Methods Of Determining Oil Presence, Contamination Or Concentration Patents (Class 250/301)
  • Publication number: 20120022694
    Abstract: A sensing scheme comprising determining the chemical degradation and physical degradation in oil using variation in transmission behavior of oil for multi-wavelength electromagnetic radiation, and separating the contributory effect of physical degradation from the chemical degradation is disclosed. Further sensor designs employing the said scheme are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: MRIDANGAM RESEARCH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY TRUST
    Inventors: Pravansu S. Mohanty, Ramesh K. Guduru
  • Patent number: 7763850
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining the consumption of oil from an oil separation system (2) in the blow by gas recycling circuit of an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignees: Total Raffinage Marketing, Delta Services Industriels S.P.R.L.
    Inventor: François Martin
  • Patent number: 7728291
    Abstract: Viscous oil residues are located based on fluorescence polarization. Methods and apparatus in accordance with the invention may be integrated with autonomous and remotely operated undersea vehicles to map the location of oil spills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: EIC Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Job M. Bello
  • Patent number: 7586087
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to characterize stock-tank oil during fluid composition analysis are disclosed. A disclosed example method to characterize a fluid associated with an underground geological formation comprises obtaining a sample of the fluid associated with the underground geological formation, determining, in a borehole associated with the underground geological formation, a stock-tank oil type for the sample of the fluid associated with the underground geological formation, and determining a property of the fluid associated with the underground geological formation based on the stock-tank oil type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chengli Dong, Peter S. Hegeman
  • Publication number: 20090189074
    Abstract: Viscous oil residues are located based on fluorescence polarization. Methods and apparatus in accordance with the invention may be integrated with autonomous and remotely operated undersea vehicles to map the location of oil spills.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: EIC Laboratories
    Inventor: Job M. Bello
  • Patent number: 7553449
    Abstract: The corrosion rate of a metal immersed in a fluid medium is measured by transmission of a beam of radiation normally in the visible or near infra-red portion of the spectrum, through a thin film of the metal immersed in the medium. The film of the metal is suitably supported on a radiation-transmitting substrate such as a glass plate or slide. The corrosion rate can be determined by passing a radiation beam through the metal film sample using a twin beam system to compensate for instrument factors such as the absorbance by the fluid medium, the cell windows and the film-supporting substrate. As the thickness of the film decreases, the reduction in film thickness is determined by the increase in beam intensity, using a reference beam to compensate for the instrument factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Company
    Inventors: Mohsen S. Yeganeh, Shawn M. Dougal, Cheayao Zhang, Saul C. Blum, H. Alan Wolf, Glen Barry Brons
  • Patent number: 7529627
    Abstract: A method for electrical survey of hydrocarbons deposits under seabed depths up to 1500 m and equipment therefor are provided. The equipment includes a vessel, a generator, an excitation field block, connected with a vertical dipole with coax electrodes, a data registration/processing block, bottom systems with. The lower dipole electrode is situated at maximally 100 m from the seabed, the upper electrode at maximally 200 m from the surface. The operation of the generator and bottom systems is synchronized the dipole is submersed into the sea, and fed with alternating-sign rectangular current pulses, whose on-off time ratio and duration are programmably determined. The bottom systems register reflected signals and electromagnetic field components, when the dipole's current is on and off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: “EMMET” JSC
    Inventors: Evgenij Dmitrievich Lisitsyn, Andrej Vladimirovich Tulupov, Alexandr Arkadevich Petrov, Vladimir Eduardovich Kyasper
  • Patent number: 7514268
    Abstract: A method is provided for identifying contaminants on a surface. In one embodiment, an infrared beam is transmitted onto a sample. A first infrared absorbance of the sample is determined at a first wave number. A second infrared absorbance of the sample is determined at a second wave number. The first absorbance is correlated to a first absorbance peak of a contaminant. The presence of a predetermined level of the contaminant is confirmed by correlating the second infrared absorbance to a second absorbance peak of the contaminant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Paul H. Shelley, Diane R. LaRiviere
  • Publication number: 20090039255
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting the presence of hydrocarbons near an unmanned offshore oil platform. The method steps include monitoring reflected atmospheric and thermal radiation, detecting the presence of hydrocarbons, and generating an alert based on the presence of hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Albert Ballard Andrews, Wei-Chuan Shih, Matthew Clayton, Oliver C. Mullins
  • Patent number: 7402800
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the continuous determination of the damage to at least one system (7) used for the post-treatment of exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine (2), caused by the lubricating oil, the fuel and/or at least one lubricating oil additive and/or fuel additive used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignees: Total Fina Elf France, Delta Services Industriels S.P.R.L.
