Patents Issued in September 30, 2014
  • Patent number: 8844334
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming a steel container having a curled open end, comprising the steps of i) providing a steel cup; ii) deep drawing the steel cup into a drawn container preform; iii) thin drawing the body of the drawn container preform; and iv) curling an open end of the drawn container preform by forming a precurl and by curling the precurl into an elongated curl, to an apparatus for forming a steel container, and to such steel container and its preform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Impress Group B.V.
    Inventor: Johan Willem Roeterdink
  • Patent number: 8844335
    Abstract: A pilot assembly and method for metal forming dies has a generally cylindrical pilot with a stripper that strips stock from the pilot when metal forming dies diverge. The pilot assembly is secured to one die member by a fastener by itself or in combination with a window mount. A spring within the pilot assembly contacts the stripper to force the stripper to reciprocate when the dies are pulled apart. Thus, the pilot assembly helps locate the stock within the metal forming die while also having a stripper to help strip the stock from the pilot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Standard Lifters, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel T. Pyper, Scott M. Breen
  • Patent number: 8844336
    Abstract: An air bubble sensor has a holder at which at least one ultrasonic sensor is arranged to detect air bubbles and/or gas bubbles in a flowing liquid, wherein a flow passage which has connection pieces is integrated into the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: ZOLL LifeBridge GmbH
    Inventor: Florian Sagebiel
  • Patent number: 8844337
    Abstract: An apparatus is presented including an input unit for receiving initial breath samples; a breath analysis module for analyzing the initial breath samples; a comparison module for comparing the initial breath samples to subsequent breath inputs; and a breath authorization module for locking and/or unlocking the apparatus in response to results received from the comparison module. The apparatus may also include a storage unit for storing the initial breath samples and the subsequent breath inputs. The breath analysis module is a chemical breath component analyzer configured to: (i) count each of a plurality of select volatile organic compounds from the initial breath samples and the subsequent breath inputs received from the input unit and (ii) determine a concentration of each of the plurality of the select volatile organic compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventors: Theodosios Kountotsis, Agjah Libohova
  • Patent number: 8844338
    Abstract: A gas sensor element of the present invention detects concentration of a specific gas within a measured gas. The gas sensor element comprises: a wiring layer formed inside a sensor; an insulating layer covering a front surface of the wiring layer; an electrode terminal provided on a main surface of the insulating layer on an opposite side of the insulating layer from the wiring layer, and electrically connected to the wiring layer; and an intermediate layer interposed between the electrode terminal and the wiring layer, and electrically connecting the electrode terminal and the wiring layer. The electrode terminal is composed of a first metal material. The wiring layer is composed of a second metal material. The intermediate layer is composed of whichever of the first metal material and the second metal material has the lower melting point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Norikazu Kajiyama
  • Patent number: 8844339
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring the viscosity of a fluid, said method comprising the following steps: (a) providing a flow of said fluid in a laminar state inside a channel (14, 24) having a characteristic transverse dimension D, and in which an elongate member (12, 22) having a characteristic dimension d is placed substantially along the longitudinal direction of said channel and substantially at the center of the channel, and has a portion of the length l thereof submerged in said channel; (b) measuring the friction force (f) applied by said fluid on the walls of the elongate member; and (c) calculating the dynamic viscosity (?) of said fluid based on the equation (1) f=??lU where U is the average flow rate and ? is a geometric factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Harold Roland Bernard Auradou, Jean-Pierre François Hulin, Benoît Bernard Joseph Semin
  • Patent number: 8844340
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for the gravimetric detection of particles in a fluid medium, simultaneously providing a high quality factor, easier operating conditions, small size and low production costs. For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a device for the gravimetric detection of particles in a fluid medium, comprising a flat electromechanical oscillator (1), means for supporting the oscillator and means for actuating said oscillator, said means being designed to ensure that the oscillator (1) vibrates in its plane, said device further including a channel (4) for passage of the fluid, said channel being in fluid communication with a through-cavity (1b) made in said oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventor: Vincent Agache
