Patents Issued in July 15, 2014
  • Patent number: 8776581
    Abstract: A blood collection module includes a blood collection container that is coupled with a blood alcohol concentration detection device including an alcohol detection sensor having a detection probe that inhales an alcohol gas, and on one surface of which an inserting portion that is inserted by a detection probe of a blood alcohol concentration detection device is formed and on an outer surface of which blood inlet holes through which blood flows in are formed; and an absorption member that is provided in the blood collection container, to thus absorb examinee's blood that is introduced through the blood inlet holes, in which an alcohol gas generated from the blood absorbed by the absorption member is introduced into the alcohol detection sensor through the detection probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Elechem Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang Hee Park, Ik Hyun Park
  • Patent number: 8776582
    Abstract: A sensor device and a related method for measuring the flow of a fluid and/or for detecting the presence of a substance have such respective structural and functional features as to allow reliable measurements at very reduced costs. The sensor device includes at least a temperature difference sensor based on the Seebeck thermoelectric effect and integrated in a sensor device support, together with a heating element also integrated in this support. A method for measuring the flow of a fluid and/or the presence or the level of a substance uses the sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Isanik S.R.L.
    Inventor: Federico Lanzani
  • Patent number: 8776583
    Abstract: An in situ device for soil investigation including a probe for inserting into and advancing into the ground, the probe including: at least one dilatometer presenting at least one expandable membrane, a chamber for fluid to be fed to the dilatometer and expand the membrane, a compression/pressure regulator unit connected to the chamber and dilatometer, to generate and/or regulate the fluid pressure, a control unit for the connector and the dilatometer, electrical powering unit to power the dilatometer, compression/pressure regulator unit, control unit, and a pressure measurement unit, unit for storing pressure values, measured by the measurement unit, for the fluid fed to said dilatometer. These components all housed within the probe. The probe being a closed body without connections to the outside for feeding pressurized fluid to the dilatometer and/or for feeding control signals for the device. The chamber being the only fluid feed source for the dilatometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Diego Marchetti
  • Patent number: 8776584
    Abstract: A pressure-measuring device and a pressure-measuring method for measuring a pressure in a combustion chamber of a turbomachine are provided. The pressure-measuring device includes at least one sensor device for measuring an ion current at at least one point inside the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventors: Peter Hoehne, Frank Schroer
  • Patent number: 8776585
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring reverse flow of fuel vapors and/or air through a vehicle fuel vapor recovery system, the fuel vapor recovery system coupled to an engine intake of a boosted internal combustion engine. One example method comprises, intermittently adjusting a restriction in the fuel vapor recovery system during boosted conditions, and indicating degradation based on one or more of a change in a pressure value, or based on a change in flow in the fuel vapor recovery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Allan J. Lippa, John D. Russell, Gopichandra Surnilla, Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • Patent number: 8776586
    Abstract: Whether or not an electrically heated catalyst is normal is detected by accurately detecting whether the temperature of the electrically heated catalyst has gone up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoya Takagi, Mamoru Yoshioka, Takashi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8776587
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tire tester (1) provided with: a device frame (3); a slide base (10) provided on the device frame (3) so as to be able to move up and down; a large spindle (11) that is attached to the slide base (10) and can rotatably support a large-diameter tire (T1); and a small spindle (12) that is attached to the slide base (10) and can rotatably support a small-diameter tire (T2) that is smaller than the large-diameter tire (T1). The disclosed tire tester (1) can push one of the tires (T1 or T2) against a simulated road surface (5), by means of the up/down movement of the slide base (10), and perform a tire test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Sumitani, Shogo Sarumaru, Munenori Soejima
  • Patent number: 8776588
