19th week of 2010 patent applcation highlights part 4 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20100115980 | CONNECTION PIPE AND REFRIGERANT FLOWING SYSTEM COMPRISING THE SAME - The embodiment provides a connection pipe and a refrigerant flowing system comprising the same. The connection pipe and the refrigerant flowing system include: a connection pipe main body of which both ends are coupled to first and second refrigerant pipes through which refrigerant is flowed and that has a channel through which refrigerant transferred from the first refrigerant pipe to be transferred to the second refrigerant pipe is flowed; and a flow interfering part that is provided on the channel to interfere the flow of the refrigerant in the direction transferred from the first refrigerant pipe to the channel. | 2010-05-13 |
20100115981 | SPRINKLE GUIDE OF WATER TRICKLE ICE-MAKING MACHINE - A sprinkle guide provided above an ice making plate ( | 2010-05-13 |
20100115982 | EVAPORATOR INTEGRATED DUCT AND REFRIGERATOR HAVING THE SAME - The present invention relates to evaporators, and more particularly to an evaporator ( | 2010-05-13 |
20100115983 | CENTRIFUGAL FAN, AIR CONDITIONER - To obtain an air conditioner having a lower-noise centrifugal fan capable of improving product reliability during transportation and execution properties of installation, with reduced packaging materials in favor of environment. The shape of a blade is formed so that when a blade edge positioned on the downstream side of the blowing direction is designated as a blade rear-edge, the centrifugal fan has a relationship of the outer diameter of the side plate>the outer diameter of the blade rear-edge on the side of a side plate>the outer diameter of the blade rear-edge on the side of a main plate≧the outer diameter of the main plate, and the blade rear-edge is located inside of a straight line connecting a connection point between the blade rear-edge and the main plate to a connection point between the blade rear-edge and the side plate relative to the rotation axis of the fan, and the distance between the blade rear edge and the rotation axis increases toward the side plate from the main plate. | 2010-05-13 |
20100115984 | DUAL-CIRCUIT SERIES COUNTERFLOW CHILLER WITH INTERMEDIATE WATERBOX - A dual refrigeration circuit watercooled chiller has its respective evaporators and condensers interconnected by waterboxes such that the first circuit tubes discharge into the respective waterbox and the flow of water then passes from the respective waterboxes to the respective evaporator/condenser tubes of the second circuit. Instrumentation is attached to the waterboxes to enable the measurement of the leaving temperature differential to provide improved control. Since the first and second circuit tubes are separate and independent, both serviceability and flexibility in design are substantially enhanced. | 2010-05-13 |
20100115985 | REFRIGERATOR - A refrigerator includes a main body defining a compartment, the compartment having an access opening, a first wall and a heat exchanger supported by the first wall; a refrigeration system containing therein a working medium and including an evaporator which is disposed outside of the compartment for cooling the compartment; a door supported by the main body for selectively closing at least part of the access opening of the compartment; and a sub-compartment on the door and including a second wall with an opening. The heat exchanger is coolable by the working medium. The heat exchanger and the second wall are positioned so that when the door is in a closed position, the heat exchanger is exposed to an interior of the sub-compartment through the opening. | 2010-05-13 |
20100115986 | INTELLIGENT DIGITAL CONTROL APPARATUS FOR WINE TEMPERATURE - An intelligent digital control apparatus for wine temperature includes a tub ( | 2010-05-13 |
20100115987 | EVAPORATOR - An evaporator | 2010-05-13 |
20100115988 | Treatment of Molybdate Containing Waste Streams - The invention is directed to a process for the treatment of an aqueous solution comprising sodium carbonate and/or sodium bicarbonate and sodium molybdate, said process comprising freeze crystallising the solution at the eutectic freezing point thereof and recovering substantially pure ice crystals, substantially pure sodium carbonate and/or sodium bicarbonate and an aqueous product solution containing dissolved sodium molybdate. | 2010-05-13 |
20100115989 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING POTABLE WATER - An exemplary device and method for removing undesired substances from original water comprises a cooling circuit for cooling the original water to or below approximately Zero degrees Celsius, whereby the saturation level of the undesired substances in the original water is exceeded, thereby causing segregation of the original water into purified ice, undesired precipitated solids, and a waste liquid containing the remaining undesired substances (soluble salts). Means for removing the waste liquid from the purified ice, a heating circuit for melting the purified ice into purified water, a reservoir having an inlet for receiving the original water and an outlet for dispensing the purified water, and a first water purity monitor disposed adjacent the outlet for monitoring a first purity level of the purified water are provided. | 2010-05-13 |
20100115990 | METHOD FOR LIQUEFYING A HYDROCARBON-RICH FLOW - Disclosed is a method for liquefying a hydrocarbon-rich stream, in particular a natural gas stream, by indirectly exchanging hear with the coolant mixture of a coolant mixture circuit. In said method, the coolant mixture is condensed in two or more stages, is divided into at least one lower-boiling and at least one higher-boiling coolant mixture fraction, and the coolant mixture fractions are evaporated at different temperature levels against the hydrocarbon-rich stream that is to be cooled and liquefied and are then combined before being condensed once again. The coolant mixture fractions are not entirely evaporated during normal operation and are preferably not superheated. Preferably, at least | 2010-05-13 |
20100115991 | Purification of gases in synthesis gas production process - A modified purifier process, includes supplying a first stream of a feed gas containing hydrogen and nitrogen in a mol ratio of about 2:1, and also containing methane and argon, then cryogenically separating the feed gas into the following:
| 2010-05-13 |
20100115992 | METHODS FOR RECOVERING ARGON - Methods for recovering argon from a natural gas stream being purified are disclosed. The argon will be separated from the natural gas with helium and other impurities and can be recovered as liquids from the flash separation step of purifying the helium. The argon that is separated from the helium can be rectified to remove further impurities from the argon which can be recovered for storage or other uses. | 2010-05-13 |
20100115993 | PROCESS FOR REMOVING MERCAPTANS FROM LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS - The invention provides a process for producing purified natural gas, the process comprising the steps of: expanding a pressurised natural gas stream comprising at least 4 ppmv of mercaptans and supplying it to a first separation column, in which the natural gas stream is separated into a gaseous overhead stream enriched in methane and a first fraction enriched in mercaptans; withdrawing the gaseous overhead stream enriched in methane from the separation column to obtain the purified natural gas; with drawing the fraction enriched in mercaptans from the separation column; removing mercaptans from the first fraction enriched in mercaptans. | 2010-05-13 |
20100115994 | ADSORBENT FOR CARBON MONOXIDE, GAS PURIFICATION METHOD, AND GAS PURIFICATION APPARATUS - The adsorbent for carbon monoxide of the present invention is obtained by activating a Cu-ZSM5 type zeolite prepared as a catalyst for removal of NO | 2010-05-13 |
