Measuring and testing inventions 10/07

20070245800 - Inertial measurement system and method with sensor bias cancellation: Inertial measurement system and method in which a gyroscope is periodically dithered about an axis perpendicular to its input axis, a signal from the gyroscope is delayed to provide a delayed signal which lags the gyroscope signal by one-half of the dithering period, and the delayed signal and the signal... Agent: Edward S. Wright

20070245802 - Asm output ultrasonic oxygen sensor: A gas measuring method, apparatus and system for measuring a concentration of a gas of interest is disclosed. The gas concentration is based on a propagation delay of a sonic or ultrasonic wave as the wave travels through the gas. The propagation delay is measured such that delay contributions from... Agent: Don W. Bulson (parker Hannifin) Renner, Otto, Boisselle & Sklar, LLP

20070245803 - Oxygen sensor with a protective layer: An exhaust gas sensor comprises a planar sensing element, which comprises a ceramic heater, a solid electrolyte electrochemical cell, and a protection layer for the sensing electrode and electrode leads. The protection layer comprises built-in arrays of porous vias.... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070245807 - Methods and apparatus for determining the position of an obstruction in a passage: A method of determining the position of a blockage (192, 392) in a passage (15, 313) having a first end and a second end. The method comprises blowing a sealing device (200) into the passage to form a seal adjacent the blockage (192, 392), then blowing a gas into the... Agent: Norris Mclaughlin & Marcus, P.A.

20070245808 - Pressure testing apparatus and method for pressure testing: A pressure testing apparatus for chips on a wafer has a pressure chamber, a support plate arranged between the upper and lower parts of the housing, a wafer chuck, a testing means and a positioning device. The wafer chuck, the testing means and the positioning device are supported to the... Agent: Stiennon & Stiennon

20070245809 - Apparatus and method for inspecting a sealed container: An apparatus for inspecting a sealed container is disclosed and which includes a pulsed electron accelerator which is positioned in spaced relation relative to a first side of the sealed container, and which produces a pulsed beam of photons which passes through the sealed container and any contents enclosed within... Agent: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC

20070245810 - Detection cartridges, modules, systems and methods: Detection cartridges and associated components, as well as methods of using the same that provide sample materials to a sensor for detection are disclosed. Among the components that may be used in connection with the detection cartridges of the present invention are, e.g., input modules, fluid flow front control features,... Agent: 3m Innovative Properties Company

20070245811 - Lubricity measurement using mems sensor: A system that facilitates in situ determination of lubricity in a fluid comprises a multi-element sensor positioned within a machine, wherein the multi-element sensor obtains data regarding a plurality of parameters of a fluid. A component calculates lubricity of the fluid based at least in part upon the measured parameters.... Agent: Rockwell Automation, Inc./(at)

20070245812 - Semen analysis: A method for measuring the total sperm concentration (TSC) in a sample is described and includes: (i) placing the sample in a transparent container between a synchronically pulsed light source and a photodetector; and (ii) measuring the optical absorbance of the sample in the range of 800-1000 nm, the TSC... Agent: Gary M. Nath The Nath Law Group

20070245816 - Timing device for internal combustion engine: A stroboscopic timing device for an internal combustion engine includes a switchable light source having a light emitter and a base for mounting the light source on an exterior surface of an engine adjacent to a rotating shaft such as a camshaft or a crankshaft. A power source and trigger... Agent: Dickinson Wright PLLC

20070245819 - Method and systems for measuring the degree of wear on a tire: A method for detecting wear on a tire at one or more predetermined wear thresholds in tread pattern elements of the tire includes the steps of allocating a discrete wear variable to the tread pattern element to a discrete impedance variable representing the impedance of a passive tuned circuit contained... Agent: Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney PC

20070245820 - Method for determining the vertical on moving objects and the device for its determination: The technical solution provided relating to the undisturbed, accurate, fast determination on the moving object of the gravitational vertical is based on the determination of the signals of the accelerations difference supplied to the actuating mechanism holding the platform, whereon the said accelerations are determined, in the horizontal position. The... Agent: Michael Naumov

20070245821 - Luminescent refrigerant gauge device: A luminescent refrigerant gauge device has a body, a luminescent board, a case, a switch and a driving circuit device. The body has a valve body and a gauge body assembly. The luminescent boards are mounted inside the gauge body assembly. The case is mounted on the body. The switch... Agent: Cooper & Dunham, LLP

20070245822 - Flow meter and exhaust gas recirculation system using the same: The objects of the present invention are to provide a high-accuracy EGR sensor, and EGR system which adopts the above sensor to measure EGR rate. The gas flow meter comprises a sensor section for measuring fluid flow rate and controller for controlling signals transmitted into and out of the sensor... Agent: Crowell & Moring LLP Intellectual Property Group

20070245823 - System for detecting the level of liquid in a tank: The detecting system comprises a detecting circuit (1) made up of a transistor (T1) in current generator configuration, connected in series with a resistance (Rs) and a capacitor (13) of known capacitance (Cx), the resistance Rs representing the resistivity of the liquid existing between two electrodes (5, 6) plunged into... Agent: Venable LLP

20070245826 - Small angle bias measurement mechanism for mems instruments: A system and method for separating bias instability of MEMS inertial instruments such as gyroscopes or accelerometers from the instrument signal, in which the inertial measurement instrument has an input axis and an output signal, and the bias instability has a frequency. The instrument is oscillated about an oscillation axis... Agent: Mirick, O'connell, Demallie & Lougee, LLP

20070245827 - Vibration spectrum sensor array having differing sensors: According to embodiments of the present invention, vibration sensor array includes at least two microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) vibration sensors formed on a substrate. The vibration element of the first vibration sensor is a different type than the vibration element of the second vibration sensor. For example, the at least two... Agent: Blakely Sokoloff Taylor & Zafman

20070245829 - Pressure sensor using near net shape sintered ceramics: A capacitive pressure sensor is formed with sensor body and diaphragm components made of near net shapeable sintered ceramic. In one configuration, the differential pressure sensor has two sintered ceramic cell halves with an internal sintered ceramic diaphragm captured between the two cell halves. In another configuration, two side-by-side sintered... Agent: Kinney & Lange, P.A.