  • Patent number: 8844341
    Abstract: An internal engine component including a data collector assembly is provided. The data collector assembly includes a sensor for sensing a condition and for generating a signal corresponding to the condition and a digital to analog converter for converting the signal to a digital signal. The data collector assembly also includes a memory for storing data, a clock and a processor. A power source is electrically connected to the sensor, the analog to digital converter, the memory, the clock and the processor. During an engine test, the processor, sensor, digital to analog converter, clock and memory are substantially the only devices that draw electricity from the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew J. Miller, Jonathan Owen Neuendorf
  • Patent number: 8844342
    Abstract: An air flow measuring device includes a housing, a sensor, and a throttle that is provided on an outer wall surface of the housing. The throttle merges together a bypass-passing flow and an outside-passing flow, and guides the merged flow toward the downstream side with the merged flow narrowed. The throttle includes two raised portions and a cover that bridges between the two raised portions and is opposed to the outer wall surface of the housing. The cover includes an inner surface exposed to the throttle, and an outer surface exposed to outside of the throttle. A peripheral border of the cover includes an upstream edge which defines the outer surface on the upstream side. At least a region of the outer surface including the upstream edge is swollen more outwardly in a shape of a projecting curved surface further on the downstream side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Noboru Kitahara, Takashi Ooga, Takao Ban
  • Patent number: 8844343
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation diagnosis device may include an EGR module that supplies an intake manifold with exhaust gas from an exhaust manifold, a MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor that measures pressure of the intake manifold, and a control portion that controls the EGR module such that the flow rate of the exhaust gas that is supplied from the exhaust manifold to the intake manifold is controlled by stages and monitors the value of the MAP sensor in a fuel cut off condition to diagnose whether the EGR module is faulty. The exhaust gas recirculation diagnosis device uses MAP sensor to perform exhaust gas recirculation and to diagnose the fault of the exhaust gas recirculation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Seungbum Kim
  • Patent number: 8844344
    Abstract: A gearbox test rig is provided for testing first and/or second gearboxes having power ratings of 1 MW or more. The gearbox test rig comprises a first coupler for coupling a low-speed shaft of a first gearbox to a low-speed shaft of a second gearbox such that forces can be transmitted between the low-speed shafts of the first and second gearboxes. The gearbox test rig further comprises a second coupler for coupling a high-speed shaft of the first gearbox to a high-speed shaft of the second gearbox such that forces can be transmitted between the high-speed shafts of the first and second gearboxes, wherein the second coupler comprises a hydraulic rotary actuator for regulating a torque which is applied to the high-speed shafts of the first and second gearboxes. Such a gearbox test rig is particularly useful for testing heavy duty gearboxes, such as those used in wind turbines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: MacTaggart Scott (Holdings) Limited
    Inventor: Alistair Plowman
  • Patent number: 8844345
    Abstract: An apparatus imparts motion to a test object such as a motor vehicle in a controlled fashion. A base has mounted on it a linear electromagnetic motor having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the base. A pneumatic cylinder and piston combination have a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the base so that the pneumatic cylinder and piston combination is generally parallel with the linear electromagnetic motor. The second ends of the linear electromagnetic motor and pneumatic cylinder and piston combination being commonly linked to a mount for the test object. A control system for the linear electromagnetic motor and pneumatic cylinder and piston combination drives the pneumatic cylinder and piston combination to support a substantial static load of the test object and the linear electromagnetic motor to impart controlled motion to the test object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: Roehrig Engineering, Inc., Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Southward, Chandler Reubush, Bryan Pittman, Kurt Roehrig, Doug Gerard
  • Patent number: 8844346
    Abstract: A dynamic load estimation system is provided including: a vehicle load bearing tire; at least one tire sensor mounted to the tire, the sensor operable to measure a tire deformation of the one tire and generate a raw load-indicating signal conveying measured deformation data; road roughness estimation means for determining a road roughness estimation; filtering means for filtering the measured deformation data by the road roughness estimation; and load estimation means for estimating an estimated load on the one tire from filtered measured deformation data. A road profile estimate is fused with the static load estimate in order to obtain an instantaneous tire load estimate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Kanwar Bharat Singh, Anthony William Parsons, Marc Engel, Peter Jung-min Suh