    Inventors: Thierry Delvigne, Jerome Obiols
  • Patent number: 7321117
    Abstract: An oil quality sensor apparatus includes a housing that includes an oil flow path through which oil flows through the housing. One or more photo-detectors can be provided in association and a plurality of light-emitting devices located within the housing and proximate to the oil flow path. At least one light-emitting device among the plurality of light-emitting devices is sensitive to large particulates associated with the oil and at least one other light-emitting device among the plurality of light-emitting devices is sensitive to small particulates associated with the oil to thereby provide an indication of differences among particulates associated with the oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: James Z T Liu
  • Patent number: 7321123
    Abstract: A radiation detector operating at high temperatures is shown comprising a LuAP scintillating material for producing light when excited by incident radiation, a photocathode, and an electron multiplier. The photocathode is deposited directly onto the surface of the scintillating material that is oriented toward the electron multiplier. In a preferred embodiment, a metal flange is hermetically sealed to the scintillating material and this is fusion welded to the electron multiplier to create a vacuum envelope. This invention is particularly useful in high temperature noisy environments such as downhole operations to detect radiation within a well hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: John Simonetti, Joel L. Groves, Wolfgang Ziegler, Art Liberman, Christian Stoller
  • Patent number: 7309862
    Abstract: A method for determining changes of a site, wherein the site is treated with an aqueous dispersion having at least one binder, at least one substance emitting visible light on UV exposure, at least one binder and, optionally, a dispersant and the site thus treated and/or untreated adjacent sites are exposed to UV light and the deviation of the light intensity of the emitted light of a partial area of the site from the mean light intensity of the emitted light of the site area and/or the light intensity of the emitted light of a part of the adjacent, untreated area from the mean light intensity of the emitted light of the adjacent untreated areas and/or the light intensity of the emitted light of the site immediately after the treatment with the composition from the light intensity of the emitted light at a later time and/or the light intensity of the emitted light of the adjacent untreated area immediately after the treatment of the site with the composition from the light intensity of the emitted light of th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: LANXESS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Drenker, Hans-Jörg Seiler, Volker Kahle, Norbert Donkels
  • Patent number: 7279688
    Abstract: A simple and reliable portable flashlight shaped instrument that combines in a first embodiment an array of a combination of ultraviolet, white and multicolor LED arrays in combination with a broad band hydrocarbon gas detector and, in a second embodiment, a combination of ultraviolet, white and infrared LED arrays. There is also a readily attachable collector cone with a plurality of magnifying lenses, which are removable and a kit assembly with an extender sleeve for the collector cone, and a collector cone heater chamber. Many types of hydrocarbons fluoresce under the influence of an ultraviolet light. This rugged constructed instrument will find trace amounts of suspect materials and is extremely easy to use. The built in gas detector is cable of detecting trace amounts of accelerants days after a fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventor: James P. Campman
  • Publication number: 20070210262
    Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the presence of a targeted group of hydrocarbons, such as diesel/fuel oil, lube oil, motor oil, hydraulic oil, jet fuel, mineral oil and crude oil in a highly reliable manner even though present at only extremely low concentration. A high power, pulsed light source is focused into a collimated beam that is reduced by a set of filters to a band of pulsed light within a precise set of wavelengths and directed vertically onto a target surface, such as a body of water. All but a precise band of light wavelengths returning to the apparatus are blocked so that substantially all light which then reaches an internal photodetector is within such precise band of wavelengths; as a result receipt of such light programmed intervals following such pulses is indicative of the presence of a member of the targeted hydrocarbon group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: INTEROCEAN SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Michael D. Pearlman
  • Patent number: 7227139
    Abstract: A system for detecting leaks of petroleum and other non-petroleum based products in an environment includes a sensor package comprising at least one LED and an optical photo-detector. The emitter transmits an excitation signal with an excitation wavelength, and the detector is tuned to the emission wavelengths of a fluorescing mixture, such as a petroleum based product, in a space where detection is sought. An alarm system coupled to the detector may be used for notifying users in case of a leak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: The Regents of The University of California
    Inventors: Mark Kram, Leroy Laverman
  • Patent number: 7173242
