Patents Issued in May 27, 2014
  • Patent number: 8733127
    Abstract: A method for producing a silica container, the method including forming a preliminarily molded silica substrate to an intended shape by feeding a powdered substrate's raw material (silica particles) to an inner wall of a carbon-made outer frame having aspiration holes with rotating the outer frame, and forming the silica substrate wherein the preliminarily molded substrate is degassed by aspiration from its outer peripheral side with charging from an inner peripheral side of the preliminarily molded silica substrate a reducing gas containing more than 10% by volume of an H2 gas, and at the same time heated from inside the preliminarily molded silica substrate by a discharge-heat melting method with carbon electrodes, thereby making an outer peripheral part of the preliminarily molded silica substrate to a sintered body while an inner peripheral part of the preliminarily molded silica substrate to a fused glass body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Quartz Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Yamagata, Tomomi Usui
  • Patent number: 8733128
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to frit materials that have an improved IR absorption property. Certain examples relate to frit materials that substantially melt in about 3 minutes at a temperature of about 525° C. Certain examples relate to a method of making an edge seal by using IR energy. Certain examples relate to adjusting the IR energy applied to a frit material to form an edge seal. Certain examples also relate to making a VIG unit by applying IR energy and adjusting the amount of IR energy over multiple periods of time, e.g., in an oscillating manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Timothy A. Dennis
  • Patent number: 8733129
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for efficiently manufacturing a glass substrate for magnetic disk having good accuracy of a surface irregularity and an impact resistance. The method includes the steps of: performing press forming to molten glass to prepare a sheet glass material, the sheet glass material having a roughness of the principal surface of 0.01 ?m or less and target flatness of a glass substrate for magnetic disk; chemically strengthening the sheet glass material by dipping the sheet glass material in a chemically strengthening salt, thereby preparing a disk substrate; polishing the principal surfaces of the disk substrate. A thickness of the sheet glass material prepared in the press forming step is larger than a target thickness of the glass substrate for magnetic disk by a polishing quantity of the principal surface polishing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Eda, Hideki Isono
  • Patent number: 8733130
    Abstract: A process for coating a ribbon of float glass is disclosed. It comprises the steps of forming a glass ribbon, depositing a first transparent conductive coating upon a major surface of the ribbon which does not extend to the edges of the ribbon while the ribbon is at an elevated temperature, cooling said coated ribbon under controlled conditions in an annealing lehr and cutting off the edges of the ribbon so as to produce a ribbon having a uniform coating extending across the full width of the cut ribbon which is characterized in that a second conductive coating is deposited upon the uncoated edges of the ribbon while that edge is at a temperature which is above the ambient temperature. The invention finds particular application in the production of coated glass products where the thickness of the glass ribbon is at least 8 mm and most particularly where the thickness of the glass is at least 10 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Pilkington Group Limited
    Inventors: Kevin Sanderson, Gerhard Lingl, Hans-Eckhard Leitl, Franz Michael Josef Scharnagl, Douglas M Nelson
  • Patent number: 8733131
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for chemical deposition on a rod member having a support structure for supporting the rod member substantially coaxial to a deposition axis; a burner for depositing chemical substances on the rod member; and a rotation device for imparting a rotation motion to the rod member. The rotation device has a joint member of a type suitable to transmit torque between two misaligned members, for example, a double universal joint or a flexible joint, positioned between a motor and a rod gripping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Prysmian Cavi e Sistemi Energia S.R.L.
