Time Patents (Class 137/552.7)
  • Patent number: 11448048
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for operating a gas-lift plunger, of which the apparatus includes a controller configured to perform operations including receiving a signal from a sensor representing that a gas-lift plunger has reached a position is proximate to a top of a well. The operations include, in response to receiving the signal, causing a compressor to unload, and positioning a valve such that a gas flows from the compressor to a pressure vessel, and not into the well, and from the pressure vessel to the compressor. The operations include determining that the plunger has descended in the well, and in response to determining that the plunger has descended in the well, causing the compressor to load, and positioning the valve such that gas flows from the compressor to the well via the valve, the gas flowing from the pressure vessel into the inlet of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: EPIC LIFT SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventor: Schuyler Kuykendall
  • Patent number: 11403888
    Abstract: One or more computing devices, systems, and/or methods for determining a time-length of an action are provided. For example, a first data packet, of a plurality of data packets, may be received from a beacon. The first data packet may be associated with a first event and may comprise a first counter value. A second data packet, of the plurality of data packets, may be received from the beacon. The second data packet may be associated with a second event and may comprise a second counter value. A time-length of an action may be determined based upon an evaluation of the first counter value and the second counter value. Compliance with a protocol may be determined by comparing the time-length of the action with a time-limit associated with the protocol. A report may be generated based upon the time-length of the action and the compliance with the protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: GOJO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Mark Adam Bullock
  • Patent number: 11113949
    Abstract: A system for monitoring and maintaining hand washing compliance. The system may be configured to monitor hand washing compliance at any hand washing station having a water faucet and cleaning agent. The system may comprise a wristband, a wash node, a control unit, and a database. The wash node may be configured to capture the activity within an area encompassing the hygiene station. The system is configured to monitor and notify the user of when to clean their hands. Further, the system can provide real time and historical monitoring of hygiene compliance and policy violation by users. Further, the system can provide the user with notifications of their compliance through visual or wireless device notifications indications of the time elapsed since a previous washing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventor: David Iwankow
  • Patent number: 11069217
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for detecting an object, such as a person. For example, a sensing system may comprise a sensor arrangement. The sensor arrangement may comprise a passive sensor and an active sensor. The active sensor may be placed into a sleep state (e.g., a relatively low powered state) until awakened by the passive sensor. For example, responsive to detecting a presence of an object (e.g., a nurse entering a patient's room), the passive sensor may awaken the active sensor from the sleep state to an active state for detecting motion and/or distance of the object within a detection zone to create object detection data (e.g., an indication of a hygiene opportunity for the nurse). The active sensor may transition from the active state to the sleep state responsive to a detection timeout and/or a determination that the object left the detection zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jackson William Wegelin, Bradley Lee Lightner, Mark Adam Bullock
  • Patent number: 11043105
    Abstract: A hand-washing monitoring method includes: establishing remote connection with a hand-washing device; acquiring usage information of the hand-washing device based on the remote connection; outputting hand-washing statistical data according to the acquired usage information. A connection can be established between the terminal and the hand-washing device, through the connection, the terminal can remotely acquire usage situations of the hand-washing device monitor hand-washing actions of the user of the hand-washing device in real time according to the usage situations of the hand-washing device, and supervise the hand-washing situations of the user of the hand-washing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zheng Xing, Yingchun Xie
  • Patent number: 11011046
    Abstract: A hand-washing monitoring method includes: establishing remote connection with a hand-washing device; acquiring usage information of the hand-washing device based on the remote connection; outputting hand-washing statistical data according to the acquired usage information. A connection can be established between the terminal and the hand-washing device, through the connection, the terminal can remotely acquire usage situations of the hand-washing device monitor hand-washing actions of the user of the hand-washing device in real time according to the usage situations of the hand-washing device, and supervise the hand-washing situations of the user of the hand-washing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zheng Xing, Yingchun Xie
  • Patent number: 10941547
