Patents Issued in May 29, 2014
  • Publication number: 20140144224
    Abstract: An assembly for monitoring a fluid operation including a plug member operatively arranged to impede fluid flow past the plug when the plug member is engaged with a seat. A conveyor is coupled to the plug and operatively arranged for positioning the plug at a desired location. A signal conductor is disposed with the conveyor. At least one sensor is coupled with the signal conductor for monitoring one or more parameters related to the fluid operation. A method of monitoring a fluid operation is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventors: Joshua Hoffman, Edward O'Malley, Charles Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140144225
    Abstract: A multiphase flow meter comprising two Venturis separated by a choke. The choke may be varied to adjust the properties of the multiphase fluid flow being measured. The two Venturis may be identical and may be arranged horizontally with respect to the multiphase fluid flow. The choke may be a choke in a return line of a managed pressure drilling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ashley Bernard Johnson, Paul Simon Hammond, Gary Martin Oddie, Cheng-Gang Xie
  • Publication number: 20140144226
    Abstract: Device and method for performing distributed fluid velocity measurement. An elongate device comprising along its length, a heated core (200), at least one outer layer (240) around the core, the outside surface of the outer layer (240) defining an outside surface of the device, and a distributed temperature sensor (230) located between the heated core (200) and the outside surface of the device. The method immerses the device in one or more fluids along its length, measures the ambient temperature of the fluids at points along it's length, heats the heated core (200) for a predetermined heating period and measures the temperature again at the same points. Using pre-installed knowledge the device can obtain distributed and/or point fluid velocity measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventor: David Sirda Shanks
  • Publication number: 20140144227
    Abstract: A real-time synchronous measurement system for multiple factors such as a wind-blown sand electric field, sand particle electrification and wind speed, comprising: a first support, a second support, a third support, and an electric field instrument disposed vertically in parallel. A 3D ultrasonic anemometer (4), a wind speed meter (3), a temperature and humidity detector (1), and a weather vane (2) are installed on and connected via data cables to the first support. A probe (7) of the electric field instrument is installed on the second support. A piezoelectric kinetic energy sensor (5) is installed on the third support. A data collector (6) is installed between and connected via data cables to the first support and the third support. A real-time sand particle mass-to-charge ratio instrument is further comprised. A computer (12) is installed between and connected via data cables to the second support and the real-time sand particle mass-to-charge ratio instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicants: LANZHOU UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Xiaojing Zheng, Tianli Bo, Yirui Liang
  • Publication number: 20140144228
    Abstract: The moveable dam structure of an adjustable measuring device such as a spoon or scoop has a structure molded of a single material with thin flexible curved edges which fit into the internal walls of the housing to provide increased surface contact without co-molding or other assembly of a separate edge seal onto the moveable dam. The moveable dam is molded in a single step of a single thermoplastic material to give the dam a tapered cross-sectional shape with the inner portion thicker than the outer edges, with curved edges forming angles substantially different from 90° when bearing against the internal walls of the measuring container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventor: Rodney W. Robbins
  • Publication number: 20140144229
    Abstract: A signal processing device includes: an amplifier, a bandwidth of which can be switched, and a controller which is configured to perform control to operate the amplifier in a wide bandwidth for a constant time after start of a signal input to the amplifier and then operate the amplifier in a narrow bandwidth thereafter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Toshio MAEJIMA
  • Publication number: 20140144230
    Abstract: A driving device of a driving mass of a gyroscope comprises a differential read amplifier to supply first signals indicating a rate of oscillation of the driving mass; a variable-gain amplifier to supply second signals to drive the driving mass based on said first signals; a voltage elevator providing a power supply signal to the variable-gain amplifier; a controller generating a first control signal to control a gain of the variable-gain amplifier; and a first comparator, coupled to the variable-gain amplifier, generating a second control signal based on a comparison of the first control signal with a threshold, the second control signal controlling at least one among: (i) the variable-gain amplifier in such a way that the gain is increased only during the start-up phase of the gyroscope, and (ii) the voltage elevator in such a way that the power supply signal is increased only during the start-up phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Davide Magnoni, Marco Garbarino, Andrea Donadel
