Testing Of Apparatus Patents (Class 73/865.9)
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Patent number: 6990870Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for determining characteristics of substrates, such as the presence of contaminants, shape, as well as the spatial relationships between spaced-apart substrates. The spatial relationships include distance and angular orientation, between first and second spaced apart substrates. The technique includes forming a volume of fluid on the second substrate, with the volume of fluid having an area associated therewith. The volume of fluid is compressed between the first and second substrates to effectuate a change in properties of the area, defining changed properties. The changed properties are sensed, and the characteristics of the first and second substrates are determined as a function of the changed properties.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.Inventors: Byung J. Choi, Sidlgata V. Sreenivasan
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Patent number: 6988423Abstract: A controller for a gradient sequential compression system is provided for inflating a plurality of inflatable chambers of one or more compression sleeves according to several different modes of operation. A mode of operation may define the number and selection of chambers to be inflated, the pressurization levels, the pressurization time, or the sequence of chamber inflation. To enable the controller to automatically perform a designated mode of operation based on the type of compression sleeve connected, a new and improved connecting device is provided. An indicator on an interface connector associates a predetermined mode of operation with the interface connector. A sensor associated with a complementary connector identifies the mode of operation associated with the interface connector. It is contemplated that the universal connecting device can be used for any type of system, not just controllers for a gradient sequential compression system.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2000Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth Michael Bolam, James Arthur Borgen
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Patent number: 6978690Abstract: An apparatus for the internal inspection of pipes and tubes or the like, comprising an ultrasonic measuring head and a cable coupled to the measuring head, which cable can be coupled outside the pipe or tube to be measured to a device processing the measuring data, the apparatus being provided at its distal end but behind the measuring head, with a reel for winding the cable on and off.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2000Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: A. Hak Industrial Services B.V.Inventors: Siemen Roelof Van der Heide, Leonardus Johannes Gruitroij, Joost Martinus Hermanus Parent, Christiaan Willem Schomper
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Patent number: 6966235Abstract: Monitoring of parameters using remote sensors, which are attached directly to the product material, allows for non-intrusive entry into the manufacturing area, via the same robotic handling or automated systems used to transport the standard product material. Data is recorded from the sensors, by wireless transmission, or when a signal is impassible, on-board memory will store the data for later downloading.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2000Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Inventor: Eric N. Paton
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Patent number: 6964208Abstract: A measuring device for setting up powered wood tools and the like includes an elongated body defining a straight edge adapted to abuttingly support the measuring device on a bed of the wood forming machine adjacent the cutter head of the machine. The measuring device further includes a blade that is movably mounted to the elongated body adjacent an end thereof. The blade has a sharp edge configured to engage a cutter head. The measuring device also includes digital display operably connected to the blade and providing a visual readout corresponding to the position of the blade relative to the straight edge of the elongated body.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2003Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Inventors: John K. Karrip, Gene A. Pless, Jr.