    Abstract: A tire condition monitoring system includes a transmission device, a receiving device, and a monitoring section. The transmission device includes a sensor, a transmitter, a housing, and a engaged member. The sensor detects, as the tire information, a condition of gas filled in the tire cavity area surrounded with the tire and a rim. The transmitter wirelessly transmits the detected tire information. The housing houses the sensor and the transmitter, including an inner space and a through hole. The inner space is surrounded with a wall of the housing and is separated from the tire cavity area. The through hole passes through the wall. The engaged member is engaged with the through hole to be provided to the housing. The engaged member includes one of an air vent and a communication groove for communicating between the tire cavity area and the inner space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daisuke Kanenari
  • Patent number: 8776589
    Abstract: The present invention features a tire pressure sensor mounting system to mount a tire pressure sensor on a wheel rim directly. The system comprises a singular mounting piece with a rim strap and at least two side straps to securing a tire pressure sensor. The side straps are disposed along the rim strap with extension direction perpendicular to the rim strap. Both the rim strap and side straps have lock means to securely lock the tire rim and tire pressure sensor respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Howard Brown
  • Patent number: 8776590
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic unit adapted to be positioned on the inner face of a tire tread and incorporating a pressure sensor (10) having a chamber (11) for measuring the pressure inside the tire. This electronic unit includes, in the first place, a housing (6) having a bottom wall (6a) and a side wall (6b) delimiting an open face opposite the bottom wall, the housing being adapted to rest on the tire via its bottom wall (6a) and to house the pressure sensor (10) so that the measuring chamber (11) of the latter opens opposite the open face of the housing (6). Moreover, the electronic unit includes a lid (7) for closing off the open face of the housing (6) pierced with at least one air-inlet opening (18) arranged so as to be offset relative to the measuring chamber (11) of the pressure sensor (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignees: Continental Automotive France, Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Kempf, François Gory, Antoine Gouin
  • Patent number: 8776591
    Abstract: A multizone testing system (100), for the testing of subterranean layers, comprises an upper subsystem (109) comprising a control station (151), a main isolation packer (113) for isolating the upper subsystem (109) from the lower subsystem (111), a lower subsystem (111) comprising an array of individual apparatuses (116) connected in series, each apparatus (116) being adapted for the testing of one layer and comprising a series of remotely activated tools for hydraulically isolating and testing the corresponding layer and a communication system comprises communication means between the control station (151) and the surface and between the control station (151) and each of the individual apparatuses (116) in order to control the remotely activated tools of the individual apparatuses for sequential testing of the layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Pierre F Le Foll, James G. Filas, Christopher Sarvari
  • Patent number: 8776592
    Abstract: An automatic hydrologic parameter measuring system for a river flow comprises a supporting installed below a bridge surface; a waterproof box connected to a steel rope for suspending a weight; another end of the rope extending downwards out of the waterproof box for retaining the weight; a waterproof electric wire winding around the steel rope for transferring signals to the signal processor; a water pressure meter installed in a hollow space of the weight; when the weight being in water, the water pressure meter starts the measuring process; after the weight reaches to the riverbed, the water pressure is unchangeable; and a water pressure meter installed in a hollow space of the weight; when the weight being in water, the water pressure meter starts the measuring process; after the weight reaches to the riverbed, the water pressure is unchangeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Yi-Jiun Liao
  • Patent number: 8776593
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid fluid flow meter pressure vessel assembly (1) that includes an interior housing (11) fabricated from plastic, and an exterior ring structure (26), such as unitary exterior ring structure (32), fabricated from metal. Interior housing (11) has sidewalls (14) and an internal chamber (17). The sidewalls (14) of the interior housing (11) have first and second apertures (20, 23) that are each in fluid communication with the internal chamber (17). The exterior ring structure (26, 32) encompasses at least a portion of an exterior (29) of the sidewalls (14) of the interior housing (11), and includes outwardly extending first and second conduits (38, 41; 83, 89) that are in respective fluid communication with the first and second apertures (20, 23) of the interior housing (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Arad Ltd.