  • Patent number: 8844347
    Abstract: An insert apparatus for installing a transducer assembly in a sensor port of a flow cell is disclosed. The transducer assembly is installed in the cavity of the insert body without the use of glues or adhesives to bond the transducer assembly to the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lei Sui, Nicholas Joseph Mollo, Benjamin Edward McDonald, Toan Huu Nguyen, Solomon Feldman, Nicholas Anderson Hobbs, Ganesh Devkar, John Austin True, Mykhaylo Barsukov
  • Patent number: 8844348
    Abstract: Provided is a highly accurate, highly reliable gas flow rate measurement device that provides an enlarged temperature range over which the resolution at a high temperature and at a low temperature can be increased to achieve high accuracy no matter whether the characteristics of a gas temperature detection element are nonlinear. The gas flow rate measurement device includes a plurality of resistors that are disposed in a gas flow path, a gas flow rate detection circuit that outputs a gas flow rate detection signal in accordance with the flow rate of a gas flowing in the gas flow path by detecting a current flowing in the resistors or by detecting a voltage generated in accordance with the current, and a gas temperature detection element 1 that detects the temperature of the gas in the gas flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Suzuki, Ryo Sato, Keiji Hanzawa
  • Patent number: 8844349
    Abstract: A thermal type air flow meter that is capable of suppressing deformation of a base member at the time of molding is disclosed, to thereby secure dimension accuracy and reduce an influence of a dimension change on measuring accuracy. The meter includes a housing member placed in an intake passage of an internal combustion engine, and a base member fixed to the housing member and includes a secondary air passage into which part of air passing through the intake passage flows. The base member is a plate-like resin molded component formed of a synthetic resin material and includes a reinforcing structure integrally formed between a board fixing part to which a circuit board is fixed; and a secondary passage constituting part formed at a leading end part of the board fixing part, the reinforcing structure enhancing strength of the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Morino, Chihiro Kobayashi, Yuki Okamoto, Tsutomu Kono
  • Patent number: 8844350
    Abstract: A sensor chip in a flow quantity measuring apparatus includes a first conductive line, through which a midpoint electric potential of a first series circuit of a bridge circuit is outputted, is branched from a first midpoint connection on a sensor chip. A second conductive line, through which a midpoint electric potential of a second series circuit of the bridge circuit is outputted, is branched from a second midpoint connection on the sensor chip. The output point of the midpoint electric potential of the first series circuit is provided at a midpoint between two temperature sensor resistors, and the first midpoint connection is provided on a center line of a heater resistor. The output point of the midpoint electric potential of the second series circuit is provided at a midpoint between two temperature sensor resistors, and the second midpoint connection is provided on the center line of the heater resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Junzo Yamaguchi, Yasushi Kohno
  • Patent number: 8844351
    Abstract: A sensor system for sensing liquid level in a bilge, for use in automatic bilge pump actuation. First and second field effect sensors are potted or sealed within a container or the bilge wall and are aligned in a vertical array and each comprise a substantially planar pattern of “electrodes” or conductive traces disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) along with integrated circuits used to create a loop or arc-shaped electric field. As bilge liquid rises to the proximity or level of the field effect sensors, a change in the arc-shaped electric field is sensed and, in response, a bilge pump is automatically actuated to pump liquid out of the bilge. Optionally, the pump control can be programmed by use of a microprocessor to permit control of on-off timing and prevent undesirable effects of “sloshing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Touchsensor Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Roger D. Burdi, Bruce L. Reniger
  • Patent number: 8844352
    Abstract: The method comprises the steps of generating a transmission signal; propagating the transmission signal towards the product; receiving a reflected signal; providing a reference signal exhibiting a time-varying phase difference in relation to the transmission signal; forming a measurement signal; and determining the filling level based on the measurement signal. The method further comprises the steps of: determining a reduced time period comprising a time when the time-varying phase difference corresponds to an anticipated filling level, the reduced time period being shorter than the measurement sweep time period; controlling the level gauge system to change from a low-power state to a high-power state at a start of the reduced time period; and controlling the level gauge system to change back from the high-power state to the low-power state at an end of the reduced time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Rosemount Tank Radar AB