    Inventors: Franco Cocchini, Antonio Schiaffo, Alessandro Rossi
  • Patent number: 8733132
    Abstract: A control system for a fabric treatment appliance configured to control the operation of the fabric treatment appliance as a function of a user-selected system input weighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Nima Motamedi
  • Patent number: 8733133
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a washing machine, which has an improved structure to increase the aesthetic appearance and emotional quality of a detergent container, and a drawer assembly of the washing machine. The washing machine includes a washing machine main body, a detergent container connected to the washing machine main body, a drawer panel provided on the detergent container and including a frame part having a predetermined thickness, and a handle defined within the frame part of the drawer panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoung Seop Shin, Jin Doo Kim, Yong Sok Lee
  • Patent number: 8733134
    Abstract: An auxiliary laundry treating machine that is capable of improving energy efficiency and maximally securing a laundry receiving space and a multiple treating system including the same are disclosed. The auxiliary laundry treating machine includes a machine body mounted at one side of a main laundry treating machine that washes or dries laundry, a container for receiving laundry, the container being configured to be inserted into and withdrawn from the machine body, and an air supply unit mounted in the main laundry treating machine for supplying air into the container. The air supply unit includes a blowing fan for suctioning and blowing air in the main laundry treating machine and a heater for heating the air blown by the blowing fan. Also, the multiple treating system includes a main laundry treating machine for washing or drying laundry and the auxiliary laundry treating machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Joo Han, Chul Jin Choi, Young Bok Son
  • Patent number: 8733135
    Abstract: An inline washing system to be formed from a tunnel-type washing machine (10) which both rinses and removes water from the items of laundry. However, rinsing and simultaneously also water removal can also be performed in the downstream spin-dryer (18) or water-removal press. It has been found that the rinsing performance is better and fresh water can be saved on account of the invention. By virtue of the invention, it is possible to wash relatively small amounts of laundry using a tunnel-type washing machine (10) in an economical manner. The tunnel-type washing machine (10) can be designed to be shorter and also simpler if it is designed without a rinse zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Herbert Kannegiesser GmbH
    Inventors: Wilhelm Bringewatt, Engelbert Heinz
  • Patent number: 8733136
    Abstract: A washing machine has a water spray device to efficiently wet the laundry by spraying washing water to the laundry with uniform pressure. The washing machine includes an outer tub, and a water spray device installed at an upper portion of the outer tub to spray washing water. The water spray device includes a diffusion duct for diffusing the washing water around the outer tub and a spray member provided in the diffusion duct to spray the washing water into the outer tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung Hwan Chung, Yong Myoung Kim, Byung Don Jung, Seung Kwun Ahn
  • Patent number: 8733137
    Abstract: Provided is a washing machine. The washing machine includes an outer tub, an inner tub, and a pulsator. The pulsator includes a base and a plurality of ribs. The ribs include an upper surface and a side surface. The upper surface extends from the hub to an outer side along a radial direction to meet a circumference of the base. The side surface declines from the upper surface to the base. The side surface includes a first side surface and a second side surface. The first side surface has a boundary with an inner side of the base. The boundary radially diverges outward in a circumference direction. The second side surface extends from the first side surface along the circumference of the base and the upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dongyoon Kim, Youngjong Kim
  • Patent number: 8733138
    Abstract: An antitheft device (1) to be attached to an item capable of being stolen and including a control portion (2) that is rotatable relative to an attaching portion (3), the attaching portion (3) including an attaching element (4) that is translatably movable with an unlocked position, for placing of the item into the device (1) and for removing same, and wherein the rotation of the control portion (2) relative to the attaching portion (3) translates the attaching element (4), and with a locked position for maintaining the device (1) on the item and wherein the rotation of the control portion (2) relative to the attaching part (3) does not translate the attaching element (4). The control portion (2) includes a transmission mechanism (15) with a controller for the torque applied to the control portion so that the locked position is achieved for a predetermined value of the torque of forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Exaqtworld
    Inventor: Alain Favier
  • Patent number: 8733139
    Abstract: The vehicle door hardware assembly includes exterior and interior housings each having a handle or paddle for opening the door. The outer housing includes a plunger which is normally extended, and can be retracted by either the exterior or interior handle when the door is unlocked. A deadbolt is also provided on the exterior housing. A main lock can be slid between locked and unlocked positions to preclude or allow movement of the paddle. A pair of key cylinders is provided on the exterior housing for actuating the deadbolt and the main lock. Power units can be connected to the lock and deadbolt via actuators. The deadbolt and lock are also movable by a pair of knobs on the inside housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Trimark Corporation
    Inventor: Barbara J. Pickar
  • Patent number: 8733140
    Abstract: Disclosed is a security device to prevent trailer theft that attaches to the lug thread of a wheel hub to prevent wheel rotation or wheel mounting. The device includes an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, a locking lug nut that screws onto the lug thread, and a lug nut key. The outer and inner cylinders rotate around and extend beyond the locking lug nut, utilizing a design that defeats many common methods for removing wheel locks, or requires specific tools that create considerable noise and time to defeat. An optional security bar can be engaged by removing two lug nuts to prevent wheel rotation. Also disclosed is an embodiment that prevents wheel installation on a bare wheel hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Charles Jones
  • Patent number: 8733141