    Abstract: A plumbing fixture assembly including a fluid flow detection system for monitoring fluid flow and flow characteristics through plumbing fixtures without contacting the fluid. The fluid flow detection system communicates collected data related to the plumbing fixtures to a water management system, which analyzes the data and provides information to a user through a portal and user interface. The fluid flow detection system also tracks users of the plumbing fixtures for compliance with a hand washing routine. The hand washing compliance data is communicated to the water management system as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: ZURN INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Arindam Chakraborty, Long Larry Le, Michael Pynn, Thushan Kapilajith Hemanchandra
  • Patent number: 10504355
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for detecting an object, such as a person. For example, a sensing system may comprise a sensor arrangement. The sensor arrangement may comprise a passive sensor and an active sensor. The active sensor may be placed into a sleep state (e.g., a relatively low powered state) until awakened by the passive sensor. For example, responsive to detecting a presence of an object (e.g., a nurse entering a patient's room), the passive sensor may awaken the active sensor from the sleep state to an active state for detecting motion and/or distance of the object within a detection zone to create object detection data (e.g., an indication of a hygiene opportunity for the nurse). The active sensor may transition from the active state to the sleep state responsive to a detection timeout and/or a determination that the object left the detection zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jackson William Wegelin, Bradley Lee Lightner, Mark Adam Bullock
  • Patent number: 10151405
    Abstract: A valve integrated pressure regulator (VIPR) device is provided that includes a gas flow valve arrangement, a shroud and digital gauge display that can be attached or coupled to a gas cylinder, and which can monitor the amount or pressure of the gas in the gas cylinder. Features of the disclosed valve integrated pressure regulator device include an electronic control, electronic alarm and the electronic display that are powered by a battery that may be disposed within the shroud. The battery and/or electronic control are accessible via a removable access panel disposed on the front surface of the shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Pamela Tebebi, Paul K. Oetinger, Lloyd A. Brown, Giancarlo Nicolini
  • Patent number: 9990834
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for personal tracking of hygiene compliance of a user. For example, a mobile device may host a tracking component (e.g., a personal hygiene compliance app deployed on a cell phone or tablet). The tracking component may be configured to establish a communication connection, such as a Bluetooth communication connect, with a hygiene device (e.g., a soap dispenser). The tracking component may generate either a hygiene compliance metric or a non-hygiene compliance metric based upon whether a dispense event notification, indicating compliance by the user with a hygiene opportunity, is received from the hygiene device. In this way, the user may personally track hygiene compliance information based upon automated communication signals shared between the mobile device and the hygiene device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: GOJO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Mark Moore
  • Patent number: 9892617
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for detecting an object, such as a person. For example, a sensing system may comprise a sensor arrangement. The sensor arrangement may comprise a passive sensor and an active sensor. The active sensor may be placed into a sleep state (e.g., a relatively low powered state) until awakened by the passive sensor. For example, responsive to detecting a presence of an object (e.g., a nurse entering a patient's room), the passive sensor may awaken the active sensor from the sleep state to an active state for detecting motion and/or distance of the object within a detection zone to create object detection data (e.g., an indication of a hygiene opportunity for the nurse). The active sensor may transition from the active state to the sleep state responsive to a detection timeout and/or a determination that the object left the detection zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: GOJO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jackson William Wegelin, Bradley Lee Lightner, Mark Adam Bullock
  • Patent number: 9728069
    Abstract: Among other things, an entry monitor has circuitry to detect when a person enters a monitored space and an indicator perceptible to other people in the space to indicate a cleanliness state of the hands of the person who has entered the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: BioVigil Hygience Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Steven F. Bolling
  • Patent number: 9524632
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for personal tracking of hygiene compliance of a user. For example, a mobile device may host a tracking component (e.g., a personal hygiene compliance app deployed on a cell phone or tablet). The tracking component may be configured to establish a communication connection, such as a Bluetooth communication connect, with a hygiene device (e.g., a soap dispenser). The tracking component may generate either a hygiene compliance metric or a non-hygiene compliance metric based upon whether a dispense event notification, indicating compliance by the user with a hygiene opportunity, is received from the hygiene device. In this way, the user may personally track hygiene compliance information based upon automated communication signals shared between the mobile device and the hygiene device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Moore
  • Publication number: 20150027548