20070245830 - Metal/thermo plastic port design for media isolated pressure transducers: A pressure sensor port apparatus and method comprising a pressure port that includes a hexagonal area preferably comprising a plastic material (e.g., thermoplastic). Additionally, one or more electronic interconnections can be associated with the pressure sensor port, such that the electronic interconnections are isolated from sensed media while providing a... Agent: Tony Miologos Honeywell International

20070245831 - Machine for inspecting the coupling system used to hitch a semi-trailer to a towing vehicle: It comprises a base platform (1), on which is mounted a sliding platform (9) that receives the rear wheels (4) of the tractor vehicle (5) provided with the hitch or fifth wheel (3), securing it with the assistance of chocks (10,11) which immobilize said rear wheels (4), said platform being... Agent: Dann, Dorfman, Herrell & Skillman

20070245832 - Compensation method and apparatus for a coriolis flow meter: Method and apparatus (121) for providing temperature flow rate compensation for a Coriolis flow meter. The described compensation compensates both flow calibration factor and the nominal time delay, commonly called “zero” in the art. After a Coriolis flow meter is installed into a process, whether for calibration or for actual... Agent: The Ollila Law Group LLC

20070245834 - Quasistatic magnetic and electric field stress/strain gages: Magnetic or electric field sensors are mounted against a material surface and used for stress, strain, and load monitoring of rotating components such as vehicle drive trains. The stationary sensors are mounted at multiple locations around the component and used assess the stress on the component at multiple rotational positions.... Agent: Hamilton, Brook, Smith & Reynolds, P.C.

20070245835 - Portable power meter for calculating power applied to a pedal and crank arm based drive mechanism and a method of calculating the power: A power meter for power a pedal and crank arm based drive mechanism measures and displays athletic performance information as a measure of a physical quantity, power, using a flexible force sensor inserted into a cycling shoe. Mathematical cycling models and data from the flexible force sensor are used to... Agent: Gunter Hauschildt

20070245836 - Three-dimensional force input control device and fabrication: The present invention is a three-dimensional force input control device for sensing vector forces and converting them into electronic signals for processing in a electronic signal processing system with all components within die fabricated from the single semiconductor substrate. The die has an elastic element, a frame formed around said... Agent: Walt Froloff

20070245837 - Strain measuring device: A tensile force measuring device provides improved linearity and temperature transient behavior. A column load cell (10) in the device is connected at its ends to a first and a second roller chain portion (34, 36), which are in turn connected to the tensile force, to dispose the column load... Agent: Standley Law Group LLP

20070245838 - Drill cutting sampler: A device for sampling drill cuttings includes a frame, an inclined perforated m e m b e r mounted on the frame, a sprayer for washing cuttings down over the perforations, and a removable open-topped cuttings collector mounted under the perforated member, the perforated member cooperating with the downstream end... Agent: Antony C. Edwards

20070245840 - Method and apparatus for mass analysis of samples: The present invention comprises an apparatus and a method for mass analyses of an array of samples contained in distinct sample holders. The sample holders are placed on a plurality of sensors which preferably comprise an array of microbalances providing output signals comprising mass data on the array of samples.... Agent: Honeywell Intellectual Property Inc Patent Services

20070240486 - Inertial measurement system and method with bias cancellation: System having one or more inertial sensors in which one or more of the sensor input axes are modulated in orientation about an axis substantially perpendicular to the input, or sensitive, axis of the sensor and, in some embodiments, by also enhancing the accuracy of such a system to provide... Agent: Edward S. Wright

20070240488 - Molten metal gas sampling: Apparatus and methods for simultaneously testing molten metal, such as steel, for concentration of three or more dissolved gases. A gas flow manifold allows multiple calibrations of a gas analysis device independently of operations such as immersion and purging of an immersible probe that can be provided with a bypass... Agent: Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C.

20070240489 - Thin film gas sensor configuration: A gas sensor for sensing a gas stream constituent includes, mounted a substrate, a first gas-sensing element capable of sensing the constituent in a first concentration range, a reference element insensitive to the constituent and having electrical properties congruent with the first gas-sensing element, a heating element substantially circumscribing the... Agent: Mcandrews Held & Malloy, Ltd

20070240490 - Duct probe assembly system for multipoint air sampling: This invention details apparatus and methods for a unique integrated duct probe assembly system that enables multipoint sampling systems to cost effectively measure air parameters in partially confined locations such as ductwork, plenums, and air handlers with both remote and local sensors with a minimum of duct penetrations.... Agent: Mirick, O'connell Demallie & Lougee, LLP

20070240491 - Hydrogen sensor: A nanoparticle based sensor in which smaller particles are seeded at a higher density to produce a faster response time than that of a sensor using larger particles and less dense seeding. The nanoparticles may comprise palladium nanoparticles. The sensor may be used in hydrogen fuel cells.... Agent: Fish & Richardson P.C.