20100115995 | AIR SEPARATION PROCESS USING CRYOGENIC DISTILLATION | 2010-05-13 |
20100115996 | METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF A COMPOSITE BODY FROM A BASIC BODY OF OPAQUE QUARTZ GLASS AND A TIGHT SEALING LAYER - To optimize a known method for producing a composite body from a basic body of opaque quartz glass and a dense sealing layer, in such a way that the basic body can be provided with the dense sealing layer without any significant changes and deformations in the opaque material being noticed, the invention suggests a method comprising the following steps: (a) producing the basic body by using a first slip which contains larger amorphous SiO | 2010-05-13 |
20100115997 | Glass Bodies And Methods Of Making - Glass bodies and methods of making glass bodies and more particularly glass bodies, for example, microlenses and arrays of microlenses and methods of making the same are described. Cordierite powder is vitrified to form a glass body or glass bodies for instance a microlens or microlenses. | 2010-05-13 |
20100115998 | Thick film sealing glass compositions for low temperature firing - The present invention is a composition that may be used for sealing applications in the manufacture of electronic devices. The composition includes organic vehicles that may be removed upon low temperature firing in air or inert atmospheres. The present invention is further a process for the use of the composition. | 2010-05-13 |
20100115999 | SPINNER FOR FIBERIZING GLASS AND METHOD - A spinner for fiberizing glass has fiberizing holes formed in the spinner sidewall by a process utilizing an electron beam perforating process. A backing material used in the process is deposited on the walls of the fiberizing holes for increasing the corrosion resistance of the fiberizing holes. With regard to the formation of each fiberizing hole, an interaction of the backing material with an electron beam during the electron beam perforating process creates a gaseous backing material that expands through a hole created by the electron beam in the spinner sidewall to eject molten alloy material of the spinner sidewall made molten by the electron beam from the hole and deposit a thin substantially uniform coating layer of the backing material on the wall of the hole to increase the corrosion resistance of the fiberizing hole thus formed. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116000 | NEEDLE FOR KNITTING SUEDED FABRICS - A knitting needle for knitted sueded fabric is provided. The needle includes a shank, a hook, a latch, and an abrasive surface. The abrasive surface is defined on at least one of the shank, the hook, and the latch. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116001 | SUEDED KNITTED FABRICS - A sueded knitted fabric is provided, comprising a technical face, a technical back, and a knitted body extending between the technical face and the technical back. The technical face, technical back, and knitted body comprise sueded yarns throughout. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116002 | WASHER/DRYER - The present invention relates to washer/dryer ( | 2010-05-13 |
20100116003 | Ball balancer and laundry apparatus having the same - A ball balancer and a laundry apparatus having the same are disclosed. A ball balancer includes a circular housing having motion space formed therein, at least two partition members spaced apart a predetermined distance along the motion space of the housing, the partition members partitioning the motion space into at least two spaces, a plurality of ball members movable within the partitioned spaces of the motion space, and viscous fluid filled in the motion space. Such the ball balancer may reduce noise and vibration of the laundry apparatus having the same. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116004 | Ball balancer and laundry apparatus having the same - A ball balancer and a laundry apparatus having the same are disclosed. A ball balancer includes a circular housing comprising motion space formed therein, a fluid inlet and an air outlet, a plurality of ball members movable in motion space of the housing, a closing member closing up the fluid inlet and the air outlet, and viscous fluid filled in the motion space via the fluid inlet formed in the housing. The ball balancer according to the present invention may be fabricated more efficiently. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116005 | Home appliance, washing machine, and manufacturing method of home appliance - A home appliance and a washing machine are provided. The home appliance includes a casing member defining an external appearance of the home appliance, and an exterior panel coupled to an outer surface of the casing member. The exterior panel includes an ornament having a patterned portion on which an image is formed, and a transparent member integrally coupled to an outer surface of the ornament. The exterior panel provides improved material text and three-dimensional effect, arousing a user's aesthetic appreciation. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116006 | STRIKE LOCK WITH FUNCTIONS OF FAIL SECURITY AND FAIL SAFETY - A strike lock includes an upper frame, a lower frame, a door position detector, a door position detecting spring, an electromagnetic tube, a detecting switch assembly, a buckle assembly, a press assembly, and a lock assembly. The detecting switching assembly is formed by a door position detecting switch, a substrate, and an electromagnetic tube detecting switch. The buckle assembly is formed by a buckle, a buckling spring, and a straight screw. The press assembly is formed by a positioning plate, a press unit, a pressing spring, and a positioning screw. The lock assembly is formed by a lock, a support unit, and a locking spring. The operation of the strike lock is that the electromagnetic tube moves transversally to push the buckle assembly, when the press assembly can move downwards to buckle the buckle assembly, the locking spring and the lock are free to move to have the object of door unlocking. When the press assembly cannot move downwards to buckle the buckle assembly, the locking spring and the lock are locked by the press assembly to have the object of door locking. The operation of the strike lock is that when the electromagnetic tube is excited to move the buckle assembly transversally, the press assembly is able to move downwards and the lock is free to move so as to have the object of an electric lock. Through changing the installation direction of the buckle, the functions of unlocking the door under power supplying or power interruption are switched. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116007 | LOCK ASSEMBLY - A method of manufacturing a lock assembly for enabling use of a key-in-knob lock cylinder assembly in different types of lock assemblies. The method includes providing a key-in-knob lock assembly having a key-in-knob housing and a plug rotatably engaged within the key-in-knob housing, providing an interchangeable core lock assembly having an interchangeable core housing, and inserting the key-in-knob housing into the interchangeable core housing such that the key-in-knob housing is universally exchangeable between the key-in-knob lock assembly and the interchangeable core lock assembly. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116008 | Pin tumbler lock releasing system - A pin tumbler lock releasing system includes keyway insertible and universally configured lift, key and shim devices that cooperatively work to raise the pin stacks of a pin tumbler lock to just above its shear line so that a its plug element may be rotate within its outer casing in order to disengage it locking mechanism. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116009 | Liquid Fertilizing Compositions - Liquid fertilizer compositions and methods of making liquid fertilizer compositions are set forth herein. In one embodiment, a liquid fertilizing composition includes an aqueous ammonium chloride solution having a pH between 6.5 and 8.5, a dispersant selected from anionic polyacrylamides, and a corrosion inhibitor. In another embodiment, a liquid fertilizing composition includes an aqueous solution having a pH between 6.5 and 8.5. The solution includes at least 16.5 percent by weight of ammonium chloride and between 0.5 and 1.0 percent by weight of dispersant. In yet another embodiment, a liquid fertilizing composition has a pH between 7.5 and 8.5. The composition consists essentially of at least 16.5 percent by weight ammonium chloride, between 0.5 and 1.0 percent by weight dispersant, an effective amount of corrosion inhibitor, and water. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116010 | Aqueous pigment preparations - The invention relates to aqueous pigment preparations containing (A) at least one organic and/or inorganic pigment, (B) a dispersant of formula (I) or (II), or mixtures of the dispersants of formulas (I) and (II), (C) optionally wetting agents, (D) optionally other surfactants and/or dispersants, (E) optionally one or more organic solvents or one or more hydrotropic substances, (F) optionally other additives used conventionally for the production of aqueous pigment dispersions and (G) water. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116011 | HYDROFORMING METHOD - The present invention provides a hydroforming method able to increase the expansion ratio to obtain a complicated shape hydroformed product and able to reduce the number of steps of work, that is, a hydroforming method loading a metal pipe into a divided mold, clamping the mold, then applying an internal pressure and pushing force in the pipe axial direction to said metal pipe, comprising, in a first hydroforming step, expanding said metal pipe in one direction of said metal pipe cross-section to obtain an intermediate product having a circumferential length of 90% to 100% of the circumferential length of the product shape in all of the expanded part in the pipe axial direction and having a height greater than the height of the product in said one direction and at least part of the pipe axial direction, then, in a second hydroforming step, reducing the height in the one direction of said intermediate product in all or part of the pipe axial direction while shaping the product to the final product shape. Further, in the case of a shape including bending, a bending step is performed between the above first hydroforming step and second hydroforming step. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116012 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PROFILE BENDING - A method and a device are provided for the planar and spatial bending of rod-shaped components ( | 2010-05-13 |
20100116013 | Forming apparatus - A forming apparatus ( | 2010-05-13 |
20100116014 | BLANK FOR METAL CAN AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING METAL CAN - A metal can blank having a shape surrounded by n external tangents, n partial arcs or partial lines, and | 2010-05-13 |
20100116015 | DEEP-DRAWING DEVICE - A deep drawing apparatus is provided in which a sheet material is subjected to optimal heating and cooling, whereby the limiting draw ratio is increased and a product can be worked more deeply, and uniformity of the sheet thickness of the product can be controlled. This apparatus includes: a punch | 2010-05-13 |
20100116016 | DETECTOR FOR CHROMATOGRAPH AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING THE SAME - The present invention provides a detector for a chromatograph capable of obtaining the accurate retention time, even if there is a frequency deviation of the clock signal for determining the timing of data sampling, by conforming the progress of the detector internal time accompanied with the repetition of the sampling to that of real time. In the detector, consecutive data sampling intervals are defined to be a time adjustment period, and in one time adjustment period, each of the sampling intervals whose number is given as the interpolation value M is elongated by a predetermined number of clock counts compared to each of the other sampling intervals. If the clock signal has a positive frequency deviation, the apparatus internal time determined by the clock signal progresses faster than real time. However, providing the interpolation value M corresponding to the amount of the frequency deviation elongates the time adjustment period on the basis of the apparatus internal time, to be conformed to the time adjustment period on the basis of real time which is determined by the sampling period. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116017 | CALIBRATION CARD FOR PHOTOLUMINESCENT OXYGEN SENSORS - A calibration card and method of manufacturing and using the card to calibrate an analytical instrument capable of reading a photoluminescent oxygen probe. The card includes at least (a) a first mass of a first solid state composition comprising an oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye that is the same as the probe dye, embedded within an oxygen-permeable carrier matrix that is the same as the probe carrier matrix, wherein the first composition has a first sensitivity to oxygen, and, (b) a second mass of a second solid state composition comprising an oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye that is the same as the dye in the first mass, embedded within a carrier matrix that is different from the carrier matrix in the first mass, wherein the second composition has a known second sensitivity to oxygen that is less than the first sensitivity to oxygen. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116018 | METHOD FOR CHECKING A KNOCKING DEVICE - A method is provided for checking a knocking device which is intended for cleaning the surface of a heat exchanger element arranged on the inside of a boiler housing of a garbage incineration plant and which has a knocking ram guided through the wall of the boiler housing and movable in the direction toward the inside of the boiler. The heat exchanger element is deflected out of its position of rest into a deflection position by means of the knocking ram, and the force required for deflecting the heat exchanger element and/or the attenuation behavior of the heat exchanger element released after deflection are/is determined. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116019 | FRAMEWORK FOR A PROVER - A prover mounted upon a supporting lower framework includes a piston supporting rod extending longitudinally through a cylinder, which cylinder receives and discharges a fluid to measure the flow rate of the fluid by translation of the piston from the fluid receiving end to the fluid discharging end. Motive means supported on a frame mounted on the lower framework draws the rod toward the fluid receiving end of the cylinder. Upon such movement of the rod, a poppet valve formed as part of the piston opens to permit fluid flow through the piston. A clutch serving as part of the motive means permits travel of the piston from the fluid receiving end to the fluid discharging end of the cylinder and serve the flow rate measuring function of the prover. An upper framework is attached to the lower framework through a plurality of stanchions. Various I-beams formed as part of the upper framework enhance rigidity to the combination of lower framework and upper framework. The combination of lower framework and upper framework provides support for the prover in a horizontal or a vertical orientation without affecting the operation, repair or maintenance of the prover. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116020 | WIDE-BAND ACCELEROMETER SELF-RECOGNISING ITS CALIBRATION - A wide-band, single-axis or multiple-axis accelerometer or acceleration-measuring sensor, self-recognising its calibration is described, comprising at least one accelerometric detecting unit, such group being composed of at least two accelerometric transducers adapted to read, in a parallel way, different frequency bands, at least one electronic circuit for conditioning and digitising signals coming from the accelerometric detecting unit and at least one microprocessor adapted to read the signals through the conditioning and digitising electronic circuit and to recombine them for every measuring axis into at least one global output signal. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116021 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SAMPLE ANALYSIS - Methods and systems for analyzing samples, such as gas samples, are described. One method comprises providing a gas sample, increasing pressure applied to the gas sample to compress the sample to a smaller volume and provide a pneumatically focused gas sample, and analyzing the pneumatically focused gas sample using any of a variety of analytical techniques. Also disclosed are systems for gas analysis, including systems for analysis of pneumatically focused, and thereby concentrated, gas samples and for analysis of particulate matter in gas samples. Analytical systems constructed within personal computer cases also are disclosed. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116022 | METHOD FOR ANALYZING ENGINE OIL DEGRADATION - The present disclosure provides a method for detecting degradation of an engine oil, by separation into a polar component and a non-polar component via admixture with a polar solvent having a polarity index greater than or equal to 5 and optionally a non-polar solvent having a polarity index of less than or equal to about 1. The polar component is analyzed for one or more degradation indicators selected from the group consisting of antioxidants, acid content, and combinations thereof. Such degradation indicators relate to a degree of engine oil degradation. The polar component may be analyzed by Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) for the one or more degradation indicators, which can provide a semi-quantitative level of such degradation indicator species. The non-polar component identifies combustion products that help to explain the level of degradation. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116023 | METHOD FOR EXTRACTING POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS | 2010-05-13 |
20100116024 | THERMAL GAS SENSOR - A physical gas sensor of thermal type capable of determining the concentrations of a gas mixture even in the presence of humidity by measuring the thermal diffusivity and conductivity includes a cell with thermal conductivity whose frequency response to the gases is known, in particular in respect of humidity, delivering a signal Vm representative of the concentration of the gas. This cell is excited by a pulsed signal so that a processing can be carried out at different analysis frequencies: at low frequency and at higher frequency. The output signals from the two processing chains are combined in the circuit ( | 2010-05-13 |
20100116025 | AIR SAMPLER - An air sampler includes an inertial impactor with a compressible porous collector that receives particles greater than a lower threshold size from an air sample. Before reaching the collector, the air sample may pass through a sorter that prevents that removes particles above an upper threshold size. A mechanism transfers the compressible porous collector and base between the air sampler and a wash position outside of the air sampler. An agitator at the wash position may agitate the compressible porous collector to remove particles therefrom. The compressor may be wetted with various substances to facilitate particle collection from the air, preservation of particles on the collector, and removal of particles from the collector. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116026 | METHOD OF INSPECTING BEVERAGE BOTTLES FOR CONTAMINATION IN A BEVERAGE BOTTLE FILLING PLANT, A METHOD OF INSPECTING CONTAINERS FOR CONTAMINATION IN A CONTAINER FILLING PLANT, AND AN ARRANGEMENT THEREFOR - A method of inspecting containers for contamination in a container filling plant, and an arrangement therefor. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116027 | PRESSURIZED DETECTORS SUBSTANCE ANALYZER - A method to measure the concentration of a constituent element in a gas sample contained in an analyzer. A sample cell of a detector has an inlet and an outlet. The outlet of the sample cell is sealed. A predetermined mass of a gas sample is received through the inlet into the sample cell over a predetermined pressurization period until substantially the entire mass of the gas sample contained in the analyzer is contained within the sample cell. The gas sample is pressurized to a predetermined pressure over the pressurization period. A concentration of a constituent element in the pressurized gas sample is determined. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116028 | Vibration Monitor - A system comprising an amplifier for amplifying signals of frequencies less than one kilohertz generated by a vibration sensor and using the amplified signal to amplitude modulate a carrier signal at a frequency in excess of one kilohertz and applying the amplitude modulated carrier signal to a sensor interface circuit. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116029 | Gas Gauge, Lithographic Apparatus and Device Manufacturing Method - A gas gauge has a gas delivery tube arranged to determine a distance to an object. The gas delivery tube includes a gas conduit through which a suitable measurement gas is supplied. The measurement gas leaves the gas delivery tube under pressure via an outlet and impinges on the object in an interaction area, wherein a pressure of a recoiled gas is measured by a pressure detector. A gas having a low atomic number may be used. The pressure sensor may include a membrane positioned in the gas delivery tube at least partially enveloping the gas conduit at or near the gas outlet. The pressure sensor may include a membrane disk arranged about the gas conduit. The pressure sensor may include a suitable plurality of pressure elements arranged in a substantially common plane and which may be spaced apart yet enveloping the gas conduit. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116030 | System and method for measuring porosity of high strength and high performance concrete using a vacuum-pressure saturation method - The method for measuring porosity of concrete is a vacuum pressure saturation-based method for calculating a porosity value of a sample of concrete. The method includes the steps of first drying a concrete sample and then making a first weight measurement of the concrete sample. Following the first weight measurement, the concrete sample is placed in a vacuum pressure vessel, where the sample is subjected to vacuum. The vacuum pressure vessel and a pressure cell are next filled with water. Water in the pressure cell and vacuum pressure vessel is pressurized, and the sample remains within the pressurized water for twenty-four hours. The sample remains submerged in the vacuum pressure vessel for another twenty-four hour period to achieve equilibrium. A second weight is then taken in the water, and a third weight measurement is taken in air. The porosity is calculated based upon the first, second and third weight measurements. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116031 | System and Method for In Line In Situ Validation of Exhaust Filters - A system for in line in situ validation of an air filter of an exhaust filter system including a scan head, a means for facilitating movement of said scan head in the XY plane, a means for externally controlling the movement of the scan head from outside the plenum of the exhaust filter system in the XY plane, and a means for coupling the scan head to the means for externally controlling the movement of the scan head, is provided. The system can also include a scanning arm, inside and outside magnetic couples, and rolling means to facilitate movement of the inside and outside magnetic couples. A method for in line in situ validation of an air filter in an exhaust filter system is also described, which involves the use of the system for in line in situ validation of air filters of an exhaust filter system. