10th week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 5 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090056389 | Fabric Treatment Appliance with Steam Generator Having a Variable Thermal Output - A steam generator according to one embodiment of the invention includes a steam generation chamber for converting the water to steam, and a heating element thermally coupled with the steam generation chamber and having a first portion below an operational water level of the steam generation chamber and a second portion above the operational water level, with the first portion having a greater thermal output than the second portion. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056390 | Security system - The present invention relates to a security system intended to prevent theft of theft-prone items. The security system comprises a retainer means intended to be mounted against a floor and/or a wall by means of fastening means, which retainer means defines a space for a storage means provided with a handle or not provided with a handle. The retainer means comprises two mutually parallel sides connected by means of a side perpendicular to said two sides. The security system further comprises a lock means connected to a first of the two parallel sides of the retainer means by means of joint means, which lock means is provided with a hole in which a locking pin arranged on the second of the two parallel sides fits. Furthermore, the security system comprises a locking means intended to be locked on the locking pin to secure the lock means and thereby the storage means. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056391 | DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY - A lock assembly that includes a push button assembly manually movable from an unlocked position to a locked position, a biasing member that biases the push button assembly toward the unlocked position, and a retaining member that engages the push button assembly and a lock member to retain the push button assembly in the locked position. The lock assembly further includes an exterior handle, a driver, and a cam member coupled to the driver for rotation with the driver. The push button assembly engages the cam member to rotate the driver toward a locked position when the push button assembly moves from the unlocked position toward the locked position and the push button assembly engages the cam member to rotate the driver toward an unlocked position when the push button moves from the locked position toward the unlocked position. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056392 | DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY - A lock assembly for use with a latch movable from an extended position to a retracted position, and the lock assembly includes an interior assembly and an exterior assembly. The interior assembly includes an interior handle manually movable to retract the latch and a locking member manually operable such that the locking member is movable from an unlocked position to a locked position. The exterior assembly includes an exterior handle manually operable to retract the latch when the locking member is in the unlocked position and inoperable to retract the latch when the locking member is in the locked position. The exterior assembly further includes a biasing member that biases the locking member toward the unlocked position. When the locking member is in the locked position, movement of the interior handle to retract the latch causes the biasing member to move the locking member to the unlocked position. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056393 | LOCK DEVICE - A lock device includes a lock mechanism provided on one of two members to be engaged with each other, and a striker provided on the other of two members. The lock mechanism may include a first contact point in which a pawl contacts a hook in the unlocked condition by an elastic force by an elastic force of a lock spring and a second contact point in which a cam contacts the hook in the unlocked ondition by an elastic force of a push spring. These contact points are separately set at different positions. Assuming that a value obtained by dividing a distance between a rotation center of the hook and the first contact point along a direction of a normal with respect to an arc of the hook and the pawl at the first contact point by a distance between the normal and a rotation center of the pawl is A, and that a value obtained by dividing a distance between the rotation center of the hook and the second contact point along a direction of a normal with respect to an arc of the hook and the cam at the second contact point by a distance between the normal and the rotation center of the pawl is B, the second contact point is set such that B is smaller than A. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056394 | STEERING LOCK DEVICE-ADDED STRUCTURE - A steering lock device-added structure includes: a steering shaft; a steering column which rotatably houses the steering shaft therein; and a steering lock unit which is disposed on an outside surface of the steering column, and disables rotation of the steering shaft. The steering lock unit is coupled to the steering column while interposing a fracture inducing portion therebetween. The steering lock device-added structure further includes: a steering lock protective member which covers an outside surface of the steering lock unit; and a column protective member which covers a lower surface of the steering column, and is provided adjacent to the steering lock protective member. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056395 | Compact electric strike with preload release capability - In a door strike for captivating and releasing a door bolt, the combination comprising a longitudinally elongated carrier, a longitudinally elongated solenoid supported by the carrier, the solenoid having a longitudinally movable plunger, a trip lever pivotally supported in or on the carrier, a laterally extending actuating arm pivotally supported in or on the carrier to be pivoted as the plunger moves longitudinally in response to solenoid energization, thereby to pivot the trip lever, a generally longitudinally extending blocking arm or arms pivotally supported in or on the carrier to be released for pivoting when the trip lever is pivoted, and a door bolt retainer or retainers pivotally supported in the carrier to be released for pivoting when the blocking arm or arms are released for pivoting, thereby to release the door bolt from captivation, for movement with the door. Dual springs are compressed by the plunger in response to solenoid energization. A strut on the plunger engages solenoid structure upon plunger retraction to prevent wear or peening of the plunger. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056396 | ANTI-THEFT PIN TUMBLER LOCK - An anti-theft pin tumbler lock includes a lock core and a lock body having a bore and at least one first bore. The lock core includes a keyway mounted therein, and one second bore formed therein and aligned with at least one first bore. One spring, one pin and one tumbler are sequentially received in the first and second bores and blocked using one plug. At least one second bore is configured in a stepped form, in which a diameter of one end is larger than that of another one, and the tumbler is configured in a corresponding form, in which the relative large diameter end thereof lies in the larger diameter second bore, while the relative small diameter end lies in the smaller diameter bore. An anti-bump space between the smaller diameter end and the end of the second bore adjacent to keyway is created. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056397 | NITROGEN CONTAINING FERTILIZER FOR PLANT GROWTH - The present invention relates to a nitrogen containing fertilizer for plant growth and intended to be administered to growth substrate either alone or in mixture with other fertilizers. The invention is characterised in that the fertilizer is comprised of the L-form of a basic protein amino acid or its salt. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056398 | Wheel Reconditioning Method and Apparatus - A wheel reconditioning apparatus provided. The wheel reconditioning apparatus includes a support frame upon which a base support plate is attached. A rotatable adapter plate is supported on the base support plate by a precision bearing for supporting the rotation of the adapter plate about the vertical axis of a mounted wheel. Adjustable chucks are set in place on the adapter plate. The disfigured wheel is mounted on the adjustable chucks and held in place by the chucks during the reconditioning process. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056399 | METHOD FOR EXECUTING WATER JET PEENING - A method for executing water jet peening for giving an impact force to a surface of a structure member by a crushing pressure of a water jet and cavitation and improving residual stress, or washing, or reforming said surface, | 2009-03-05 |