    Inventors: Leif Nilsson, Hakan Nyberg, Hakan Delin
  • Patent number: 8844353
    Abstract: A water level sensor switch installed in a sidewall of a water tank for detecting its water level is disclosed to include a housing having two bearing portions clamped on two opposite sides of the sidewall of the water tank and a tightening up screw fastened to a vertical wall at a different plane relative to the bearing portions and stop against the sidewall of the water tank to affix the housing to the water tank, a micro switch mounted in the housing, and a float connected to a switching lever of the micro switch outside the housing for biasing the switching lever up and down subject to the level of water in the water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Holimay Corporation
    Inventor: Yu-Ming Hsiao
  • Patent number: 8844354
    Abstract: The measurement container has side wall segments forming corners. Each of several corners forms a separate pour-spout for fluent materials, and each has a separate measurement scale, preferably in different measurement units. Preferably, the corners are made of at least semi-transparent material so that the level of fluent material in the container is visible through the wall at each corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Silicone Zone (HK) Ltd.
    Inventor: Jakob Herold
  • Patent number: 8844355
    Abstract: A load receiver device that serves to receive at least one solid body and to hold the solid body in place in a surrounding fluid during a density determination. Embodiments of the load receiver device include a hanger module that is adapted to establish a hanging connection to a part that is, in turn, connected to the weighing cell of a balance. Embodiments of the load receiver device further include a receiver module that is connected to the hanger module and serves to receive a solid body. The receiver module has a concavity that is designed to receive the solid body, and the orientation of the concavity can be selectively reversed to maintain the position of the solid body in the surrounding fluid during a density determination, regardless of whether the solid body will otherwise sink or float in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Hans-Jörg Rotach, Alice Buchmann
  • Patent number: 8844356
    Abstract: An inertial force sensor includes a detecting device which detects an inertial force, the detecting device having a first orthogonal arm and a supporting portion, the first orthogonal arm having a first arm and a second arm fixed in a substantially orthogonal direction, and the supporting portion supporting the first arm. The second arm has a folding portion. In this configuration, there is provided a small inertial force sensor which realizes detection of a plurality of different inertial forces and detection of inertial forces of a plurality of detection axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Ohuchi, Hiroyuki Aizawa, Jiro Terada, Takami Ishida, Ichirou Satou, Hideo Ohkoshi, Yohei Ashimori
  • Patent number: 8844357
    Abstract: A yaw-rate sensor includes: a substrate having a main extension plane for detecting a yaw rate about a first axis extending parallel to the main extension plane; a first Coriolis element; a second Coriolis element; a third Coriolis element; and a fourth Coriolis element. The first Coriolis element and the fourth Coriolis element are drivable in the same direction parallel to a second axis extending parallel to the main extension plane and perpendicularly to the first axis. The first Coriolis element and the second Coriolis element are drivable in opposite directions parallel to the second axis. The first Coriolis element and the third Coriolis element are drivable in opposite directions parallel to the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Scheben, Burkhard Kuhlmann, Thorsten Balslink, Daniel Christoph Meisel, Benjamin Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8844358
    Abstract: The usefulness and sensitivity of a hearing-test method that can be performed over the Internet should be improved. To this end, it is proposed that meaningless syllables, so-called logatomes, are presented to a test person in fluctuating interference noise. Hence, the test can be offered internationally without change and there is no need to calibrate a computer used by the test person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Josef Chalupper, Beate Anna Maria Krämer
  • Patent number: 8844359
    Abstract: Apparatus for non-invasive measuring of the sound velocity of a fluid flowing in a tubing having a small internal diameter for the fluid passage as compared to the tubing wall thickness and having points of two different and known transverse length with a sensor mounted at each point and a delay line adjacent to the tubing at each point. Each sensor is connected to a circuit that provides ultrasonic energy signals that are transmitted through the tubing walls, the flowing fluid and the delay line to be reflected back to the sensor from which the round trip transit time of the signals is measured and the sound velocity calculated from the two measured round trip transit times and the differential between the known transverse lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hema-Q, Inc.