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116032 | SENSOR ELEMENT AND CONSISTENCY TRANSMITTER - A sensor element for a consistency transmitter for use in measurements of a pulp suspension and coated with a diamond coating. A consistency transmitter for measuring the consistency of a pulp suspension, comprising: a sensor element to be placed in the pulp suspension and provided with a diamond coating; a part provided with equipment for measuring the force/torque effective on the sensor element, for processing the force/torque by computation, and for converting the force/torque to an electrical signal; and a transmitting element, connected to the sensor element and said part, for transmitting the force/torque effective on the sensor element to said part. A method in the manufacture of a sensor element for a consistency transmitter for use in measurements of a pulp suspension, wherein the method comprises the step of coating the sensor element with a diamond coating. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116033 | DRY POWDER RHEOMETER - A system and method for characterizing a rheological property of a particulate or powdered pharmaceutical composition having a sensor that measures the force imparted to a powder interacting member disposed within a quantity of moving powder. The measured force is related to a rheological property of the pharmaceutical composition, such as viscosity, flowability or compressibility. Information regarding the pharmaceutical composition's rheological properties allows increased performance in the automated loading of precise amounts of a powdered drug into a dry powder inhaler. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116034 | APPARATUS FOR MEASUREMENT OF IN-SITU VISCOSITY - An apparatus for measuring in situ the viscosity of a fluid within a vessel which includes an impeller paddle immersed in the fluid rotated by an electric motor connected to a shaft passing through a wall of the vessel. The impeller paddle is connected to the shaft by a toroidal spring. The electric motor is controlled by a variable voltage power supply controlled by a computer. Sensors are mounted on the impeller paddle and the shaft to sense the rotational positions of each and to generate electronic signals indicative thereof. The electronic signals are processed by signal processing circuitry to determining the deflection angle of the impeller paddle and the results sent to a computer, where the signals are recorded and analyzed to determine the viscosity of the fluid. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116035 | Sensor - A sensor element carrier for use in a mass-sensitive chemical sensor instrument comprises a base component and a lid component, the base component being adapted to receive, in use, a sensor, the signal generated by which depends on the mass of material adsorbed at a sensing surface thereof, the base component or the lid component having formed therein, in a recessed area, at least one channel for the ingress of sample fluid, the recessed area forming, in use and in conjunction with the sensing surface of the sensor, a sample chamber, the sensor being held, in use, between the base component and the lid component and the approach of the base component and lid component being limited on assembly of the sensor element by means of substantially rigid portions of each which come into abutment, thereby limiting the minimum height of the sample chamber for a given set of sensor, base and lid components. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116036 | Method of evaluating performance characteristics of articles - A method of observing a consumer product is provided. The method includes placing a consumer product into an imaging machine, and then using the machine to obtain information regarding the product. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116037 | Transportable apparatus and method for enabling determination of erodibility characteristics - A transportable system and method for determining erodibility of a surface such as that of an earthen embankment. Select embodiments deploy an instrumented portable bottomless open channel test enclosure, either a manifold or an inlet to a flume, and sufficient piping and valves to provide a fluid flow over a surface of interest. Select embodiments use mounts, such as spikes, affixed to the bottom edges of the open channel to position the channel flush against the surface, thus reducing or preventing fluid leakage along the periphery. Select embodiments emulate a hydraulic open channel having smooth vertical sides as may be found in a civil engineering laboratory. Select embodiments incorporate an external pump, gauges for taking measurements while fluid flows through the channel, an inlet and an outlet and a re-cycling sub-system from the outlet to the inlet. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116038 | FEEDBACK- ENHANCED THERMO-ELECTRIC TOPOGRAPHY SENSING - A method is provided for determining the topography of an object. A micro-cantilever with a scanning tip is provided. The micro-cantilever includes a thermal sensor. A biased voltage is applied across the thermal sensor. A resistance change of the thermal sensor is then identified. The bias voltage is then modulated, based on the resistance change to enhance the bandwidth and the sensitivity of the thermal sensor. Responsive to the scanning tip traversing a topographical variation on an object, the thermal sensor is vertically displaced with respect to the object, which induces a temperature change of the thermal sensor. A subsequent electrical resistance change of the thermal sensor is then identified, the subsequent electrical resistance change corresponding to a subsequent temperature change. The position of the object relative to the thermal sensor is then identified based on a difference between the initial electrical resistance and the subsequent electrical resistance. The topography of the object can then be determined based on the position of the object relative to the thermal sensor. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116039 | SPARK PLUG INCORPORATING A PRESSURE SENSOR - The spark plug comprises:—a central electrode ( | 2010-05-13 |
20100116040 | Test bench conditioning system for a working fluid, and a device for operating a test bench condition system of this type - A test bench conditioning system for a working fluid of a machine located on the test bench includes at least one pump ( | 2010-05-13 |