20070240492 - Filter with memory, communication and pressure sensor: The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the pressure within a filter housing. A pressure sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the pressure within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single... Agent: Nields & Lemack

20070240493 - Sprayer-sniffer probe: A selectively configurable sniffer-sprayer device. The sniffer-sprayer device may be configured to regularly emit a tracer gas at a predetermined concentration. Alternatively, the sniffer-sprayer device may be selectively configured to regularly draw gas proximate an end thereof and transport said gas to a sensing device. The sniffer-sprayer device may be... Agent: Kenneth L. Stein

20070240494 - Method and system for liquid and vapor leak detection: The present invention relates generally to the commercial distribution and sales of volatile motor fuels and more specifically to systems and methods for ensuring leak free storage of both liquid and vapor phase states of fuels stored at dispensing facilities. In addition, the present invention presents a simple means for... Agent: Todd J. Tiberi, Esq. Tiberi Law Office

20070240495 - Microfluidic device and analyzing/sorting apparatus using the same: A microfluidic device of an example of the present invention having a main flow channel for allowing a fluid including carrier liquid and a specimen to flow and analyzing or sorting out the specimen typically comprises a plurality of electrodes arranged around a part of the main flow channel and... Agent: Banner & Witcoff, Ltd.

20070240496 - Variable rate particle counter and method of use: A variable rate particle counter for adjusting the volumetric delivery rate of fluid to a flow cell based upon an initial particle count rate in order to effectively “tune” the final dilution of sample sheath flow to the particle concentration of the sample. A sheath fluid syringe pump and a... Agent: Bayer Healthcare, LLC Law & Patents Dept

20070240499 - Filtration tester: A filtration tester has a scale, a collector disposed on the scale, a pump having an outlet aligned with an opening of the collector, and a force sensor connected to the pump.... Agent: Hewlett Packard Company

20070240500 - Automotive fuel injector leakage tester: An automotive fuel injector leakage tester (10) comprising a mount (22) for such an injector (32) and a flowmeter (66) of sufficient sensitivity arranged to measure leaked fuel flow rates through the nozzle (34) of such an injector (32). The tester (10) is further provided with an interface passageway (58)... Agent: Clark & Brody

20070240502 - Estimation method and apparatus of tire dynamic state amount and tire with sensors: from the contact time and the wheel speed detected by a wheel speed sensor 15, calculating the average value k of the above indices kA and kB, and obtaining a load applied to the tire by using the calculated average value k of the indices of contact length and a... Agent: Sughrue Mion, PLLC

20070240501 - Method and system for determining a tyre load during the running of a vehicle: A method and system for determining a load exerted on a tyre fitted on a vehicle during the running of the vehicle on a rolling surface. The tyre has an equatorial plane. A concave upward function Fz=Fz(PLc) of the tyre load versus the length of a contact region is provided... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20070240503 - Flow indicator and apparatus for monitoring particles in air: A flow indicator includes a horizontally disposed housing having a lower inlet port drawing in an air sample, an interior space passing the air sample, an upper outlet port exhausting the air sample, and a transparent window allowing visual observation of at least a portion of the interior space. The... Agent: Volentine & Whitt PLLC

20070240504 - Isolated magnetostrictive buffered liquid level sensor: A magnetostrictive application probe is disclosed wherein the probe includes a preassembled sensor element mounted as an application housing installation as an installable unit. The modular nature allows interchanging with various electronic assemblies, and may be an explosion proof installation.... Agent: Westman Champlin & Kelly, P.A.

20070240506 - Capacitive liquid level sensor: A sensing assembly senses a level of a fluid in a reservoir. The sensing assembly includes a first input port for receiving a first input voltage signal. The sensing assembly also includes a second input port for receiving a second input voltage signal. An excitation circuit is electrically connected to... Agent: Delphi Technologies, Inc.

20070240505 - Fluid level detector and analyzer: An electronic technique is used for identifying a fluid and determining its level in a container. Specifically, impedance spectroscopy is applied to fluid handling probes such as those employed by automated chemical and immunoassay analyzers to provide superior sensitivity for fluid level detection as well as discernible “spectral signatures” (impedance... Agent: Siemens Corporation Intellectual Property Department

20070240508 - Vibrating inertial rate sensor utilizing skewed drive or sense elements: A vibrating inertial rate sensor has sense elements that operate on axes that are rotationally skewed from a node reference axis, enabling both a rate sense and a drive sense determination. Alternatively, the skew may be applied to rotationally offset the drive elements from antinode reference axes to affect active... Agent: Patterson, Thuente, Skaar & Christensen, P.A.

20070240509 - Dynamic amount sensor: It is an object of the invention to promote a detection sensitivity by effectively utilizing an arranged fixed electrode. Inclinations in x-axis and y-axis directions of a mass are detected in a two-axis detecting circuit. The two-axis detecting circuit is constituted by fixed electrodes having both of an x-axis detecting... Agent: Bruce L. Adams, Esq.

20070240510 - Semiconductor sensor and method of manufacturing the same: A semiconductor sensor is disclosed that includes a substrate including at least a semiconductor layer. The substrate includes a weight arranging part in the vicinity of the center of the substrate, a flexible part around the weight arranging part, and supporting parts provided around the flexible part. The semiconductor sensor... Agent: Cooper & Dunham, LLP

20070240512 - Ultrasonic method and apparauts for evaluating spot weld zone: Even in measurement in which the measurement time is limited to a short time, soundness of a spot weld zone can be evaluated with high reliability without being influenced by a positional deviation between an ultrasonic probe and the spot weld zone and the coupling condition between an ultrasonic probe... Agent: Ip Group Of Dla Piper US LLP

20070240513 - Method of evaluating ultrasonic signals of a flaw in a workpiece: The invention relates to a method for representing echo signals that are obtained with the aid of an ultrasonic test apparatus used for non-destructively testing a test piece. Said ultrasonic test apparatus comprises a probe, especially an angled probe, a monitor with a display device for representing the received echo... Agent: Akerman Senterfitt

20070240514 - Testing of bottomhole samplers using acoustics: A method for testing a hydrocarbon sample. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a sheath disposed about the hydrocarbon sample. The apparatus further comprises at least one set of acoustic sensors, wherein the at least one set of acoustic sensors is secured to the sheath, and further wherein at least... Agent: Conley Rose, P.C. David A. Rose

20070240515 - Triangulation with co-located sensors: A method of detecting an event in a structure using a device having sensors and at least one actuator includes sending a signal from the at least one actuator encapsulated in the device, returning a reflected wave signal from the event to each of the sensors in the device, determining... Agent: Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky And Popeo, P.C.