    Abstract: A security device attaches to and secures a wheel of vehicle. The security device has a pair of arms for releasably engaging with a wheel and a locking assembly attached to or disposed between the arms. The locking assembly may include a static portion disposed on one of the arms and an actuatable portion disposed on the other arm. The actuatable portion is receivable within the static portion. The static portion may include one or more rack plates each having a plurality of tabs, with the rack plates being disposed in an opposite and spaced relationship, such that the actuatable portion is receivable therebetween. The actuatable portion may include a rotatable cam having a pair of oppositely disposed arms. The actuatable portion is positionable in a secured position in which the arms are respectively engaged with tabs of the rack plates, and an opened position in which the arms are disengaged from the rack plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: James F. Cheatham
  • Patent number: 8733142
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making a hot stamped coated steel sheet product, comprising the steps of pre-coating a steel strip or sheet with aluminum—or aluminum alloy, cutting said pre-coated steel strip or sheet to obtain a pre-coated steel blank, heating the blank in a furnace preheated to a temperature and during a time defined by diagram according to thickness, at a heating rate Vc between 20 and 700° C. comprised between 4 and 12° C./s and at a heating rate Vc? between 500 and 700° C. comprised between 1.5 and 6° C./s, to obtain a heated blank; then transferring said heated blank to a die, hot stamping the heated blank in the die obtain a hot stamped steel sheet product, cooling at a mean rate Vr between the exit of the heated blank from the furnace, down to 400° C., of at least 30° C./s.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: ArcelorMittal France
    Inventors: Dominique Spehner, Ronald Kefferstein, Pascal Drillet
  • Patent number: 8733143
    Abstract: A method of incrementally forming a workpiece. The method includes incrementally forming a first monotonic wrap surface in a first direction and incrementally forming a second wrap surface in a second direction disposed opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Vijitha Senaka Kiridena, Feng Ren, Zhiyong Cedric Xia
  • Patent number: 8733144
    Abstract: A blank cut from a strip of hardenable hot-formed steel is heated in a furnace to a temperature which is smaller than an Ac3 transformation point in an iron carbon diagram. A first region of the blank is then heated in a conductive heating station to a temperature above the Ac3 transformation point and subsequently hardened in a hot forming and hardening tool to produce a steel part with at least two microstructured regions of different ductility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Pohl, Markus Pellmann, Otto Buschsieweke, Stefan Adelbert
  • Patent number: 8733145
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a pole with a wrap-around saddle includes making corresponding bends in the pole and saddle in the same motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Valmont Newmark, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Chada, Jr., Richard Schiller, Tony Schuler
  • Patent number: 8733146
    Abstract: A machine arrangement that operates on a plurality of articles includes a plurality of machines arranged to cooperate with each other in a manner to form a machine arrangement. Each machine includes a modular base, a transfer star wheel, and a turret mechanism configured to perform a working operation on an article. The turret mechanism includes a turret star wheel. A central axis of the transfer star wheel is approximately 45 degrees below horizontal relative to a central axis of the turret star wheel. The turret mechanism includes a cantilevered portion overhanging a portion of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Belvac Production Machinery, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Babbitt, Harold James Marshall, Joseph Schill
  • Patent number: 8733147
    Abstract: A gas spring mount and related method for metal forming dies includes a one-piece, generally U-shaped clamping band with an arcuate medial portion shaped to receive an associated gas spring body therein, and two enlarged ends with through apertures. Threaded mounting screws extend through the through apertures in the clamping band ends, and are anchored into threaded retainer holes in an associated die member. At least one of the mounting screws has a tapered head and is disposed laterally offset from the associated threaded retainer hole in the die, whereby tightening of the one screw shifts the related enlarged end of the mounting band laterally toward the opposite enlarged end to pull the clamping band constrictingly against the gas spring body to securely, yet detachably retain the same therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Standard Lifters, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Breen, Joel T. Pyper
  • Patent number: 8733148
    Abstract: A method for calibrating and/or adjusting a sensor, especially an electrochemical, electrophysical or optical sensor, wherein the sensor has an evaluating electronics, which is embodied in such a manner, that a signal produced by the sensor is essentially non-changeable by a subsequent transmission. The sensor is calibrated and/or adjusted at a site other than a later measuring location or a later measuring environment or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft für Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Babel, Detlev Wittmer
  • Patent number: 8733149
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the detection of alcohol. The present invention relates more particularly to the film bulk acoustic wave resonator-based devices, and their use in the sensing of ethanol and/or acetone. One aspect of the invention is a method for detecting ethanol, acetone or both in a gaseous sample including: providing a film bulk acoustic wave resonator having a zinc oxide piezoelectric layer; exposing the film bulk acoustic wave resonator to the gaseous sample; determining the resonant frequency of the film bulk acoustic wave resonator; and determining the concentration of ethanol, the concentration of acetone, or both in the gaseous sample using the resonant frequency of the film bulk acoustic wave resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents, a body corporate of the State of Arizona, Acting for and on Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Hongyu Yu, Xiaotun Qiu
  • Patent number: 8733150
    Abstract: A gas adsorbing column filled with a filler composed of an adsorbent supported on a substrate having an average particle size or cross-sectional average diameter of 500 ?m to 1000 ?m, wherein the void volume of the column is 5 to 100 ?l.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Sumika Chemical Analysis Service, Ltd.