20100116041 | DEVICE FOR ERROR MONITORING OF CHASSIS COMPONENTS OF RAIL VEHICLES - The invention relates to a device for the error monitoring of chassis components of rail vehicles, including at least one vibration sensor. According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one vibration sensor is arranged on a bogie frame or on a wheel set bearing of an axis of a bogie of the rail vehicle such that the detection direction thereof has a component in the moving direction (x-direction) or a component perpendicular to the moving direction (y-direction) and at the same time a component parallel to the vertical axis (z-direction) of the rail vehicle. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116042 | Liquid Based Ice Protection Test Systems And Methods - A liquid based ice protection test method tests an aircraft part that includes at least a first heating element mounted on an inside surface of an aircraft skin. The method includes bringing the aircraft skin into contact with a low temperature bath and taking one or more temperature readings of the aircraft skin. A liquid based deicing test system includes a container that holds a low temperature bath, a fixture to suspend the aircraft part within the container, and a temperature sensing device for reading temperatures on an outside surface of the aircraft part. A liquid based ice protection test method includes sealing off ends of an aircraft part, attaching at least one temperature sensing device on the aircraft part and at least partially submerging it in a low temperature bath, and obtaining temperature information from the temperature sensing device. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116043 | COMPONENT AND PRODUCTION METHOD FOR A COMPONENT - A component having an acceleration sensor having at least one freely oscillatory mass, and a resonator having at least one resonating structure, in which the at least one freely oscillatory mass of the acceleration sensor and the at least one resonating structure of the resonator are disposed on and/or in one chip. A corresponding production method for a component is also described. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116044 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TURBINE BLADE CHARACTERIZATION - Methods and systems providing for characterizing turbine blades, including characterizing the dynamics of one or more turbine blades or stages of a stage in terms of natural frequencies, normalized response intensity, and/or stage modal shape or nodal configuration. Such methods and systems comprise fluid (e.g., oil) excitation of bladed disks and quantitative modeling of the fluid excitation. Additionally or alternatively, such methods and systems may provide for analyzing modal shape or nodal configuration of a bladed disk (e.g., a turbine stage) based on a phase analysis of strain signals acquired from a bladed disk subjected to a fluid excitation, wherein the modal shape or nodal configuration corresponds to modes of blades coupled through a disc or shrouding. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116045 | BARRIER COATINGS FOR POLYMERIC SUBSTRATES - An exemplary embodiment provides coated polymeric substrates that have a polymeric substrate body with a coated surface. The surface coating includes more than one pair of coating layers. Each pair of coating layers includes a first applied coating layer and a second applied coating layer. In addition, an indicator, applied on top of or between coating layers, provides an indication of wear of the coating. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116046 | SAMPLING DEVICE WITH DIAMOND-LIKE CARBON COATING - A diamond-like carbon coating is provided on a metal interior surface of a sample chamber of a well fluid sampling apparatus to render the sample chamber substantially impervious to the absorption of at least H | 2010-05-13 |
20100116047 | THERMAL ICING CONDITIONS DETECTOR - A sensor for detecting icing conditions in an airstream includes a flow housing mounted on an aircraft and in which one or more probes are mounted. At least one of the probes subjected to impingement of the airstream and liquid moisture droplets in such airstream. The heat removal, or cooling effect on the probe in the airstream carrying liquid droplets is determined. A temperature signal indicating the airstream temperature is combined with signals from the at least one probe for determining whether or not icing conditions are present. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116048 | Thermal Flow Meter - A thermal flow meter for use in dialysis is described, that uses a thermal wave to generate a signal in the fluid for which the flow rate is to be measured. The phase angle of the thermal wave signal changes when traversing downstream. The phase difference between the signals received downstream, compared with a reference excitation source signal is measured, and used to determine the flow rate of the fluid. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116049 | Gravimeter Launch Mechanism - A gravimeter that utilizes an electromagnetic launcher for enabling a free-fall of a test mass is disclosed. The electromagnetic launcher propels the test mass upward such that the test mass begins to free-fall once it has reached the apex of its flight. In addition, in some embodiments, the test mass comprises only non-ferromagnetic materials so that the free-fall of the test mass is unperturbed by magnetically induced influences. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116050 | CORIOLIS GYRO - A Coriolis gyro having an arrangement which comprises a substrate, at least two individual structures and spring elements. The spring elements couple the individual structures to the substrate and to one another. Force transmitters and taps are provided. The arrangement has at least one excitation mode which can be excited by the force transmitters and at least one detection mode which can be measured by the taps. The excitation mode and the detection mode are closed, as a result of which no disturbance excitations of the excitation mode and of the detection mode can be caused by linear accelerations and/or vibrations if there is no need to take account of manufacturing tolerances. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116051 | ANGULAR VELOCITY SENSOR - There is provided a signal separation circuit of an angular velocity sensor where a first sensing section, a second sensing section and a third sensing section which are arranged in two second arms are connected to a detection circuit section, and in this detection circuit section, an angular velocity is detected based upon angular velocity signals outputted from the first to third sensing electrode sections. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116052 | PIEZOELECTRIC VIBRATOR, AND VIBRATION GYRO - At the frequency of natural vibration with which the driving tines and detection tine of a piezoelectric vibrator resonate, the vibration directions of natural vibrations and the frequency difference between the resonance frequencies are set to reduce the leakage of vibration from the driving tines to the detection tine for suppressing the leakage vibration of the piezoelectric vibrator. In the piezoelectric vibrator, the vibration direction of the driving tines is made orthogonal to the vibration direction of the detection tine, or the frequency difference between the resonance frequency of the driving tines in the in-plane direction and the resonance frequency of the driving tines in the out-of-plane direction is increased sufficiently to suppress the growth of the leakage vibration. This configuration makes the piezoelectric vibrator compact and reduces leakage vibrations. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116053 | Convective Accelerometer - A convective accelerometer capable of measuring linear or angular acceleration, velocity, or angle of inclination is provided. The accelerometer comprises sensing elements that are sensitive to convection located inside a sealed housing containing a liquid agent. Applied external acceleration causes forced convection of the liquid agent, which produces variations in an electric current produced by the sensing elements that are proportional to the applied acceleration or angle of inclination. The accelerometer has a small size, extremely wide frequency and dynamic ranges, high sensitivity, simple design and is suitable for mass production. The device has a wide range of application, such as stabilization and control systems, homeland security, and oil exploration. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116054 | MEMS-BASED CAPACITIVE SENSOR FOR USE IN A SEISMIC ACQUISITION SYSTEM - An apparatus includes a seismic acquisition system that includes an accelerometer. The accelerometer includes a capacitive MEMS-based sensor, a controller and a charge amplifier. The sensor includes a proof mass; input terminals to receive a first signal; and an output terminal that is electrically connected to the proof mass to provide a second signal. The first signal, which is regulated by the controller, controls an equilibrium restoring force for the sensor and causes the sensor to provide the second signal. The charge amplifier provides a third signal, which is indicative of a position of the proof mass. The charge amplifier has an input terminal to continuously receive the second signal during a time in which the first signal controls the equilibrium restoring force and causes the sensor to provide the second signal | 2010-05-13 |