  • Publication number: 20140144231
    Abstract: An inertial sensor (110) includes a drive system (118) configured to oscillate a drive mass (114) within a plane (24) that is substantially parallel to a surface (50) of a substrate (28). The drive system (118) includes first and second drive units (120, 122) having fixed fingers (134, 136) interleaved with movable fingers (130, 132) of the drive mass (114). At least one of the drive units (120) is located on each side (126, 128) of the drive mass (114). Likewise, at least one of the drive units (122) is located on each side (126, 128) of the drive mass (114). The drive units (122) are driven in phase opposition to the drive units (120) so that a levitation force (104) generated by the drive units (122) compensates for, or at least partially suppresses, a levitation force (100) generated by the drive units (120).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventors: Yizhen Lin, Jan Mehner, Michael Naumann
  • Publication number: 20140144232
    Abstract: A MEMS device (20) includes a substrate (28) and a drive mass (30) configured to undergo oscillatory motion within a plane (24) substantially parallel to a surface (50) of the substrate (28). The sensor (20) further includes drive springs (56), each of which includes a principal beam (70) and a flexion beam (72) coupled an end (74) of the principal beam (70). The flexion beam (72) is anchored to the drive mass (30) or the substrate (28). The flexion beam (72) exhibits a width (90) that is less than a width (88) of the principal beam (70). In response to oscillatory drive motion, the flexion beam (72) flexes so that the principal beam (70) rotates about a pivot point (96) within the plane (24). Thus, out-of-plane movement of the drive mass (30) is reduced thereby suppressing quadrature error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventors: Yizhen Lin, Jan Mehner, Michael Naumann
  • Publication number: 20140144233
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for automatic gain control of a sensor, and a sensor apparatus. The apparatus for automatic gain control of a sensor including: a PID control unit for outputting a gain value applied compensated sensor signal by performing PID control while generating and changing a gain value to converge a peak value of a sensor signal to a target value; and a margin calculation unit for determining the degree of change of peaks of a previous gain value applied compensated sensor signal and a current gain value applied compensated sensor signal and performing calculation of a margin for stabilizing the compensated sensor signal according to the result of determination of the degree of change is provided. Further, a sensor apparatus and a method for automatic gain control of a sensor are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyung Rin KIM, Byoung Won HWANG, Chang Hyun KIM
  • Publication number: 20140144234
    Abstract: The invention provides a micro-electro-mechanical device which is manufactured by a CMOS manufacturing process. The micro-electro-mechanical device includes a stationary unit, a movable unit, and a connecting member. The stationary unit includes a first capacitive sensing region and a fixed structure region. The movable unit includes a second capacitive sensing region and a proof mass, wherein the first capacitive sensing region and the second capacitive sensing region form a capacitor, and the proof mass region consists of a single material. The connecting member is for connecting the movable unit in a way to allow a relative movement of the movable unit with respect to the stationary unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: PIXART IMAGING INCORPORATION
    Inventors: Ming-Han Tsai, Yu-Chia Liu, Wei-Leun Fang
  • Publication number: 20140144235
    Abstract: An acceleration sensor achieving improvement of sensitivity and comprehensive miniaturization as a device includes a first sensor. The first sensor is furnished with an electrostatic capacitor that is configured such that a first fixed electrode, a second fixed electrode and a movable electrode are intensively arranged in a row. In the electrostatic capacitor, the first fixed electrode, the second fixed electrode and the movable electrode are arranged adjoining one another in acceleration detection direction (y-axis direction) at a position corresponding to the center of a weight in a plane view of a substrate. At one of longitudinal-side's ends of each electrode (one of ends in x-axis direction), connectors are provided so as to connect the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode to the substrate by connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihisa Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20140144236
