Patents Issued in August 14, 2018
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Patent number: 10048152Abstract: A process fluid pressure transmitter is provided. The process fluid pressure transmitter includes a pressure sensor having an electrical characteristic that changes in response to a deformation of the pressure sensor in response to pressure. Measurement circuitry is coupled to the pressure sensor and is configured to provide an indication of the electrical characteristic. An isolation diaphragm is configured to contact the process fluid and deform in response to process fluid pressure. A substantially incompressible fill fluid fluidically couples the isolation diaphragm to the pressure sensor. An overpressure compliant structure is coupled to the fill fluid and is configured to be substantially rigid at pressures below a selected threshold, but to deform in response to pressure above the selected threshold.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Rosemount Inc.Inventors: Aleksandr Valdimirovich Fetisov, Pavel Aleksandrovich Petukhov, Galina Vladimirovna Cherkashina, Charles R. Willcox
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Patent number: 10048153Abstract: A variable member is connected to a rod-shaped member and connected to a tube portion to ensure airtightness within a housing, and deforms when the rod-shaped member is displaced relative to the housing along an axial direction. A position of the connection between the tube portion and the variable member in the axial direction is a position shifted from a rear end of a gap toward a front side by a predetermined length or a position at the front side with respect to the position shifted by the predetermined length. The predetermined length is a length which is 50% of a length of the gap in the axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2015Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.Inventors: Kenjiro Nishiyuki, Toshiki Hirokawa, Akimitsu Sassa
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Patent number: 10048154Abstract: A method of calibrating strain sensors operatively associated with a machine may involve the steps of: Calculating, for each of n loading conditions, at least one structural load associated with at least one member of the machine to produce n calculated structural loads corresponding to the n loading conditions; measuring, for each of n machine positions, at least one strain associated with the at least one member of the machine to produce n measured strains corresponding to the n loading conditions; and determining curve fit parameters from said n calculated structural loads and said n measured strains, the curve fit parameters relating measured strain and structural loads over n loading conditions.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2015Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Flanders Electric Motor Service, Inc.Inventor: Richard L. Claxton
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Patent number: 10048155Abstract: In a method for calibrating at least one sensor, in particular a pressure sensor, having at least one signal-conducting connection to at least one signal converter, a sensor characteristic is recorded by the determination of at least one measurand at at least two different temperatures, the extent of the influence of a further value influencing the sensor is determined from the sensor characteristic by means of a functional relation, the extent of the influence of the further influencing value is considered in the calibration and the influence of the further influencing value is balanced in the calibration. As a result, the influence of a further influencing value acting on the sensor is corrected.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: HELLA KGAA HUECK & CO.Inventors: Marc Westrich, Heiko Dobrinski, Bastian Kanning
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Patent number: 10048156Abstract: A method for operating a pressure transducer which transducer includes a pressure sensor having a measurement membrane and a base body, between which a cavity is enclosed with a reference pressure, wherein utilizing a control and calculation unit in a pressure measuring mode, the capacitance of a measuring capacitor and a reference capacitor are determined, and a measured value of the media pressure is calculated as a function thereof, where during a diagnostics mode, the capacitance is determined and evaluated for a diagnostics capacitor formed by one measuring capacitor electrode and one reference capacitor electrode arranged on the same surface such that changes in the relative humidity in the cavity and/or process medium penetrating through a tear can be detected with via the diagnostic capacitor, and a warning signal regarding an impending malfunction can thus be generated and output to a service device in a timely manner.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2014Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Christoph Paulitsch, Stefan Von Dosky
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Patent number: 10048157Abstract: A balancing device, a uniformity device and an apparatus including the balancing device and the uniformity device are disclosed. Each of the balancing device and the uniformity device includes at least one multi-axis transducer. Methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2014Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Android Industries LLCInventors: Lawrence J. Lawson, Robert Reece, Barry A. Clark, Donald G. Straitiff