20100116055 | MICRO-ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SYSTEM DEVICE, OUT-OF-PLANE SENSOR AND METHOD FOR MAKING MICRO-ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SYSTEM DEVICE - The present invention discloses a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device, comprising: a mass including a main body and two capacitor plates located at the two sides of the main body and connected with the main body, the two capacitor plates being at different elevation levels; an upper electrode located above one of the two capacitor plates, forming one capacitor therewith; and a lower electrode located below the other of the two capacitor plates, forming another capacitor therewith, wherein the upper and lower electrodes are misaligned with each other in a horizontal direction. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116056 | Micro-Electro-Mechanical System Device, Out-Of-Plane Sensor and Method for Making Micro-Electro-Mechanical System Device - The present invention discloses a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device, comprising: a substrate with at least one opening; and a membrane supported on the substrate, the membrane including at least two thin segments and a thick segment connected together, wherein the two thin segments are not at the same level, and the thick segment is formed by a plurality of layers including at least two metal layers and a via layer, such that the membrane has a curve cross section. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116057 | MEMS SENSOR AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - An MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) sensor includes a base layer and a deformation portion provided on the base layer at an interval from the base layer and deformed by external force. The deformation portion is made of an organic material. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116058 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MEASURING PARAMETERS OF CARDIAC FUNCTION - A full tube is closed in a closing station of a tube filling machine by forming a welded joint, and the closed tube is then tested in terms of the tightness thereof. In order to do so, sound wave energy is introduced into the welded joint, and the sound wave that penetrates the welded joint is detected and is compared with a reference sound wave. The tube is classified as faulty if the detected sound wave deviates from the reference sound wave by more than a predetermined measure. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116059 | VIBRATION SENSOR HAVING A SINGLE VIRTUAL CENTER OF MASS - A vibration sensor enabling measuring a vibratory signal in a single virtual center of mass of the sensor including a chamber within the housing exhibiting a chamber center and chamber surface wherein all portions of the chamber surface are substantially equidistant from chamber center; and two pairs of vibration-sensitive transducers, wherein each transducer has a body including a first end portion, a second end portion and a central axis segment passing axially through the center of the body, between the first end portion and the second end portion; and wherein the first end portion includes a transuding element receptor portion; and wherein the second end portion is in operative association with the housing and each transducer pair of the two or more transducer pairs and includes an axis passing through the central segment of a first transducer, the chamber center, and the central segment of a second transducer. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116060 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ABNORMALITY DIAGNOSIS OF VERY LOW SPEED ROTATING MACHINE - The present invention provides a high accuracy, inexpensive diagnosis method and system diagnosing an abnormality of a 10 rpm or less very low speed roller bearing using an acoustic signal, that is, detects an acoustic signal emitted from a roller bearing of a 10 rpm or less ultralow speed rotating machine using a sensor having a sound pickup performance of 10 kHz or less, uses frequency analysis to find the spectrum distribution, processes this to obtain the frequency analysis waveform, compares the spectral average value or effective value of a frequency of the natural frequency of the bearing or more of this with a reference value, and judges that the bearing is abnormal when this spectral average value or effective value exceeds the reference value. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116061 | Method and device for determining the gas pressure in evacuated bodies - The invention is directed to a method and a system for using a thermal measurement method to determine the gas pressure in a vacuum element or in an evacuated body having an envelope and comprising on its exterior a flap delimited by two film faces that are joined together in the region of the free edge of the flap; the system according to the invention is characterized, on the one hand, by the fact that the space between the two film faces of the flap communicates with the space inside the envelope of the vacuum element and is at least partially filled with an open-pored, thin material layer, and, on the other hand, by a device for measuring the gas-pressure-dependent heat exchange coefficient of the flap at the location of the material layer; the invention also relates to the manner of operation of this measuring device. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116062 | CRACK-PROPAGATION PREDICTION METHOD AND PROGRAM - The precision of crack-propagation prediction is improved by taking into consideration a variation in the error due to inspectors and inspection methods. There is provided a crack-propagation prediction method including a correlation-information preparing step of measuring the length of a crack initiated in a test object by a plurality of inspectors and/or a plurality of inspection methods and obtaining correlation information between data acquired through the measurement and the condition of an actual crack; a crack-length estimating step of estimating the actual length of the crack initiated in an inspection target on the basis of the crack length measured by an inspector during inspection of the inspection target and the correlation information; and a crack-propagation-curve estimating step of estimating a crack-propagation curve of the inspection target originating from the crack length estimated in the crack-length estimating step. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116063 | SHEAR TEST APPARATUS AND METHOD - A test apparatus for applying shear loads to a deposit on a substrate comprises a cantilevered shear tool ( | 2010-05-13 |