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Patent number: 6962072Abstract: A fluid inducer having an inducer valve operable to open in response to a load is evaluated by an evaluation device. This device includes a fluid conduit for pressurizing the fluid inducer with a fluid and a pressure sensor that senses the pressure in the fluid conduit. In addition, the device includes an actuator for applying the load to the fluid inducer and a load sensor that determines the load in response to the sensed pressure.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2003Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Matthew J. Weigel
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Patent number: 6962091Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a system and a method which surmounts the problems of prior art. According to the inventive system and method for measuring horizontal deviation of a load receiving element in relation to a position of a hoist traveling trolley, the load receiving element is suspendedly arranged on a plurality of supporting cables on the hoist traveling trolley and least two cable length sensors are provided, the sensors being operatively connected to a data processing device, preferably a processor. The cables of the at least two cable length sensors are disposed between the hoist traveling trolley and the load receiving element in such a way that a computer unit which is connected to the data processing device determines the horizontal deviation of the load receiving element in relation to the position of the hoist traveling trolley for the length of the respective cables of the cable length sensors.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2003Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: Krusche Lagertechnik AGInventor: Gunther Lukas
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Patent number: 6957766Abstract: A method and apparatus for an envelope that includes a first portion of material, forming a first surface, a second portion of material, forming a second surface, the second portion being connected to the first portion at selected regions and a third portion of material, connected to the first portion and adapted to contact the second portion, the third portion having a flap that is removable to provide access to an aperture. The flap is fabricated from the same material as the third portion of material. A perforation located in proximity to the flap and adapted to facilitate opening of the envelope.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: Pradeep K. Das, David W. Spencer, Ronald P. Sansone
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Patent number: 6941827Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the position of a rod member of a cylinder assembly are provided. The cylinder assembly may have a cylinder body with a cylinder chamber therein, a gland member disposed within the cylinder chamber, and a rod member movably arranged within the cylinder chamber and a rod opening of the gland member. The method may include moving the gland member within the cylinder chamber to substantially align a gland aperture of the gland member with a cylinder aperture of the cylinder body; substantially fixing the gland member relative the cylinder body; positioning a position sensor within at least one of the cylinder aperture and the gland aperture; moving the rod member within the rod opening of the gland member and the cylinder chamber of the cylinder body; and operating the position sensor to detect the position of the rod member.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: John J. Krone, Daniel L. Mikrut
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Patent number: 6943509Abstract: Kinetic energy of a rotor is substantially prevented from exceeding a predetermined amount of kinetic energy by determining a first kinetic energy of the rotor spinning at a first rotational velocity and determining whether the first kinetic energy exceeds the predetermined amount of kinetic energy. In addition, torque being applied to the rotor is modulated in response to the first kinetic energy exceeding the predetermined amount of kinetic energy. In this manner, the rotor is spun at a relatively slower rotational velocity than the first rotational velocity.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2003Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Kendro Laboratory Products, LPInventors: Harvey Schneider, David Michael Carson
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Patent number: 6938455Abstract: A grease supply confirming device confirming the supply of a grease into a bearing, according to the present invention includes a detecting member an elastic supporting member and a movable body. The movable body such as a metal spherical body is movably provided in a piping through which a grease to be supplied flows. The elastic supporting member is provided in the piping for supporting the movable body. The detecting member such as an eddy current type displacement sensor detects to see whether or not the grease is supplied in accordance with the displacement of the movable body. The grease supply confirming device further includes an abnormality judging circuit connected to the detecting member for judging the abnormality in grease supply, and an outputting portion for outputting an alarm according to the instruction from the abnormality judging circuit.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2002Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventor: Kenji Yakura
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Patent number: 6938505Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting in chamber wafer position and process status are disclosed. A chamber includes a processing pedestal and plurality of lift pins. Each lift pin has an associated load cell for measuring the load exerted by the wafer on the lift pins. Mispositioned wafers or broken wafers will result in load measurements outside of expected ranges. Position of the wafer may be determined from the load distribution sensed on the lift pins.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2002Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kuen-Ei Chen, Yu-Yi Wu, Chia-Hung Chung