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Patent number: 10048158Abstract: A stability warning system for a tree feller-buncher includes a first inertial measurement unit configured to measure an orientation of an undercarriage of the tree feller-buncher carrying at least one track, a second inertial measurement unit configured to measure an orientation of a boom coupled to the turntable, and a felling head operably connected to the boom. A controller is operable to estimate a center of gravity of the tree feller-buncher based on the measured orientation of the undercarriage and the measured orientation of the boom.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Richard J. Lawler, Bryon P. Neumann
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Patent number: 10048159Abstract: A monitoring device for a pipe system includes a housing, a housing fastener, and a strap assembly. The housing is configured to mount on an exterior surface of a pipe element of the pipe system. The strap assembly is coupled to the housing with the housing fastener, and the housing fastener is received within the housing to secure the strap assembly to the housing. The strap assembly includes a first strap and a second strap, each of the first strap and the second strap including a mounting end, an adjusting end, and an intermediate portion. The first strap includes an insert tab proximate to the first adjusting end, and the second strap includes a plurality of adjustment slots sized to lockably receive a portion of the insert tab. The insert tab is lockably coupled to the second strap when the monitoring device is tightened.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Mueller International, LLCInventors: Daryl Lee Gibson, David James Carlos Dunn
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Patent number: 10048160Abstract: A method is disclosed for diagnosing a valve assembly having valve members serially arranged along a flow channel of the valve assembly connecting at least one inlet and at least one outlet of the valve assembly. All of the serially arranged valve members of the valve assembly are opended to allow fluid to flow through the flow channel. The flow of fluid through the flow channel is measured by at least one sensor. At least one of the valve members is openend, and at least one sensor checks for fluid leakage caused by at least one faulted valve member. The at least one sensor may include a flow sensor, e.g., a mass flow sensor.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2015Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Thomas Gnoss, Michael Heger, Rainer Lochschmied, Anton Pallek, Mike Schmanau, Bernd Schmiederer, Martin Wetzel, Armin Wiegand
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Patent number: 10048161Abstract: The present invention provides a vibration excitation system which allows a vibration exciter to be easily mounted on/removed from a wing. The present invention is a vibration excitation system for an aircraft which imparts vibration to a main wing of an aircraft subjected to a test flight, for evaluation of vibration resistance to flutter. A vibration exciter which generates vibration is removably mounted on the main wing through a fixing structure. It is preferable that the fixing structure transmit the vibration of the vibration exciter as a shearing force to a front spar and a rear spar of the main wing.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2015Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: MITSUBISHI AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventors: Shingo Goto, Toshiaki Sugimura
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Patent number: 10048162Abstract: A testing device and a testing method for an optical film are disclosed. The testing device includes a carrier having a cavity, wherein the cavity is an enclosed space; a test condition providing module disposed in the enclosed space; wherein the optical film is disposed in the enclosed space and the test condition providing module is configured for providing a test condition simulating a real environment in a liquid crystal display module for the optical film. The testing device for an optical film is configured for testing the optical film to be tested.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignees: BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd., Hefei Xinsheng Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yiqiang Jiang, Qinglong Meng, Zhiyu Qian, Yanping Li, Linlin Wang, Jing Wan
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Patent number: 10048163Abstract: Optical apparatus includes a diffractive optical element (DOE), which includes multiple optical surfaces, including at least an entrance surface and an exit surface, and a side surface, which is not parallel to the optical surfaces of the DOE. A grating is formed on at least one of the optical surfaces so as to receive radiation entering the DOE via the entrance surface and to diffract the radiation into a predefined pattern comprising multiple diffraction orders that exit the DOE via the exit surface. An optical detector is positioned in proximity to the side surface so as to receive and sense an intensity of a high order of the radiation diffracted from the grating that passes through the side surface of the DOE.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Alon Yasovsky, Benny Pesach
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Patent number: 10048164Abstract: A method for automated in-line determination of the center thickness of an ophthalmic lens including providing an inspection cuvette (2) having an optically transparent bottom (21) and a concave inner surface (210) and containing the lens immersed in a liquid, providing an interferometer having a light source and a focusing probe (30) focusing light coming from the light source to a set position (310) of the lens. Focusing probe (30) also directs light reflected at the boundary between the back surface of the lens and the liquid as well as light reflected at the boundary between the front surface of the lens and the liquid or at the boundary between the front surface of the lens and the concave inner surface (210) to a detector of the interferometer. The center thickness of the lens is determined using the light reflected at the respective boundary at the back surface and at the front surface of the lens.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2013Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Novartis AGInventors: Roger Biel, Matthias Schwab