20070240516 - Self-sensing tweezer devices and associated methods for micro and nano-scale manipulation and assembly: The present invention provides a self-sensing tweezer device for micro and nano-scale manipulation, assembly, and surface modification, including: one or more elongated beams disposed in a first configuration; one or more oscillators coupled to the one or more elongated beams, wherein the one or more oscillators are operable for selectively... Agent: Clements Walker

20070240517 - Testing components of drive trains: A drive line (A) for testing a component (D) of a drive train of a vehicle comprises a torque sensor. The torque sensor measures AC variations in torque due to the operation of the component (D). The component (D) is coupled to the drive line by an adapter having a... Agent: Courtney Staniford & Gregory LLP

20070240520 - Flow indicator and apparatus for monitoring particles in air: A flow indicator is disclosed and includes a horizontally disposed housing including a lower inlet port drawing in an air sample, an interior space passing the air sample, an upper outlet port exhausting the air sample, and a transparent window allowing visual observation of at least a portion of the... Agent: Volentine & Whitt PLLC

20070240522 - Magnetostrictive torque sensor and electric steering system: A magnetostrictive torque sensor includes first and second magnetostrictive films which are provided at a shaft and have different magnetic anisotropies; a first measurement coil and a second measurement coil which face the first magnetostrictive film; and a third measurement coil and a fourth measurement coil which face the second... Agent: Hamre, Schumann, Mueller & Larson, P.C.

20070240524 - Printed strain gauge for vehicle seats: An apparatus for a printed strain gauge affixed to a structural member of a seat for detecting and measuring the weight and position of an occupant or object on the seat. In various embodiments, a strain gauge is printed directly on a member of the seat that is subject to... Agent: Pitts And Brittian P C

20070240525 - Seat belt tension sensor: A seat belt tension sensor for use with a seat belt assembly. The sensor includes a housing that has a slot and a plate coupled with the housing. The plate has another slot and a cutout. The slots are connected with a seat belt. A sensor is retained by the... Agent: Cts Corporation

20070240526 - Sensor: A sensor for sensing deflection/curvature of underwater riser pipes comprises a metal tube which is strapped to the pipe, with the tube being parallel to the length of the pipe. The tube is fitted internally with strain gauges which measure the deflection of the tube and thus of the pipe... Agent: Burr & Brown

20070240527 - Cytology microarray maker and methods related thereto: Microvolume liquid dispensers that provide simple and inexpensive approaches to making cytology microarrays. In some embodiments, the dispensers comprise tips that comprise an outer sleeve, typically shaped like a funnel, that holds a reciprocating needle or pin. The tip of the pin slightly extends beyond the distal opening of the... Agent: Trexler, Bushnell, Giangiorgi, Blackstone & Marr, Ltd.

20070240528 - Method to predict the end-point, replacement time and to monitor changes in that time using pre aged witness coupons: A method involving the use and creation of pre-aged witness coupons which characterizes and monitors the rate and extent of chemical and physical aging of the polymer in the structure during use in the field is described.... Agent: Whitham, Curtis & Christofferson & Cook, P.C.

20070234777 - System and method for performing quantifiable release spore testing on bioaerosol detection technologies: A system for testing devices for detecting airborne particulate matter generates a first airflow and a second airflow. The second airflow is filtered to remove ambient airborne particulate matter from the second airflow, and particulate matter to be detected is aerosolized and introduced into the second airflow. The second airflow... Agent: Rothwell, Figg, Ernst & Manbeck, P.C.

20070234778 - Flow meter calibration apparatus and method: A meter calibration apparatus includes a fluid intake conduit, a fluid discharge conduit, and a calibration cylinder connected in fluid communication with the intake and discharge conduits, the calibration cylinder defining a chamber. The apparatus further includes a piston slidable within the cylinder and defining first and second chamber portions... Agent: Bereskin And Parr

20070234779 - Motion determination apparatus and method thereof: The motion determination apparatus includes a motion sensor for sensing motion of an electronic device and sending out a motion parameter. A processor receives the motion parameter to determine whether or not his motion is a meaningful motion. A device controller activates a device function according to the determination.... Agent: Lowe Hauptman Ham & Berner, LLP

20070234780 - Total gas meter using speed of sound and velocity measurements: An apparatus is provided for measuring total gas content of a fluid flowing through a process line. The apparatus comprises a bleed line in fluid communication with the process line for bleeding a portion of the fluid from the process line at a bleed line pressure that is lower than... Agent: Cidra Corporation

20070234782 - Tightness test for mems or for small encapsulated components: A tightness testing method for a MEMS or small encapsulated component, the MEMS or small component being housed in a cavity of a carrier. The cavity being sealed and containing a gas having a different density to the density it would have if subjected to the pressure of the medium... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland, Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20070234783 - Pressure resistance inspecting method and pressure resistance inspecting apparatus for heat exchangers: A method of inspecting a heat exchanger for pressure resistance. The heat exchanger includes plural hollow refrigerant channel portions arranged in parallel and each having joints inside thereof, air passing clearances between respective adjacent pairs of refrigerant channel portions, and fins in the respective air passing clearances. The heat exchanger... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland, Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20070234784 - System and method for utility metering and leak detection: The system and method for detecting water and/or gas leaks by monitoring usage patterns is described. In one embodiment, the existence of a leak is detected by looking for usage patterns wherein water or gas is always being used, at least at a low rate. A leak is indicated if... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070234785 - System and method for using a flexible membrane for controlling fluid flow in a microfluidic circuit: A system for controlling fluid flow in a microfluidic circuit located in a liquid chromatograph includes at least one microfluidic channel and a flexible membrane adjacent the at least one microfluidic channel, wherein when actuated, the flexible membrane deflects into the microfluidic channel, thus impeding fluid flow in the microfluidic... Agent: Agilent Technologies Inc.