    Inventors: Shaul Margalit, Nitzan Cohen, Yoel Ben Moshe, Jerry Potter
  • Patent number: 8776594
    Abstract: An electronics unit and a method for a filling-level measuring device for determining a filling level. The unit including an arithmetic unit determining a functional relationship between a distance between a filling material surface and the filling-level measuring device and an amplitude of a signal component reflected by the filling material surface and received by the filling-level measuring device; an amplitude profiler creating a profile of amplitude values of filling level echoes which have been measured so far; and an amplitude evaluator determining an expected amplitude of the filling level echo at a particular location with help of the profile of amplitude values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: VEGA Grieshaber KG
    Inventors: Roland Welle, Karl Griessbaum, Juergen Motzer, Martin Gaiser, Christian Hoferer, Manuel Kaufmann, Joachim Benz
  • Patent number: 8776595
    Abstract: An outer passive reference resistor loop is printed along the length of an elongated substrate along with an inner active liquid level sensing resistor loop, whereby the reference resistor loop is exposed to exactly the same varying temperature conditions as the active level sensing resistor loop (e.g. in half air/half water), thereby providing superior temperature compensation. An upper plastic substrate carries a elongated conductive strip that is positioned over the first and second legs of the inner resistor loop but not over the legs of the outer resistor loop and wherein the first and second insulated substrates are coupled together providing separation of the substrates in the absence of hydrostatic pressure, and for causing conductive bridging contact by the elongated strip of an electrically conductive material contacting the first and second legs of the inner resistive elongated loop in the presence of hydrostatic pressure. Printed inks produce the resistive loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher J. Milone
  • Patent number: 8776596
    Abstract: A floating storage tank roof having a roof cover level monitor apparatus uses a flexible rod having a first end in contact with the storage tank cover bottom surface and a second end in contact with a base mounted to the top of the storage tank roof. As the rod flexes the second end of the rod is pushed into a slot within the base and against a resilient member within the slot. Within the slot are disposed proximity switches. As the rod second end sinks into the slot the proximity switches are actuated by mechanical or magnetic means. The spacing of the switches within the slot is calibrated to represent the level of the storage tank roof. A force transducer may also be used in lieu of the switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Nikolay Nikolov Tzonev, Dale John Shpak, David William Sime, Kevin James Gans
  • Patent number: 8776597
    Abstract: A capacitive type humidity sensor is provided, where a sensor chip substrate, with a sensor section where electrostatic capacitance changes in accordance with humidity, a reference section where electrostatic capacitance does not change, and a plurality of pads which are output terminals of each section, and an IC substrate, which is electrically connected to the pads and which outputs the difference in capacitance between the sections as a voltage, are fixed to the same support substrate, where a protective member, which forms a sealed region surrounding the sensor section and which covers the reference section, is provided on the sensor chip substrate, the support substrate is covered by a sealing resin except for the region which is covered by the protective member, the sensor section is exposed to air at the region which is surrounded by the protective member, and the other constituent elements are covered by the sealing resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Waga, Sumihito Morita, Masaru Sakurai, Masaya Yamatani, Hideki Kamimura
  • Patent number: 8776598
    Abstract: A fluid sensor includes a metal housing body, which has a box and a flanged ring circumferentially surrounding the box. A housing jacket is formed from plastic material and disposed on an exterior side of the housing body. A sealing ring, which is situated circumferentially on top of the flanged ring, subdivides the housing jacket into two sections that are insulated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Udo Kaess, Volker Haller, Monika Scherer, Gustav Klett, Markus Niemann
  • Patent number: 8776599
    Abstract: A micro gyroscope determine three-dimensional rotational movements is mounted on a substrate on which a plurality of masses tangentially oscillate about the z axis perpendicular to the substrate. The oscillating masses are fastened to the substrate by springs and bolts. Driving elements maintain oscillating tangential vibrations of the masses about the z axis. Upon rotation of the substrate about any spatial axis, the masses are subjected to deflections caused by Corolis forces that are detected by sensor elements. Certain masses oscillating about the z axis are tiltable about the x axis, while some others are tiltable about the y axis. At least one other mass is configured to deflect radially to the z axis in a x-y plane parallel to the plane of the substrate. This mass is assigned a sensor element that can deflect radially with respect to the axis but cannot oscillate about the z axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Hanno Hammer
  • Patent number: 8776600
    Abstract: A gyroscope sensor includes a gyro disk. A first light source is configured to provide a first light beam. A first light receiver is configured to receive the first light beam for sensing a vibration at a first direction of the gyro disk. A second light source is configured to provide a second light beam substantially parallel with the first light beam. A second light receiver is configured to receive the second light beam for sensing a vibration in a second direction of the gyro disk. The second direction is different from the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ting-Hau Wu, Chun-Ren Cheng, Jiou-Kang Lee, Jung-Huei Peng, Shang-Ying Tsai
  • Patent number: 8776601