    Inventors: Reiko Iikawa, Satoru Moriya, Kazuhiro Umehara, Ryota Nishioka
  • Patent number: 8733151
    Abstract: The invention relates to a leak test for filled and closed plastic bottles (5), wherein the plastic bottles (5) are led past a testing device (9) in a positionally stable manner, wherein the testing device (9) comprises an (optoelectric) detection system (10) and a pressure medium system (11), wherein the detection system (10) and at least one controllable valve (17) of the pressure medium system (11) are connected to an evaluation and control unit (15), wherein at least one or more pressure medium pulses having variable durations or a duration of 1 ms to 6 ms are generated when the plastic bottle (5) is led past a nozzle (16) of the pressure medium system (11), wherein each pressure medium pulse applies a punctiform load on a bottle wall region (18), wherein at least one light source (12, 13) or a laser beam of a laser distance sensor (23) of the detection system (10) illuminates or irradiates at least the bottle wall region (18) loaded by the pressure medium pulse at the same time as the pressure medium pul
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Wolff, Oliver Nuding, Heinrich Wiemer
  • Patent number: 8733152
    Abstract: An automated analyzer for biological samples that contain particulate matter is adapted to be able to process a large number of samples without changing the analytical cartridge, and in many cases without changing the internal switching valves, by including a filter in the low-pressure section of the analyzer, and preferably configuring the analyzer to be able to perform backflushing on the filter between sample injections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Likuski, Donald Bartling, Yao Kunquan, Tong Le, Kent Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8733153
    Abstract: A system for determining a quality and/or depth of a fluid in a tank. The system includes a controller, one or more transducers, and a temperature sensor. A fixed distance transducer transmits a sound wave toward a fixed surface. A depth transducer transmits a sound wave which reflects off a surface of the fluid. The temperature sensor senses a temperature of the fluid in the tank and provides an indication of the temperature to the controller. The controller measures the elapsed time for the sound waves to travel between the fixed distance transducer and a fixed surface and the elapsed time for the sound waves to travel between the depth transducer and the surface of the fluid held within the container. Using the elapsed times and the temperature of the fluid, the controller is able to determine a quality and the depth of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: SSI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence B. Reimer, Gregory P. Murphy
  • Patent number: 8733154
    Abstract: A method for analyzing liquid samples may comprise applying a liquid to a cMUT device having a plurality of sensors, drying the plurality of sensors, electronically detecting an agent bound to each of the plurality of sensors, wherein the electrical circuit provides a sensor output responsive to a mechanical resonance frequency of the sensor, wherein the mechanical resonance frequency of the sensor is responsive to the binding of an agent to the functionalized membrane, and determining the mass of the agent bound to each of the plurality of sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Matrix Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Cable, Matthias Steiert
  • Patent number: 8733155
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an irrigation sprinkler sensor for sensing if a sprinkler riser has elevated, if water is flowing through the sprinkler riser, if the sprinkler is rotating, or if a sprinkler valve has properly closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Jason Lester Hill, Thomas H. Runge, Alex Korol
  • Patent number: 8733156
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine component such as a laminate airfoil having a static pressure transducer and having a plurality of structural fiber layers bonded with a polymer matrix composite. The transducer includes a lattice formed from a plurality of hypotubes aligned in a first direction and a plurality of reinforcing wires aligned substantially perpendicular to the hypotubes. The lattice is placed between at least some of the structural fiber layers prior to thermally processing into a cured polymer matrix laminate composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas D. Stilin, James Glaspey, Scott A. Smith
  • Patent number: 8733157
    Abstract: An cylinder inner pressure detector of an internal combustion engine includes: a reference voltage output circuit for outputting a reference voltage having a level, which is selected among multiple levels according to a switching signal; a level shift circuit for shifting a level of a sensor signal of an inner pressure sensor by a selected level of the reference voltage toward a signal potential side corresponding to a low pressure side of cylinder inner pressure; a first A/D converter circuit for converting the shifted sensor signal from an analog signal to a digital signal; and a controller for outputting the switching signal, which provides the reference voltage such that the reference voltage has the level on the signal potential side corresponding to the low pressure side from an offset voltage, and for detecting the cylinder inner pressure based on the digital signal output from the first A/D converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Akito Itou, Daisuke Kawakami