20070234786 - Nanometer-precision tip-to-substrate control and pattern registration for scanning-probe lithography: An interferometric-spatial-phase imaging (ISPI) system includes an alignment mechanism for obtaining continuous six-axis control of a scanning probe tip with respect to a coordinate system attached to a substrate. A gap detection mechanism measures tip height above a substrate and controls tip approach toward the substrate of one or more... Agent: Gauthier & Connors, LLP

20070234787 - Processing of multi-component induction data in the presence of borehole abnormalities: Measurements made by a multi-component induction logging tool may be corrected for tool eccentricity or the presence of a fracture in the earth formation. The corrected measurements may then be used in conjunction with a multi-array measurement to determine horizontal and vertical formation resistivity.... Agent: Madan, Mossman & Sriram, P.C.

20070234791 - Apparatus for determining and/or monitoring volume- and/or mass-flow of a medium in a pipline: An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring volume- and/or mass-flow of a medium flowing through a pipeline in a stream direction. At least two ultrasonic sensors are included, which are secured in a defined measuring positional relationship on the outer wall of the pipeline and alternately emit and receive ultrasonic measuring... Agent: Bacon & Thomas, PLLC

20070234792 - System for virtual frost sensor: A system for a virtual frost sensor is disclosed including a method for operating the virtual frost sensor. The method includes determining a first temperature indicative of a fluid upstream of the component and determining a second temperature indicative of a fluid downstream of the component. The method also includes... Agent: Caterpillar/finnegan, Henderson, L.L.P.

20070234793 - Sensor chip and apparatus for tactile and/or flow sensing: A sensor chip, comprising a flexible, polymer-based substrate, and at least one microfabricated sensor disposed on the substrate and including a conductive element. The at least one sensor comprises at least one of a tactile sensor and a flow sensor. Other embodiments of the present invention include sensors and/or multi-modal... Agent: Greer, Burns & Crain

20070234794 - Micro sample heating apparatus and method of making the same: A micro sample heating apparatus has a substrate, a micro heating device disposed on a first surface of the substrate, a cavity having an inclined sidewall and corresponding to the micro heating device positioned in a second surface of the substrate, and an isolation structure positioned on the second surface... Agent: North America Intellectual Property Corporation

20070234795 - Aircraft fuel tank and sensor system: The aircraft tank and gauge system of the present invention provides a fuel tank with a gauge chamber located generally aligned with the tank center of gravity and that has a general vertical orientation when the aircraft is level. The gauge chamber extends from the top of the tank to... Agent: Rankin, Hill, Porter & Clark LLP

20070234796 - Liquid level detector: A liquid level detector for conductive liquids for vertical installation in a tank, the detector having a probe positioned within a sheath and insulated therefrom by a seal so that the tip of the probe extends proximate to but not below the lower end of the sheath, the lower end... Agent: Mcnair Law Firm, P.A.

20070234797 - Level sensor for granules in water: The present invention relates to a system for measuring the level of granular material in a container immersed in an aqueous medium, particularly, but not exclusively, for use as a measure of sanitizer level in spa and whirlpool halogenation systems. Electrodes fixed in the container wall are used to measure... Agent: Kwadjo Adusei-poku Masco Corporation

20070234798 - Collapsible liquid level measurement device with attachment: A liquid level measuring device includes an elongate handle and an elongate frame arranged in telescoping relationship. The frame is movable between a collapsed position for storage and an extended position for usage. A float is movable lengthwise along the elongate frame. A control rod extends lengthwise in the elongate... Agent: John H. Lynn

20070234799 - Cable guide support for cable-guided tank gauge: A tank gauge system is provided in one embodiment comprising a float, a cable, an indicator and at least one cable guide support. The float is in a tank containing liquid and moves with it. The cable connects the float to the indicator on the outside through the cable support... Agent: Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP

20070234800 - Level sensor: A apparatus for sensing a surface of material in a storage container is provided. The apparatus comprises a housing, a motor assembly, a swing arm assembly, an optical assembly, a material surface detector, and an electronic control circuit. The motor assembly has a motor and a reel carrying a cable.... Agent: Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren P.C.

20070234801 - Microstructured chemical sensor: The invention relates to a sensor comprising a first metallization plane located on a substrate (1), a passivation layer (6) that is structured by contact holes (7) and is applied to said substrate and a sensitive ceramic layer (9) formed by thick-film technology on the passivation layer and in the... Agent: The Firm Of Karl F. Ross P.C.

20070234802 - Portion-taker device including a measuring scoop: The present invention provides a portion-taker device for taking a substance, the device including at least one measuring scoop, which scoop comprises: a frame; and a flap mounted to pivot relative to the frame and co-operating with it to define, in a first position, the bottom of a cavity that... Agent: Oliff & Berridge, PLC

20070234803 - Yaw rate sensor: The yaw rate sensor of the present invention has force-conveying means. The central idea of the invention is that the force action conveyed by this arrangement has a frequency such that the frequency of the conveyed force action is an integral multiple of the frequency of the oscillation of the... Agent: Kenyon & Kenyon LLP

20070234804 - Semiconductor sensor: A semiconductor sensor of the present invention is capable of preventing a diaphragm portion of the sensor from being damaged if a weight collides against a semiconductor integrated circuit substrate of the sensor and is further capable of preventing the diaphragm portion from being bent significantly even when a semiconductor... Agent: Rankin, Hill, Porter & Clark LLP

20070234806 - Ultrasonic strain imaging device and method providing parallel displacement processing: A device for ultrasonic strain imaging computes displacement of tissue between a pre-deformation and post-deformation data set along columns to provide for independent calculations that may be parallelized for multiprocessor systems.... Agent: Boyle Fredrickson S.c.