20090056400 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING STEPPED HOLLOW SHAFTS OR STEPPED CYLINDRICAL HOLLOW MEMBERS BY TRANSVERSE ROLLING - The invention relates to a method and a device for transversely rolling stepped hollow shafts or cylindrical hollow parts from a pipe. The invention achieves the object of rolling stepped hollow shafts of the most varied dimensions and also of greater lengths in a flexible manner from a pipe using a small number of simple tools. In accordance with the invention, the object is achieved by virtue of the fact that rolling tools which can be radially advanced and are disposed in a planet-like manner around the workpiece are used to roll the contour of the transition from a central diameter in one portion of the workpiece to the central diameter in the adjacent portion by means of co-ordinated control of the radial advance of the rolling tools and the axial feed of the workpiece, and a mandrel head having an outer diameter which is adapted to the smallest inner diameter of the two portions is disposed underneath the rolling tools. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056401 | WIRE BENDING MACHINE COMBINING A SEQUENTIAL SHAPING DEVICE AND A DEVICE USING A TOOL PLATE - The invention concerns a machine for automatically shaping components via different types of bending provided in a common plane or different planes. The machine includes a first device for performing a sequential shaping with standard tools by individual bending, and a second device using a tool plate. Both devices are managed by a single digital control. The method for controlling such a machine is characterized in that digital control provides the possibility for producing a blank of a component by individual bending on the first device followed by transfer of the component on the second device for finishing the component. Digital control provides the possibility of shaping one part of the component on the first device and shaping the remaining parts on the second device. The digital control also provides the possibility of using each machine alone and the possibility of using both machines for producing the same component. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056402 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR SHAPING METAL SHEETS - A material shaping tool having a base, a clamping assembly, and a ram assembly. The base includes a material segment supporting surface for receiving a material thereupon. The clamping assembly includes a clamping surface, and is moveable between a cleared position and a clamping position, wherein in the clamping position a material segment is held between the clamping surface and the transport assembly. The ram assembly is configured to be moveable within a channel in the transport assembly, and to act on an edge of the material segment so as to shape the edge of the material segment and/or to straighten the edge of the material to within acceptable tolerances. Alternatively, the shaping structure can impart a desired shape or distortion into the edge of the material segment. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056403 | METHOD OF HOT STAMPING METAL PARTS - A method of producing a stamped composite part, the method comprising spot welding two or more metal component parts to each other to hold the component parts in a selected position as a composite part, heating the composite part, and stamping the composite part into a desired shape. The invention also contemplates the further step of welding the two or more metal component parts to each other in the composite part. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056404 | TRANSFORMABLE METAL SURFACE HARDENING METHOD - A method of metal surface hardening treatment inducing transformation, in which transformation is induced in a surface interior of material as hardening treatment object by simple, rapid treatment utilizing a frictional heat under pressure without the occurrence of melt loss, quench crack, soft spot, deformation, etc. to thereby reform the structure of surface interior of material as hardening treatment object into a miniaturized martensitic structure. The method of surface hardening treatment comprised the steps of while rotating nearly cylindrical pressurization tool ( | 2009-03-05 |
20090056405 | METHOD OF MACHINING METALLIC TUBES - A method of machining a tube includes performing an obverse drawing process to the tube, where the obverse drawing process draws the tube in an obverse drawing direction from a first end toward a second end of the tube. The tube is turned around to perform a reverse drawing process, where the reverse drawing process draws the tube in a reverse drawing direction from the second end toward the first end of the tube. The obverse and the reverse drawing processes are alternately performed until the tube is thinned to a desired thickness. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056406 | ARTICULATED BENDING BRAKE FOR SHEET METAL FORMING - A bottom tool/bending die for use in sheet metal forming. The bottom tool includes a pair of movable dies that provide substantially continuous support of a work piece as it is being deformed. Each die includes an upper surface configured to contact the work piece and having an inner and an outer edge. As the die moves in the tool, the inner edge of the upper surface is closer to a center of rotation of the die than the outer edge. In some embodiments, the upper surfaces of the dies are shaped so that a fixed separation is maintained between the inner edges of the dies as they rotate. In at least one embodiment, sector gears are used to control the motion of the dies. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056407 | Automotive repair tool with detachable striker - An automotive repair tool for performing general automotive mechanic and body work, and specifically adapted for restoring old vehicles, and for repairing dents and chiseling off bolt heads and screws includes a ratchet extension having a first striker end and a second tool end, a striker detachably securable to the first striker end for receiving the hammer blows thereby avoiding damage and distortion to that end of the ratchet extension, and a plurality of auto body work tools interchangeably attachable to the second end of the ratchet extension with the ratchet extension coming in various lengths to accommodate different repair sites and areas on the automotive vehicle and the ratchet extension capable of being used as a standard ratchet mechanism when not utilized for auto body work and restoration. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056408 | PORTABLE METERED FLOW APPARATUS FOR CALIBRATION/BUMP TESTING - A portable metered flow apparatus for accurately providing calibration gas from a calibration gas source to a gas monitoring instrument in order to permit calibration/bump testing of the instrument comprising a regulator and a gas delivery device that includes a solenoid valve, an electronic timing circuit, means for providing power to the solenoid valve and the electronic timing circuit, a power switch for activating the electronic timing circuit, means for activating the release of calibration gas; and optionally one or more LED lights. A method for calibration/bump testing of a gas monitoring device utilizing the portable metered flow apparatus is also provided. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056409 | Gasless calibration in metabolic gas analyzers - A method of calibrating a metabolic analyzer incorporating an oxygen analyzer and a NDIR carbon dioxide analyzer in the field that does not require the use of gas cylinders containing gases of known concentration is described. In calibrating the CO | 2009-03-05 |
20090056410 | Self diagnostic measurement method to detect microbridge null drift and performance - A self-diagnostic measurement method to detect microbridge null drift and performance. An ASIC can be designed to include a self-diagnostic feature that automatically occurs at start up or upon command in Normal Operation whereby the temperature compensated microbridge null can be measured in a state of very low thermal energy and allows for the tracking of microbridge null stability versus time. An Airflow Combi-Sensor ASIC (Heimdal) with its strategic partner ZMD can be developed and can be implemented in the form of a self-diagnostic feature that occurs when power is first applied to the ASIC or upon command. When the self-diagnostic is initiated, power is removed and after the electronics have settled, a small power can be applied to the microbridge to measure the bridge null with reduced sensitivity to flow due to self-heating. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056411 | CALIBRATING AN ACCELEROMETER - To calibrate an accelerometer, a seismic cable that carries the accelerometer is rotated. Data measured by the accelerometer as the seismic cable is rotated is received, and at least one calibration parameter according to the received data is computed. The at least one calibration parameter is for use in calibrating the accelerometer. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056412 | METHOD FOR CALIBRATION OF MEASURING EQUIPMENT AND MEASURING EQUIPMENT - A method for the calibration of measuring equipment, and measuring equipment. The measuring equipment comprises at least one first sensor, at least one second sensor and at least one reference piece. When the measuring equipment is calibrated, a moving web is supported against the reference piece and the reference piece with the moving web supported thereto is moved to different distances from the first sensor and the second sensor. Further, a distance between the first sensor and the moving web and a distance between the second sensor and the reference piece is measured at least for two different distances, and the first sensor and the second sensor are calibrated to be uniform in relation to the movement of the reference piece. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056413 | Method And System For Predicting Gas Turbine Emissions Utilizing Meteorological Data - A method and system for determining gas turbine emissions utilizing meteorological data is provided. The method and system may include at least one emissions prediction system. The method and system may also predict at least one meteorological condition. The method and system may also determine an emissions allowance. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056414 | DEGRADATION SIMULATOR FOR GAS SENSOR - The degradation simulator is used for a gas sensor including a sensor element having a solid electrolyte layer and a pair of electrodes located opposite to each other across from the solid electrolyte layer, the sensor element outputting a sensor output signal having a value depending on concentration of a specific gas in the ambient gas. The degradation simulator includes a first setting function of enabling variably setting a time constant delay which appears on the sensor output signal when concentration of the specific gas changes, a second setting function of enabling variably setting a dead time delay which appears on the sensor output signal when concentration of the specific gas changes, and an adding function of adding at least one of the time constant delay and dead time delay to the sensor output signal in order to generate a pseudo-degraded sensor output signal in accordance with an external instruction. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056415 | METHOD OF MEASURING HYDROGEN CONCENTRATION IN MEMBER AND DEVICE OF MEASURING HYDROGEN CONCENTRATION - An art of hydrogen concentration measurement in which the hydrogen concentration of any given location of an object to be measured can be nondestructively obtained is provided. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056416 | Ceramic Particulate Matter Sensor With Low Electrical Leakage - A ceramic particulate matter sensor to measure particulate matter within an exhaust stream. The particulate matter sensor includes a high voltage electrode on a first conductive layer and a detection electrode on a second conductive layer within a stack of ceramic layers. The stack of ceramic layers is bonded as a single rigid structure. The detection electrode generates a measurement of particulate matter within an exhaust stream. The particulate matter sensor also includes an insulating material positioned adjacent to the second conductive layer to insulate the detection electrode from another conductive layer within the stack of ceramic layers. The particulate matter sensor also includes an electrical heater to burn off an accumulation of contaminating particulate matter from at least one electrode of the high voltage and detection electrodes. The particulate matter sensor also includes means for substantially preventing electrical leakage through the insulating material to the second conductive layer. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056417 | PARTICULATE MONITOR - A particulate monitor includes a housing, an air-moving device coupled to the housing, and an air passageway disposed at least partially within the housing. The air-moving device is operable to create an airflow through the air passageway. The particulate monitor also includes a real-time measuring device positioned at least partially within the housing and in fluid communication with the air passageway and a particulate collection device positioned at least partially within the housing and in fluid communication with the air passageway. The collection device is positioned downstream of the real-time measuring device. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056418 | Method and System for Groundwater Contaminant Monitoring - A method and system for groundwater contaminant monitoring is described. Groundwater is pumped to a stage above the groundwater table where at least a portion of the groundwater is vaporized. The vapor is sampled using cavity ring down spectrometer and the measured vapor concentration of a contaminant is converted to a liquid contaminant concentration. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056419 | HIGH EFFICIENCY, LOW LOSS NO TO NO2 CATALYTIC CONVERTER - Provided herein are catalytic converters that have improved characteristics. According to various embodiments, the converters include high surface area catalyst supports conformally coated with nanoparticulate thin films of a catalyst (e.g., Pt, Pd and Rh). The films are continuous, preventing absorption of species within the converter on the catalyst support. The converters provide higher oxidation efficiency than conventional catalytic converters, in certain embodiments approaching the stoichiometric ratio for the reaction. The converters also provide minimal loss of chemical species within the converter. Also provided are novel methods of fabricating catalytic converters that involve atomic layer deposition of Pt or other catalyst on the support, as well as methods and devices for sensing NO in samples that involve catalytic conversion of NO to NO2. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056420 | Percolation test timer - A device to aid in the testing procedure for soil percolation used in the design of septic systems. The device is used to measure the rapidity of a change of water surface elevation. The device comprises one or more timers ( | 2009-03-05 |
20090056421 | Residual Liquid Quantity Detecting Method - A residual liquid quantity detecting method capable of accurately detecting the residual quantity of liquid without relying upon visual observation, preventing overfill at the time of refilling. A residual liquid quantity detecting method for a liquid supply container ( | 2009-03-05 |
20090056422 | SALOMETER AND FLOW RATE SENSOR ASSEMBLY - A salometer and flow rate sensor assembly for a water softener system including a brine tank containing a brine solution including at least one sensor housing provided in the brine tank, a first detector set associated with the housing and configured for indicating whether the brine solution is adequately concentrated and a second detector set associated with the housing and configured for measuring the brine solution flow rate during brine draw and refill cycles of regeneration. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056423 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTERFACIAL RHEOMETRY - An apparatus and method for performing rheological measurements of interfaces located at the top of fluid sub-phases. In one configuration, a rotating rheometer is provided with a chamber wall whose inner surface defines an outer chamber radius and an inner cylinder disposed within the cylindrical chamber and having an inner chamber radius. The rotating rheometer is configured to hold a liquid sub-phase and interface layer that can be probed using a circular ribbon that is concentric with and suspended between the inner cylinder and chamber wall. The ratio of the ribbon radius, inner chamber radius, and outer chamber radius is designed to yield an average shear rate in the inner region that is the same as an average shear rate in the outer region. In one configuration, an interface-pinning feature is provided on at least one of the inner cylinder and the chamber wall. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056424 | Microscope Rheometer for Measuring Shear and Compression Properties of Biological Samples - A microscope rheometer for measuring shear and compression properties of biological samples is disclosed. The apparatus allows a sample of biological tissue to be strained controllably while fluorescently stained cells, or other markers, within the material are imaged with a fluorescence microscope and the applied forces are measured with a strain gauge. Using the rheometer, it is possible to obtain the shear and compression stiffness of a material as a function of position. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056425 | Freezing a Microfluidic Chip - A method for preparing a microfluidic chip is described, the microfluidic chip comprising a micro-channel system with at least one micro-channel. The method comprises supplying one or more fluids to at least one predefined section of the micro-channel system or to the whole micro-channel system, and freezing the entire microfluidic chip by exposing the microfluidic chip to a temperature below −5° C., wherein the one or more fluids contained in the micro-channel system are frozen solid. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056426 | Apparatus, System and Method for Remediation of Contamination - An apparatus, system and method for removing and treating contaminated materials on a bottom of a body of water and introducing growth packets to revitalize the treated bottom of the body of water. The structure may comprise a vessel with an open face. The vessel may be lowered down to the bottom of the body of water with the face facing down. As a result, the vessel and the bottom form an isolated space. The structure may comprise at least one agitating device(s) for stirring up the materials inside the vessel so as to form a mixture containing the sediment materials which in turn contain the contaminants. Multiple at least one pipe(s) may be coupled to the vessel for transporting the mixture out of the vessel for processing (filtering, treating with chemicals, etc.) so as to neutralize or eliminate the contaminants in the mixture. Then, the treated mixture can be returned to the inside of the vessel via the at least one pipe(s). | 2009-03-05 |