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a liquid management system. The system and method include a primary fill pump and a secondary fill pump, a primary drain pump and a secondary drain pump. The system and method also include a level sensor for monitoring a liquid level in a reservoir. A controller is programmed to monitor the liquid level in the reservoir such that the controller will operate the primary fill pump and the primary drain pump to control the liquid level in the reservoir in a predetermined manner. The controller is further programmed to operate the secondary fill pump and the secondary drain pump to control the liquid level in the predetermined manner in the event of a failure of the primary fill pump or the primary drain pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: David Moriarty
  • Patent number: 8694168
    Abstract: A digital shower system contains a showering equipment including at least one first watering device and at least one second watering device; an input interface including a power key, a knob, an ok key, a return key, and a plurality of outlet switches; a valve unit including a motor, a mixing valve, and a number of outlet valves; a central process unit including a setting module, a time module, a memory module, a calculator module, and a water monitor module; and an indicator so that quantity of water use is known by the user to save water consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Jingyang Lin
  • Publication number: 20140090712
    Abstract: A steam trap monitor includes a process variable sensor configured to sense a process variable related to operation of a steam trap. A memory contains information related to a baseline parameter of the process variable. Diagnostic circuitry calculates a current parameter of the process variable sensed by the process variable sensor and compares the current parameter of the process variable with the baseline parameter. Based on the comparison, the diagnostic circuitry responsively provides a diagnostic output based upon the comparison. The baseline and current parameter are based on a time period during which the steam trap is open or closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Robert J. Karschnia, Thomas M. Moser
  • Patent number: 8550114
    Abstract: A time remaining display assembly for indicating the time remaining in a pressurized gas tank, adapted to be connected to a regulator having a flow rate adjuster for selecting one of a plurality of flow rate settings comprising an assembly coupled to the flow rate adjuster, the assembly having one or more time scales imprinted thereon, each time scale corresponding to one of the flow rate settings, each time scale indicating the time remaining in the tank as a function of gas pressure in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventors: Wilton Cahn Levine, Mark Alan Deshur
  • Publication number: 20130133762
    Abstract: A hand wash control system is provided, comprising a soap dispenser for dispensing soap; a dispenser beacon for detecting when soap has been dispensed by the soap dispenser; a faucet controller connected to a faucet for inhibiting the dispensing of water from a faucet; wherein the faucet controller inhibits the flow of water from the faucet for a certain time after the dispenser beacon detects soap being dispensed by the soap dispenser, to provide an appropriate lather period by a user before rinsing with water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: ULTRACLENZ, LLC
    Inventor: David Snodgrass
  • Patent number: 8348243
    Abstract: A home soda machine includes a cylinder of gas suitable for carbonation, an attachment mechanism to attach a bottle of water, a valve opening mechanism to open a gas release valve on the gas cylinder and introduce the gas to the bottle of water, a gas release sensor to sense at least events indicating the opening and closing of the gas release valve, and an indirect gas meter to at least determine an amount of the gas released from the cylinder based at least on a cumulative length of time the gas release valve was open as per data received from the gas release sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sodastream Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Amir Schori, Alon Gendel, Allan Ring, Antony Frank Pateman, David O'Neill
  • Patent number: 8322366
    Abstract: A valve alarm for use with a valve having an open position, a closed position, and a knob is provided. The valve alarm includes a handle having a knob seat receivable about the knob, and a body defining a volume. The knob seat is carried within the volume and moveable relative the body between an open position and a closed position. A switch is carried by the handle and changed from an Off orientation to an On orientation when the knob seat is moved to the open position, and changed from the On orientation to the Off orientation when the knob seat is moved to the closed position. A timer circuit is coupled to the switch and carried by the handle and includes a time period counted down to zero upon activation by the switch changed to the On orientation. A signaling device is carried by the handle and coupled to the timing circuit for activation upon the timer circuit time period reaching zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20120291894
    Abstract: An elapsed time indicator (2), comprises an activator arrangement (25) comprising a fluid reservoir (20) and a conduit (22) configured to provide a predetermined flow rate of fluid (21) along the conduit (22). The elapsed time indicator (2) further comprises a visual display arrangement (18) configured to change appearance on exposure to the fluid (21). The conduit (22) connects the fluid reservoir (20) to the visual display arrangement (18). The activator arrangement (25) is configured to release fluid (21) from the fluid reservoir (20) in response to an activation event to permit the fluid (21) to flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: UWI TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventor: Peter Higgins