20070234808 - Method and apparatus for monitoring temperature differences within a cavitation chamber: A method and apparatus for monitoring a temperature difference between two regions within a cavitation system is provided. The system's cavitation chamber is partially or completely filled with cavitation fluid, the amount that the system is filled controlling whether a cavitation fluid free surface is formed within the cavitation chamber... Agent: Ross Tessien C/o Impulse Devices, Inc.

20070234809 - Laser-ultrasonic detection of subsurface defects in processed metals: Subsurface defects in a processed metal are detected by a laser-ultrasonic method involving generation of a surface acoustic wave at one location on the processed metal surface, and detection of a scattered acoustic wave at another location on the processed metal surface. The method can be used in-line to provide... Agent: D. Morgan Tench

20070234812 - Fluid pressure measurement: A method and apparatus for improving accuracy of measurement of fluid pressure at a fluid port, such as at a supply port or control port of a fluid control valve, involves a closed-loop precision pressure measurement method with barometric pressure and temperature compensation.... Agent: Mr. Edward J. Timmer

20070234813 - Process transmitter with self sealing fill fluid system: A process transmitter includes a hydraulic system with a fill fluid for transmitting pressure from a process fluid to a pressure sensor. The fill fluid contains hydraulic fluid and a self-activating stop-leak composition for preventing loss of fill fluid caused by leaks in the hydraulic system.... Agent: Kinney & Lange, P.A.

20070234814 - Capacitive pressure sensor with reference chamber: A capacitive pressure sensor includes a substrate assembly having a conductive layer. A conductive membrane is mounted to the substrate assembly so that a sealed reference chamber is defined by the conductive membrane and the substrate assembly. A cap is arranged on the substrate assembly and defines one or more... Agent: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd

20070234815 - System and apparatus for sensing pressure in living organisms and inanimate objects: System and apparatus for measuring pressure comprising a microelectronic device, an interface member attached to the microelectronic device, a pressure sensor having a diaphragm responsive to external pressure exerted upon the diaphragm, wherein the interface member is positioned between the microelectronic device and the pressure sensor and is attached to... Agent: Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research

20070234816 - Semiconductor based pressure sensor: The present invention provides a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor comprises a substrate with several support structures attached to the substrate. The pressure sensor further includes a strut structure integrated with a heating element. The strut structure is engaged with the support structures so as to create an air gap... Agent: Ibm Corporation, T.j. Watson Research Center

20070234819 - Force monitoring system: A system monitors dynamic forces between bearing surfaces. Based on sensed data, the system may model the forces on the bearing surfaces, analyze these forces, store data relating to these forces, and/or transmit data to an external data gathering device. The system includes a first body piece and a second... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione

20070234820 - Electromagnetic flowmeter: An electromagnetic flowmeter includes a measuring tube (1) through which a fluid to be measured flows, electrodes (2a, 2b) which are placed in this measuring tube and detect an electromotive force generated by a magnetic field applied to the fluid and the flow of the fluid, an exciting coil (3)... Agent: Blakely Sokoloff Taylor & Zafman

20070234821 - Magnetic flow meter with unibody construction and conductive polymer electrodes: A magnetic flow metering device and method is disclosed for the measurement of corrosive flow streams. The device utilizes a unibody construction wherein the flow conduit is constructed entirely from an insulative, non-conducting material without resorting to a metallic outer housing. The portions of the electrodes in contact with the... Agent: Patterson, Thuente, Skaar & Christensen, P.A.

20070234822 - Measuring transducer of vibration-type: The measuring transducer includes at least one measuring tube communicating with a line connected during operation for conveying a medium to be measured, and a support element oscillatably holding the at least one measuring tube. Additionally, it is provided that the support element contains at least two passageways, via which... Agent: Bacon & Thomas, PLLC

20070234823 - Measuring transducer of vibration-type: The measuring transducer includes at least one measuring tube communicating with a line connected during operation for conveying a medium to be measured, and a support element oscillatably holding the at least one measuring tube. Additionally, it is provided that the support element contains at least two passageways, via which... Agent: Bacon & Thomas, PLLC

20070234824 - Measuring transducer of vibration-type: The measuring transducer includes at least one measuring tube communicating with a line connected during operation for conveying a medium to be measured, and a support element oscillatably holding the at least one measuring tube. Additionally, it is provided that the support element contains at least two passageways, via which... Agent: Bacon & Thomas, PLLC

20070234826 - Adjustable spanner with electronic strain gauge function: An adjustable spanner with electronic strain gauge function which comprises a head; an retaining jaw extending from the head; and sliding groove being transversally formed at one upper side of the head; a handle connected to a lower side of the head; at least one strain gauge; a hollow connecting... Agent: Arthur Wu

20070234827 - Semiconductor force sensor: A semiconductor force sensor capable of preventing a diaphragm part from being broken and accurately measuring a force applied thereto in a direction orthogonal to the diaphragm part, wherein a force transmitting device for applying a measured force to the diaphragm part of a semiconductor force sensor element is formed... Agent: Rankin, Hill, Porter & Clark LLP

20070234829 - Climate chamber for microscopes: A climate chamber, which is in particular suitable for chemical and/or biological samples, comprises a climate compartments defined by a housing. Inside the climate compartments an analysis device, such as a microscope, is at least partially arranged. Further, the housing comprises an inlet opening for supplying a conditioning medium flow.... Agent: Ohlandt, Greeley, Ruggiero & Perle, LLP

20070227226 - Variable function voting solenoid-operated valve apparatus having air-to-move valve actuators and testing method therefor: A variable function voting solenoid-operated valve apparatus is provide, wherein the apparatus includes a first solenoid-operated valve, a second solenoid-operated valve and a bypass valve disposed in mutual fluid communication, wherein one or more of said first solenoid-operated valve, said second solenoid-operated valve and said bypass valve further comprises one... Agent: Arnold & Ferrera, L.L.P.