20090056427 | Methods and instruments for materials testing - Methods and instruments for characterizing a material, such as the properties of bone in a living human subject, using a test probe constructed for insertion into the material and a reference probe aligned with the test probe in a housing. The housing is hand held or placed so that the reference probe contacts the surface of the material under pressure applied either by hand or by the weight of the housing. The test probe is inserted into the material to indent the material while maintaining the reference probe substantially under the hand pressure or weight of the housing allowing evaluation of a property of the material related to indentation of the material by the probe. Force can be generated by a voice coil in a magnet structure to the end of which the test probe is connected and supported in the magnet structure by a flexure, opposing flexures, a linear translation stage, or a linear bearing. Optionally, a measurement unit containing the test probe and reference probe is connected to a base unit with a wireless connection, allowing in the field material testing. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056428 | CANTILEVER PROBE AND APPLICATIONS OF THE SAME - A method of fabricating a nanoscale cantilever probe. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of forming a cantilever having a tip vertically extending from an end portion of the cantilever, where the tip has an apex portion having a size in a range of about 1-1000 nm, and selectively doping the cantilever with a dopant to define a first doping region in the tip and a second doping region in the rest of the cantilever, where the dopant concentration of the first doping region is substantially lower than that of the second doping region. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056429 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COLLECTING CRANKSHAFT POSITION DATA - A method for collecting crankshaft position data includes rotating a crankshaft of an engine within a selected angular velocity range without any fuel being applied to the engine and measuring crankshaft position data. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056430 | WEAK REFUEL DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VIRTUAL FLEX FUEL SENSOR SYSTEM - The present disclosure, in one implementation, is directed to a method of estimating composition of fuel in the fuel tank of a vehicle. A refuel event is detected. A determination is made whether a volume of fuel added to the fuel tank satisfies a first threshold. A fuel composition estimation is suspended if the refuel event satisfies the first threshold. A total volume of fuel is accumulated based on a plurality of refuel events satisfying the first threshold. A new fuel composition is estimated based on the accumulated total volume of fuel satisfying a second threshold. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056431 | TESTING STRUT ASSEMBLY - A method of testing a steerable wheel assembly incorporating a shock absorber strut, comprising providing a combined linear and rotary actuator, engaging a lower end of the assembly with the actuator so that the line of linear action of the actuator is aligned with the line of compression of the strut, operating the actuator to compress the strut, and operating the actuator in a rotary sense to apply a steering torque to the assembly. A linear actuator is engageable with the assembly via a load coupling to load the strut. The load coupling comprising a first part on the actuator adapted to engage a second part on the assembly, the two parts being adapted to provide a self-aligning action as the actuator engages the assembly. Preferably, one of the two parts comprises a tapered recess formation, and the other two parts comprises a tapered projecting formation engageable in the tapered recess formation. The actuator is preferably controlled by feedback control loops, one incorporating a load sensor, another a torque sensor, which may be combined in a sensor cell located between the actuator and the load coupling. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056432 | REMOTELY OPERATED BRAKE TESTER AND METHOD OF TESTING - A brake tester and method testing brakes uses an elongated member that has an extended position and retracted position. The elongated member is installed between the brake pedal of a vehicle and a base and can be extended and retracted by a user from outside the vehicle using a remote. The tester is preferably used to test air brakes and is powered electronically and by air under pressure. The tester can be made to operate under electrical power alone, without pneumatic pressure. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056433 | SYSTEM FOR ELECTRO-STATICALLY INDICATING MOVEMENT OF TREAD - A system including a first electrode embedded in tread of a tire. The first electrode is configured for electro-statically indicating movement of the tread. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056434 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING FLUID CONTENT DOWNHOLE - Method and apparatus for estimating a downhole fluid parameter include a high-gain semiconductor light emitter device conveyed into a well borehole, a semiconductor light emitter having a gain region that produces light having a first center wavelength responsive to a selected fluid property, the semiconductor light emitter being carried by the carrier. The apparatus may include an electrical current source that applies an electrical current pulse train to the semiconductor light emitter and an analyzer device that analyses a first response of light emitted from the semiconductor light source after emitted light interacts with the fluid, the analyzed first response being used to estimate the fluid property using the first center wavelength. A current modulator modulates the electrical current pulse train to vary a temperature of the gain region to change the first center wavelength in the emitted light to a second center wavelength and a second response of the emitted light is analyzed by the analyzer device after interaction with the fluid to estimate the fluid property using the second center wavelength. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056435 | Product array and method of merchandising tissue products - An array of tissue products having: a. a first group comprising two or more tissue products, from at least two different product manufacturers, each product having an indicium representing an intensive property for softness; b. a second group comprising two or more tissue products, from at least two different product manufacturers, each product having an indicium representing the intensive property for strength or absorbency; and c. a third group of tissue products comprising two or more tissue products, from at least two different product manufacturers, each product having a lower price, to the consumer, per package of equivalent roll count than each product of the first group and the second group, of tissue products; wherein the Softness PSU of each product of the first group is greater than the Softness PSU of each product of the second group and each product of the third group; and the HFS value of each product of the second group is greater than about 65 g/sheet. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056436 | SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR MONITORING VEHICLE FUEL LEVEL - A process is provided for monitoring the amount of fuel remaining in a vehicle's storage tank, the vehicle including a fuel level sensor. The process includes the steps of searching for a refueling event, establishing a base line fuel level utilizing the fuel level sensor when a refueling event is detected, tracking fuel consumption, and calculating the amount of fuel remaining in the storage tank as a function of fuel consumption and the base line fuel level. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056437 | Liquid Level Detecting Method and Liquid Level Detecting Device - A liquid level detecting method is provided for detecting the level of a liquid at a high accuracy by performing correction by using the density of the liquid, in the case of detecting the liquid level by using a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor ( | 2009-03-05 |
