Patents Examined by Nimeshkumar D. Patel
  • Patent number: 11467114
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring pressure, gas and/or humidity, the apparatus having at least one sensor with at least one capacitor comprising at least two electrodes that are arranged in a horizontal direction relative to one another along and on a flexible support material. At least one dielectric layer is arranged between the electrodes and at least one at least partially moisture-permeable and/or moisture-absorbing and/or gas-permeable and/or gas-absorbing moisture layer is arranged at least in some places on a side, facing away from a support material, of at least one electrode and/or the dielectric layer. At least one electrode and/or the dielectric layer are thus arranged transversely between the support material and the moisture layer. A capacitance is at least partially changed by moisture hitting the dielectric layer, and a processing unit measures and/or stores this change, so as to create a capacitive moisture sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventor: Mohammad Kabany
  • Patent number: 11467042
    Abstract: A device for indicating violation of a temperature limit of an item is provided. The device is positionable near the item and includes a sensor configured to change its state permanently when the temperature limit is violated. The change in sensor state is machine-readable to provide a permanent indication of the temperature limit violation. The sensor includes a reservoir for storing a fluid that changes phase from a solid to a liquid when the temperature limit is violated and a channel in fluid communication with the reservoir for receiving flow of the fluid in liquid phase from the reservoir. The sensor is arranged to allow flow of the fluid in the liquid phase such that the state of the sensor is permanently changed. The sensor is further configured to prevent the fluid flow from permanently changing the sensor state until activation of the sensor from a resting state. A system and method for detecting violation of a temperature limit of an item using the device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: BLUECHIP LIMITED
    Inventors: Ian Johnston, Andrew McLellan, Scott Turner, Efstratios Stan Skafidas, Phuong Duc Nguyen, Duc Hau Huynh, Thanh Cong Nguyen
  • Patent number: 11467113
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring pressure and/or humidity, having at least one sensor for measuring pressure and/or humidity. The sensor has at least one capacitor having at least two electrodes that are arranged in a horizontal direction relative to one another along and on a flexible support material. At least one dielectric layer is arranged between the electrodes. At least one at least partially moisture-permeable and/or moisture-absorbing layer is arranged in some places on a side, facing away from a support material, of the electrode and/or the dielectric layer. The at least one electrode and/or the dielectric layer are arranged transversely between the support material and the moisture layer. In this way, a capacitance is at least partially changed by moisture hitting the dielectric layer, and a processing unit is designed and provided to measure and/or store this change, so as to create a capacitive moisture sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventor: Mohammad Kabany
  • Patent number: 11467038
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the time-temperature indicating module which allows the user to trigger the bursting of the starting member with a simple motion and generate a crack so that the spread material interposed inside spreads via the crack. The present invention also relates to the manufacturing method of the time-temperature indicating module that strengthens a sealed section of the time-temperature indicating module using laminating by heat sealing to prevent the spread material from leaking or flowing out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: TTI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bong-Soo Kwon, Ji-Hoon Park, Young-Suk Jeon, Guan-O Lee, Byeong-Han Lim, Jin-Hee Jung, Cheong-Hoon Cho
  • Patent number: 11460481
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for indicating the presence of a threshold directional differential pressure between separated adjacent spaces. A conduit contains at least one movable element that indicates whether the pressure difference between the two spaces is at least as high as a threshold pressure difference. The apparatus is adjustable to have different threshold set points by adjusting the pivot arm inclination relative to a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: AirFlow Directions, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian M. Wiseman
  • Patent number: 11460456
    Abstract: A gas sensor includes a sensor element, an inner protective cover having inside a sensor element chamber and having an element chamber inlet and an element chamber outlet, and an outer protective cover having an outer inlet and an outer outlet. On a side in a downward direction with respect to the element chamber inlet, a minimum distance between the inner protective cover and the sensor element is 2.64 mm or greater. When imaginary light parallel to an axial direction of the outer outlet is irradiated from an outside of the outer protective cover to the outer outlet, the imaginary light does not reach the sensor element chamber. A minimum flow channel width of an outlet-side gas flow channel that is formed as a space between the outer protective cover and the inner protective cover is 0.67 mm or greater and 2.60 mm or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: NGK INSULATORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Fumiya Takahashi, Takeshi Omori
  • Patent number: 11458777
    Abstract: The invention concerns a tread wear monitoring method comprising a preliminary step (6) and a tread wear monitoring step (7). The preliminary step (6) includes: performing tread wear tests on one or more tires; measuring tread-wear-related quantities and first frictional-energy-related quantities, wherein the tread wear-related quantities are indicative of tread wear resulting from the performed tread wear tests, and the first frictional-energy-related quantities are related to frictional energy which the tested tire(s) is/are subject to during the performed tread wear tests; and determining a calibrated tread wear model based on the measured tread-wear-related and first frictional-energy-related quantities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Bridgestone Europe N.V./S.A.