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Patent number: 6912924Abstract: An apparatus is provided for testing equipment located in a local environment by presenting a detectable indicator gas therein. The apparatus has a container portion, a chemical substance stored in the container portion, a pump operable to draw air into the container portion and in contact with the chemical substance to generate a detectable indicator gas, and an outlet to the container for directing the indicator gas into the local environment. Further, the pump is integrally formed as one piece with the container portion. Preferably, the pump is a manually squeezable polymeric bulb that is joined (e.g., by molding) seamlessly with the container portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2001Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Nextteq, LLCInventors: Charles Loomis, Lisa K. Gilmour-Stallsworth
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Patent number: 6904819Abstract: Variables such as injection pressure and injection velocity are detected at a predetermined sampling cycle for each molding cycle and the variables for a plurality of past molding cycles starting from the latest molding cycle are stored. Change patterns of the stored variables of the respective molding cycles are displayed in the form of graphs in which the first axis represents time (the number of times of sampling), the second axis represents the variable values, and the third axis represents the molding cycle.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2004Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Fanuc LTDInventors: Osamu Saito, Kenji Araki
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Patent number: 6895831Abstract: A sensor device, for diagnosing a processing system, generally includes a support platform and one or more sensors mounted on the support platform. The sensor senses a condition, such as direction or inclination or acceleration in one or two axes, of the sensor device and outputs a signal indicative thereof, which is then sent to a transmitter, also mounted to the support platform, for wireless transmission of the signal to a receiver mounted on or near the processing system. The support platform generally has physical characteristics, such as size, profile height, mass, flexibility and/or strength, substantially similar to those of the substrates that are to be processed in the processing system, so the sensor device can be transferred through the processing system in a manner similar to the manner in which production substrates are transferred through the processing system.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2003Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventor: Reginald Hunter
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Patent number: 6895830Abstract: A system and method for testing at least one joint in a linkage includes a platform system, a torque system, an articulation assembly and a fault detection system. The platform system receives a first shaft connected to a first joint in the linkage and the torque system applies torque to the first joint without substantially rotating the first shaft or joint, a second shaft connected to a second joint in the linkage or the second joint. The articulation assembly receives the second shaft and moves the second joint in a substantially circular path without substantially rotating the first shaft or joint and the second shaft or joint. The fault detection system determines the condition of the linkage based upon detected signals emitted from the linkage while the first joint is torqued and the second joint is moved.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2002Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Rochester Institute of TechnologyInventors: Kevin B. Kochersberger, Gregory J. Kacprzynski, William Morris, Joshua R. Eckler
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Patent number: 6885613Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for monitoring a solder wave comprising a board of insulating material simulating a printed circuit board, an array of spaced electrical contact elements on the underside of the board across the entire width thereof, means for measuring the dwell time of each contact in the wave as the board is conveyed over the wave, and means for displaying the measured dwell times to show the contact area and time.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2000Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Circuitmaster Designs LimitedInventors: Andrew Bainbridge, Patrick John McWiggin
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Patent number: 6877355Abstract: The subject invention is directed to methods, processes and decisions on test outcomes for testing for faulty, therefor dangerous, performance of zero speed indicators that are used to control the opening of barriers guarding moving machine components. The indicators may be tested by removing them from the components during operation without shutting down production or in certain situations the indicators may be tested during the run down phase of the components caused by machine stop initiations. The tests allow to anticipate and hence prevent hazardous opening of barriers due to a faulty zero speed indication. Additionally, the invention is directed to testing of the insertion of motion interference devices in conjunction with zero speed indicators, both of which must perform correctly in order to permit the unlocking and opening of the protective barrier. There are included various exemplary devices for effecting the testing function.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2001Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Inventors: Ralph L. Barnett, Theordore Liber