20090056438 | Gage Cock Ball Valve - An apparatus for measuring the level of fluid in a vessel including a sight glass for showing the level of the fluid and a valve which includes a ball valve passageway having a ball check valve, a bypass passageway for bypassing the ball check valve and a rotatable passageway for selecting the ball valve passageway or the bypass passageway. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056439 | SENSOR FOR HUMIDITY - The present invention provides a sensor for humidity which is optimized as moisture sensitive material in basic properties such as long term stability and the like at the range of high temperature. The sensor for moisture according to the present invention is provided with a moisture sensitive film formed with polymer in which a hydrophilic group binds through at least one hydrophobic group to other hydrophilic groups. Basic properties of the sensor such as long term stability and the like is optimized by forming a moisture sensitive element provided with a moisture sensitive film formed with polymer in which the glass transition temperature is in the range of 240° C. to 500° C. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056440 | ADJUSTABLE MEASURING CUP - Adjustable measuring cups include a housing having a peripheral wall having an open upper end, an outer surface, an inner surface, and a bottom surface. The adjustable measuring cups also include a platform slidably movable within the housing, and an adjustment wheel rotatably connected to the bottom surface of the housing. The platform has an upper surface and a lower surface. A plurality of connecting rods can be connected to the adjustment wheel, and can also be connected to the lower surface of the platform. The measuring volume of an adjustable measuring cup can be defined by the open upper end, the inner surface of the housing and the upper surface of the platform. The platform slidably moves when the adjustment wheel is rotated, thereby adjusting the measuring volume of the measuring cup. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056441 | PROCESS CONDITION MEASURING DEVICE - An instrument for measuring a parameter comprises a substrate, a plurality of sensors carried by and distributed across a surface of the substrate that individually measure the parameter at different positions, an electronic processing component carried by the substrate surface, electrical conductors extending across the surface connected to the sensors and the electronic processing component, and a cover disposed over the sensors, electronic processing component and conductors. The cover and substrate have similar material properties to a production substrate processed by a substrate processing cell. The instrument has approximately the same thickness and/or flatness as the production substrate. The instrument may be subjected a substrate process and one or more parameters may be measured with the instrument during the process. The behavior of a production wafer in the substrate process may be characterized based on measurements of the parameters made with the one or more sensors. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056442 | Cap member for covering sensor unit - A cap member for covering a sensor unit such as a rotational speed sensor is composed of a cylindrical wall, a thin bottom wall and an open end to be closed with a closing member. The cap member is formed by molding a resin material. Molten resin is injected into a cavity formed by an inner die and an outer die. After the injected resin is cooled, the inner die is separated from the molded cap member. If the molded cap member adheres to the inner die, it would be difficult to separate the inner die from the cap member by pulling out the inner die in the axial direction. A structure anchoring the cap member to the outer die is formed on an outer surface of the cylindrical wall. The anchoring structure may be formed in a shape of a ring or rings surrounding the center axis of the cap member. Alternatively, the anchoring structure may be formed in a shape of a depressed groove or grooves. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056443 | DUAL-AXIS RESONATOR GYROSCOPE - The present invention discloses an improved planar, dual-axis, resonator gyroscope with mechanical coupling of adjacent vibrating members. The primary-mode flexible hinges include a tangential torsion element that largely decouples the out-of-plane resonant frequency from the wafer thickness. The use of separate plates for the force-balance and for the electric spring enables decoupling of the two functions. The invention also provides resonant frequency servo-loop for locking of the sense-mode resonant frequency to the drive-mode frequency, an online self-test, a split force balance loop for self cancellation of the quadrature signal, decoupling of the force-balance and resonant frequency servo-loops and stabilization of the inertial rate-sensing sensitivity—when operated in an open loop mode, all without interfering with the normal operation of the gyroscope. An optional sensing of the Z-axis acceleration perpendicular to the sensor plane is also provided which can be used for compensating acceleration-induced errors. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056444 | ANGULAR VELOCITY DETECTING DEVICE - A high-performance angular rate detecting device is provided. A driving part including a drive frame and a Coriolis frame is levitated by at least two fixing beams which share a fixed end and are extending in a direction orthogonal to a driving direction, thereby vibrating the driving part. Even when a substrate is deformed by mounting or heat fluctuation, internal stress generated to the fixed beam and a supporting beam is small, thereby maintaining a vibrating state such as resonance frequency and vibration amplitude constant. Therefore, a high-performance angular rate detecting device which is robust to changes in mounting environment can be obtained. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056445 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MEASURING THE DYNAMIC INTERACTION BETWEEN BODIES - The invention relates to a device for measuring the dynamic interaction, in particular power transfer and work performed, between a first and a second body, in particular during relatively random movements. The device comprises a housing in which at least one kinematic sensor and at least one kinetic sensor is arranged, in addition to processing means for processing the signals from the sensors, and communication means for data exchange with the outside world. The invention also relates to a method for measuring the dynamic interaction between a first and a second body, and a carrier provided with a number of devices according to the invention. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056446 | Multiple-axis sensor package and method of assembly - A multiple-axis sensor package and method of assembling a multiple-axis sensor package are provided. The package includes a first accelerometer for sensing acceleration in a first sensing axis. The package also includes a second substrate having a second accelerometer for sensing acceleration in a second sensing axis. The package further includes one or more bent lead connectors connecting the first substrate to the second substrate, wherein the one or more bent lead connectors are bent so that the first sensing axis is different than the second sensing axis. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056447 | Fiber optic MEMS seismic sensor with mass supported by hinged beams - The present invention relates to an optic seismic MEMS sensor. More specifically, a proof mass is supported by a frame having supporting beams. The proof mass is positioned within the frame and has a hinged attachment to the beams. The proof mass has a sensor gap having a first reflector and a second reflector positioned at opposing ends of the sensor gap. An optical fiber injects light into the sensor gap and light is reflected to determine seismic movement of the proof mass with respect to the frame. Stops are provided for limiting the movement of the proof mass to minimize strain on the attachment of the beams and the proof mass. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056448 | BIDIRECTIONAL READOUT CIRCUIT FOR DETECTING DIRECTION AND AMPLITUDE OF CAPACITIVE MEMS ACCELEROMETERS - There is provided a bidirectional readout circuit for detecting direction and amplitude of an oscillation sensed at a capacitive microelectromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer, the bidirectional readout circuit converting capacitance changes of the capacitive MEMS accelerometer into a time change amount by using high resolution capacitance-to-time conversion technology and outputting the time change amount as the direction and the amplitude of the oscillation by using time-to-digital conversion (TDC) technology, thereby detecting not only the amplitude of the oscillation but also the direction thereof, which is capable of being applied to various MEMS sensors. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056449 | ACCELERATION SENSING DEVICE - An acceleration sensing device includes a movable sensing member, a frame member and a supporting member. The supporting member is coupled between the movable sensing member and the frame member so as to support the movable sensing member. The acceleration sensing device further includes a covering member disposed above the movable sensing member, with a gap between the covering member and the movable sensing member. The acceleration sensing device still further includes internal electrodes, interconnection films, external electrodes and a resin film. The internal electrodes are arranged around the covering member. The interconnection films are disposed on the frame member so as to be coupled to the internal electrodes. The external electrodes are disposed on the interconnection films. The resin film is disposed on the frame member so as to seal the covering member. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056450 | ACCELERATION SENSOR - An acceleration sensor includes a detection element having a plurality of piezoelectric ceramic layers laminated together and a pair of retaining members that retain an end portion of the detection element in a longitudinal direction thereof at two principal surfaces of the end portion. The detection element includes electrodes between the ceramic layers and on principal surfaces. The detection element obtains a voltage or a charge generated in the detection element in response to an application of acceleration from the principal-surface electrodes and the interlayer electrodes. The piezoelectric ceramic layers are not polarized in areas between the principal-surface electrodes and the interlayer electrodes within a retaining area in which the detection element is retained by the retaining members. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056451 | Ultrasonic sensor assembly and method - An ultrasonic point level measurement instrument comprises a measurement circuit and a transducer. The transducer transmits and receives acoustic signals under control of the measurement circuit. An improvement in the transducer comprises a transducer housing including a pair of spaced apart legs to define a gap therebetween. Each leg includes an interior cavity. A pair of crystal assemblies each comprise a crystal mounted to a circuit board. The circuit board includes conduction paths for connection between the crystal and a terminal pad. Each crystal assembly is received in the interior cavity of one of the legs with the circuit board spacing the crystal from walls of the leg. A pair of cables are each connected between the measurement circuit and the terminal pad of one of the crystal assemblies so that the measurement circuit detects presence of a material in the gap. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056452 | ACOUSTIC WAVE SENSOR SYSTEM - An acoustic wave sensor can be used to sense a liquid's properties such as temperature, corrosivity, density, and viscosity. Degraded measurements result when changes in one property are confused with changes in a different property. A rigid coating can minimize amount of measurement degradation due to viscosity changes in the liquid. A visco-elastic-interaction curve can be used to find the ideal thickness of the rigid coating, called the constant Q thickness. A visco-elastic-interaction curve relates the sensor Q to rigid coating thickness for a specific combination of sensor, liquid, and coating material. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056453 | SHEAR MODULUS ESTIMATION BY APPLICATION OF SPATIALLY MODULATED IMPULSE ACOUSTIC RADIATION FORCE APPROXIMATION - A method for determining a shear modulus of an elastic material with a known density value is provided. In this method, a spatially modulated acoustic radiation force is used to initially generate a disturbance of known spatial frequency or wavelength. The propagation of this initial displacement as a shear wave is measured using ultrasound tracking methods. A temporal frequency is determined based on the shear wave. The shear modulus of the elastic material at the point of excitation may be calculated using the values of the spatial wavelength, material density, and temporal frequency. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056454 | System and methods to determine and monitor changes in microstructural properties - The present invention is directed to a system and methods with changes in microstructure properties such as grain size, grain elongation, texture, and porosity, of materials can be determined and monitored over time to assess conditions such as stress and defects. The present invention includes a database of data, wherein a first set of data is used for comparison with a second set of data to determine the conditions of the material microstructure. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056455 | INSPECTION APPARATUS AND INSPECTION METHOD USING ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE - The present invention is to provide inspection apparatus and method of being able to acquire electromagnetic wave response information of an inspection object at high speed as average information using an electromagnetic wave. An inspection apparatus using an electromagnetic wave | 2009-03-05 |
20090056456 | Orientation aware sensor - A sensor for detecting a parameter of an object includes a probe, a first sensing member for detecting the parameter of an object to be sensed and a second sensing member for determining an orientation of the probe relative to the object to be sensed. The second sensing member communicates the orientation of the probe to a data acquisition device to minimize data analysis errors associated with inaccurate orientation information. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056457 | Vibrator Table Frame - In a preferred embodiment, a vibrator table apparatus includes a primary table member driven by at least two vibrators, having upper and lower surfaces and defining x and y axes. The improvement of this embodiment includes at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the primary table member defining an opening for each of a first plurality of substantially parallel channels and an opening for each of a second plurality of substantially parallel channels substantially perpendicular to the first plurality of channels. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056458 | VIBRATION TEST DEVICE - A vibration test device for an electronic device ( | 2009-03-05 |
20090056459 | TEMPERATURE COMPENSATING PRESSURE SENSOR HAVING CORRUGATED ACTIVE MEMBRANE - A temperature compensating pressure sensor comprises a substrate having sealed channels on which is deposited a CMOS layer; a conductive layer and a passivation layer deposited on the CMOS layer; a conductive active membrane spaced from the conductive layer to form an active chamber, the conductive active membrane having a corrugated cross section; a conductive reference membrane spaced from the conductive layer to form a reference chamber; and a cap which covers the membranes, said cap exposing the active membrane to an outside fluid pressure. The active membrane deflects due to differential stresses so that an active capacitance is developed between the active membrane and the conductive layer depending on the electrical permittivity e of the fluid, with the reference membrane providing a temperature compensating reference capacitance. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056460 | TEMPERATURE COMPENSATING PRESSURE SENSOR - A temperature compensating pressure sensor arrangement includes a capacitive pressure sensor having a substrate carrying CMOS layers. A conductive membrane is arranged on the substrate and defines a reference chamber such that capacitance changes resulting from displacement of the conductive membrane can be converted to pressure change values. A cap covers the conductive membrane and has openings to permit pressure changes to be detected by the conductive membrane. A capacitive temperature sensor is operatively arranged with respect to the capacitive pressure sensor and has a conductive membrane arranged on the substrate and defines a reference chamber such that capacitance changes resulting from displacement of the conductive membrane can be converted to temperature change values. The conductive member defining openings and cap covers and seals the conductive membrane from an external environment. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056461 | Signal transmission system - A single wire interface for a transducer transmits the transducer output as a frequency modulated signal over one single wire during one interval. During a second interval a reference signal is transmitted as a frequency modulated signal. Both the transducer output and the reference signal output are processed by the same circuitry during the respective intervals to provide both frequency modulated signals. The frequencies of the two signals are measured and then the ratio of the two periods which is the reciprocal of the two frequencies is calculated. This ratio is the direct measure of the output of the transducer and when provided eliminates sources of errors. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056462 | MANUFACTURING METHOD OF PRESSURE SENSOR AND PRESSURE SENSOR - A manufacturing method of a pressure sensor that includes a pressure detector having a bottomed cylindrical member with a bottom including a thin-wall portion and a strain detecting mechanism provided on one side of the bottom for detecting a strain of the bottom and a pressure-introducing joint for introducing the fluid to be measured into the bottomed cylindrical member is provided. The method includes: first welding for butt-welding an end of the cylindrical portion of the bottomed cylindrical member and an end of the pressure-introducing joint; and second welding for welding the pressure-introducing joint in parallel to a first weld bead formed by the first welding. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056463 | Semiconductor Pressure Sensor and Method for Manufacturing Semiconductor Pressure Sensor - A semiconductor pressure sensor includes a diaphragm; a resistor provided on a top surface of the diaphragm; an insulating film formed on the diaphragm and the resistor having a penetrating part exposing a top surface of the resistor; and a wiring pattern formed from the top surface of the resistor exposed by the penetrating part to a top surface of the insulating film; wherein a distance between a first crossing part where a plane orthogonal to the top surface of the diaphragm meets a top end of a side plane of the penetrating part and a second crossing part where the plane orthogonal to the top surface of the diaphragm meets a bottom of the side plane of the penetrating part is equal or greater than a thickness of the insulating film by a factor of a square root of two. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056464 | PIRANI PRESSURE GAUGE - A Pirani pressure gauge comprises a heated, coiled sensing element formed from an alloy comprising platinum and iridium, for example, 90/10 Pt/Ir. This enables the gauge to be deployed in a corrosive environment and reliably measure pressures as low as 10 | 2009-03-05 |
