate sensor configuration for detecting the first yaw rate that is completely surrounded by the rotational oscillating element in a plane parallel to the main plane. The micromechanical structure includes at least one first connection of the yaw rate sensor configuration on the rotational oscillating element, and at least one second connection of the yaw rate sensor configuration on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Johannes Classen, Rolf Scheben
  • Publication number: 20140116135
    Abstract: An integrated MEMS gyroscope, is provided with: at least a first driving mass driven with a first driving movement along a first axis upon biasing of an assembly of driving electrodes, the first driving movement generating at least one sensing movement, in the presence of rotations of the integrated MEMS gyroscope; and at least a second driving mass driven with a second driving movement along a second axis, transverse to the first axis, the second driving movement generating at least a respective sensing movement, in the presence of rotations of the integrated MEMS gyroscope. The integrated MEMS gyroscope is moreover provided with a first elastic coupling element, which elastically couples the first driving mass and the second driving mass in such a way as to couple the first driving movement to the second driving movement with a given ratio of movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Gabriele Cazzaniga, Luca Coronato
  • Publication number: 20140116136
    Abstract: An integrated MEMS structure includes a driving assembly anchored to a substrate and actuated with a driving movement. A pair of sensing masses suspended above the substrate and coupled to the driving assembly via elastic elements is fixed in the driving movement and performs a movement along a first direction of detection, in response to an external stress. A coupling assembly couples the pair of sensing masses mechanically to couple the vibration modes. The coupling assembly is formed by a rigid element, which connects the sensing masses and has a point of constraint in an intermediate position between the sensing masses, and elastic coupling elements for coupling the rigid element to the sensing masses to present a first stiffness to a movement in phase-opposition and a second stiffness, greater than the first, to a movement in phase, of the sensing masses along the direction of detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Luca Coronato, Gabriele Cazzaniga
  • Publication number: 20140116137
    Abstract: Acceleration sensor comprises vibrating element including piezoelectric body, circuit board amplifying output charge of the piezoelectric body that is generated due to bending vibration of the vibrating element, and sensor housing composed of highly conductive material, the sensor housing loading the vibrating element and the circuit board. The circuit board includes one or two extending region(s) formed so as to protrude from one side of the circuit board, the extending region(s) connecting mechanically and electrically the circuit board to the vibrating element. The sensor housing includes supporting base supporting the vibrating element, and recess portion is formed on the supporting base. The supporting base is configured such that the extending region(s) of the circuit board cover(s) the recess portion, and the vibrating element is fixed and supported by insulating adhesive agent with which space that is formed from the recess portion and the extending region(s) is filled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigeki Shinoda, Yasuhiro Sasaki, Shigeru Kasai, Soichiro Takata, Masatake Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20140116138
    Abstract: A sensor device and method for monitoring interaction between a fluid and a wall includes includes a mechanical oscillator, a housing, and mechanical response sensing system. The mechanical oscillator includes a floating member formed from a first material configured to be susceptible to the fluid and a support member formed from a second material resistant to the fluid. The mechanical oscillator is affixed within the housing that is adaptably fastened to the structural component such that the floating member contacts the fluid. The mechanical response sensing system is configured to measure a mechanical characteristic of the combined floating member and the support member. The mechanical characteristic is configured to be indicative of the interaction between the fluid and the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: OHIO UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Valery A. Sheverev, Srdjan Nesic
  • Publication number: 20140116139
    Abstract: An ultrasonic measurement device includes a substrate, an ultrasonic element array, an ultrasonic transducer device, and an integrated circuit device. The ultrasonic element array has a plurality of ultrasonic elements arranged on the substrate. The ultrasonic transducer device is formed on the substrate and having a plurality of signal electrode lines electrically connected to the ultrasonic element array. The integrated circuit device has a plurality of terminals to output a transmission signal to the ultrasonic element array. Each of the signal electrode lines includes an electrode layer in which at least one signal electrode among some of the ultrasonic elements is formed to extend on the substrate. The integrated circuit device is mounted on the substrate, and each of the terminals of the integrated circuit device is connected to a corresponding one of the signal electrode lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kogo ENDO
  • Publication number: 20140116140
    Abstract: An ultrasonic measurement device includes a substrate, an ultrasonic transducer device, and an integrated circuit device. The ultrasonic transducer device has an ultrasonic element array arranged on the substrate. The integrated circuit device is mounted on the substrate. The ultrasonic element array is rectangle, and when a long side direction of the rectangle is defined as a first direction, the integrated circuit device is mounted on the substrate so as to form the long side direction of the integrated circuit device along the first direction. The integrated circuit device is arranged along the first direction and has a plurality of transmission circuits that output transmission signals to the ultrasonic element array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kogo ENDO
  • Publication number: 20140116141
    Abstract: A method of testing a treating iron component for the presence of a defect in structural integrity is presented. The treating iron component is subjected to test conditions of hydrostatic pressure. Test acoustic emission from the treating iron component while under the test conditions can be detected by at least one acoustic sensor and compared to standard acoustic emission detected by subjecting a similar non-defective treating iron component to the same test conditions of hydrostatic pressure. An increase in the test acoustic emission compared to the standard acoustic emission indicates the presence of a defect in the structural integrity of the treating iron component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: George W. RHODES
  • Publication number: 20140116142
    Abstract: Placement of structural health monitoring sensors within a coupled bearing assembly. An exemplary structural health monitoring system comprises first and second bearings configured for rotatable positioning along a structure, and a spacer positioned between the first and second bearings. The first and second bearings are placed against opposing sides of the spacer, and have a preload force engaging the respective first and second bearings against the opposing sides of the spacer. A plurality of sensors are coupled to the spacer so as to be positioned between the spacer and at least one of the first and second bearings, the sensors further coupled to at least one of the first and second bearings so as to be configured to monitor a structural health of the at least one of the first and second bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Acellent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Joseph POLLOCK, Howard Hungchi CHUNG, Roger HUANG, Fu-Kuo CHANG, Irene LI, Jeffrey Dean BERGMAN
  • Publication number: 20140116143
    Abstract: A single channel scanning acoustic microscope that increases the throughput of the acoustic imaging system by connecting a multi-transducer assembly in parallel to a single channel electronic circuit. The single channel scanning acoustic microscope includes multiple transducers configured to generate a time delay for individual ultrasonic waves generated by each transducer, wherein a pulse generator simultaneously sends a pulse signal to the multi-transducer assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Sonoscan, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor N. Komsky, Lawrence W. Kessler