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an accelerator sensor, including: a mass body; a flexible beam that is provided with a piezoresistive element configured of an X-axis resistive element, a Y-axis resistive element, and a Z-axis resistive element having both ends connected with contact pads and is connected with the mass body; and a support portion that is connected with the flexible beam and supports the flexible beam so as to float the mass body, wherein the flexible beam has a slit provided between one-axis resistive element and the other axis resistive element adjacent to each other and the slit is extendedly formed from the contact pads connected with ends of the one axis resistive element and the other axis resistive element to the contact pads connected with the other ends thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chang Hyun Lim, Seung Hun Han, Jung Won Lee, Sung Jun Lee, Jeong Suong Yang
  • Publication number: 20140144237
    Abstract: An acoustic wave sensor includes a piezoelectric substrate, a transmitting electrode configured to excite a main acoustic wave propagating through a propagation region of an upper surface of the piezoelectric substrate, a receiving electrode configured to receive the propagated main acoustic wave, a first insulating film provided on the propagation region of the upper surface of the piezoelectric substrate, a second insulating film provided on the upper surface of the piezoelectric substrate to cover the first insulating film, and a reaction section provided on the upper surface of the second insulating film above the propagation region. The reaction section is configured to react with an object. A velocity of a transverse wave propagating through the first insulating film is higher than a velocity of a transverse wave propagating through the second insulating film. The acoustic wave sensor described above has high detection sensitivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventors: Tomoya Komatsu, Hiroyuki Nakamura, Shigeru Tsuzuki, Tomohiro Iwasaki, Tetsuo Kawasaki, Kazunori Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20140144238
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor assembly for a test pipe includes a sensor array. The sensor array includes a plurality of sensor elements for detecting a characteristic of the test pipe and included a flexible backing material on which the plurality of sensor elements are supported. The sensor array is adjustable in length to form an adjusted length. An excess portion is removed from the sensor array to form the adjusted length. This adjusted length of the sensor array substantially matches a perimeter distance around an outer surface of the test pipe. An associated method of positioning the ultrasonic sensor assembly on the test pipe is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Wei Luo
  • Publication number: 20140144239
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of non-destructive inspection of mechanical structures (2) by using vibratory waves in order to detect local defects and/or changes of state. According to the invention, the method comprises: a first training stage in which a transient vibratory excitation is injected into an inspection zone (Z) and the received signals are picked up and time reversed in order to constitute reference excitation signals; a second training stage in which the reference excitation signals are emitted simultaneously and the resulting diverging signals are picked up in order to constitute reference response signals; and a stage of inspecting the mechanical structure (2), in which the reference excitation signals are emitted, the resulting diverging signals are picked up, and the diverging signals are compared with the reference response signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventors: Pascal Vouagner, Jean-Louis Guyader, Jacques Charvin
  • Publication number: 20140144240
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for ultrasound probes are provided. In certain implementations, a receive switch for an ultrasound probe includes a first field effect transistor (FET) and a second FET electrically connected in series between a first terminal and a second terminal with the FETs' sources connected to one another. The receive switch includes a positive threshold detection and control circuit for turning off the receive switch when a voltage of the first terminal is greater than a positive threshold voltage, and a negative threshold detection and control circuit for turning off the receive switch when the first terminal's voltage is less than a negative threshold voltage. The receive switch further includes a gate bias circuit that can bias the gates of the first and second FETs so as to turn on the receive switch when no positive or negative high voltage conditions are detected on the first terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: ANALOG DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Allen R. BARLOW, Gerard E. TAYLOR, Corey D. PETERSEN