  • Patent number: 8307845
    Abstract: A flow rate controller detects a clogged state of an orifice to prevent errors during flow rate measurement. The flow rate controller includes a differential pressure flow meter, with an orifice disposed between a pair of pressure sensors, that converts a pressure difference detected by the two pressure sensors into a flow rate, a flow-rate adjusting valve whose degree of opening is controlled such that the difference between a measured flow rate value and a preset flow rate value falls within a predetermined range, and a control unit that controls the degree of opening of the flow-rate adjusting valve upon receiving the pressure values detected by the pressure sensors. The control unit compares the preset flow rate value and the measured flow rate value and determines that there is a clog fault when a flow rate difference, as compared with a predetermined value, continues for a predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mizuho Kouchi, Hiroki Igarashi
  • Publication number: 20120132300
    Abstract: A fail-safe fluid, particularly, water distribution apparatus for use within residential, commercial and industrial buildings comprising (i) a conduit through which fluid is distributed; (ii) a fluid flow time-sensitive sensor cooperative with the conduit to operably detect fluid flow within the conduit over desired periods of time; and (iii) a fluid control valve to control the flow of the fluid within the conduit cooperative with the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Mohammed A. HANIF
  • Publication number: 20120125076
    Abstract: A portable metered flow apparatus for accurately providing calibration gas from a calibration gas source to a gas monitoring instrument in order to permit calibration/bump testing of the instrument comprising a regulator and a gas delivery device that includes a solenoid valve, an electronic timing circuit, means for providing power to the solenoid valve and the electronic timing circuit, a power switch for activating the electronic timing circuit, means for activating the release of calibration gas; and optionally one or more LED lights. A method for calibration/bump testing of a gas monitoring device utilizing the portable metered flow apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Air Liquide Advanced Technologies US LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Tryfonos, Eric E. Brooking, Robert A. DeNicola, Ryan W. Kauler, Joshua D. Treisner, Kayla R. Burnim, Ryan B. Adelman
  • Publication number: 20120080103
    Abstract: A time remaining display assembly for indicating the time remaining in a pressurized gas tank, adapted to be connected to a regulator having a flow rate adjuster for selecting one of a plurality of flow rate settings comprising an assembly coupled to the flow rate adjuster, the assembly having one or more time scales imprinted thereon, each time scale corresponding to one of the flow rate settings, each time scale indicating the time remaining in the tank as a function of gas pressure in the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Wilton Cahn Levine, Mark Alan Deshur
  • Patent number: 8104509
    Abstract: A water timer system includes a base assembly and an input and display module. The base assembly includes (i) a conduit structure defining an inlet, an outlet, and a passage extending therebetween, (ii) a first housing defining a first chamber, (iii) a motor located within the first chamber and having an output member, (iv) a gear set located within the first chamber, (v) a valve member movable between a first valve position in which the valve member is positioned to prevent water flow through the passage and a second valve position in which the valve member is positioned to enable water flow through the passage, wherein movement of the gear set causes the valve member to move between the first valve position and the second valve position, and (vi) a receptacle structure defining a first aperture and a second aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rick L. Leer, William F. Zore
  • Publication number: 20110290350
    Abstract: A water supply control assembly is disclosed for cutting off the supply of water to a house or building in the event of excessive water consumption. In one embodiment, a valve is secured to a distribution conduit in fluid communication with a pressurized source of fluid. A water flow sensing unit is secured between the inlet port and the flow discharge port. A magnet is mounted therein to a displaceable member and moved into and out of magnetic field coupling proximity to a timing reed switch in response to the onset and termination of pressurized water flow through the water flow sensing unit. A controller is coupled to the timing reed switch in order to actuate the valve to a water shut-off condition in response to the continuous flow of pressurized water for an elapsed flow time in excess of a preset duty cycle limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Raymond H. Slupecki, J. Thomas Miller
  • Patent number: 8032256
    Abstract: A system that control levels of liquids in reservoirs may include a control component that causes a compressor to pump gas through a tube extending in a liquid in a reservoir to an air bell for a predetermined amount of time responsive to a pump pumping portions of a liquid from the reservoir. The control component may also cause the compressor to pump gas through the tube for a predetermined amount of time responsive to the control component determining that a predetermined amount of time has passed since the compressor was previously operated. The control component may also cause the compressor to pump gas through the tube for a predetermined amount of time, responsive to the control component determining that a pressure sensor component in fluid communication with the tube indicates a possible decrease in the liquid level to at least a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: SJE-Rhombus