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Patent number: 10048165Abstract: A testing rig and method of testing a bearing with the rig, wherein the rig includes a bearing housing, wherein said bearing housing includes an opening and a drive shaft extending into said opening, wherein the drive shaft is rotatable around a bearing axis. The testing rig also includes a vertical actuator mounted on the bearing housing for applying a vertical load to the bearing housing and a horizontal actuator mounted on the bearing housing for applying a horizontal load to the bearing housing. In addition, the testing rig includes a first misalignment actuator coupled to the first actuator for applying a first misalignment load to the bearing housing and a second misalignment actuator coupled to the bearing housing for applying a second misalignment load to the bearing housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Peter M. Lee, Kevin L. Hoag, Riccardo Meldolesi, Anthony Perkins, John W. Miller
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Patent number: 10048166Abstract: Disclosed is a monitoring apparatus for monitoring a state of wear of a component of a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine wherein an oil collection device is provided for the collection of lubrication oil from the cylinder so that a predetermined measured quantity of lubrication oil is suppliable from the cylinder to a measurement device.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2015Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Wärtsilä Schweiz AGInventors: Francesco Micali, Matthias Stark, Markus Weber
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Patent number: 10048167Abstract: An engine torque estimator for an internal combustion engine, includes a cylinder internal pressure sensor, an indicated-torque calculator, a pump loss torque calculator, and an engine torque calculator. The cylinder internal pressure sensor detects a cylinder internal pressure in a cylinder. The indicated-torque calculator calculates an indicated torque in a second combustion cycle based on the cylinder internal pressure detected in a period from an exhaust stroke in a first combustion cycle to an expansion stroke in the second combustion cycle. The second combustion cycle that follows the first combustion cycle. The pump loss torque calculator calculates a pump loss torque in the second combustion cycle based on the cylinder internal pressure detected in the period. The engine torque calculator calculates an engine torque of the internal combustion based on the indicated torque and the pump loss torque.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Tomoya Kubo, Taisuke Inoue, Shusuke Akazaki, Ken Ogawa
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Patent number: 10048168Abstract: An aircraft includes first and second gas turbine engines having a first component and a second component that is redundant with the first component, and an engine health monitoring system (EHMS) coupled to the first and second gas turbine engines. The EHMS is configured to calculate a remaining useful life (RUL) of the first component and of the second component, calculate a rate-of-life consumption of the first component and of the second component, predict when failure of the first component and failure of the second component will occur based on the RUL of each and based on the respective rate-of-life consumption of each, and provide instructions for altering operation of the aircraft that affects the RUL of the first or second component.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2014Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignees: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc., Rolls-Royce CorporationInventors: Michael J. Armstrong, Christopher K. Ruff, John W. Smith, Curtis H. Cline
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Patent number: 10048169Abstract: The present invention discloses a climbing test bench for scooters, comprising a middle bridge arranged horizontally and above the ground and a first skew bridge and a second skew bridge which are arranged at both ends of the middle bridge; an upper end of the first skew bridge is hinged with one end of the middle bridge, an upper end of the second skew bridge is hinged with the other end of the middle bridge, a lower end of the first skew bridge and a lower end of the second skew bridge are in contact with the ground, respectively; and a lifting device is arranged below the middle bridge, and the lifting device may drive the middle bridge to rise and fall so that the first skew bridge and the second skew bridge form different tilt angles. Due to light weight of a scooter, it is not desired to provide a truss-frame structure. The arrangement of a lifting device can ensure the stability of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: ZHEJIANG LINIX MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Jin Yao