20070227227 - Liquid dispenser: A liquid dispenser is provided which dispenses a predetermined amount of a liquid from a reservoir. It includes a negative pressure system to supply a negative pressure which acts on the liquid in the liquid reservoir while no liquid is being dispensed. The negative pressure system includes a negative pressure... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20070227229 - Gas sensor and method of manufacturing the gas sensor: An object is to provide a gas sensor which can suppress positional shift of a to-be-held member such as a gas detection element, as well as a method of manufacturing the gas sensor. A gas sensor (101) includes a gas detection element (111), a metallic shell (131), a plate packing... Agent: Sughrue Mion, PLLC

20070227230 - Measuring gas components together with a paramagnetic gas: The invention concerns a gas analyzer, which comprises: an electromagnet that has an air gap; a power source for supplying cyclically variable electrical current/voltage to said electromagnet; a sample gas conduit and a reference gas conduit opening into said air gap; an exit conduit communicating with said air gap for... Agent: General Electric Co. Global Patent Operation

20070227231 - Technique for monitoring and controlling a plasma process: A time-of-flight ion sensor for monitoring ion species in a plasma includes a housing. A drift tube is positioned in the housing. An extractor electrode is positioned in the housing at a first end of the drift tube so as to attract ions from the plasma. A plurality of electrodes... Agent: Rauschenbach Patent Law Group, LLC

20070227234 - Funnel viscosimeter: A Marsh funnel is equipped with a valve at the funnel outlet. The valve may be of the quick opening type selected from stem valves (internal of the funnel), ball valves, plug valves, flapper valves, butterfly valves, slide valves and the like.... Agent: Burleson Cooke L.L.P.

20070227236 - Nanoindenter: A new type of indenter is described. This device combines certain sensing and structural elements of atomic force microscopy with a module designed for the use of indentation probes, conventional diamond and otherwise, as well as unconventional designs, to produce high resolution and otherwise superior indentation measurements.... Agent: Flavio Alejandro Bonilla C/o Asylum Research Corporation

20070227237 - Starting motor tester that measures power: A starting motor tester that may apply electricity to the starting motor while the starting motor is loaded by an engine, measure the power that is consumed by the starting motor while the starting motor is loaded by the engine, determine the condition of the starting motor based on the... Agent: Mcdermott Will & Emery LLP

20070227238 - Method and device for measuring dimension of constant velocity joint: A method and a device for measuring the dimensions of a constant velocity joint. In the method, for example, the cylindrical part of an outer member with a specified offset value is supported on the support part of a dimension measuring device for the outer member. On the other hand,... Agent: Birch Stewart Kolasch & Birch

20070227241 - Downhole fluid characterization based on changes in acoustic properties with pressure: Techniques for evaluating physical aspects of a formation fluid from within a wellbore include changing pressure on a sample of the formation fluid and transmitting at least one acoustic pulse through the fluid sample and analyzing acoustic information collected. Apparatus and methods for the evaluating involve using at least one... Agent: Cantor Colburn LLP- Baker Atlas

20070227242 - Flow sensor with flow-adaptable analog-digital-converter: The flow sensor comprises a heater arranged between two sensing thermopiles. In addition, at least one monitoring thermocouple is provided for measuring the temperature of the heater. The signal from the monitoring thermocouple is used as a reference voltage for an A/D converter, which converts the signals from the sensing... Agent: Richard F. Jaworski Cooper & Dunham LLP

20070227243 - Method and apparatus for manufacturing a measuring device for: method for manufacturing a measuring device for determining and/or monitoring a process variable of a medium in a container. The measuring device includes: A mechanically oscillatable unit, which is securable via a securement to a sensor housing and/or to the container; and a driver/receiver unit, which excites the mechanically oscillatable... Agent: Bacon & Thomas, PLLC

20070227244 - Fluid level switch: A fluid level switch for a machine having a fluid reservoir adapted to contain a fluid at an acceptable level. The fluid level switch includes a mounting plate, a float housing, and a float assembly positioned within the float housing. The mounting plate retains first and second contacts. The float... Agent: Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

20070227245 - Liquid measuring vessel: The present invention relates to a liquid measuring vessel having a removable volume indicating clip.... Agent: Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP Suite 1600

20070227246 - Methods and systems for analyzing engine unbalance conditions: Methods and systems for analyzing engine unbalance conditions are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving vibrational data from a plurality of locations distributed over an engine and a surrounding engine support structure, and inputting the vibrational data into a neural network inverse model. The neural network inverse model... Agent: Robert R. Richardson, P.s.

20070227247 - Adaptive circuits and methods for reducing vibration or shock induced errors in inertial sensors: Adaptive circuits and methods for reducing vibration-induced bias errors in inertial sensors are disclosed. An adaptive circuit for reducing vibration or shock induced errors in an inertial sensor having a proof mass and sense electrode may include a sense bias voltage source, a charge amplifier, a means for detecting and/or... Agent: Honeywell International Inc.