20090056465 | MAT FOR PRESSURE MEASUREMENT AND A BODY INFORMATION ACQUISITION DEVICE - When the distribution of the pressure applied to a mat is measured, a plurality of detection units is established in the air mat and the sensor for measuring the pressure applied to the air mat is needed to be provided for each detection unit. The mat for pressure measurement | 2009-03-05 |
20090056466 | Active temperature differential compensation for strain gage based sensors - An active temperature differential compensation for strain gage based sensors. An array of temperature sensors can be placed at the gage locations to measure the difference in temperature that induces strain on the strain gages. The output of the temperature sensor network can be placed in series with the strain gage network to directly compensate the induced voltage caused by the temperature gradient and/or employed as the input of a mathematical algorithm that can compensate the output from the strain gage bridge to dynamically correct unwanted thermally induced strain in the strain gages. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056467 | Method and System for Evaluating Rod Breakout Based on Tong Pressure Data - A method for evaluating rod quality and wellbore dynamics includes receiving information about the rod size and tong type for a rod pulling operation. Expected breakout pressures can be determined based on the rod size and/or tong type and can be input into an evaluation system. Upper and lower limits for acceptable rod breakout pressures can be calculated based on the expected breakout pressure and/or rod size. Actual rod breakout pressures can be evaluated while pulling rods from a well and compared to the upper and lower limits. Rod breakout pressures below the lower limit or above the upper limit can generate an alarm notifying a rig operator to evaluate the condition of the rod to determine if the rod can be reused. The rod breakout pressures can be recorded as breakout pressure data for further evaluation, including determinations of improper rod make-up and poor well conditions. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056468 | FORMING LIMIT STRAIN ANALYSIS - In the computed-based analysis of forming processes, for example, manufacturing sheet metal parts for the automobile industry, the material loading is represented by major and minor strains ε | 2009-03-05 |
20090056469 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING FAILURE MODE IN A SHEAR OR PULL TEST DEVICE - A method and apparatus for determining a mode of failure of a bond between an electrically conductive ball deposit and a substrate when breaking the ball deposit off of the substrate. The method and apparatus utilize tool force and displacement values to plot a force/displacement curve. The force/displacement curve is used to calculate the energy necessary to break the ball deposit off of the substrate. The energy value of a portion of a force/displacement curve is selected by reference to a peak force. In one preferred embodiment, this energy value is compared with a predetermined reference energy value to indicate a mode of failure. The peak force is preferably the maximum peak force, hi the preferred embodiment, the method and apparatus distinguish between a ductile failure mode and a brittle failure mode. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056470 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE TORSION TESTING - A test device comprises a base and a first fixture coupled to the base. The first fixture holds a first portion of an electronic device mounted in the test device. The test device includes a second fixture rotatably coupled to the base and a lever coupled to the second fixture. The second fixture holds a second portion of the electronic device mounted in the test device. The test device also includes an actuator that forcibly moves the lever to rotate the second fixture and apply a torsion stress on the electronic device mounted in the test device. The test device may be used to test the functionality of electronic devices, such as small form-factor disc drives, while under torsion stresses. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056471 | Magnetic induction flowmeter having a plastic measuring tube - A magnetic induction flowmeter has a plastic measuring tube ( | 2009-03-05 |
20090056472 | ADAPTOR FOR FLOW SENSOR - In an adaptor for a flow sensor, a tubular body is adapted to allow respiratory gas to pass through. At least one fluid-resistant member is disposed in the tubular body. At least two pairs of first passages are formed in the fluid-resistant member and adapted to lead out pressures at two positions in the tubular body which are to be detected by the flow sensor. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056473 | TORQUE SENSOR FOR A STEERING WHEEL - A torque sensor for a steering wheel with a center axis has an input member, an output member, the input and output members being rotatable about the common center axis, and a spring member that is arranged in a flow of force between the input member and the output member, the spring member is configured as a flat spring member extending in a plane perpendicular to the center axis. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056474 | Electric power steering system - In an electric power assisting system for a vehicle, a control unit receives an input shaft rotation angle detected by an input shaft rotation angle sensor and an output shaft rotation angle detected by an output shaft rotation angle sensor. The control unit controls rotation of a motor based on the detected two rotation angles. The control unit differently controls the rotation of the motor whether torque is applied from a steering wheel side or from a road surface side. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056475 | Seat belt comfort measuring system - A system for objective measurement of passenger comfort is provided for analysis of a wide variety of passenger safety restraint systems. Sensor arrays mounted on flexible panels are connected to a computer for data analysis. Sensor points in the panels are repetitively scanned by system software and raw data is stored for future use. A video display associated with the computer provides real time display of loadings on the sensor points. A powered form for use with the system is also disclosed. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056476 | Device and method for adjusting, measuring, and setting force - A device for setting, adjusting, and measuring a force in a system, including a first portion for measuring a system force at a first end of the device and including a measurement means, a second portion for adjusting or setting the system force at a second end of the device and including an adjustment means, a housing where the first portion corresponds to the first end of the housing and the second portion corresponds to the second end of the housing, a resilient means within the measurement means for generating a resistance force, and a visual means for indicating an amount of the system force that is related to the physical position of the adjustment means and the resistance force created by the resilient means. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056477 | DISPENSING APPARATUS, DISPENSING METHOD, AND AUTOMATIC ANALYZER - A dispensing apparatus includes a dispensing nozzle that moves between a first position and a second position. The dispensing nozzle sucks in a liquid specimen including a reagent at the first position and dispenses the liquid specimen into a vessel located at the second position. An agent applicator is located on the path of movement of the dispensing nozzle. The agent applicator applies, to the discharge end portion of the dispensing nozzle, an agent having a low affinity for the liquid specimen than the inner surface of the dispensing nozzle. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056478 | DEVICE FOR DETECTING DEFECTIVE SIEVES IN MILLING PROCESSES - Device for detecting defective sieves in milling processes, allowing to detect and warn of the passing of particles of larger size than those selected through the pre-established sieve and which takes place in a milling, cutting or shredding process or machine of products, wherein the corresponding dragging conduit of the milled product towards the respective outlet has a sampler, which is constituted by of small window wherethrough part of the product exits, falling into a special tray with a sieve, the gauge whereof having a gauge equal to that of the sieve corresponding to the milling process, that special tray diverting the larger sized particles towards a provisional tank wherein are located two detectors at different levels, to send signals that particles of larger size than that pre-established are passing. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056479 | Motor-operated valve diagnosing device - To provide a motor-operated valve diagnosing device capable of making a highly accurate diagnosis at a low cost. In a motor-operated valve diagnosing device for diagnosing a motor-operated valve having a motor-operated valve having a valve element driving part for opening and closing a valve element, and a spring cartridge which expands and contracts in proportion to a reaction force exerted thereon from the valve element driving part, a spring compression mechanism or a worm displacement measuring means is configured to be attached to the valve element driving part via an adapter. With this configuration, the spring compression mechanism and so on can be easily attached to and removed from the valve element driving part. In addition, since the spring compression mechanism and so on can be attached to the valve element driving part without any alternation of the valve element driving part, the spring compression mechanism can be shared by two or more motor-operated valves, and reduction of expense for a diagnosis of a motor-operated valve and improvement in accuracy of diagnosis can be achieved. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056480 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING MINERAL CONTENT - Determination of the mineral content of a sample by suspending a needle at its center of mass horizontally above the sample is provided. In doing this, the needle will rotate or swing back and forth along an arc of defined starting and ending positions in a horizontal plane. Samples of different mineral content will cause the needle to swing back and forth along a similar arc but with different defined starting and ending positions. By recording the starting and ending positions of the arc for known samples a chart is compiled that can be used to make a determination of the mineral content of unknown samples. An apparatus and method of using the same is also provided. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056481 | PELVIS ASSEMBLY FOR DUMMY MODEL - A pelvis assembly for a dummy includes a pelvic plate attached to a lumbar region of the dummy, and one of more pelvic units, attached to the pelvic plate to transmit motion from a femur bar of the dummy to the plate. Each pelvic unit includes a hip joint, attached to the femur bar; a rotary axle, a first end of which is attached to the hip joint, and which is disposed laterally, to rotate together with the hip joint when the femur bar pivots vertically; and one or more pelvic angle adjusters, installed near a second end of the rotary axle, to transmit rotation of the rotary axle to the pelvic plate, thereby changing a vertical angle of the pelvic plate. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056482 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ACHIEVING A SPECIFIC TRANSMISSION, AND BEARING HOUSING - A method and a system for effecting a specific transmission ratio in a motor vehicle between a first shaft of a gearbox and that a shaft of a power take-off, wherein rotary motion is transmitted from a first motion-transmitting element on the first shaft to a third motion-transmitting element on the third power take-off shaft via a second motion-transmitting element situated between them. The method and the system are characterised in that the motion-transmitting element is selected with a diameter such that it is situated at a predetermined first between-centres distance from the second motion-transmitting element which is substantially equal to a second between-centres distance (y) between the first and second motion-transmitting elements. The present invention also relates to a bearing bracket which at least partly houses the motion-transmitting element and which is characterised by at least one spacing element intended to be situated between the flange and the gearbox. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056483 | Sliding Rail Structure for Use in Cuckoo Clocks - A sliding rail structure for use in cuckoo clocks comprises a base including a guiding member provided thereon and having an elongated sliding piece correspondingly fixed thereon, the sliding piece including a rack mounted on one side thereof, and including an engaging recess formed on the front end thereof for inserting a stem of a cuckoo element, characterized in a casing and a housing are fixed onto the base for pressing against the two sides of the sliding piece, respectively, thus obtaining a stable reciprocating movement of the sliding piece, and the guiding member further includes an elongated slot formed at the center thereof, a peg is extendedly arranged on the bottom of the sliding piece for being fitted into the guide slot of the guiding member, and for screwing a confining element therein, thereby preventing the disengagement of said sliding piece for causing a stopping effect. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056484 | Image forming apparatus - A reciprocating-motion converting mechanism includes a cam that rotates around a rotation center; a reciprocating member that is reciprocated due to rotation of the cam; and a pressing unit that presses the reciprocating member to the cam. A first load torque is generated by a load applied at a point of contact of the cam and the reciprocating motion member. A load applying unit applies a load to the cam to generate a second load torque having a phase substantially opposite to a phase of the first load torque. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056485 | Method of Connecting and Fixing Ball Screw Shaft to Motor Shaft | 2009-03-05 |
20090056486 | Variable Transmission for a Motor Vehicle - A variable speed transmission including a housing, a frusto-conical gear having a hollow extending longitudinally through the gear and a plurality of spaced teeth on an inner and/or outer surface thereof. The plurality of spaced apart teeth include alternately teeth having a first addendum and teeth having a second or larger addendum. The transmission also includes a power shaft and a plurality of sliding face gears adapted to engage an input gear from an engine and a drive gear for engaging the frusto-conical gear. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056487 | FASTENER FOR RELEASABLE BINDING OF PLURAL ITEMS OF VARIOUS SIZES AND NUMBER WITH ADJUSTABLE TENSION - A fastener device is disclosed for binding together items of varying size and number in a releasable fashion. The binding tension is adjustable. A flexible elongated gear or rack is connected at a first end to a rotational gear and rack guide housing. The gear housing includes guide apertures for passing the second end of the rack through the gear housing for engagement with a round gear or pinion mounted in the housing wherein teeth of the pinion engage the teeth of the rack. The pinion is operatively connected to an adjustment wheel or lever that can cause rotation of the pinion. A pawl operatively connected to the gear housing operatively engages either the rack or the pinion to block relative movement of the pinion and the rack when the rack and pinion are engaged. Optional spring tensioning of the pawl can limit maximum tension of the binding and/or permit rapid release of the binding without damage to the device and/or the items being bound together. The flexible rack may be formed with a curve to facilitate insertion of the second end into the gear housing. In an optional embodiment, the second end of the rack may be inserted into the gear housing and include a stop flange to keep the rack being pulled out of the gear housing. | 2009-03-05 |
20090056488 | SPIRAL-TOOTHED GEAR WHEEL FOR RACK AND PINION STEERING - A spiral-toothed gear wheel for a rack and pinion steering. The spiral-toothed gear wheel includes a pinion, which meshes on the power take-off side with a toothed rack, and a spiral-toothed gear, which is arranged on the pinion on the drive side in such a way that they rotate in unison, and on which a torque caused by a steering power or/and steering assist power acts. The spiral-toothed gear is designed as a built-up gear and includes a gear rim, which is arranged, relative to the axial direction of the gear or of the pinion thereof, between two flanges. The gear rim is pushed over a hub formed at one of the flanges and is fitted together with the flanges in a positive-locking manner. One of the flanges, namely, the flange having the hub for the gear rim, is made in one piece with the pinion. | 2009-03-05 |