    Inventors: Aaron R. Wolf, William D. Chandler, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110220206
    Abstract: According to aspects described herein, there is disclosed a method of and system for indicating a fault associated with a fluid valve moveable between an open and a closed operative position. The method and system compare a valve state indicator to a valve last command, wherein the valve state indicator represents a detected operative position of the valve and the valve last command being an operative command sent to the fluid valve. The method and system also initiate a fault indication after a predetermined time delay relative to the valve last command being sent and when the valve state indicator does not match the valve last command. After the time delay a fault indication can be initiated immediately upon receipt of a different valve state indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Target Rock Division of Curtiss-Wright Flow Control Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Gerard Cordle, John Behm
  • Publication number: 20110155269
    Abstract: The instant invention will conserve water and energy by monitoring and limiting water usage in both commercial and residential settings. The device employs a mechanical timer and plate valve to control the amount of time water is running and to notify the user that, after a set amount of time has elapsed, the water will shut off. The device can be easily retrofit for use in commercial and residential buildings, and sea going vessels, as well as applied to commercial kitchens and outdoor commercial and residential landscape. The user is restricted to a fixed maximum duration of water. After a preset time has elapsed, the water flow will stop. This water conservation invention has wide application in commercial and residential settings as a means to pride consumers with an effective, easy and inexpensive way to save hundreds of thousands of gallons of water from being wasted monthly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Scott Martin
  • Patent number: 7819136
    Abstract: A hand washing timer with a sensor for assisting a user in washing his or her hands for a proper amount of time, for example in accordance with one or more health code regulations. The timer can also include a display, a solenoid valve, a pressure sensor, and/or a float valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Zachary P. Eddy
  • Publication number: 20100263742
    Abstract: A water shutoff system includes a water conduit having a passageway extending therethrough. The passageway includes an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet. Water enters the inlet and is released outwardly of the outlet. The inlet is couplable to a water supply and the outlet is couplable to a faucet. A valve is in fluid communication with the passageway. The valve is positionable in an open position allowing water flow through the passageway or in a closed position preventing water flow through the passageway. A drive mechanism is mechanically coupled to the valve. The drive mechanism is actuated to selectively alternate the valve between the open and closed positions. A control is operationally coupled to the drive mechanism to actuate the drive mechanism to open or close the passageway. The control actuates the drive assembly to close the passageway when a threshold limit has been achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Margaret Bogdanska
  • Publication number: 20100229974
    Abstract: A wave control circuit disclosed herein may be used to control the operation of various plumbing devices and appliances. The wave control circuit uses a sensor to sense presence of objects in the vicinity of the plumbing device and appliance using the wave control circuit and a control circuit to control the operation of the plumbing device or appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: TECHNICAL CONCEPTS, LLC
    Inventor: George Jost
  • Publication number: 20100175758
    Abstract: A system comprising a system comprising a valve; a controller adapted to actuate the valve; a pressurized source connected to the valve; a hose and nozzle assembly connected to the pressurized source through the valve; and a switch connected to the nozzle assembly; wherein a flow from the pressurized source to the nozzle may be interrupted by the valve and by the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Chad Michael Weidert
  • Publication number: 20090223568
    Abstract: An automated system for inflating balloons. A balloon inflator comprises an electronic control system that activates the pressurized gas source to inflate a balloon. The balloons are fed through the inflator on a belt and, at the appropriate time as governed by the electronic control system, pressurized gas is emitted into a balloon. Once the balloon bursts or is removed from the inflator, the belt is advanced and that the next balloon is inflated. In the preferred embodiment, the system comprises multiple inflators and the electronic control system is operated remotely using radio frequency signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Rodney Crandell, Raymond Crandell
  • Publication number: 20080233257
    Abstract: A cooking facilitator which is preferably portable and well suited for use as both a timer and cooking process facilitator having particular usefulness with cooking objects which have a characteristic associated with establishing a cooking time such as the weight of a turkey in the case of deep frying a turkey or the thickness of a steak in deep frying the same. A gas flow timer for shutting off an overheated or unattended cooking system is also featured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: John D. McLemore, Don McLemore