    Abstract: A method is defined for determining whether a rock is capable of functioning as an oil reservoir has had or presently contains oil. The method includes the steps of: -cleaning a sample of the rock in a manner such that at least some of any adsorbed oil on the rock will remain and any oil inclusions within the rock remain intact; -irradiating the cleaned sample with fluorescence inducing electromagnetic (typically UV) radiation and measuring emitted (typically UV and visible) radiation from the sample; and-comparing the emitted radiation measurement against a similarly determined measurement from a rock sample of a known oil-producing reservoir, to determine whether or not the rock has had or presently contains oil. In a variation of the above method, the sample of the rock is cleaned step-wise in a manner that removes other than adsorbed oil on the rock, with a final cleaning step including contacting the sample with a solvent into which some adsorbed oil may be extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
    Inventors: Keyu Liu, Peter John Eadington, Joseph Stanley Kurusingal
  • Patent number: 7128812
    Abstract: A foam level in a delayed coking drum is detected by utilizing the varying density of the boiling mass in the coke drum which has larger bubbles and is less dense at the top and smaller bubbles and a higher density at the bottom. A plurality of radiation detectors are disposed on the drum and calibrated such that zero radiation is equivalent to 100 percent level. The percentage reading for each detector is multiplied by the fraction of height each detector is in relation to the total height of all the detectors to give a product and the products summed to give a level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Carl E. Cupit
  • Patent number: 7126123
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for inspecting parts for surface contamination including the steps of covering the part with a film of water, and then scanning the wetted part with a infrared camera to preserve the reflected image of the reflected infrared light thereby defining a water break area of contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Cessna Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Jay M. Amos, Alan R. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 7029570
    Abstract: The thermal decomposition of Athabasca asphaltene at relatively low (<350° C.) temperatures is believed to proceed by elimination of groups situated on peripheral sites of the asphaltene. More severe degradation of the asphaltene structure does not occur until elevated (>350° C.) temperatures are attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Thomas G. Mason, Min Yue Lin
  • Patent number: 6870160
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the condition of a lubricating medium includes a UV light source, a UV receiver, a processor electrically coupled to both the UV light source and the UV receiver, and a memory device electrically coupled to the processor. The memory device has stored therein a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to (a) communicate with the UV light source and the UV receiver so as to expose a sample of the lubricating medium to the UV light and generate a UV spectrum of the sample in response thereto, and (b) compare the UV spectrum of the sample to a model spectrum and generate a control signal if the UV spectrum of the sample has a predetermined relationship to the model spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: LSI Logic Corporation
    Inventor: David W. Daniel
  • Publication number: 20040099804
    Abstract: A method is defined for determining whether a rock is capable of functioning as an oil reservoir has had or presently contains oil. The method includes the steps of:—cleaning a sample of the rock in a manner such that at least some of any adsorbed oil on the rock will remain and any oil inclusions within the rock remain intact;—irradiating the cleaned sample with fluorescence inducing electromagnetic (typically UV) radiation and measuring emitted (typically UV and visible) radiation from the sample; and—comparing the emitted radiation measurement against a similarly determined measurement from a rock sample of a known oil-producing reservoir, to determine whether or not the rock has had or presently contains oil. In a variation of the above method, the sample of the rock is cleaned step-wise in a manner that removes other than adsorbed oil on the rock, with a final cleaning step including contacting the sample with a solvent into which some adsorbed oil may be extracted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Keyu Liu, Peter John Eadington, Joseph Stanley Kurusingal
  • Patent number: 6715347
    Abstract: Formation drilling cuttings are centrifuged and a sediment sample is extracted and heated to burn off surface hydrocarbons. A non-fluorescing diluant is added to the sediment. The sediment is then subjected to UV excitation. Depending upon the permeability of the sediment, the speed at which emitted fluorescence brightens is found to vary. The time and brightness of the emission are measured. The time/brightness relationship is proportional to the permeability of the cuttings and can be used to calculate a relative permeability index for comparison to other know parameters to determine the presence of hydrocarbon and the likelihood of being able to produce the hydrocarbon from a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Konstandinos S. Zamfes
  • Patent number: 6690453
    Abstract: Method and device for predicting the flocculation threshold of asphaltenes contained in hydrocarbon mixtures. The method comprises the following stages: determining the refraction index (nA) of several asphaltenes used as reference asphaltenes; determining experimentally, for predetermined thermodynamic conditions, the variation of solubility index (&dgr;) in connection with the refraction index of hydrocarbon constituents including light hydrocarbons and reference asphaltenes; deducing therefrom a correlation relation modelling this variation of solubility index (&dgr;).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventor: Pascal Mougin