  • Patent number: 8733158
    Abstract: A method for determining the composition of a fuel mixture consisting of a first fuel and a second fuel to operate an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder pressure sensor for determining the cylinder pressure in at least one cylinder of the internal combustion engine. The calorific value of the fuel mixture or a characteristic variable correlating to said calorific value is determined from the cylinder pressure and the composition of the fuel mixture is determined from said calorific value or the characteristic variable correlating to said calorific value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Daeubel, Michael Haufer
  • Patent number: 8733159
    Abstract: An air flow measuring device includes a measured passage and a sensor portion. Measured air which is a measuring object flows through the measured passage. The sensor portion is disposed in a sensor arrangement portion of the measured passage and is configured to measure a flow rate of measured air flowing through the measured passage. The measured passage includes an upstream bent portion on an upstream side of the sensor arrangement portion in a flow direction of measured air. The upstream bent portion includes an upstream throttle that partly decreases a passage area of the measured passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Hidehito Tsujii
  • Patent number: 8733160
    Abstract: A tire defect tester and a method of operation are disclosed. In one aspect, the tire defect tester includes a first electrode arranged to direct energy toward a tire, and a second electrode arranged on an opposite side of the tire from the first electrode to receive energy passing through the tire from the first electrode. The tire defect tester further includes an energy sensor electrically connected to the second electrode and a fault indicator circuit responsive to the energy sensor and configured to indicate the presence of a flaw upon energy above a threshold level being sensed at the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Paul E. Hawkinson Company
    Inventors: David E. Range, Gary William Box
  • Patent number: 8733161
    Abstract: This invention solves the problem of what to do with the valve cap when it is removed from the valve while checking tire pressure. A cap holder elastic or rubbery projection on the pressure gauge is adapted to removably receive the cap. Caps have a standard internal female thread. The projection has ridges that increase the outside diameter to greater than the inside diameter of the threaded portion. The ridges as composed of a rubbery material that is so soft that they will bend without damage to the cap threads when the cap is pressed on to the projection. It will remain there securely while the operator is checking or adjusting the tire pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Diego Decal, Alvin S. Blum
  • Patent number: 8733162
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flow state sensor (10) for detecting a flow state at a body (16) that may be impinged on by a flow (12). A flow state sensor (10) that is of a simple construction and that is simple to evaluate is characterized in accordance with the invention by at least one frequency detecting device (20) for detecting at least one predefined frequency characteristic of the flow state. The frequency detecting device (20) has at least one oscillation element (22; 22a, 22b, 22c) excitable to resonant oscillatory movement (30) by a flow (12) and having a resonant frequency or natural frequency adapted to the predefined frequency characteristic, especially corresponding to the predefined frequency characteristic. Uses of the flow state sensor (10) in a flow measuring device (62) and in a flow measuring method, and an advantageous production method for the flow state sensor (10) are also proposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignees: Airbus Operations Limited, EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Norman Wood, Karin Bauer, Xaver Riedl, Roland Wagner
  • Patent number: 8733163
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method an article, may operate to move a borehole seal in space with respect to the wall of a borehole while monitoring borehole seal contact quality data, which may comprise borehole seal contact pressure data and acoustic data. Operations may further include adjusting the movement of the borehole seal based on the borehole seal contact quality data. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Pelletier, Abbas Sami Eyuboglu, Calvin Kessler
  • Patent number: 8733164
    Abstract: The invention comprises a wind turbine having an optical wind sensor 10. The optical wind sensor generates one or more multiple beams of light 42, each of which forms a sensor beam pointing along a sensor axis. Where more than one sensor beam is used the beams are arranged so that the different sensor axes lie at least partly orthogonal to each other, allowing the wind direction 40 to be detected for any direction of wind. Each multiple sensor beam comprises at least two individual sensor beams having different respective wavelengths of light. The different color of the individual light beams allows the sensor system to detect which of the light beams is triggered first when matter in the wind passes through the beam and reflects light back to light collecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Ib Svend Olesen