    Inventors: Vincenzo Ciaravola, Marco Andrea Maggi, Alfredo Corollaro, Lorenzo Alleva, Alessandro Boldrini, Valerio Bortolotto, Rufini Flavia
  • Patent number: 11458776
    Abstract: The invention concerns a tread wear monitoring method comprising a tread wear model calibration step (1) and a tread wear monitoring step (2), wherein the tread wear model calibration step (1) includes determining (13) a calibrated tread wear model based on tread-wear-related quantities and first frictional-energy-related quantities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Bridgestone Europe N.V./S.A.
    Inventors: Vincenzo Ciaravola, Alessandro Boldrini, Lorenzo Alleva, Alfredo Corollaro, Marco Andrea Maggi, Marco Pascucci
  • Patent number: 11460283
    Abstract: A device is disclosed including a compact tape measure housing enclosing a tape spool with a multi-segment spring-loaded tape retention mechanism having a tape spool, a primary rewind spring, a secondary rewind spring coupled together via a rotating spring coupling. In various embodiments, the primary and the secondary springs may be placed side-by-side making the two springs and the overall tape measure device smaller in diameter. The primary and the secondary rewind springs are coupled to the tape spool and the housing via an axle pin. The diameter of the tape measure housing may be reduced if two or more rewind springs are used instead of a single one. The primary and the secondary rewind springs operate in series. On pulling the measuring tape, the primary spring is compressed, causing the secondary rewind spring to compress. On release of the tape, the springs operate in reverse, retracting the tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Inventors: Michael H. Panosian, Joshua M. Keeler
  • Patent number: 11455918
    Abstract: A warning triangle structure includes a base, a triangle, a number of connecting rods, and a braking device. The triangle includes a bottom end and a top end opposite the bottom end. The bottom end is fixedly mounted to the base. Each of the connecting rods includes a first end and a second end. The first end is fixedly coupled to the base, and the second end is mounted with a rotatable support wheel. The braking device is installed at the second end of at least one of the connecting rods. The braking device includes a transmission shaft coupled to the support wheel. The braking device controls the support wheel to stop rotating by stopping the transmission shaft from rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Fulian Precision Electronics (Tianjin) Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Ching Chien, Chuang-Wei Tseng
  • Patent number: 11453136
    Abstract: A hand knife tool has alignment markings configured on its blade to help orientate the cutting edge of the knife tool across a workpiece to make a miter cut. A transverse axis is defined perpendicular to a substantially straight middle section of the cutting edge and bisecting the two faces of the knife blade. Each alignment marking is configured on the knife blade at an angle relative to the transverse axis. Each of the alignment markings visually delineate an alignment line substantially across the knife blade between the cutting edge and the blade back. When one of the alignment markings on the knife tool is aligned to the edge of a workpiece, it places the cutting edge of the knife tool across the workpiece at a substantially congruent angle. Then the knife can be pivoted upon its edge and then make a miter cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Inventor: Kevin Otis McCann
  • Patent number: 11454532
    Abstract: A first arithmetic circuit computes a propagation velocity of an ultrasonic wave based on a first time difference between an output timing, at which an ultrasonic element outputs an ultrasonic wave, and a reference timing, at which a comparator circuit outputs a detection signal on reflection off a distal end of a reference pipe, and a length of the reference pipe. A period circuit sets a propagation path detection period to detect a liquid level timing, at which the comparator circuit outputs the detection signal on reflection off the liquid level, based on a longest and shortest propagation path lengths and the propagation velocity. A second arithmetic circuit computes the length of the propagation path based on a second time difference, which is between the liquid level timing and the output timing during the propagation path detection period, and the propagation velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kyoko Kurokawa, Takuya Koizumi, Akihiro Konno, Hironori Iwamiya
  • Patent number: 11442034
    Abstract: A dual heater gas sensor module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a housing having a front side and a back side which are partially open and forming the exterior of the dual heater gas sensor module; a first gas sensor for heating the air flowing in through the front side of the housing; and a second gas sensor for measuring a specific gas contained in the air discharging through the backside of the housing, wherein the first gas sensor is located in a first region, the second gas sensor is located in a second region that is higher than the first region, and the first region and the second region may be connected by an inclined plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Moosub Kim, Insung Hwang
  • Patent number: 11440411