    Inventor: Naim Dam
  • Patent number: 8844360
    Abstract: A method for checking a mechanical integrity of at least two stabilizing elements includes providing the at least two stabilizing elements that mechanically interconnect blade airfoils of rotor blades of a turbine in a circumferential direction of the turbine in an installed state of the turbine. The at least two stabilizing elements are adjacent to one another and inter-engage to form an engagement section having a material volume of the at least two stabilizing elements in the engagement section. The material volume of the at least two stabilizing elements is scanned, in an automated manner using ultrasound, so as to determine whether cracks are present. The scanning is performed from an outside of the at least two stabilizing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: James Knowles, Peter Schott, Pascal Maibach
  • Patent number: 8844361
    Abstract: An active ultrasonic room occupancy sensor with the output amplitude of the transmitter controlled by the amplitude of power applied to the transmitter to control the zone of coverage for a sensor. An adjustable voltage regulator under control of a microcontroller applies controlled amplitude voltage to the transmitter to adjust the output amplitude of the transmitter. The adjustable amplitude transmitter allows an occupancy sensor to have its total output energy adjusted to conform to the area to be covered. Lowering the total ultrasonic energy in the monitored space lowers the sensitivity of the receiver to inappropriate activations. Lowering the input power to the transmitter also lowers the total internal system noise and provides an improved signal to noise ratio in the receiver. Alternatively, the power applied to the receiver may also be controlled by an adjustable voltage regulator under control of the microcontroller to improve receiver efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: The Watt Stopper, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Joyce
  • Patent number: 8844362
    Abstract: A pressure sensor for sensing pressure of a fluid includes a tubular housing that has a first capacitor plate segment and a second capacitor plate segment. Each of the first capacitor plate segment and the second capacitor plate segment includes a respective substantially planar inner surface. The pressure sensor also includes an anvil positioned within the tubular housing. The anvil and the tubular housing function as opposite terminals of a variable capacitor. A first capacitor plate side of the anvil and the first capacitor plate segment face each other and have a first gap therebetween. A second capacitor plate side of the anvil and the second capacitor plate segment face each other and have a second gap therebetween. Capacitance of the variable capacitor changes in response to a first change in a size of the first gap and a second change in a size of the second gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: David William Beck, Jacobo Rogelio Archuleta
  • Patent number: 8844363
    Abstract: Fabry-Perot and Bragg grating optical measuring principles are combined with a torsional stress sensing mechanism that converts torque applied in one fluid environment to force exerted in a second environment to measure extreme environmental parameters such as pressure in a petroleum producing borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Leroy C. Delatorre
  • Patent number: 8844364
    Abstract: A management torque value smaller than a specified torque value is defined beforehand, and a screw ring-form, plug management gauge (11), which is capable of being screwed with plug (3), is prepared. Gauge (11) is provided with marked lines (14a, 14b) showing upper and lower limit positions of tolerance of the orientation of ground electrode (33) when plug (3) and gauge (11) have been screwed with each other. When plug (3) and gauge (11) have been screwed with each other and tightened at the management torque value, suitability of the phase position in the rotational direction is evaluated and managed by whether or not ground electrode (33) of plug (3) is in a range of marked lines (14a, 14b) showing the upper and lower limit positions of the tolerance. With this, it becomes possible to conduct a phase management with consideration of the crushing deformation characteristics of the gasket even with a torque lower than the specified tightening torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatsugu Takahashi, Shinichi Okamoto, Hitoshi Oohashi
  • Patent number: 8844365
    Abstract: A tissue measurement system includes a clamp, a measuring head, and a deflection sensor. The clamp includes a first plate and a second plate releasably engageable with one another to secure a substantially planar biological tissue. In the engaged position, the first and second plates define at least a portion of a test section along which a portion of the secured substantially planar biological tissue is disposed. The measuring head is movable toward the test section and into contact with the portion of the substantially planar biological tissue disposed along the test section. The deflection sensor is responsive to movement of the biological tissue contacted by the measuring head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter W. Gregg, Devin Bridgen, Daniel Hildebrand