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Patent number: 10048170Abstract: A system and method estimating a vehicle tire load identifies a change in vehicle loading condition by measuring vibration resonant frequency peaks (bounce mode and/or pitch mode) of the unsprung mass. Signals required include the chassis vertical acceleration and/or chassis pitch rate obtained from commercially available sensors mounted to the vehicle. An observer model receives the inertial signal(s) and generates a dynamic load estimation based upon observed frequency change in the sprung mass natural frequency.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2014Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventor: Kanwar Bharat Singh
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Patent number: 10048171Abstract: A tire (T) for measurement, having applied thereto a required camber angle (CA) and slip angle (SA), is contacted against a rotatably driven rotating drum (1) having embedded therein a three-component force sensor (measurement unit 3) capable of measuring ground contact pressure (P), width direction shear stress (?x), and circumferential shear stress (?y) (properties) of the tire (T). The rotating drum (1) and tire (T) are rotated and the tire (T) is passed over the three-component force sensor (3) multiple times. The tire (T) properties are measured multiple times, and the tire circumferential direction position of each measurement point is identified. A ground contact pressure distribution, width direction shear stress distribution, and circumferential shear stress distribution in a contact region of the tire (T) with the rotating drum (1) are obtained by repeating measurement and identification while displacing the tire (T) along the rotation axis of the rotating drum (1).Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2013Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATIONInventor: Isao Kuwayama
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Patent number: 10048172Abstract: In order to save a space for an apparatus for inspecting a substance and reduce a cost thereof, a particle testing apparatus includes a plurality of collection ports for collecting substances to be inspected, centrifuges for concentrating particles collected in the collection ports, the centrifuges being connected to the respective collection ports in pairs, and a common analysis apparatus for acquiring the concentrated particles from the centrifuges and analyzing the particles, the analysis apparatus being connected to the centrifuges.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2014Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Masakazu Sugaya, Hideo Kashima, Koichi Terada, Yasuaki Takada, Hisashi Nagano
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Patent number: 10048173Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for analyte sampling, and a method of analyte sampling and an analyte sampling analysis system using the same.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2014Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: NVISANA CO., LTD.Inventors: Pil-kwon Jun, Yong-ik Sung
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Patent number: 10048174Abstract: An automated smear making apparatus used to prepare and smear samples on glass slides. In one embodiment, there is provided a smearing subsystem that generally includes a smear cartridge having: an input reel; at least one roll bar; a take-up reel; and a smearing tape. The smearing tape is initially wound within the input reel and coupled to the take-up reel such that the smearing tape can be drawn from the input reel and into the take-up reel. The smearing tape may include a plurality of perforations formed therein. The smearing tape may then be wrapped around the roll bar such that each of the plurality of perforations forms a blade that extends from the smearing tape to expose a smear surface as the smearing tape is drawn into the take-up reel. Alternatively, the smearing tape may be bent such that an edge of the smearing tape forms a smear surface between two roll bars. A slide transport surface is also provided to move a slide across the smear surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2018Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: John Scott Shoffner, Koshy T. Chacko, Roei Solomon
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Patent number: 10048175Abstract: A biopsy processing system designed to prevent lodging and possible loss of the tissue specimen for analysis. The system includes a biopsy container having a longitudinal wall forming an internal compartment, a biopsy bag attached to an inner surface of the container, a cassette for receiving the biopsy bag, and an automated system for removing the biopsy bag from the biopsy container and placing the biopsy bag in the cassette.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2014Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: BioVentures, LLCInventors: Shree G. Sharma, Manisha Singh
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Patent number: 10048176Abstract: A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described, as well as alternative systems for tissue preservation and transport. The cutting device includes an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. A temperature control sleeve may be disposed around the tissue collector to control the temperature of the tissue samples. A preservation system may be supplied that is configured to deliver fluids to tissue samples in the tissue collector. A fluid supply sleeve may be disposed about the outer cannula and is selectively positionable along the length of the outer cannula.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Nico CorporationInventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty, Alexandra Schwier