20070227248 - Electrode for magnetic flow sensor: There is described a fluid flow sensor (10) for sensing a flow (F) of a fluid (120) through a region. The sensor (10) comprises a magnetic circuit (50, 60a, 60b) for applying a magnetic field (70) to the region, and electrodes (40a, 40b) for sensing a potential (V) generated in... Agent: Bruce E. Lilling Lilling & Lilling PLLC

20070227249 - Method for the ultrasound testing of a workpiece within a curved region of its surface and device suitable for the execution of the process: In a method for the ultrasonic testing of a workpiece (2) in a curved area of its surface, in particular of a workpiece (2) made of a fiber composite material, an ultrasonic test head (10) is acoustically coupled to the workpiece in this area, and includes an ultrasonic transducer arrangement... Agent: Lerner Greenberg Stemer LLP

20070227250 - Multiple-frequency ultrasonic test probe, inspection system, and inspection method: Improved apparatus, systems, and methods for inspecting a structure are provided that use a probe having two ultrasonic transducer arrays. This enables simultaneous testing using two different test frequencies. The probe uses pulse echo ultrasonic signals at different frequencies to inspect the structure. The probe includes a support body having... Agent: Ingrassia Fisher & Lorenz, P.C. (boeing)

20070227251 - Method for acquiring vibration data from rotating machines and portable vibration measuring device for use therein: A method for acquiring vibration data from a plurality of rotating machines of a single type by using a portable vibration measuring device having means for measuring machine vibrations, means for data input, means for presenting information to a user, and a memory, is provided, which comprises: (a) uploading a... Agent: Roberts, Mlotkowski & Hobbes

20070227252 - Differential pressure transducer configurations including displacement sensor: The present invention pertains to differential pressure transducers. In an embodiment of the invention, a differential pressure transducer includes a transducer housing, a diaphragm, a bellows, and a sensing assembly. The transducer housing, diaphragm, and bellows are coupled to form a pressure chamber. The pressure chamber is separated into two... Agent: Mcdonald Hopkins LLC

20070227254 - Pressure sensor module and pressure detecting device: A pressure sensor module 2, wherein a holding space 34 is formed between a diaphragm 22 and a thin film layer 31, and a vent hole 321 communicating with the exterior of a first case is provided in the holding space 34. In the above pressure sensor module, even when... Agent: Rankin, Hill, Porter & Clark LLP

20070227255 - Self-monitoring metals, alloys and materials: Observability of damage precursor, damage and usage states, or event occurrence may be enhanced by modifying component materials to include self-monitoring materials or by processing test material to alter the surface properties. The properties of the self monitoring materials, such as magnetic permeability or electrical conductivity, are monitored with electromagnetic... Agent: Hamilton, Brook, Smith & Reynolds, P.C.

20070227256 - Method and apparatus for sensing the force with which a button is pressed: Disclosed is an apparatus for sensing a force, comprising an actuator having a conductive deformable surface, a substrate having a first conductive trace and a second conductive trace, a housing coupled to the actuator and to the substrate, holding the actuator in proximity to the substrate, and a circuit for... Agent: Cypress Semiconductor

20070227257 - Multi-zone capacitive force sensing device and methods: A multi-zone capacitive force sensing apparatus/method is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes one or more capacitors each having an upper conductive surface and a lower conductive surface substantially parallel to the upper conductive surface, a housing with a top plate and a bottom plate to encompass the capacitors,... Agent: Raj Abhyanker, LLP C/o Portfolioip

20070227260 - Package structure of sensor and flow sensor having the same: Please replace the current Abstract with the following new Abstract. The package structure may includes: a sensor chip having a detecting device formed on a front surface of a substrate; through electrodes that are arranged at predetermined positions of the substrate around the detecting device, electrically insulated at circumferences thereof,... Agent: Cantor Colburn, LLP

20070227267 - Biomimetic tactile sensor: Disclosed is a tactile sensory system consisting of set of sensors that work by measuring impedance among plurality of electrodes. The electrodes are deployed on a substantially rigid structure that is protected form the direct contact with external objects by overlying deformable structures. These mechanical structures have similarities to the... Agent: Mcdermott Will & Emery LLP

20070227268 - Magnetostrictive torque sensor: A magnetostrictive torque sensor having: a rotating shaft to rotate around a center axis, the rotating shaft having magnetostrictive characteristics; and a cylindrical magnetic core disposed at a predetermined distance on an outer periphery of the rotating shaft, the cylindrical magnetic core having a detection coil disposed on an inner... Agent: Mcginn Intellectual Property Law Group, PLLC

20070227272 - Tank mass measurement assembly: A tank mass measuring assembly (10) for monitoring an amount of a fluid (20) stored in a tank (12). The monitoring assembly includes a mass measurement chamber (42) adapted to be located remotely of a tank and adapted to be coupled in fluid communication with the tank to receive a... Agent: Christensen, O'connor, Johnson, Kindness, PLLC

20070227273 - Integrated system for simultaneous inspection and manipulation: A base unit for integrating an imaging device, such as an atomic force microscope, and a manipulation device, such as a nano-manipulator. The integration of the two devices permits one device to perform both imaging and manipulation simultaneously. The simultaneous execution of these two tasks increases the rate at which... Agent: Knoble, Yoshida & Dunleavy

20070227274 - Testing device for tracks of roller coasters: A testing device for roller coaster tracks has a carriage adapted to move along tracks of a roller coaster and at least one multi-axis robot mounted on the carriage. The robot has at least one testing element. The at least one robot has at least six axes and is rotatably... Agent: Gudrun E. Huckett Draudt

20070227276 - Sensor device for the examination of surfaces: A sensor device for the examination of the surfaces of a work piece, in particular with regard to burrs, is provided. The device comprises a plurality of coils, a detector head having at least one sensor element in the form of a coil and an evaluating device for the sensor... Agent: Lipsitz & Mcallister, LLC