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Patent number: 6875194Abstract: Air bubbles can be reduced or eliminated from the infusion source used during surgical procedures which require the delivery of irrigating fluid to the operating field. This is particularly a problem during surgical procedures performed within a closed organ, such as the eye. A constant low rate of infusion is created upon removal of a test chamber from a surgical handpiece. Pressure within the test chamber is lowered prior to removal of the test chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2003Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: Alcon, Inc.Inventor: Richard J. MacKool
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Patent number: 6871559Abstract: A modified atomic force microscope (AFM) is used to perform contact resistance and/or current-dependent stiction measurements for conductive thin films at controlled values of applied force. The measurements are preferably performed under conditions approximating the operation of the thin films as electrodes in microswitch array fingerprint sensors. A first, planar thin film is contacted with a second, curved thin film deposited over a round ball having a diameter of a few microns to a few tens of microns. The second film is preferably a coating deposited over the ball and over the arm controlling the ball motion. The coating deposited over the arm provides an electrically conductive path to the contact surface of the ball.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2003Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Fidelica Microsystems, Inc.Inventor: Shiva Prakash
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Patent number: 6868356Abstract: Accelerations of a probe or probe head due to vibrations of a machine during a measuring operation are measured using accelerometers placed in the probe or probe head. The acceleration signals are double integrated to determine the corresponding displacements of the probe or probe head and these are added to the readings of displacement of the machine taken from the machine scales using a data fusion algorithm to correct the scale readings for the vibration of the probe. Both linear and angular accelerations of the probe can be corrected in this way.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2001Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventors: Kenneth Cheng-Hoe Nai, David Allan Wright
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Patent number: 6845679Abstract: A test fixture includes a weighted frame incorporating air-filled bellow feet for simulating a vehicle suspension and tires. A hood-simulating support is pivoted to the frame and includes a mount for a grille. A shock absorber on the frame rapidly decelerates the support as the support reaches the closed position. An actuator is operably connected to a controller for closing the support at predetermined speeds for simulating stresses and forces on the grille as seen on actual vehicles. The combination simulates hood closure, including vehicle “bounce” upon hood closure. The controller can be programmed to provide different closure speeds and different air pressures in the feet for better simulation of particular vehicle models. In one form, the fixture includes an enclosure for controlling a temperature of an air fluid source and air for operating the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2003Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Robert E. Shea
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Patent number: 6845161Abstract: A system and method are disclosed which utilize robotic analysis of acoustic data captured during operation of a device to evaluate the operation of such device. An acoustic capture sensor is implemented within a device, such as a paper handling device, automobile, or any other device that generates detectable sound as a by-product of its operation. The acoustic capture sensor captures sound produced by the operation of the device and converts the captured sound from analog to digital. The captured sound is communicated to a processor-based device that is operable to process the sound to evaluate the operation of the device. The processor-based device may be communicatively coupled to a data storage device that has empirical sound data stored therein. In this manner, the processor-based device may compare sound captured by acoustic capture sensor(s) within a device with the stored empirical sound data to analyze the device's operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2001Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Roland Boss
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Patent number: 6840088Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pumping skid that may comprise a skid structure, a high volume pump, a battery of high-pressure pumps, a chemical water treating tank, a docking plate and a bouyancy compensator. More specifically, the skid is carried by a subsea vechicle (hereinafter “SV”) that provides the power to the pumps located on the skid to inject water/chemical, pressurize the water, dewater, and dry, the pipeline. The present invention may be part of the commissioning of a new or old pipeline or a new portion of a pipeline in which a purging of the line with a compressed gas and drying of the line is required. After commissioning, product flows through the pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2002Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: Valkyrie Commissioning Services, Inc.Inventors: David M. Tucker, Charles R. Yemington
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Publication number: 20040261550Abstract: A substrate is supported by planes of four substrate supporters arranged on the top surface of a transport arm. Three ultrasonic distance measuring sensors are fixed on a fixing base arranged above the substrate. The three ultrasonic distance measuring sensors are arranged to measure the distances to the top surface of the substrate in the vicinity of its periphery. In this case, the ultrasonic distance measuring sensors are positioned so that measurement values of the ultrasonic distance measuring sensors may become equal to each other with the substrate being normally supported. The ultrasonic distance measuring sensors each measure the distances to the top surface of the substrate to supply the measurement values to a controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Applicant: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Fuminori Asa