    Abstract: A MEMS sensor comprises a substrate and at least one proof mass having a first plurality of combs, wherein the proof mass is coupled to the substrate via one or more suspension beams such that the proof mass and the first plurality of combs are movable. The MEMS sensor also comprises at least one fixed anchor having a second plurality of combs. The first plurality of combs is interleaved with the second plurality of combs. Each of the combs in the first plurality of combs and the second plurality of combs comprises a plurality of conductive layers electrically isolated from each other by one or more non-conductive layers. Each conductive layer is individually coupled to a respective electric potential such that fringing electric fields are screened to reduce motion of the first plurality of combs along a sense axis due to the fringing electric fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Horning, Ryan Supino
  • Patent number: 8776602
    Abstract: The acceleration sensor according to the present invention includes a circuit chip having a prescribed circuit built into a front surface thereof; a sensor chip bonded to the front surface of the circuit chip; and a resin package for sealing the circuit chip and the sensor chip, while the sensor chip includes: a membrane arranged to oppose to the front surface of the circuit chip and having a plurality of openings; a piezoresistor formed on a surface of the membrane opposed to the circuit chip; a support section provided on a side opposite to the circuit chip with respect to the membrane and supporting a peripheral edge portion of the membrane; and a weight section provided on the side opposite to the circuit chip with respect to the membrane and integrally held on a central portion of the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Goro Nakatani, Yasuhiro Fuwa, Mizuho Okada
  • Patent number: 8776603
    Abstract: Provided herein is a non-destructive testing method capable of diagnosing a condition of an object to be tested using a single-pulse ultrasonic wave signal. An attenuation waveform of the single-pulse ultrasonic wave signal received by a receiving section 3 is wavelet transformed by a wavelet transform section 6 to obtain an envelope line A(t) and a phase ?(t) of the attenuation waveform. A temporal change computing section 7 approximates the attenuation waveform by an approximation equation available for computation, using the envelope line A(t) and the phase ?(t) of the attenuation waveform inputted from the wavelet transform section 6, and obtains the temporal change of instantaneous frequency of the attenuation waveform. A diagnosing section 8 diagnoses a condition of the object to be tested, based on the temporal change of the instantaneous frequency computed by the temporal change computing section 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Kyushu University, National University Corporation
    Inventor: Takumi Inoue
  • Patent number: 8776604
    Abstract: An ultrasonic probe for detecting a flaw by ultrasonic waves in a tubular test object includes a plurality of transducers arranged along an annular curved surface, wherein the annular curved surface is obtained by cutting a predetermined spheroid with two parallel planes facing to each other that do not pass through a center of the spheroid and do not sandwich the center of the spheroid, said two parallel planes being orthogonal to a rotational axis of the spheroid. A shape of said annular curved surface is determined so that when transducers appropriately selected from said plurality of transducers are caused to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves, respective internal refraction angles ?? of the ultrasonic waves are approximately equivalent regardless of propagation directions of the ultrasonic waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation
    Inventor: Masaki Yamano
  • Patent number: 8776605
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes: a substrate; an ultrasonic transducer disposed on the substrate, and configured and arranged to transmit ultrasonic waves that propagate as plane waves in a direction orthogonal to a surface of the substrate; an acoustic refracting part contacting the ultrasonic transducer, and configured and arranged to refract the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer; an elastically deformable elastic portion contacting the acoustic refracting part; and an ultrasonic reflecting member disposed within the elastic portion, and configured and arranged to reflect the ultrasonic waves. The acoustic refracting part is configured and arranged to refract, toward the ultrasonic reflecting member, the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Jiro Tsuruno, Tsutomu Nishiwaki, Tomoaki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8776606
    Abstract: A pressure measuring device includes a partially coiled tube having a closed end and an opposite open end. The closed end is rolled and set into a coiled configuration. The device also includes a partially coiled tube supporting structure having a pressure indicating scale. The supporting structure holds the partially coiled tube such that the open end of the tube is in communication with a fluid whose pressure is to be measured. Pressure applied by the fluid causes the tube to unroll and the closed end of the tube to be visibly displaced relative to the pressure indicating scale by a distance related to the pressure applied by the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Alexander H. Slocum
  • Patent number: 8776607
    Abstract: An electrical property measuring apparatus for pressure sensor includes a first plate, a second plate, an object to be measured, an electrical property measuring unit used for measuring the electrical properties of the object, and a fluid supplying system. The second plate is opened or closed relative to the first plate. The object is disposed between the first plate and the second plate. The fluid supplying system connects to a space formed by the first plate and a pressed surface or a space formed by the second plate and a pressed surface. The fluid supplying system provides a fluid to the space such that the fluid presses on the object and the electrical property measuring unit measures the electrical properties of the object. A method of measuring electrical property for pressure sensor is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Jyun-Kai Ciou, Yan-Rung Lin, Chang-Ho Liou
  • Patent number: 8776608
    Abstract: A coplanar process fluid pressure sensor module is provided. The module includes a coplanar base and a housing body. The coplanar base has a pair of process fluid pressure inlets, each having an isolator diaphragm. The housing body is coupled to the coplanar base at an interface between the coplanar base and the housing body. A differential pressure sensor is operably coupled to the pair of process fluid pressure inlets, and is disposed proximate the coplanar base within the housing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Hedtke, David A. Broden
  • Patent number: 8776609