  • Patent number: 8844366
    Abstract: A testing instrument for mechanical testing at nano or micron scale includes a transducer body, and a coupling shaft coupled with a probe tip. A transducer body houses a capacitor. The capacitor includes first and second counter electrodes and a center electrode assembly interposed therebetween. The center electrode assembly is movable with the coupling shaft relative to the first and second counter electrodes, for instance in one or more of dimensions including laterally and normally. The center electrode assembly includes a center plate coupled with the coupling shaft and one or more springs extending from the center plate. Upper and lower plates are coupled with the center plate and cover the center plate and the one or more springs. A shaft support assembly includes one or more support elements coupled along the coupling shaft. The shaft support assembly provides lateral support to the coupling shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hysitron, Inc.
    Inventors: Oden Lee Warren, Syed Amanulla Syed Asif, Yunje Oh, Yuxin Feng, Edward Cyrankowski, Ryan Major
  • Patent number: 8844367
    Abstract: A measurement unit for tensile or compressive stress can includes a CCD camera for detecting an interference light, the interference light being formed with a measurement beam from a measured region and a reference beam from a reference mirror. A first objective lens can have the reference mirror. An image processing apparatus can measure the three-dimensional shape of the measured region from the position of the first objective lens at which the interference light provides the maximum contrast and can measure the distance between two gauge points on the basis of the three-dimensional shape. When strain is generated on a micromaterial, the strain against the measured tensile stress is measured on the basis of the tensile stress and the distance between the two gauge points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Kumamoto University
    Inventors: Kazuki Takashima, Masaaki Otsu, Mitsuhiro Matsuda, Hiroaki Kurahara, Hidetaka Maeda, Tadahiro Yonekura
  • Patent number: 8844368
    Abstract: An apparatus applies a pull test to a bond of a semi-conductor assembly, the bond including a ball or a bump of solder. The apparatus includes a probe including a straight, thermally conductive pin; a heater for heating a tip of the probe; a holder for supporting the probe and including a clamping mechanism that is configured to provide a clamping force on the probe; an actuation device for moving the holder and the probe up and down; and a pull force applier for applying a pull force on the holder. A force measuring system measures a force applied to the probe during the pull test to determine the strength of the bond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin K. Peecock, Philip John King
  • Patent number: 8844369
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a gradient strain to an extracellular matrix to induce mechanotransduction. The gradient strain can be produced by adhering the extracellular matrix to a post and the walls of a sample holder, and then rotating the post and the sample holder. This strain can result in increased stiffness of the extracellular matrix with very little loss of pore size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: The Regents of The University of California
    Inventors: Elliot Botvinick, Samir Shreim, Maxwell Kotlarchyk
  • Patent number: 8844370
    Abstract: An electromagnetic flow meter (EMFM) accurately measures both the complete flow rate and the dynamically fluctuating flow rate of a fluid by applying a unipolar DC voltage to excitation coils for a predetermined period of time, measuring the electric potential at a pair of electrodes, determining a complete flow rate and independently measuring the dynamic flow rate during the “on” cycle of the DC excitation, and correcting the measurements for errors resulting from galvanic drift and other effects on the electric potential. The EMFM can also correct for effects from the excitation circuit induced during operation of the EMFM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Concepts ETI, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Karon, Vincent Cushing, Sandeep K. Patel
  • Patent number: 8844371
    Abstract: A method for monitoring and/or measuring an, at least at times, two-phase medium flowing in a pipeline, and having a first phase, especially a gaseous first phase, with a first density and a second phase, especially a liquid second phase, having a second density different from the first density. The method is performed with a vortex flow measuring device, which has at least one measuring tube inserted into the pipeline, a bluff body and a vortex sensor. In such case, the vortex sensor includes a sensitive section that responds to pressure fluctuations, and that is arranged at least partially adjoining the wall of the measuring tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Peter Limacher, Dirk Sutterlin, Rainer Hocker, Christoph Gossweiler