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Publication number: 20040261551Abstract: The load element state detecting portion 72 detects the completion of the filling of the hydraulic oil into the clutch 62 and the working limit of the accumulator 64 on the basis of the displacement of the spool valve element 42. That is, since the completion of the filling of the hydraulic oil into the clutch and the working limit of the accumulator 64 are directly detected, so that the completion of the filling of the hydraulic oil into the clutch 62 and the working limit of the accumulator 64 can be detected with high precision regardless of differences among products and the time-lapse variation. Furthermore, they can be detected without equipping any special device to the hydraulic control circuit, and thus there is an advantage that the device construction is simple.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takaaki Tokura, Katsumi Kono, Tomohiro Asami, Nobufusa Kobayashi, Hideki Takamatsu, Norimi Asahara, Shu Asami, Ryoichi Hibino, Hiroyuki Nishizawa, Masataka Osawa
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Publication number: 20040261549Abstract: A method and apparatus for an envelope that includes a first portion of material, forming a first surface, a second portion of material, forming a second surface, the second portion being connected to the first portion at selected regions and a third portion of material, connected to the first portion and adapted to contact the second portion, the third portion having a flap that is removable to provide access to an aperture. The flap is fabricated from the same material as the third portion of material. A perforation located in proximity to the flap and adapted to facilitate opening of the envelope.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2003Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: Pradeep K. Das, David W. Spencer, Ronald P. Sansone
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Publication number: 20040261548Abstract: A test fixture includes a weighted frame incorporating air-filled bellow feet for simulating a vehicle suspension and tires. A hood-simulating support is pivoted to the frame and includes a mount for a grille. A shock absorber on the frame rapidly decelerates the support as the support reaches the closed position. An actuator is operably connected to a controller for closing the support at predetermined speeds for simulating stresses and forces on the grille as seen on actual vehicles. The combination simulates hood closure, including vehicle “bounce” upon hood closure. The controller can be programmed to provide different closure speeds and different air pressures in the feet for better simulation of particular vehicle models. In one form, the fixture includes an enclosure for controlling a temperature of an air fluid source and air for operating the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2003Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventor: Robert E. Shea
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Patent number: 6836323Abstract: The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the related art by providing a spatial reference system that includes at least one artifact assembly. The artifact assembly has a measuring bar assembly including an inner member with a proximate end and a distal end, an outer member with a proximate end and a distal end, and a compensating member with a proximate end and a distal end operatively disposed between said inner and said outer members. The distal end of the outer member is fixedly mounted to the distal end of the compensating member. The proximate end of the compensating member is fixedly mounted to the proximate end of the inner member.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: Metronom U.S., Inc.Inventor: Ingobert Schmadel
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Publication number: 20040252625Abstract: The temperature of an exhaust gas flowing through an exhaust passage 3 is estimated or detected, and the temperature of an active element of an exhaust gas sensor 8. (O2 sensor) is controlled at a predetermined target temperature by a heater using the estimated or detected temperature of the exhaust gas. For estimating the temperature of the exhaust gas in the vicinity of the exhaust gas sensor 8, the exhaust passage 3 extending up to the exhaust gas sensor 8 is divided into a plurality of partial exhaust passageways 3a through 3d, the temperatures of the exhaust gas in the partial exhaust passageways 3a through 3d are estimated successively from an exhaust port 2 of an engine 1. The temperature of the exhaust gas is estimated according to an algorithm which takes into account a heat transfer between the exhaust gas and passage-defining members 6a, 6b, 7 which define the exhaust passage 3 and a heat radiation from the passage-defining members into the atmosphere.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2004Publication date: December 16, 2004Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuji Yasui, Yoshihisa Iwaki
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Patent number: 6829956Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an inspection apparatus which enables the speed-up and high efficiency of an inspection as well as the flexibility to the modification of an assembly line. The present invention provides an inspection apparatus, which is directly connected to an assembly line and employed for inspections of a work (magnetic tape cartridge) after assembly, including: an arrival platform to which the work after assembly is carried in; an inspection table on which the work is inspected; a departure platform from which the work after inspection is carried out; a robot for moving the work which has completed inspections on the inspection table to the departure platform as well as moving the work carried in to the arrival platform to the inspection table; and a fixture for fixing the work moved to the inspection table while inspecting the work, wherein a plurality of inspections are performed in parallel while the work is fixed on the inspection table.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2002Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kouta Kitamura