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a well are configured to identify or analyze various issues affecting the well including corrosion, cement quality, inflow, and fluid migration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Dennis Edward Dria, Jeremiah Glen Pearce, Frederick Henry Rambow, David Ralph Stewart
  • Patent number: 8776610
    Abstract: An educational force application and force measurement apparatus is with a plurality of interchangeable workpiece mounting components is disclosed. The apparatus securely accepts a model structure (workpiece), secures a force measurement component between the model structure and a force application component, and applies an incrementally increasing force until the workpiece fails. A series of interchangeable upper workpiece mounting components allow the apparatus to measure the failure load on several different types of model structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Fluid Learning Uniquely Executed, LLC
    Inventors: Brent Cummings, Dallas Jones
  • Patent number: 8776611
    Abstract: A system and method for the installation and removal of monitoring equipment is disclosed. In some embodiments, the monitoring equipment may be installed or removed using a remotely operated vehicle. In certain implementations, the monitoring system includes a sensor assembly connectable to a tubular member, an alignment tool for installing or removing the sensor assembly to and from the tubular member, and an alignment cage for facilitating access of the alignment tool to the sensor assembly. In some embodiments, the alignment tool may be aligned with the sensor assembly for installation or removal as a result of the alignment tool being inserted through the alignment cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: BMT Scientific Marine Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Sangel, Andrew Mail, Brian Gallagher, John Engel
  • Patent number: 8776612
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for determining the dynamic characteristics of a ski boot comprising the steps of selecting at least three parameters suitable to represent some dynamic characteristics of the boot, experimentally determining the values assumed from each of the parameters, and finally determining the dynamic behavior of the ski boot on the basis of the combination of the values measured in the previous step. Also claimed is an apparatus for determining a parameter of dynamic behavior of a ski boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Tecnica Group S.p.A.
    Inventors: Claudio Fortunato Zampieri, Fernando De Cassan, Franco Ferrarese, Alfred Pellegrini
  • Patent number: 8776613
    Abstract: An ultrasonic measurement apparatus (10) for measuring the flow velocity of a fluid is provided which flows in a pipeline in a main flow direction, wherein the ultrasonic measurement apparatus (10) has an ultrasonic measurement zone (36) with at least a pair of ultrasonic transducers (38), an evaluation unit for determining the flow velocity from a propagation time difference of ultrasound transmitted and received with and against the flow, as well as a deflection unit, by means of which the fluid from the main flow direction is deflectable and suppliable to the ultrasonic measurement zone (36). In this respect the deflection unit (20, 26, 32) forms a loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Sick Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Toralf Dietz, Gerry Schröter, Andreas Gurr
  • Patent number: 8776614
    Abstract: First and second ?? modulators convert output signals of two sensors into pulse density signals. First and second LPFs convert the pulse density signals into multi-bit signals. A signal computing module calculates a mass flow rate based on the multi-bit signals. A resonance circuit generates an excitation signal based on the output signals of the sensors. A drive output module amplifies the excitation signal. An exciter excites the measurement tube using an amplified excitation signal. A multiplier amplifies one of the pulse density signals to generate a multi-bit signal. An amplification factor controller controls an amplification factor of the multiplier based on the multi-bit signal. A third ?? modulator converts an amplified signal into a pulse density signal. A DAC generates the excitation signal based on the pulse density signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Masami Wada
  • Patent number: 8776615
    Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for using a “low-profile” load cell to sense a force exerted by a load upon a target object in one or more of a first, second, and third directions relative to the target object. The techniques include using a plurality of sensing beams disposed between a sensing node and a base of the load cell, where each sensing beam is configured for sensing the force exerted by the load upon the sensing node in one or more of two directions relative to the load cell. For example, each sensing beam may include a first section configured to deform in response to a component of the force that corresponds to one of the first, second, and third directions, and a second section configured to deform in response to a component of the force that corresponds to another one of the first, second, and third directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Kempainen, Justin Sauber
  • Patent number: 8776616
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a multiaxial force-torque sensor having a transducer structure, with strain gauges placed in defined areas to measure the strain, from which the forces and torques are calculated, and where the transducer structure can include (e.g., consist of) two concentric rings connected with spokes. The transducer structure can be a planar mechanical structure, and all strain gauges can be applied to the same surface of the transducer structure to measure non-radial strain components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: ABB AG
    Inventors: Paul Szasz, Manfred Wetzko, Peter Krippner, Torgny Brogardh, Markus Roos
  • Patent number: 8776617
    Abstract: Submersible pump and motor performance testing. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: coupling a torque meter between an electric motor and a pump; and submersing the torque meter, electric motor, and pump in water. During periods of time when the torque meter, electric motor and pump are submerged in the water, the method comprises: operating the pump and the electric motor; measuring pump performance; and simultaneously measuring electric motor performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Gicon Pump & Equipment, Ltd.