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Patent number: 10048177Abstract: An automated microscope slide staining system and staining apparatus and method that features a plurality of individually operable miniaturized pressurizable reaction compartments or a pressurizable common chamber for individually and independently processing a plurality of microscope slides. The apparatus preferably features independently movable slide support elements each having an individually operable heating element.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2017Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Inventor: Lee H. Angros
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Patent number: 10048178Abstract: A rock specimen, including a rock body having the shape of a cylinder or a regular square prism. The rock body includes: an upper end face, a first circular groove, a first cylinder, a first circular body, a lower end face, a second circular groove, a second cylinder, and a second circular body. The first circular groove is disposed on the upper end face of the rock body and has a circle center coinciding with the center of the upper end face of the rock body. The second circular groove is disposed on the lower end face of the rock body and has a circle center coinciding with the center of the lower end face of the rock body. The outer diameter of the first circular groove is smaller than the inner diameter of the second circular groove, and the first circular groove and the second circular groove are staggered.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2015Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: SICHUAN UNIVERSITYInventors: Jianfeng Liu, Heping Xie, Lu Wang, Jianliang Pei, Yu Bian, Huining Xu, Yong Xiang, Fei Wu, Hang Zou, Yangmengdi Xu
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Patent number: 10048179Abstract: Techniques for determining rock properties include exerting a compressive load with a test apparatus across a rock sample that includes a specified length-to-diameter ratio; measuring, with a strain gauge, a strain on the rock sample during the compressive loading; determining, based at least in part on the compressive load, a mechanical property of the rock sample; and determining, based at least in part on the measured strain and the compressive load, an elastic property of the rock sample.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Bitao Lai, Hui Li, Hui-Hai Liu, Yanhui Han
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Patent number: 10048180Abstract: A coating bond test method includes, attaching with an adhesive a pull-off bar to a coating on a planar surface of a substrate for which a normal bond strength between the coating and the substrate is sought, reducing a first area defined by an interface between the substrate and the coating to a value less than a second area defined by an interface between the adhesive and the coating, urging the pull-off bar away from the substrate in a direction normal to the planar surface until failure occurs, and recording a load at which failure occurred.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2015Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventors: JinKyu Choi, Rajiv A. Naik
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Patent number: 10048181Abstract: Embodiments relate to a device for performing a bending test having a base plate, counter bearings connected via the base plate, bearing blocks which in each case comprise a support for applying a bending sample, and a bending punch or a bending rail for exerting a force on a bending sample. The distance of the supports can be set precisely and in a force resistant manner by abutting the counter bearings and the bearing blocks against each other via contact surfaces inclined to the base plate. Further provided is a method for performing a bending test using a device according to the invention, in the case of which a bending sample is applied on the supports and in the case of which a force is exerted between the supports on the bending sample.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2017Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Hydro Aluminium Rolled Products GmbHInventors: Johannes Aegerter, Stefan Keller
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Patent number: 10048182Abstract: A rock specimen, including a rock body. The rock body includes: an upper part, an upper end face, a first circular groove, a first cylinder, a first circular body, a lower part, a lower end face, a second circular groove, a second cylinder, and a second circular body. The first circular groove is disposed on the upper end face of the rock body and has a circle center coinciding with a center of the upper end face. A method for testing pure shear of the rock specimen, includes: 1) disposing the rock specimen on a test bench of a rock mechanics testing system, allowing the end face of the second circular body to contact the test bench; and 2) operating the rock mechanics testing system, loading a pressure on the rock specimen via the end face of the first cylinder and the end face of the second circular body.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2015Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: SICHUAN UNIVERSITYInventors: Jianfeng Liu, Heping Xie, Jianhui Deng, Lu Wang, Jianliang Pei, Yong Xiang, Linrui Li, Yu Bian, Huining Xu, Zhiwei Zhou
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Patent number: 10048183Abstract: An integrated-style shear apparatus for testing a rock structural plane includes a frame system, a vertical loading system, a horizontal loading system, and a shearing system. Both the vertical loading system and the horizontal loading system are fixed on the frame system, and the shearing system is installed inside the frame system. The shearing system is used to prepare the sample of structural plane and actualize the shear test. The vertical loading system and the horizontal loading system are used to provide normal stress and shear stress for the shearing system respectively.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Powerchina Huadong Engineering Corporation LimitedInventors: Weida Ni, Zhigang Shan, Anchi Shi, Jingyong Wang, Wanqiang Cheng, Miaojun Sun