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Publication number: 20040237632Abstract: An inspection device for use on joint zones of piping (4) and the like where the joint zone (2) includes a joint interface (3a), the device including a housing (1) adapted for fitting over the joint interface so as to form a substantial seal bridging the joint interface. The housing is adapted to allow visual or other inspection of the joint interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventor: Rene Van Keeken
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Publication number: 20040239310Abstract: A tester comprising a reference clock generating section for generating a reference clock having a first frequency, a first test rate generating section for generating a first test rate clock having a frequency which is about an integral multiple of the first frequency, a second test rate generating section for generating a second test rate clock having a frequency which is about an integral multiple of the first frequency and different from the frequency of the first test rate clock, a first driver section for supplying a test pattern to an electronic device according to the first test rate clock, and a second deriver section for supplying the test pattern to the electronic device according to the second test rate clock.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventors: Hideyuki Oshima, Yasutaka Tsuruki
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Publication number: 20040237675Abstract: A tool is evaluated in response to a member of the tool being moved from a first position to a second position. In this evaluation, a first force is applied to the member. The first force is operable to move the member from the first position to the second position. In addition, a second force is sensed. This second force results from a resistance of the tool to the first force. Furthermore, it is determined whether the second force exceeds a predetermined value.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2003Publication date: December 2, 2004Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Paul G. Kostenick, Arlen R. Pumphrey, Albert H. Cha
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Patent number: 6823754Abstract: A method of calibrating an equilibrium position of an actuator driven by an electric motor with the assistance of a compensating spring, wherein the actuator moves a mechanism and the mechanism opposes the movement with an elastic force, and wherein in the equilibrium position the compensating spring counterbalances the elastic force, includes the following steps: applying a large-amplitude, high-frequency alternating position signal to energize the electric motor, wherein the position signal is biased so that alternating extremes of the position signal straddle the equilibrium position, measuring an actual dynamically variable position of the actuator by means of a position sensor, and determining the equilibrium position as that position where the actuator settles.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2003Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Bernhard Boll, Sarah Ann Barker
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Patent number: 6820511Abstract: The invention concerns a rotational angle measuring arrangement for measuring angle dependent units of an encoding shaft which is journaled in a transducer housing. A stator coupling non-rotationally connects the transducer housing to the housing of a drive system that is to be measured, and the encoding shaft and a drive shaft of the drive system are non-rotatably secured to each other. To provide an improved angle measuring system when the stator coupling is positioned between the transducer housing and the drive housing, to prevent angle measurement errors and to facilitate the mounting of the transducer, at least one locking mechanism is provided. When the transducer, including the stator coupling, is detached from the drive housing, the locking mechanism causes the stator coupling to non-rotatably lock the encoding shaft to the transducer housing, and when the stator coupling is secured to the drive system, the locking mechanism permits the encoder shaft to freely rotate.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2003Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Stegmann GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Reinhold Mutschler, Juergen Schill
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Patent number: 6820508Abstract: An apparatus rotates a sample to facilitate an accurate analysis of the sample. The apparatus includes a sample stage on which a plurality of samples are supported, a rotatable cap and a linearly movable plate for placing a selected one of the samples at an analysis position, and a rotating stage that supports the sample stage, rotatable cap and movable plate. The rotating stage is rotatable about an axis of rotation that intersects the analysis position. Once the selected sample is placed at the analysis position by the rotation of the cap and the linear movement of the plate, the selected sample is rotated by the rotating stage. The analysis process can be selectively or sequentially carried out with respect to the plurality of samples with a high degree of efficiency and without the associated drive mechanisms experiencing high loads.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sang-Eun Lee