    Inventors: R. Mark Durham, Ronald K. Hensley, M. Bryan Sherrod, Betty L. Grant
  • Patent number: 8776618
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rotor for a torque sensor configured to improve a mechanical coupling force with respect to a jig in a process of adjusting a torque center, thus enabling a fine adjustment, the rotor including a rotor body having a sleeve coupled to a rotating shaft and a yoke protruding from an outer circumference of the sleeve, a ring-shaped magnet coupled to an outer circumference of the yoke, and an anti-slip structure formed on the rotor body and partially coming into contact with a jig during a rotating process for adjusting a torque center, thus inhibiting slipping between the rotor body and the jig when a rotating force is transmitted, so that slipping between the jig and the rotor body is inhibited to enable precise transmission of the rotating force whereby accuracy is improved during fine adjustment of the torque center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Changhwan Lee
  • Patent number: 8776619
    Abstract: A small angle sensor for measuring steering shaft torque. The sensor includes a multi-pole magnet and one or more stators. Each of the one or more stators encompasses the outer circumference of the multi-pole magnet. Each of the one or more stators has a horizontal ring section having an inner circumference and an outer circumference; and a plurality of teeth. Each tooth extends in a vertical direction from the inner circumference of the horizontal ring section; and a lip extends in a vertical direction from the outer circumference of the horizontal ring section. The sensor also includes one or more collectors. Each of the one or more collectors encompasses only a portion of the lip of the one or more stators. The sensor includes one or more magnetic sensing elements. Each of the one or more magnetic sensing elements located proximate to the one or more collectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Bourns, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Jammer
  • Patent number: 8776620
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid sampling device comprising a plurality of inlet channels, each of which is arranged to receive an airflow from an associated direction, such that a sampling medium associated with a particular inlet channel is exposed to airflow from the associated direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Lancaster University Business Enterprises Limited
    Inventors: Roger J. Timmis, Kevin C. Jones
  • Patent number: 8776621
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system including a filter for filtering solid particles from a liquid sample, the filter including a first filter member configured to filter solid media from a liquid sample, a second filter member fluidly connected to the first filter member, and a third filter member fluidly connected to a downstream end of the second filter member. The second filter member is configured to filter relatively smaller solid media from the liquid sample than the first filter member, and the third filter member is configured to filter relatively larger solid media from the liquid sample than the second filter member. In various aspects, the system includes a displacement-type plunger needle to draw sample fluid from a vial, a cantilevered carousel for rotatably supporting an array of sample holding vials, and a support for supporting the carousel. Method of using the fluid delivery system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Dionex Corporation
    Inventors: Walter D. Modic, Michael McAdams, Lawrence T. McNary, Trung K. Huynh, Christopher A. Pohl, Frank Hoefler
  • Patent number: 8776622
    Abstract: Portable devices and related methods for collecting and storing atmospheric samples for subsequent chemical analysis are provided. A sample cartridge according to one implementation includes self-sealing inlet and outlet ports configured to close automatically when not in use, and a sample retention portion between the inlet and outlet ports that is adapted to trap an atmospheric sample. The sample cartridge may also include a memory device for recording data regarding the sample. Another embodiment provides a portable sampler configured to removably secure a self-sealing sample cartridge. A portable sampling device may also be used with an analytical instrument. The analytical instrument may analyze the sample and read the data recorded on the sample cartridge's memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: FLIR Detection, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Briscoe, Brent Rardin, Dennis Barket, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8776623
    Abstract: The present invention hereby describes an apparatus and/or apparatuses to collect aqueous solutions, gas compounds, solid compounds and/or hydrocarbon liquid samples from a pipe, pipeline, tank or vessel for microbiological analysis; to determine if that environment contains microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) bacterium, which may contribute to the internal wall corrosion of the pipe's, pipeline's, tank's or vessel's metallic composition. The present invention also includes sterile absorbent materials within the apparatus(es); which have different absorbency rates and coatings, which are hydrocarbon and/or aqueous soluble at differing time periods, to represent adequate sampling of the fluids; as it travels through and within a pipe, pipeline, tank or vessel system. Solids are trapped within, and included within, a coated or non-coated sterile matrix which may contain sessilic MIC bacterium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas Maurice Chartier