  • Patent number: 8844372
    Abstract: A vortex flow meter that senses the alternating pressure variations generated by a fixed vortex shedding generator. The alternating pressure variations of the vortices within the rows on each side of the vortex shedding generator act upon flexible elements producing forces on long columns that are transmitted to remotely located piezoelectric force sensors. The alternating forces upon the two columns are used to determine the passage of a vortex and thereby the flow. Improved output signal by minimizing loss of parasitic energy. 97% of the available signal is applied to the piezoelectric force sensors as compared to conventional 60%. Process influences such as vibration in all planes and pumping pulsations are equal and opposing and are rejected by the sensor. A capability of operating at extreme process temperatures is assured for the high temperature of the process is dissipated to the environment along the long columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: AVGI Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: George E. Sgourakes
  • Patent number: 8844373
    Abstract: An exterior pressure detection device for detecting fluid pressure in pipes includes a body in which a circuit board and a pressure detection unit are received. The pressure detection unit includes a board and a pressure detecting chip which is electrically connected to the circuit board. An L-shaped clamping bar has a connection section and a clamping section which is parallel to the board. A pipe is clamped between the board and the clamping section. When the volume of the fluid passing through the pipe and changes the diameter of the pipe, the board is moved to activate the pressure detecting chip which transfer the change of the diameter of the pipe into a signal which is sent to the exterior main controlling device via the signal output device of the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Chung-Yi Huang
  • Patent number: 8844374
    Abstract: A device to measure speed of a fluid in a pipe. An adjustment and a surface finish are accomplished between a fluid bearing and a hollow tube coupled with a turbine, with friction minimized to a point that it is possible to measure speeds of less than one cm/s which have hitherto been unexplored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives
    Inventors: Luc-Francois Gros-Daillon, Geraud Francois Cubizolles
  • Patent number: 8844375
    Abstract: A system includes a device and a contactless inductive force sensing system. The device includes a first band having a first magnetically encoded region with a first magnetic polarity spaced apart from a second magnetically encoded region having a second magnetic polarity. The device further includes a second band having a third magnetically encoded region with the second magnetic polarity spaced apart from a fourth magnetically encoded region having the first magnetic polarity. The contactless inductive force sensing system is used for measuring one or more mechanical force components of the device and generating a mechanical force component signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Christoph Martin Sihler, Marko Klaus Baller, Kunal Ravindra Goray
  • Patent number: 8844376
    Abstract: A multi-degree of freedom transducer for converting manually applied forces and torques into electrical signals, and configured to be fixed to a base object. The transducer comprises a handle bar having two ends and a first longitudinal direction, and a supporting assembly suitable for fixing the two ends of the handle bar to the base object. The supporting assembly comprising a frame structure at each of the ends of the handle bar, wherein each of the frame structures comprises at least two measuring beams. At least one of the measuring beams includes a second longitudinal direction and at least one other of the measuring beams includes a third longitudinal direction. Each of the at least two measuring beams comprises two strain gauges configured to sense strain in the third longitudinal direction and arranged on two different, non-parallel side surfaces of each of the at least two measuring beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Norbert Siklos, Balint Czupi, Norbert Krizsan, Zsofia Beky
  • Patent number: 8844377
    Abstract: A system for measuring torque while cycling can be retrofitted to an existing crankset. A sensor member is placed in between a chainring and crank arm, interconnecting the two. At least one strain gage is placed on the sensor, and is connected with known resistors to form a bridge circuit, specifically a Wheatstone bridge. An electronic package including a battery, strain signal amplifier, an analog-to-digital signal converter, a microprocessor, and a wireless transmitter allows the strain of the strain gages to be measured and converted to a torque value. The torque value can then be wirelessly transmitted to a receiver on a display, itself mounted to the bicycle. Different types and arrangements of strain gages can be used to measure tension, compression, and shearing of the sensor member, providing inputs and a more accurate torque reading. The sensor member can be a unitary body or split into individual sensor members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Fook Fah Yap