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Publication number: 20040226391Abstract: In order to be able to operate a sensor device on a feed pipeline carrying high voltage without using batteries or storage batteries, the sensors are connected for supply purposes via an electrical isolating stage to a mains voltage source and for signal purposes to an evaluation circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2004Publication date: November 18, 2004Applicant: EISENMANN LACKTECHNIK KGInventor: Aydin Ucan
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Publication number: 20040226390Abstract: A processing system includes a plurality of chamber walls that define a sealed environment. A sensor is positioned in the sealed environment. In one embodiment, a power source, such as a photoelectric cell, is positioned within the environment. In another embodiment, a wireless transmission device is positioned within the sealed environment. Methods for monitoring the conditions within the sealed environment are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2003Publication date: November 18, 2004Inventor: David A. Beginski
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Publication number: 20040216511Abstract: A test fixture for testing directional pilot valves as used in connection with turbine engine thrust reversers, and an associated method of use. In a particular embodiment, the test fixture has a base and at least one support mounted to the base to support the directional pilot valve. At least one fastener permits attachment of the directional pilot valve to the support. An adjustable actuator is also mounted to the base and is capable of stroking the directional pilot valve to simulate valve positions that may be encountered in operation of the valve. The adjustable actuator is also capable of maintaining a force, as set by a technician, against the directional pilot valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Inventors: Virginia Kay Encinias, Michael Walker, Michael Wayne Sides
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Publication number: 20040216537Abstract: A method for testing devices produced in front end lots involving loading a plurality of front end lots into a tester without requiring the tester to complete tests on a previous front end lot. A secondary lot of devices is unloaded from the tester, the secondary lot containing devices from a plurality of front end lots. The plurality of front-end lots may form a batch. In this case, a plurality of secondary lots unloaded from the tester could correspond to the front-end lots, and could be considered to be part of the same batch. All secondary lots of the batch, except for the last secondary lot of the batch, may contain only pass devices, such that all fail devices from the batch are unloaded and then tested together, in the last secondary lot. The loading of the front-end lots may be asynchronous with the unloading of the secondary lots.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: Infineon Technologies Richmond, LPInventors: Joerg Schuntermann, Markus Sickmoeller, Franz Brosi, Mareike Schlichting
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Publication number: 20040211270Abstract: A polyhedron inspection apparatus 10 includes a polyhedron inspection feeder 12 having a passage forming member 22 for inspecting a surface of cubic chip W. The polyhedron inspection feeder 12 is formed with a V-letter groove, and includes two rotating feed sections 25A and 25B arranged on the midway of the passage forming member 22. The rotating feed sections 25A and 25B are individually formed with grooves having V-letter type, U-letter type and V-letter type sectional shapes in succession. The passage forming member 22 is provided with a shooter 18 for moving the chip W one by one in a state of being estranged from each other, and further, is provided with cameras 13A to 13D for inspecting the surface of the chip W, and retrieve element 30 for retrieving the chip W in accordance with the inspection result.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2004Publication date: October 28, 2004Applicant: Lintec CorporationInventors: Takashi Kimura, Kazuhiro Kikawa
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Patent number: 6807876Abstract: A testing or setting device for a PDD or PDT system or for training on such a system, which includes a lighting system, is provided with a housing in which the PDD or PDT system can be at least partially accommodated. The device is characterized in that a tissue phantom is installed in the housing in such a way that the surface of the tissue phantom can be at least partially lit by the lighting system and observed by the observation system, and that the tissue phantom includes at least one luminescent area. A tissue phantom, appropriate for use in the invention's device, has at least one luminescent area and is characterized by the fact that it has at least one additional area, whose luminescent characteristics differ from those of the first luminescent area.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2001Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Gerd Beck, André Erhardt, Klaus M. Irion
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Patent number: 6807875Abstract: A position sensor and a method for sensing a position of a moveable member includes at least first and second deflectable members arranged so as to allow the moveable member to pass therebetween and cause the at least first and second moveable members to deflect in proportion to the position of the moveable member relative to the first and second deflectable members. In one example of the present invention, the deflectable members are cantilever-mounted members extending in generally the same direction. The amount of resultant deflection is measured by any suitable means. For example, each deflectable member may have a Wheatstone bridge provided thereon acting as a strain gauge in a known manner, such that the strain detected is proportional to the amount of deflection. In a particular example of the present invention, some of the elements of a first Wheatstone bridge are provided on the first deflectable member and some are provided on the second deflectable member.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2000Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Ivan P. Lebrun, David H. Ohnesorge