  • Patent number: 8733165
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided herein for sensing rain fall for use in irrigation control. In one embodiment, a wireless rain sensor comprises a housing at least partially covering a first sensor, a controller and a wireless transmitter. The first sensor comprises a moisture absorptive material located to be contacted by rain fall and configured to expand in response to the contact with the rain fall and contract in response to an absence of the rain fall. The controller is coupled to the first sensor and configured to output signals corresponding to a variable amount of expansion and contraction of the moisture absorptive material. The wireless transmitter is configured to transmit wireless signals, at least one wireless signal comprising data corresponding to the variable amount of expansion and contraction of the moisture absorptive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Randall A. Hern, David G. Fern, Gerald E. Peterson, David M. Redmond
  • Patent number: 8733166
    Abstract: An air flow measuring device includes a passage forming housing, a sensor housing, and a sensor part. An inner wall surface of the passage forming housing defines a measured passage. The passage forming housing includes a sensor attaching part. Measured air flows through the measured passage. The sensor housing is attached to the sensor attaching part. The sensor part is disposed on the sensor housing and measures a flow rate of the measured air flowing through the passage. The passage forming housing includes a guiding device for guiding the measured air, which flows along the inner wall surface of the passage forming housing on an upstream side of the sensor attaching part in a measured air flow direction, further toward a center of the passage than the inner wall surface of the passage forming housing on a downstream side of the sensor attaching part in the flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Ooga, Takashi Enomoto
  • Patent number: 8733167
    Abstract: A method for detecting the tank fuel level of a motor vehicle includes: ascertaining the tank level sensor signal (UTSG) of a tank level sensor, determining a calculated tank level (Fcalc) as a function of a fuel quantity consumed by the internal combustion engine, and providing a corrected tank level signal as a function of the tank level sensor signal (UTSG) and the calculated tank level (Fcalc).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thor Windbergs, Andreas Posselt, Marko Lorenz
  • Patent number: 8733168
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method of determining an instantaneous speed of an arrow, includes determining a time-of-flight of the arrow; determining a distance between a location from which the arrow is loosed and a location of a target-face; providing, with an apparatus included in the arrow, data from at least a portion of a free flight of the arrow; and determining the instantaneous speed of the arrow for at least one point of the free-flight by employing each of: a) the time-of-flight; b) the distance; and c) at least some of the data provided by the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Full Flight Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Robert V. Donahoe, John Barton, Jan Vcelak
  • Patent number: 8733169
    Abstract: A composite sensor includes: a package including a container and a lid; a plurality of spaces that is partitioned by at least the container and the lid, and has different pressures, the plurality of the spaces including a first space sealed at around an atmospheric pressure and a second space sealed at a depressurized state; an acceleration sensor element disposed in the first space; and a vibration type angular velocity sensor element disposed in the second space. In the sensor, the first space has a volume smaller than a volume of the second space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Oshio
  • Patent number: 8733170
    Abstract: A micro-electromechanical device includes a semiconductor substrate, in which a first microstructure and a second microstructure of reference are integrated. The first microstructure and the second microstructure are arranged in the substrate so as to undergo equal strains as a result of thermal expansions of the substrate. Furthermore, the first microstructure is provided with movable parts and fixed parts with respect to the substrate, while the second microstructure has a shape that is substantially symmetrical to the first microstructure but is fixed with respect to the substrate. By subtracting the changes in electrical characteristics of the second microstructure from those of the first, variations in electrical characteristics of the first microstructure caused by changes in thermal expansion or contraction can be compensated for.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Ernesto Lasalandra, Angelo Merassi, Sarah Zerbini
  • Patent number: 8733171