    Abstract: A step motor that drives a rotary body to rotate includes: an output shaft that outputs a rotational driving force to the rotary body, the output shaft having an insertion hole in which the rotary body is arranged so as to be integrally rotatable on an inner circumference side of a top portion of a tip end of the output shaft; a radial bearing radially supporting the output shaft from an outer circumference side; and a cover protruding from the radial bearing radially inward. The cover opposing the top portion through an axial gap at an outer circumference side of the insertion hole. The output shaft has an inner tapered portion which decreases in diameter as approaching the insertion hole radially inward from the top portion. The cover opposes the top portion through the axial gap at an outer circumference side of the inner tapered portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tatsuya Sasaki
  • Patent number: 11441421
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measurement of the oil content in oil-based drilling may be provided in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. A method for measuring oil content of an oil-based drilling fluid may include providing a sample of the oil-based drilling fluid. The method may further include performing electro impedance spectroscopy on the sample by a process that comprises applying an alternating electric current to the sample and measuring a response of sample to obtain electro impedance spectroscopy measurements. The method may further include determining an estimate of the oil content of the sample based, at least partially on the electro impedance spectroscopy measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiangnan Ye, Dale E. Jamison, Li Gao
  • Patent number: 11435249
    Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a housing, a pressure chamber defined within the housing, and a pressure transducer. The pressure sensor also includes a header that seals the pressure chamber and supports the pressure transducer in the pressure chamber. A plurality of pins extend through respective openings in the header. The sensor pins have first ends electrically connected to the pressure transducer in the pressure chamber and second ends electrically connected to sensor electronics outside the pressure chamber. The pins are electrically insulated from the header. The header is configured so that the electrical insulation of at least one pin from the header is less than the electrical insulation of the remaining pins from the header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: DWYER INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Neal Syverson, Jason Berry
  • Patent number: 11435216
    Abstract: An ultrasonic element generates an ultrasonic wave and converts an input ultrasonic wave into an electric signal. A transmission circuit outputs a drive signal to the ultrasonic element. A comparator circuit outputs a first detection signal when the electric signal becomes larger than a threshold value and outputs a second detection signal when the electric signal becomes smaller than the threshold value. An arithmetic circuit computes a distance of a propagation path of the ultrasonic wave based on a time difference between an output timing, at which the ultrasonic element outputs of the ultrasonic wave, and a liquid level timing, at which the comparator circuit outputs the first detection signal, and based on a propagation speed of the ultrasonic wave. A storage unit stores a time difference between the first detection signal and the second detection signal. The transmission circuit increases the drive signal, as the time difference decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akihiro Konno, Hironori Iwamiya, Takuya Koizumi
  • Patent number: 11435175
    Abstract: Provided are a displacement detector, a surface shape measuring apparatus, and a roundness measuring apparatus capable of measuring displacement in a plurality of directions, having a simple configuration, and capable of highly accurate measurement. A displacement measurer includes: a detector body; a substantially L-shaped stylus having a contactor to be in contact with a measuring surface of an object to be measured; a stylus holding part that is provided in the detector body and holds the stylus in a swingable manner, with a swing plane being a plane including a first direction and a second direction that are perpendicular to each other; and a displacement detecting unit that is provided in the detector body and detects displacement of the contactor associated with contact between the contactor and the measuring surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: TOKYO SEIMITSU CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hideki Morii
  • Patent number: 11435327
    Abstract: A supercritical fluid chromatograph includes an analysis flow path, a mobile phase liquid sender, a masking liquid sender, a sample injector, an analysis column and a back pressure adjustor. The mobile phase liquid sender sends a mobile phase in the analysis flow path. The masking liquid sender sends a masking liquid in the analysis flow path. The masking liquid is the liquid that causes an inner surface of a metal pipe constituting the analysis flow path to have a function of suppressing adsorption of a metal-adsorbing substance. The sample injector injects a sample into the analysis flow path. The analysis column is provided on the analysis flow path and separates the sample that is injected into the analysis flow path by the sample injector. The back pressure adjustor is provided at a downstream end of the analysis flow path and adjusts the pressure in the analysis flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Keiko Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 11430355
    Abstract: A means for displaying flags on outriggers. More specifically, a simple adjustable mechanical device comprising a spring loaded clamping mechanism for displaying multiple flags both vertically and horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Sport Clamps, Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua C. Evans