  • Publication number: 20140144241
    Abstract: An apparatus for ultrasound testing of a component includes an ultrasound test head and a guide unit. The guide unit is configured in such a manner that the test head is continuously moved in at least one translation direction, wherein an incidence angle of the test head with respect to a surface of the component is continuously changed at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Clossen-von Lanken Schulz, Stefan Obermayr
  • Publication number: 20140144242
    Abstract: A condition monitoring system for a pressure vessel includes at least one vibration monitoring probe coupled to at least one pressure vessel component. The system also includes at least one computing device that includes a memory device configured to store data associated with the at least one vibration monitoring probe. The computing device also includes at least one input channel configured to receive the data associated with the at least one vibration monitoring probe. The computing device further includes a processor coupled to the memory device and the at least one input channel. The processor is programmed to determine a deterioration of the material condition of the at least one pressure vessel component by comparing at least a portion of the data associated with the at least one vibration monitoring probe with predetermined vibration parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
  • Publication number: 20140144243
    Abstract: A differential pressure sensor includes a sensor chip provided with a sensor diaphragm, a first retaining member bonded facing a peripheral edge portion of one face of the sensor diaphragm and having a first pressure guiding hole guiding a first fluid pressure to the one face of the sensor diaphragm, and a second retaining member bonded facing a peripheral edge portion of the other face of the sensor diaphragm and having a second pressure guiding hole guiding a second fluid pressure to the other face of the sensor diaphragm. The differential pressure sensor also includes a sensor housing having a sensor chamber containing the sensor chip, a first pressure guiding duct guiding the first fluid pressure to a first inner wall face of the sensor chamber, and a second pressure guiding duct guiding the second fluid pressure to a second inner wall face of the sensor chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: AZBIL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tatsuo TANAKA, Yoshiyuki ISHIKURA
  • Publication number: 20140144244
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to sensors including pressure sensors, humidity sensors, flow sensors, etc. In some cases, a sensor unit subassembly for installation in or use with a pressure sensor housing may include at least one pressure sensor signal output terminal supported by a printed circuit board, a pressure input port, and a pressure sense element secured relative to one or more printed circuit boards. The printed circuit board(s) may include circuitry configured to format pressure output signals provided by the pressure sense element into a particularly chosen output format, and may provide the formatted pressure output signal(s) to an attached electrical connector of the pressure sensor housing. In some cases, the sensor unit subassemblies can be mixed with a multitude of different electrical connectors and/or with a multitude of different port connections to from a wide array of pressure sensor assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Jones, Todd Eckhardt, Richard Wade
  • Publication number: 20140144245
    Abstract: A curved surface shaped membrane pressure sensor for a moving member and the method for manufacturing the same, the sensor comprising an elastic curved plate and a subtype grid membrane switch formed on the curved plate, wherein the membrane switch is coupled to a cutting board shell of the moving member on one side opposed to the curved plate, and the subtype grid membrane switch is used for sensing the presence of pressure on the curved plate. The curved surface shaped membrane pressure sensor according to the present invention can not only meet the requirements on appearance of the moving member, but also effectively sense the touching to prevent injury on the object being detected, and additionally can effectively achieving the effects of fireproofing and waterproofing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jianhai Zhang, Wei Lin, Qiang Cheng
  • Publication number: 20140144246
    Abstract: A method and flow measuring device for ascertaining flow of a medium through a measuring tube based on at least a first measurement signal, which depends at least on the flow velocity of the medium in the measuring tube, wherein the first measurement signal is registered, wherein an additional, second measurement signal is registered, which depends on the flow cross sectional area of the medium in the measuring tube and is independent of the flow velocity of the medium in the measuring tube, and wherein flow is ascertained as a function of the first and second measurement signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Drahm, Alfred Rieder, Stefan Heidenblut, Frank Schmalzried, Thomas Sulzer