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Patent number: 10048184Abstract: A crack sensor for detecting the extension of a crack comprises an insulator base material made from an insulating material, a common line formed on the insulator base material along a first direction and a plurality of gauge lead wires which is formed on the insulator base material and each of which has an end connected with the common line at an interval and another end extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, wherein the extending end reaches a position to which the extending end retreats in a direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the end connected with the common line.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kenichi Komiya, Daisuke Ishikawa
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Patent number: 10048185Abstract: A density meter for measuring the density of a fluid, having a base plate, wherein a spring element is clamped to the base plate; a torpedo, wherein the torpedo comprises a known weight, and wherein the torpedo is attached or coupled to the spring element; and a sensor, wherein the sensor measures a deflection of the spring element, as the torpedo displaces a volume of fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2014Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Parasitx, LLCInventors: David D. Wright, James H. Vogeley, Taylor D. McClenny, Peter R. Merrick, Paul A. Robinson
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Patent number: 10048186Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to suppressing electrical arcing within a fuel tank in which a fuel density sensor is located by isolating electronic components of the fuel density sensor within a cavity surrounded by a dielectric housing. The dielectric housing physically isolates the sensor electronics from fuel in the fuel tank via a fuel barrier. The dielectric housing electrically isolating the sensor electronics within the cavity from potential high voltage hazards outside the cavity. Light energy optically from a first environment outside the cavity is transmitted through the dielectric housing to a second environment within the cavity to provide operating power for the sensor electronics. The light energy is converted into DC electrical energy within the cavity. A light signal indicative of fuel density is optically transmitted from the second environment within the cavity through the dielectric housing to the first environment outside the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.Inventors: Rollin W. Brown, James C. Averill, Robbie W. Hall
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Patent number: 10048187Abstract: A particle characterization apparatus is disclosed comprising: a light source; a sample cell; a collecting lens and a detector. The light source is operable to illuminate a sample comprising dispersed particles within the sample cell with a light beam along a light beam axis. The light beam axis passes through a first wall of the sample cell, through the sample, and through a second wall of the sample cell, so as to produce scattered light by interactions with the sample. The detector is configured to detect light scattered from the sample. The second wall of the sample cell comprises a lens with a convex external surface through which the light beam axis passes. The collecting lens is arranged to collect and focus scattered light leaving the sample cell onto the detector, and comprises an aspheric surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2014Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: MALVERN PANALYTICAL LIMITEDInventor: David Spriggs
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Patent number: 10048188Abstract: Systems and methods are described for sensing particulate matter in an exhaust system of a vehicle. An example system comprises a first outer tube with a plurality of intake apertures on an upstream surface, a second inner tube with a plurality of intake apertures on a downstream surface, and a particulate matter sensor placed within the second inner tube. The second inner tube may be positioned within the first outer tube such that a central axis of the second inner tube is parallel to a central axis of the first outer tube.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2015Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Xiaogang Zhang, Jianwen James Yi, David John Kubinski
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Patent number: 10048189Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a controller apparatus for regenerating a particulate matter sensor. The controller apparatus includes a sensing module configured to detect a soot loading on a particulate matter sensor and generate a regeneration request indicating a desired regeneration temperature and a heating module configured to receive the regeneration request and send a heating command signal to a heating element based on the regeneration request. The controller apparatus also includes an electrical resistance module configured to detect an electrical resistance in the heating element, a calibration module configured to determine an actual temperature of the heating element based on a resistance-to-temperature model, and a temperature feedback module configured to modify the heating command signal according to the difference between the desired regeneration temperature and the actual temperature.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2015Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: CUMMINS IP, INC.Inventors: Xiao Lin, Archana Chandrasekaran, Jinqian Gong