20100116064 | CLIP FOR DETECTING BENDING FORCES AND ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS - A clip for detecting bending forces and electrical characteristics is disclosed, which comprises: a base; a clipping head fixedly disposed on the base and composed of a clipping sheet and a fixing sheet combined therewith; and a force detecting unit fixedly disposed the base and contacting the clipping head; wherein the clipping head is provided with two electrodes thereon and the two electrodes contact a substrate when the clipping head clips the substrate. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116065 | FLOWMETER - A flowmeter is provided to have a measuring tube, in or on which a measuring system is arranged. The flowmeter includes pinch seal sleeves which are arranged at both ends of the measuring tube for connecting the measuring tube to a process pipeline. According to an exemplary configuration, the pinch seal sleeves and/or the inner surfaces of the pinch seal sleeves are composed of an electrically insulating material and/or coated with an electrically insulating material. To make the device lighter in enable fast installation, the measuring tube can be made flangeless. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116066 | MAGNETOSTRICTIVE LOAD SENSOR AND MOVABLE UNIT COMPRISING SAME - A magnetostrictive load sensor includes a coil with a through hole, a load sensing member disposed in the through hole, first and second magnetic circuit defining members which are joined together so as to cover the coil and which together define a magnetic circuit to pass a magnetic flux that has been generated by current flowing through the coil, and a housing that houses the coil. The load sensing member and the first and second magnetic circuit defining members are arranged together. Each of the first and second magnetic circuit defining members includes a first portion that contributes to defining the magnetic circuit and a second portion that is arranged so as to extend from the first portion and extend out of the magnetic circuit. The housing holds and fixes together the respective second portions of the first and second magnetic circuit defining members. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116067 | DEVICE FOR DETECTING THE TORQUE AND THE ANGLE OF ROTATION OF A ROTATING SHAFT - A device for detecting torque features of an electric screwer comprises a clutch for coupling with the electric screwer and a clutch for applying a resisting torque. The two clutches ( | 2010-05-13 |
20100116068 | METHOD FOR COLLECTING GASEOUS SAMPLE - The present invention of collecting gaseous sample employs the sealable container, the inlet mounted at a part of the container, the outlet mounted at the other part of the container, the atomizing electrode mounted in the container, the primary refrigerator mounted at adjacent to the atomizing electrode, the opposite electrode mounted in the container, the acicular capture electrode mounted at adjacent to the opposite electrode, and the secondary refrigerator mounted at adjacent to the capture electrode. Charged microparticles are prepared by chilling gaseous sample and producing condensate of the same. Such charged microparticles are collected by the capture electrode with static electricity, and they are condensed by chilling them. This method prevents the capture electrode from spreading solution thereon. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116069 | CONTAINER SEAL WITH INTEGRATED SAFETY ARRANGEMENT FOR A SAMPLE CARRIER - Container seal having an integrated safety arrangement for a sample carrier, wherein the container seal ( | 2010-05-13 |
20100116070 | Method and Apparatus for Measuring Manual Device Actuation - An assembly that provides operational information about operation of a device, such as a nasal spray pump or metered dose inhaler. A linkage adapted to extend between a mounting assembly, connected to a stationary part of the device, and an adapter assembly, connected to a movable part of the device, is in operational relationship with a transducer to enable the transducer to indicate a mechanical relationship between the movable and stationary parts of the device corresponding to the operation of the device. A data collection and processing system may be connected to the transducer for determining information that may be used to program an automated actuation system. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116071 | DEVICE FOR INSTALLATION OF A PROBE AND PROBE ACCOMMODATING ARRANGEMENT - Device for mounting and demounting of a probe ( | 2010-05-13 |
20100116072 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL CAM MECHANISM - An object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional cam mechanism, which is capable of selecting a cam guide surface shape freely to drastically improve the degree of freedom for selecting a target locus on the follower side, transmitting not only a power between orthogonal axes but also a strong and reliable power, and performing a reversible operation. The present invention is configured such that a three-dimensional cam guide surface ( | 2010-05-13 |
20100116073 | Actuator with an anti-loose structure - An actuator with an anti-loose structure comprises an actuator and an anti-loose structure. The actuator includes a first tube, a second tube and a drive assembly. The first tube is movably mounted on the second tube, and the drive assembly is drivingly connected to the first and the second tubes and provided with a drive gear connected to a power source. The drive assembly obtains the power through the drive gear to drive the second tube to life and descend with respect to the first tube. The anti-loose structure includes a first limit member and a second limit member that are both disposed on the drive screw of the drive assembly. The first limit member and the second limit member are respectively located at two ends of the drive gear to for avoiding the uncontrollable movement of the drive gear, which is likely to affect extending/retracting movement of the actuator. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116074 | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL APPARATUS - There is provided an automatic transmission control apparatus that secures the safety of a motor drive, even in the case where an abnormality exists in a unit that detects a voltage supplied to a motor control apparatus, and that neither deteriorates the controllability of the motor drive nor erroneously operates the transmission mechanism of the automatic transmission. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116075 | Shift By Wire Gearshift Device - It comprises a fixed part ( | 2010-05-13 |
20100116076 | ARRANGEMENT OF A GEAR SHIFT FORK IN A TRANSMISSION - An arrangement of a shift rocker ( | 2010-05-13 |
20100116077 | ROBOT ARM - In a robot arm having a closed link mechanism between a base and a hand, misalignment of the hand is inhibited during when the robot arm is used to move high temperature work. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116078 | Electrical connecting device of joint unit and robot having the same - Disclosed is an electrical connecting device of a joint unit. The electrical connecting device includes a first conductor provided at one side of the electrical connecting device and a second conductor provided at the other side of the electrical connecting device. The first and second conductors make contact with each other. Therefore, the joint unit is electrically connected at all times so that the joint unit is used as a module. | 2010-05-13 |
20100116079 | BIDIRECTIONAL TENDON TERMINATOR - A bidirectional tendon terminator that has particular application for terminating a tendon that actuates a finger in a robotic arm. The tendon terminator includes a cylindrical member having an internal channel through which a single continuous piece of the tendon extends. The internal channel of the tendon terminator includes a widened portion. A ball is placed in the tendon strands, which causes the tendon to expand, and the ball is positioned within the widened portion of the channel. Pulling on the tendon operates to either open or close the finger of the robotic arm depending on which direction the tendon is pulled. In one specific embodiment, the cylinder includes two cylindrical pieces that are coupled together so that the ball can be positioned within the channel and the cylindrical member has an entire circumference of material. | 2010-05-13 |