  • Patent number: 8844378
    Abstract: A load weight determining apparatus and method for an electric chain block having a lifting-lowering motor and an inverter controller. The lifting-lowering motor rotates a sheave to wind up and unwind a chain engaging the sheave. The load weight determining apparatus has a current detecting element detecting a motor current supplied to the lifting-lowering motor from the inverter controller, and a load weight determining unit. A torque current is calculated from the motor current detected by the load weight determining unit, and a variation cycle of the torque current is calculated. An average torque current value over a period of time corresponding to the variation cycle is calculated, and the average torque current value is compared with a set threshold to perform load weight determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Kito Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 8844379
    Abstract: A transmission includes sensors positioned adjacent respective pairs of magnetized bands on a shaft of the transmission for detecting magnetic flux emanating from the bands in response to torque on the shaft. The transmission further includes an electronics interface assembly configured to respectively provide drive signals to the sensors and to receive from the sensors, in response to the drive signals, output signals indicative of the torque on the shaft as detected by the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Nimrod Kapas, Joseph F. Kucharski, Steven Adam Hermann, Christopher Gregory Garbacz, Yuji Fujii, Diana Yanakiev, Roberto Teran, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8844380
    Abstract: A torque sensor has a magnetic sensor, which is composed of a first magnetic detecting element, a second magnetic detecting element and a comparator. The first magnetic detecting element outputs an output signal of a provisional detection value, while the second magnetic detecting element outputs an output signal of a reference value. The comparator compares the provisional detection value and the reference value and outputs the provisional detection value as an authorized detection value, when a difference value between the provisional detection value and the reference value is smaller than a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiki Takahashi, Shigetoshi Fukaya, Hideki Kabune
  • Patent number: 8844381
    Abstract: A torque wrench comprises a handle, a wrench head having a ratcheting workpiece engaging portion, and a tensor beam defining a longitudinal axis and having a rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A first strain gauge is coupled to one side of the tensor beam, and a second strain gauge is coupled to another side orthogonal to the one side. A processor coupled to the first and second strain gauges converts an output signal from one of the strain gauges into an equivalent torque value. The tensor beam is intermediate the handle and the wrench head and is rotatably coupled to the wrench head and is rotatable, with respect to the tensor beam, between a first position in which the processor processes an output signal from the first strain gauge and a second position in which the processor processes an output signal from the second strain gauge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Apex Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Awad Aly Gharib
  • Patent number: 8844382
    Abstract: A system for use in measuring an end play of a wheel hub assembly includes a cap attachable to a shaft of a wheel hub assembly. A frame has a cavity receiving a measurement probe extending outwardly from the cavity. The probe contacts the cap and is configured to measure movement of the cap to determine endplay of the bearing assembly on the shaft. The frame includes a plurality of legs extending from the frame to mount on the shaft. The legs contain torque sockets and torque limiters which are threadably engaged and tightened onto lugs of the wheel hub assembly without exceeding a preselected torque. The torque sockets allow the frame and system to be used on hub assemblies having wheels thereon without removal of the wheels from the hub assemblies or lug nuts from the lugs supporting the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Patent number: 8844383
    Abstract: A pressure detection device includes a connection seat, a pressure transducer connected to the connection seat, and an overload protection member connected to the connection seat. The pressure transducer includes a housing and a detection sleeve received in the housing. The housing is mounted on the connection seat. The overload protection member is positioned above the detection sleeve. A buffering space is formed between the overload protection member and the detection sleeve, so that the overload protection member can bear an amount of exerted pressure when being overloaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Hua Liu, Yan-Cheng Bao, Ai-Jun Tang