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Patent number: 10048190Abstract: A microfluidic particle analysis device comprising an inlet with an inlet manifold providing parallel fluid communication with a bypass channel and a measuring channel having a sensor system for detecting a particle, wherein the angle of the measuring channel relative to the main flow direction is in the range of 0° to 60°, and wherein the angle of the bypass channel relative to the main flow direction is in the range of 0° to 60°. The present invention also relates to a method of using the device microfluidic particle analysis.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: SBT INSTRUMENTS APSInventors: Gustav Erik Skands, Christian Vinther Bertelsen
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Patent number: 10048191Abstract: A flow cytometer apparatus and methods for detecting and clearing a clog therein are disclosed. An example method for detecting a clog may include (i) detecting, via a fault detection system of a flow cytometer, a first plurality of events associated with a first aliquot from a first sample well, (ii) determining a count of the first plurality of events associated with the first aliquot, (iii) determining whether the count of the first plurality of events is below a minimum count tolerance and (iv) (a) if the count of the first plurality of events is below the minimum count tolerance, then determining that the flow cytometer has a clog, (b) if the count of the first plurality of events is equal to or above the minimum count tolerance, then detecting a second plurality of events associated with a second aliquot from a second sample well.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2017Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: IntellicytInventor: Aaron B. Kennington
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Patent number: 10048192Abstract: An optical device includes a first polarizer arranged to receive light emanating from an object moving along a trajectory. The first polarizer polarizes the light emanating from the object along a first polarization direction. A waveplate that has an optical retardance that varies as a function of position along the trajectory receives light from the first polarizer. The slow axis of the waveplate is at a first angle with respect to the first polarization direction. A second polarizer is arranged to receive light from the waveplate. The second polarizer polarizes light along a second polarization direction. At least one detector receives light from the second polarizer and provides an electrical output signal that varies with time according to intensity of the light received from the second polarizer.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2014Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Inventor: Alex Hegyi
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Patent number: 10048193Abstract: A curved surface is placed tangent to a slide and displaces a sample liquid from the point or line of contact outward. Imaging indicates a region where fluorescence is observed, and the location of the fluorescence indicates the molecular size. The radius of curvature of the lens is known, the distance from the (center) point of contact of the observed fluorescence is measured with a microscope and the distance of the lens surface to the slide's surface can then be calculated. This distance represents the size of the molecule or ensemble of molecules emitting. Similarly, absorbance, etc. could be measured with a light source below the slide.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard CollegeInventors: Adam E. Cohen, Sabrina R. Leslie
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Patent number: 10048194Abstract: A system and a method for calculating and assigning an indicative value, such as cetane number, pour point, cloud point and aniline point, of a fraction of an oil sample based on an index calculated and assigned from ultraviolet visible spectroscopy data of the oil sample.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Omer Refa Koseoglu, Adnan Al-Hajji, Gordon Jamieson
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Patent number: 10048195Abstract: An oxygen analysis system (OAS) for measuring, monitoring and recording oxygen concentration in aircraft fuel tanks. The OAS has a rack support structure installed in an aircraft cabin with a plurality of oxygen analyzer devices mounted in the rack support structure. Each oxygen analyzer device has an oxygen sensor to measure oxygen concentration in gas samples continuously drawn from sample locations in aircraft fuel tanks and at an aircraft NGS ASM exit. The OAS further has a plurality of valves, a supply of calibration gases, a supply of purge and operating gases, and a power distribution assembly, all coupled to the rack support structure. The OAS further has a transport tubing assembly, a plurality of fuel tank gas sampling ports, an NGS ASM exit gas sampling port, a drain manifold assembly, and a data acquisition and recording system having a user interface software to monitor and control the OAS.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2014Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Daniel E. Hedges, Mark J. Holland, Scott S. Rhodes, Jennifer D. Klemisch, Jessica C. Pavia, Thomas Michael Henry, Clay J. Anderson, Bruce W. McCaul, Thomas Mac Winsemius, Eric K. Thorson