    Abstract: Gyroscopes that can compensate frequency mismatch are provided. In this regard, a representative gyroscope, among others, includes a top substrate including an outermost structure, a first driving structure and a first sensing structure. The first driving structure and the first sensing structure are disposed within the outermost structure. The first driving structure and the first sensing structure include a first driving electrode and a first sensing electrode that are disposed on a bottom surface of the first driving structure and first sensing structure, respectively. A portion of the mass on the top surface of the first sensing structure is removed. The gyroscope further includes a bottom substrate that is disposed below the top substrate. The bottom substrate includes a second driving electrode and a second sensing electrode that are disposed on a top surface of the bottom substrate and below the first driving electrode and the first sensing electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Wenhua Zhang, Robert G. Walmsley
  • Patent number: 8733172
    Abstract: An integrated microelectromechanical structure is provided with: a die, having a substrate and a frame, defining inside it a detection region and having a first side extending along a first axis; a driving mass, anchored to the substrate, set in the detection region, and designed to be rotated in a plane with a movement of actuation about a vertical axis; and a first pair and a second pair of first sensing masses, suspended inside the driving mass via elastic supporting elements so as to be fixed with respect thereto in the movement of actuation and so as to perform a detection movement of rotation out of the plane in response to a first angular velocity; wherein the first sensing masses of the first pair and the first sensing masses of the second pair are aligned in respective directions, having non-zero inclinations of opposite sign with respect to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Luca Coronato, Gabriele Cazzaniga, Sarah Zerbini
  • Patent number: 8733173
    Abstract: An embodiment is a method and apparatus for coherent ultrasonic imaging. A receiver array has a plurality of receiver elements on a substrate to detect in-phase and quadrature components of a received signal corresponding to a transmit signal. Each of the receiver elements includes a receiver transducer and a thin-film transistor (TFT) receiver circuit. The TFT receiver circuit includes a quadrature detector having a mixer to mix a received signal with a reference signal in a composite bias signal that is distributed across the plurality of receiver elements. A transmitter is acoustically coupled to the plurality of receiver elements to generate the transmit signal through an imaging medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Serena Han Ying Wong, Jeng Ping Lu, Raj B. Apte
  • Patent number: 8733174
    Abstract: A vibrating sensor having a base and an axisymmetrical resonator secured to the base. The base and the resonator are associated with electrodes connected to a control circuit via at least a first connection channel and a second connection channel with the electrodes being connected to one or other of the channels. The control circuit has excitation electronics and detection electronics and is arranged to control an excitation stage and a detection stage on each of the connection channels. The excitation stages and the detection stages have substantially identical respective durations, wherein the control circuit is arranged to perform the following sequence: excitation stage on the second connection channel; detection stage on the first connection channel; excitation stage on the first connection channel; detection stage on the second connection channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: SAGEM Defense Securite
    Inventor: Lionel Rosellini
  • Patent number: 8733175
    Abstract: A pressure sensor is disclosed. The pressure sensor comprises a sensor chip having a depressed portion and a diaphragm defining a bottom of the depressed portion, a support member defining a pressure transmission passage communicating with the depressed portion, and a gel member continuously filling the depressed portion and at least a part of the pressure transmission passage. The sensor chip is bonded to a mounting surface of the support member with an adhesive. An edge of an open end of the pressure transmission passage on the mounting surface faces an surrounding region of the depressed portion of the sensor chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kouji Ooya
  • Patent number: 8733176
    Abstract: A stress concentrating apparatus and a method for a MicroElectroMechanical System (MEMS) sensors is provided. The apparatus includes a plate having an inner region and outer region, the inner region being separated from the outer region by slits defined in the plate. A stress concentrator bridge connects the inner region to the outer region, and to mechanically amplify stress applied on the inner region of the plate. At least one stress sensor is operatively connected to the stress concentrator bridge, whereby the at least one stress sensor converts the mechanically amplified stress applied on the inner region into an electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Kontel Data System Limited
    Inventor: Ping Wai Li