  • Publication number: 20140144247
    Abstract: An ultrasonic, flow measuring device, including a measuring tube a transmitter a receiver and at least a first reflection surface. An acoustic signal incident on a first reflection surface and an acoustic signal reflected on the first reflection surface travel, in each case, along a straight subsection of the first signal path. The transmitter, the receiver and the first reflection surface are so oriented with respect to one another and arranged in or on the measuring tube that the acoustic signal on the first signal path from the first transmitter to the first receiver is so reflected on the first reflection surface that the sum of all lengths of all subsections as projected on a measuring tube axis, extending in a first plane parallel to the measuring tube axis, and having a predetermined separation other than zero from the measuring tube axis has a predetermined value different from zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Endreas + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Achim Wiest, Andreas Berger, Sascha Gruwald
  • Publication number: 20140144248
    Abstract: A valve includes a housing, a stern supported by the housing, and a valve member coupled to the stem. The valve member has a first passage defined therein with a metering flow profile, An apparatus includes a well tree having a production bore and a flow metering valve coupled to the well tree and communicating with the production bore. The flow metering valve Includes a valve member having a first passage defined therein with a metering flow profile and a second passage defined therein with an unrestricted flow profile. The second passage having a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of the production bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventor: Sean Walters
  • Publication number: 20140144249
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring the volumetric flow (Q) of a fluid in a preferred direction by means of a volume measurement device having an electronic circuit and an incremental encoder, a sensor for detecting a rotational change of angle, preferably designed as two giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensors in a double measuring bridge, wherein a first sinusoidal signal of the incremental encoder, namely a raw sine signal (S1), and a second sinusoidal signal of the incremental encoder with identical angular frequency ? which is phase-shifted by 90° relative to the first signal (S1), namely a raw cosine signal (S1), are generated, wherein said signals (S1) are preferably initially conditioned (S1+), interpolated/digitized (S2), and said digital signals (S2) are processed and evaluated in an evaluation unit, preferably in a process computer unit having a quadrature encoder counter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: VSE VOLUMENTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: Jorg Kirchertz
  • Publication number: 20140144250
    Abstract: A new type of coriolis mass flow meter is disclosed. In one embodiment, the coriolis mass flow meter comprises two or more flow splitters, each flow splitter being connected to two or more flow tubes; and one or more supporting pipes connecting the flow splitters. The one or more of the flow splitters have a smooth round corner with a 65° turning angle. The distance between the centers of the two or more splitter tubes is about 1.1 to 1.2 times dT, where dT is the inner diameter of each splitter tube. The splitting turning radius RT is about 1 to 2.5 times DN; where DN is inner diameter of the flange portion of the flow splitter. The inner diameter of each splitter tube is about 0.8 to 0.85 times DN/?2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: GOLDEN PROMISE EQUIPMENT INC.
    Inventor: GUANNAN LI
  • Publication number: 20140144251
    Abstract: A film-type pressure sensor includes a carrier structure including a first carrier film, a second carrier film and a spacer film arranged between the first and second carrier films, where one or more pressure-sensing cells are disposed in the carrier structure, each of which includes an electrode arrangement for producing an impedance change in response to a compressive force, an electrical interface is provided for mechanically and electrically connecting the pressure sensor to an evaluation circuit, where some terminals of the interface are connected with the electrode arrangements of the cells so as to allow them to be read out, such that one or more electrical components interconnect at least two of the terminals in pairs so as to form a combination of terminal pair impedances that represents coded information relating to the pressure sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S.A.