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Patent number: 10048196Abstract: Methods and apparatuses of generating and processing a real-time time-domain cavity ringdown spectroscopy (CRDS) signal from absorbing species in an optical detection system having an optical ringdown cavity using off-axis paths are provided. At least one modulated light signal is generated using one or more light sources, each modulated at specified modulation frequency. Each modulated signal has harmonic frequency components and is input off-axis relative to the cavity's optical axis. The cavity contains mirrors arranged in a predetermined configuration. The optical axis is defined by a path passing through centers of mirrors. The modulated light signal is resonated off axis without astigmatic optical elements to produce CRDS signal and passes at least twice through cavity and across the mirrors without interfering with itself. An overall path length through cavity is greater than path length of optical axis. A photodetector detects the CRDS signal, which is demodulated dependent upon selected harmonics.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: NewSouth Innovations Pty LimitedInventors: Charles Charbel Harb, Toby Kristian Boyson
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Patent number: 10048197Abstract: An optical measurement device includes a light source, first and second beam splitters, and first and second photodetectors. The light source that generates an emitted light beam. The first beam splitter that divides the emitted light beam into a compensation light beam and a measurement light beam. The first beam splitter directs the measurement light beam to a target. The second beam splitter that redirects the compensation light beam from the first beam splitter. A part of wavelength dependent characteristics of the first beam splitter and the second beam splitter are the same. The first photodetector that detects the compensation light beam redirected from the second beam splitter. The second photodetector that detects the measurement light beam reflected by the target and redirected by the first beam splitter. Another optical measurement device and an optical measurement method are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: TAIWAN BIOPHOTONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Yu-Tang Li, Chang-Sheng Chu, Kuan-Jui Ho, Pei-Cheng Ho, Shuang-Chao Chung, Chih-Hsun Fan, Jyh-Chern Chen
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Patent number: 10048198Abstract: The present invention is an optical measurement system for measuring a liquid sample within a well. The system comprises a light source configured to transmit light though the well, a detector configured to measure optical signals derived from the transmitted light, and a tunable optical element. The tunable optical element is positioned between the light source and the well. The tunable optical element is operable to shape the light to compensate for distortions induced by a surface of the liquid sample. The detector is preferably located below the well for receiving a forward scatter signal indicative of at least one characteristic of the particles within the liquid sample.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2014Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: BacterioScan Ltd.Inventor: Dan Vadim Regelman
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Patent number: 10048199Abstract: A system for an EUV light source includes a metrology light source configured to emit a metrology light beam; and an optical beam combiner positioned to receive the metrology light beam and at least one other light beam and to direct the metrology light beam and the at least one other light beam onto a beam path toward a target region. After interacting with the optical beam combiner, the metrology light beam and the at least one other light beam have the same polarization state.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2017Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Jesse Quinn Odle, Jason Michael Arcand
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Patent number: 10048200Abstract: The invention is a SPR sensor that comprises a multi-layered plasmonic structure on a substrate for sensing. The SPR sensor has an enhanced figure of merit and lower limit of detection (system noise divided by the sensitivity) by at least two orders of magnitude than prior art SPR sensors. The plasmonic structure of the invention comprises a Nanostructured Porous Metal Layer (NPML) and at least one of: (a) buried dielectric layer under the nano-porous metal layer; (b) a nano-dimensional high index layer on top of the metal layer; and (c) a molecular layer for bio-functionalization adjacent to an analyte layer. The invention also encompasses many embodiments of measuring systems that comprise the SPR sensors of the invention with improved signal to noise ratio.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2014Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Inventor: Ibrahim Abdulhalim
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Patent number: 10048201Abstract: A microscope is disclosed, the microscope having a light source defining an optical axis along a Z direction and a detector disposed in X-Y direction, orthogonal to the optical axis, the detector configured to capture images of an object. The microscope includes a fluid channel having an inlet and an outlet configured with a fluid flow to transport the object from the inlet to the outlet. The detector is configured to capture a plurality of images of the object as the object moves from the inlet to the outlet. The plurality of images of the object may have different heights of the sample with respect to the detector as the sample flows through the channel. The channel may be tilted with respect to the optical axis. The detector may be tilted with respect to the optical axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2013Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: THE TRUSTEES OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITYInventors: Jason W. Fleischer, Nicolas C. Pegard