  • Patent number: 7114510
    Abstract: A valve with a smart handle including a memory module to log relevant data. A sensor on the handle determines when the valve is open, and this triggers the start of timers and recording of the “open” event in a log in the memory module. When the valve is closed, the sensor triggers stopping of the timers and recording of the “closed” event in the log. The timer information is used to calculate the duration of the time “open” event, and this, together with the actual date and time of the opening and closing of the valve are recorded in the log. Other relevant information, such as cylinder fill date, cylinder I.D. number, batch number, and patient name or account number may also be logged in the memory module. The log of the events and the corresponding dates and times may be used to prepare invoices for billing gas treatments, for inventory control, and for other record-keeping and control functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignees: INO Therapeutics, Inc., Ventek LLC
    Inventors: Mark E. Peters, Gregory W. Popp
  • Patent number: 7028605
    Abstract: A signal generating valve and timer assembly includes a valve slide and a controller. The controller is coupled to the valve and is adapted to engage the valve to move the valve from a first position to a second position. The valve generates a first signal in at least one of the first or second positions. Movement of the valve slide from the first position to the second position engages an actuator device to activate a switch on the timer to start the timer running for a pre-programmed time period. The timer generates a second signal at the expiration of the selected time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Regal Ware, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward S. Owen, Jeffrey S. Rohrer, Allen C. Eimerman
  • Publication number: 20040238044
    Abstract: A signal generating valve and timer assembly includes a valve slide and a controller. The controller is coupled to the valve and is adapted to engage the valve to move the valve from a first position to a second position. The valve generates a first signal in at least one of the first or second positions. Movement of the valve slide from the first position to the second position engages an actuator device to activate a switch on the timer to start the timer running for a pre-programmed time period. The timer generates a second signal at the expiration of the selected time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Regal Ware, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward S. Owen, Jeffrey S. Rohrer, Allen C. Eimerman
  • Publication number: 20040187932
    Abstract: A timer for a gas stove comprises a pipe, a linking rod, a plunger and a timer, wherein the linking rod is inserted into the pipe and is activated by the timer. When the timer is on, the linking rod is pushed downward, and an exhale and an inhale of the pipe are in an open status for gas to flow therethrough. When the timer is off, the exhale and the inhale are closed, thus gas is blocked from flowing within the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Chang-Feng Chuang
  • Publication number: 20040045608
    Abstract: A valve with a smart handle including a memory module to log relevant data. A sensor on the handle determines when the valve is open, and this triggers the start of timers and recording of the “open” event in a log in the memory module. When the valve is closed, the sensor triggers stopping of the timers and recording of the “closed” event in the log. The timer information is used to calculate the duration of the time “open” event, and this, together with the actual date and time of the opening and closing of the valve are recorded in the log. Other relevant information, such as cylinder fill date, cylinder I.D. number, batch number, and patient name or account number may also be logged in the memory module. The log of the events and the corresponding dates and times may be used to prepare invoices for billing gas treatments, for inventory control, and for other record-keeping and control functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Mark E. Peters, Gregory W. Popp
  • Patent number: 6426701
    Abstract: A handwash monitoring system and method for providing an alert when a person must wash their hands. A badge worn by a person is activated to register at least one of a visual, audible or tactile alarm by a beacon placed where contamination may occur when the badge enters the range of the beacon. The person must wash their hands according to visual and audible prompts issued by a base unit in a wash area to clear the badge alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: UltraClenz Engineering Group
    Inventors: Allan Levy, James B. O'Maley, Francis J. Parker
  • Patent number: 6283138
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve monitoring device is provided. The monitoring device includes a sensor input module located proximate to a pressure relief valve, a microcontroller located within the sensor input module, and a real time clock/calendar also located within the sensor input module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Anderson, Greenwood LP
    Inventors: Ronald George Friend, Michael Allen Jones
  • Patent number: 6236317
    Abstract: An apparatus and a concomitant method for promoting hygienic practices is disclosed. The apparatus is a monitoring unit for monitoring the completion of a desired action, e.g., handwashing, by a user. Upon completion of the desired action, the monitoring unit transmits a satisfactory signal to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Food Safety Solution Corp.
    Inventors: Glenn Cohen, James R. Disser, Mark Hersh, Ronald Heagle, Dan Richard, Kevin Brady