    Inventor: Andreas Steier
  • Publication number: 20140144252
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a torque sensor. The torque sensor includes a cylindrical upper case having one open end and an overload prevention member that is fixed to the upper case to prevent overload. A lower case covers the open end of the upper case and an elastic structure member is disposed on the lower case to detect deformation. Additionally, a silicon structure member is disposed on the elastic structure member to detect deformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Dong Gu Kim, Yong Sung Lee, Hi Won Lee
  • Publication number: 20140144253
    Abstract: A first substrate that includes pressure sensors which are disposed in plural around a reference point; an approximately hemispherical elastic protrusion that is positioned so that the center of the elastic protrusion is approximately disposed in a position which is overlapped with the reference point, and is elastically deformed by an external force; and a second substrate that is separated from the elastic protrusion and installed on a side which is opposite to the first substrate are provided. When the external force is applied, a predetermined calculation is performed by using a pressure value which is detected through each pressure sensor, and the direction and the intensity of the applied external force are obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahiro AMANO, Tomo IKEBE
  • Publication number: 20140144254
    Abstract: System and method for natural gas liquid sample pressure regulating vaporizer system including a vented cabinet having a gas sample input, a pressure regulator, a single path vaporizer, a liquid block, a heated regulator and a gas sample outlet, and a communications assembly including a temperature controller, a communication outlet, and a power input electrically connected via appropriate secure feedthroughs to the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Mustang Sampling LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth O. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20140144255
    Abstract: Disclosed is a complex sampling apparatus. The complex sampling apparatus includes a main sampling unit having a predetermined weight to be sunk to sea floor and inserted into the sea floor in order to collect a sample including a sediment; one or a plurality of sub-sampling unit disposed at a side of the main sampling unit to detect that the sub-sampling unit arrives on the sea floor and to scrape a predetermined amount of the sample from a surface of the sea floor; and an image acquiring unit installed to the main sampling unit to acquire an image of the sea floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute
    Inventors: Gun-Chang Lee, Dong-Jin Ham, Sang-Bum Chi, Kyeong-Hong Kim
  • Publication number: 20140144256
    Abstract: A system for measuring a mass property of an object is provided. The system includes a first shaft having a first end and a second end and a table disposed in a first plane and coupled to the first shaft at a predetermined angle to support the object. The table is configured to pivot about an axis perpendicular to the first plane between at least a first pivot position and a second pivot position. The system further includes a torque sensor configured to collect a first torque measurement on the first shaft when the table is in the first pivot position and a second torque measurement on the first shaft when the table in the second pivot position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: PANKAJ K. JHA, PRAVEENKUMAR PANUGANTI, MICHAEL D. NIENHUIS
  • Publication number: 20140144257
    Abstract: A system for monitoring equipment and transmitting data and/or signals from one or more satellite nodes to a base node for transmission to a monitor or controller for the equipment. The system may transmit high frequency acoustic signals from one or more satellite nodes embedded in the equipment through a structural component of the equipment to the base node, eliminating the need to hardwire the satellite nodes in harsh environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Vivek Venugopal Badami
  • Publication number: 20140144258
    Abstract: An operation support device includes a connecting body in which a first support body and a second support body are detachably connected to each other; a first shaft engaging section; a shaft connecting member having a connection engaging section engaged with the first shaft engaging section; and a shaft fixing member. The shaft fixing member is movably installed with respect to a first shaft section or a second shaft section and is configured to selectively form a shaft engagement fixing state in which the connection engaging section is held down to retain an engagement state such that the connection engaging section is engaged with the first shaft engaging section and a second state in which holding down to the connection engaging section is released in accordance with a moved position with a moved position of the shaft fixing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kosuke KISHI
  • Publication number: 20140144259
    Abstract: An actuator that causes a mode clutch to shift between an engaged position and a disengaged position is provided. The actuator comprises a motor having an output. A shift cam is caused to rotate based on the output of the motor. The shift cam has a cam profile surface. A cam follower rides along the cam profile surface upon rotation of the shift cam. Movement of the cam follower causes movement of a mode fork resulting in the mode clutch shifting between the engaged and disengaged positions. A sensor outputs a voltage to a controller based on a physical location of the cam follower. The controller activates the motor based on the voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: James P. Downs, John C. Hibbler