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Patent number: 6805016Abstract: A sensing assembly senses varying parameters of a bearing mechanism. The bearing mechanism includes a circular bearing housing. The sensing assembly includes a sensor case. The sensor case is fixedly secured to the bearing mechanism. The sensor case includes a peripheral surface and a top plate with extensions protruding outwardly therefrom. The sensing assembly also includes a sensor housing that is removably insertable into the sensor case. The sensor housing selectively engages the extensions of the sensor case to secure the sensor housing in the sensor case at a location spaced from the bearing mechanism. The sensing assembly includes a sensor that is disposed within the sensor housing. The sensor senses the parameters of the bearing mechanism, wherein the sensor and the sensor housing may be removed from the bearing mechanism and replaced without replacing the bearing mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2003Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Arquimedes Godoy, Aida I. Parada
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Patent number: 6806700Abstract: The present invention is a hard drive test fixture for supporting a hard drive during quality control testing. The test fixture includes a pan having a base. Rails are attached to the base of the pan for providing structural support to the pan and for positioning of the hard drive. A connection card is removably attached to the rails and is adapted for connection to the hard drive. The test fixture includes an ejection rod for facilitating removal of the hard drive from the test fixture.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Pemstar, Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Wanek, Richard L. Sands
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Publication number: 20040200270Abstract: To provide a measuring method on an electric motor with a rotor and a stator for determining the fly height and/or axial play, the rotor being mounted, and in particular fluid-mounted, on the stator, with which method the axial position of the rotor in relation to the stator can be determined with high levels of accuracy and reproducibility, it is provided that the electric motor is operated at a defined measuring speed, at which the rotor is in a specific axial position in relation to the stator, with this relative axial position being determined in that the rotor is brought in a defined manner, with the motor at a standstill, into a first stop position in relation to the stator, in that the rotor is brought in a defined manner, with the motor at a standstill, into a second stop position in relation to the stator, lying opposite the first stop position, and in that the relative axial position between the rotor and the stator is respectively measured in the two stop positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2004Publication date: October 14, 2004Applicant: Minebea Co., Ltd.Inventors: Norbert Irmer, Carsten Etling, Guido Schmid
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Publication number: 20040187613Abstract: A method of testing a system including a plurality of modules, each of which in use, produces from an air supply, a product gas which is one of oxygen gas and oxygen enriched gas, the method including providing to an inlet to at least one of the modules, when the module is not in use, a restricted air supply, and at an outlet of the module, sensing at least one of the oxygen concentration and product gas pressure, and analysing the sensed oxygen concentration and/or product gas pressure during a test period to determine the potential performance of the module in use.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: David John Peacey, Robert John Phillips
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Publication number: 20040187612Abstract: A sensing assembly senses varying parameters of a bearing mechanism. The bearing mechanism includes a circular bearing housing. The sensing assembly includes a sensor case. The sensor case is fixedly secured to the bearing mechanism. The sensor case includes a peripheral surface and a top plate with extensions protruding outwardly therefrom. The sensing assembly also includes a sensor housing that is removably insertable into the sensor case. The sensor housing selectively engages the extensions of the sensor case to secure the sensor housing in the sensor case at a location spaced from the bearing mechanism. The sensing assembly includes a sensor that is disposed within the sensor housing. The sensor senses the parameters of the bearing mechanism, wherein the sensor and the sensor housing may be removed from the bearing mechanism and replaced without replacing the bearing mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: Arquimedes Godoy, Aida I. Parada
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Patent number: 6799090Abstract: A system for actuating a spray pump assembly comprises a reference platform, a motor, a drive transmission, a spray pump holder, a force coupler, a force transducer, and a system controller. The motor receives a power and control input, and produces a rotary drive output. The drive transmission receives the rotary drive output and produces a linear drive output. The spray pump holder secures the spray pump assembly. The force coupler couples the linear drive output to the spray pump, and applies a force to the spray pump. The force transducer produces a force signal proportional to the force applied to the spray pump. The system controller receives a set of test inputs and provides the control input to the motor as a function of the set of test inputs. The system actuates the spray pump mechanism according to an actuation profile defined by the set of test inputs.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Image Therm Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Dino J. Farina, Timothy M. Fallon, Socratis Kalogrianitis, Peter Taylor