  • Patent number: 8776624
    Abstract: The sample preparation system according to the invention comprises substantially a transport mechanism movable in the x, y and z directions, which at a first retaining fixture has a sampler for taking up samples that is movable in the z direction and at a second retaining fixture supports a processing apparatus for processing samples that is movable in the z direction, wherein the sampler is connected via at least one connecting line to the processing apparatus for fluid exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Uwe Aulwurm, Michael Baumann
  • Patent number: 8776625
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sonic resonator system and a method of using the system which is useful in therapeutic, cosmetic or aesthetic, diagnostic, exploratory and other medical procedures, particularly where a relatively non-invasive procedure is needed. The sonic resonator system and its method of use provide a controllable high intensity sonic impulse, which may be in the form of a compression or rarefaction wave applied to a given target tissue or anatomical structure, to cause a significant therapeutic or other physiological effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Focus-In-Time, LLC
    Inventors: Warren Questo, Claudio Zanelli, Carl W. Hennige, Jason R. Wetsel
  • Patent number: 8776626
    Abstract: The present invention is a pneumatically driven oscillatory motor. It features fan gear with an eccentrically mounted hub which imparts a wobbling motion on a bearing and associated collar. This wobbling motion then translated in to a vertical oscillatory motion of a collar arm extending radially from said collar. Additional structures to direct flow of expelled air are also provided. The collar arm may be removable from the collar. The motor has many applications where oscillatory motion is required, such as in tattoo needles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Brian F. Abbott
  • Patent number: 8776627
    Abstract: A drive assembly for connection to the polish rod of a reciprocating pump includes a support frame fixed in proximity to a wellhead. A linear actuator includes a lower portion fixed to the support frame and an upper portion supporting two pairs of direction altering cable guides thereon. Four lengths of cable each include a first portion substantially anchored to relative to the polish rod by a pump bracket, a second portion substantially anchored to the support frame by an anchor bracket, and an intermediate portion extending through a respective one of the direction altering cable guides on the upper portion of the linear actuator between the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Amik Oilfield Equipment and Rentals Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Nickalos Heffner
  • Patent number: 8776628
    Abstract: A motorcycle having a transmission which includes a counter shaft to which a rotation of a crankshaft disposed in an engine is transmitted and a drive shaft to which a rotation of the counter shaft is transmitted. A pair of drive gears mounted on the counter shaft so as to be rotated integrally with the counter shaft, and a pair of driven gears mounted on the drive shaft so as to be meshed with the pair of drive gears, respectively, to be rotatable therewith, and a friction ring is interposed between the pair of driven gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Masato Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8776629
    Abstract: A dual clutch apparatus for a dual clutch transmission having a first input shaft and a second input shaft includes: a first clutch of generally annular shape; a second clutch of generally annular shape disposed coaxially with the first clutch; and, a plurality of first and second clutch levers received in a clutch retaining housing in a circularly arranged pattern with the first clutch levers alternately interleaved with the second clutch levers; in which the first clutch includes a clutch finger plate of generally annular shape, the clutch finger plate having a plurality of fingers extending in the axial direction of the first clutch and through an outer circumference of the second clutch and configured to push a first clutch application plate of generally annular shape which is coupled with the first clutch levers for clutch application of the first clutch, and a friction plate arranged next to the first clutch application plate and coupled with a hub of the first clutch, the hub of the first clutch couple
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Wia Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Bowen, Nam Huh
  • Patent number: 8776630
    Abstract: An operating shift apparatus for a transmission may improve shift feeling using variable rotational inertia according to rotation. The operating shift apparatus for a transmission may include a control shaft is disposed on a transmission case, a select lever which is connected to the control shaft and selects a shift gear, a shift lever which is connected to the control shaft and engages the selected shift gear and a weight disposed to the shift lever for enhancing rotational inertia of the shift lever, wherein the shift lever and the weight are independently formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hongsuk Suh