  • Publication number: 20140144260
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a carrier assembly to facilitate the support of components in a CVT. In another embodiment, a carrier includes a stator support member and a stator interfacial member. In some embodiments, the stator interfacial member is configured to interact with planet subassemblies of a CVT. Various inventive planet subassemblies and idler assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the planet subassemblies include legs configured to have a sliding interface with a carrier assembly. Embodiments of a hub shell, a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Jon M. Nichols, Matthew P. Simister, Daniel J. Dawe, Charles B. Lohr, Timothy M. Obrzut
  • Publication number: 20140144261
    Abstract: A door opening and closing device includes: a motor; an output shaft configured to output power of the motor; a transmission mechanism configured to transmit the power of the motor to the output shaft; and an accommodation member configured to accommodate the motor and the transmission mechanism. The door opening and closing device is installed in a vehicle main body or a door supported by the vehicle main body in an openable and closable manner, thereby opening and closing the door by the power that is output from the output shaft. The accommodation member is cylindrical in shape, and the motor and the transmission mechanism are accommodated in the accommodation member so that the motor, the transmission mechanism, and the output shaft are arranged in an axial direction of a rotary shaft of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUI KINZOKU ACT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuyuki SASAKI
  • Publication number: 20140144262
    Abstract: An actuating device has an actuating member (2) pivotable in a first operating state about an axis (1). The actuating member (2) is connected in a torsion-proof manner with a toothed member (3). The toothed member (3), in a second operating state, prevents pivoting movement of the actuating member (2). The toothed member is coupled, in a lockable manner, with a detent member (4). The detent member 4 is movably mounted with respect to the axis (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: DE-STA-CO EUROPE GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Schuh, Detlev Ulle
  • Publication number: 20140144263
    Abstract: There are provided a ball screw that makes it possible to prevent a situation where a large load is applied to a part of a plurality of balls, and an electric power steering system including the ball screw. The ball nut is a component that surrounds a part of the male thread groove, and has a nut inner surface and a female thread groove. The female thread groove is formed in the nut inner surface, and forms a part of the rolling path. A female thread diameter varies according to a position in an axial direction of the ball nut. The female thread diameter is larger at each of axially ends of the ball nut than at an axially intermediate portion of the ball nut, and the female thread diameter is larger at one of the axially ends than at the other of the axially ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuya YOSHIOKA, Kosuke YAMANAKA
  • Publication number: 20140144264
    Abstract: In a device for releasing a securing screw for a unit in a housing, in particular a pinion unit in a steering gear of a motor vehicle, the securing screw is connected via an external thread to an internal thread in the housing, wherein the securing screw is provided with a latching device, which has latching levers disposed distributed on the circumference of the securing screw, each of which said latching levers is provided with latching lugs disposed on the free ends of the latching levers. The latching lugs latch into toothing gaps of a toothing geometry of the housing. The latching device can be connected to a tool in order to release the latching levers having the latching lugs from the latched position by means of a radially inwardly directed movement of the latching levers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: ZF LENKSYSTEME GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Raab, Andreas Stahl
  • Publication number: 20140144265
    Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus for a vehicle achieves seven forward speeds with a minimal number of input gears disposed on input shafts, since the second speed gear and the fourth speed gear are simultaneously engaged with the second input gear and the third speed gear and the seventh speed gear are simultaneously engaged with the third input gear, and distortion of step ratios at the high-speed region may be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Sueng Ho Lee, Chang Wook Lee, Jongsool Park
  • Publication number: 20140144266
    Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus for a vehicle, includes a variable connecting device, an input device, a speed output device having first and second synchronizer modules, and a reverse speed device. An even-numbered highest speed gear is disposed at one of synchronizer modules related to even-numbered speeds among the synchronizer modules. An odd-numbered highest speed gear is disposed at one of synchronizer modules related to odd-numbered speeds among the synchronizer module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Sueng Ho LEE, Chang Wook LEE, Jongsool PARK
  • Publication number: 20140144267
    Abstract: A transmission device includes an output shaft, first and second input shafts, a first gear mechanism, a selective fixing device and a connecting and disconnecting device. The second input shaft is coaxially arranged on an outside periphery of the first input shaft. The first gear mechanism couples the first input shaft and the output shaft with a first gear ratio. The first gear mechanism includes an idle gear mounted on one of the first input shaft and the output shaft. The selective fixing device selectively fixes the idle gear to one of the first input shaft and the output shaft. The second gear mechanism couples the second input shaft and the output shaft with a second gear ratio. The connecting and disconnecting device selectively connects and disconnects the second input shaft to the rotating shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: AICHI MACHINE INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Seiji Kaminaga
  • Publication number: 20140144268
    Abstract: A gear assembly includes a first gear having a first pitch diameter and a second gear having a second pitch diameter different than the first pitch diameter. The first and second gears are located in a housing bore having a cusp line between first and second sections of the housing bore corresponding to the first and second gears. A first gear bearing is located in the first section of the housing bore and has a first flat side. A second gear bearing is located in the second section of the housing bore and has a second flat side. The second flat side is configured to press against the first flat side along the cusp line of the gear housing based on a pressurized fluid being provided to the housing bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventor: Lyle Ward
  • Publication number: 20140144269
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a multi-stage gear in which no gap is formed between a small-diameter gear and a large-diameter gear, there are included a first step of forming the small-diameter gear on an outer peripheral surface of a workpiece, a second step of forming a large-diameter gear part by plastically deforming an end portion of the workpiece to increase the diameter thereof, and a third step of forming the large-diameter gear by cutting the large-diameter gear part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takuya Sukeda, Hirofumi Inoshita, Koji Shimoda, Akinori Tomioka, Toshiaki Masui, Hironori Aoyama
  • Publication number: 20140144270
    Abstract: An assembly includes a polymeric member and a unitary metal casting. The metal casting is engaged with and relatively moveably capturing the polymeric member on the metal casting. The polymeric member includes an opening extending through the polymeric member. The opening defines a rotational axis of the polymeric member and includes a central cylindrical portion and first and second end portions having diameters greater than the central cylindrical portion. The first and second end portions are disposed proximate opposite ends of the opening, and the metal casting substantially fills the central cylindrical portion and the first and second end portions of the opening, thereby rotatably disposing and axially capturing the polymeric member on the metal casting. The assembly can be adapted for use as a crank arm in a transmission shift mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael C. Vermeersch
  • Publication number: 20140144271
    Abstract: A speed change controller is provided on a saddle-ride type vehicle and is suited to manipulation by a foot. The speed change controller for saddle-ride type vehicles comprises a detection mechanism that detects operation by a driver for speed change, and a speed change mechanism that performs speed change on the basis of speed change operation detected by the detection mechanism. The detection mechanism provided by the invention comprises an operation part manipulated by a foot for speed change and including a moving part, which moves relative to the vehicle on the basis of manipulation by a foot, and a detection unit that detects that the moving part moves a predetermined amount or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Makoto KOSUGI, Michiya HAYASHI, Toshimasa NAKAGAWA, Masaichi YAMADA
  • Publication number: 20140144272
    Abstract: A shift device is provided with a shift lever, a parking switch, and a neutral switch. A transmission is switched to a range, in which the transmission of driving force to driving wheels of a vehicle is started, by the shift lever being operated in two or more directions from a home position and arriving at a specific position. The transmission is switched to a range, in which the transmission of driving force to the driving wheels of the vehicle is interrupted, by the parking switch and the neutral switch being operated in one direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Daisuke Kato, Hideaki Hayakawa, Haruyuki Kodera, Kazumi Endo, Yusuke Nakade, Atsushi Kamada
  • Publication number: 20140144273
    Abstract: In a shift lever device, a first engagement portion or a second engagement portion of a shift lever is inserted into a first stopping hole or a second stopping hole of a strength gate when the shift lever is turned along a manual transmission hole, thereby stopping the shift lever from turning towards an automatic transmission hole side. In the shift lever, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are disposed at the vehicle front side and the vehicle rear side of a support body. An increase in size of the shift lever in the vehicle left-right direction due to the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion can accordingly be suppressed, and the turning rage of the shift lever in the vehicle left-right direction can be made smaller, thereby enabling a reduction in size of the shift lever device in the vehicle left-right direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Masashi KATO, Kenichi KAKO, Hayato MORI, Kenji NAKANISHI, Reiji HIGUCHI, Yoshifumi IWASAKI, Kenta GOTO