  • Patent number: 6525325
    Abstract: A system for quantifying the petroleum content of aqueous media includes a sample cell; a first light source for generating a first light signal that stimulates fluorescent emissions when the first light signal irradiates hydrocarbons present in an aqueous solution in the sample cell; a spectral detector for generating a first electrical signal that represents spectral components of the fluorescent emissions in response to detecting the fluorescent emissions that are emitted from the sample cell; a second light source for generating a coherent light signal that is transformed into scattered light signals when the coherent light irradiates oil droplets in the aqueous solution; a detector for generating a second electrical signal in response to detecting scattered light signals emitted from the tube, where the second electrical signal represents the intensities and scatter angles of the scattered light signals; and a processor for determining a particle size distribution of the oil droplets from the second elec
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: John M. Andrews, Stephen H. Lieberman, Lora L. Kear-Padilla, Virginia Games
  • Publication number: 20030029995
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring oil flow velocity in a well are provided which utilize fluorescence quenching. A marker which quenches the natural fluorescence of crude oil is chosen and injected into the oil flow at a first location. At a second location, the oil flow is subjected to light at a wavelength which will cause oil to naturally fluoresce. The fluorescence signal is detected at the second location by a sensing probe. The time that it takes for the quenching marker to move from the first location to the second location is measured by sensing a decrease in fluorescence due to the quencher. Fluid velocity is determined by dividing the distance between the marker-ejection point and the optical probe position by the time it took the marker to move that distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Oliver C. Mullins, Donald Charles McKeon, Felix Chen, Xu Wu, Elizabeth B. Dussan, Henning Groenzin, Clelia Canuel
  • Patent number: 6501072
    Abstract: The optical density of an oil sample at a plurality of wavelengths over a plurality of different (typically decreasing) pressures is monitored and used to find the size of agglomerated asphaltene particles which are precipitating from the oil sample. The optical density information used in finding the particle size is preferably optical density information relating to the scattering of light due to the asphaltene particles only. Thus, baseline optical density information of the oil sample at a high pressure is subtracted from optical density information obtained at test pressures at each wavelength of interest. Asphaltene particles of a radius of one micron and smaller were found to be powdery, while asphaltene particles of a radius of three microns and larger were found to include paving resins. The precipitation of asphaltenes is reversible by increasing the pressure under certain circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Oliver C. Mullins, Abul Jamaluddin, Nikhil B. Joshi
  • Patent number: 6476385
    Abstract: A cleaning inspection kit inclusive of various compositions of water-soluble invisible fluorescent ink and various applicators therefor which are suited for a number of different surfaces, and a hand-held ultra-violet light. The appropriate applicator is used to mark an area with invisible compound prior to cleaning. After the area has been cleaned an inspection is made with the ultra violet light to expose the original area and to determine whether remnants of the original mark are still there. If so, the area could not have been properly cleaned. However, if the original mark is gone then the area was cleaned. The system allows management to inspect the quality of cleaning and maintenance services. The kit is simple to use as the inks are applied by convenient pen, powder or spray applicators, and a portable ultra-violet light is provided for fluorescing the inks. The method is non-destructive as all of the ink compositions wash away upon normal cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Peter M. Albert
  • Publication number: 20020157991
    Abstract: The present invention is a method to disaggregate asphaltenes in petroleum oils and oil mixtures by mild heating. The presence of asphaltenes is determined by small angle neutron scattering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas G. Mason, Min Yue Lin
  • Patent number: 6407383
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for fluorescence measurement of oil residues in water. The core of the invention is to use a powerful, narrow-band excimer lamp to excite intensive fluorescence radiation to detect the latter with a photodiode or the like, and to determine the oil concentration therefrom. The excimer lamp can be designed as a flat radiator a hollow cylindrical inner radiator or a tubular radiator, and can be combined with a through-flow or free fall measuring cell. The excimer lamp is advantageously operated in a pulsed or modulated fashion, the fluorescence radiation is measured at a right angle to the exciting radiation, the emitted and/or transmitted exciting light is monitored with the detectors, and a redundant measuring arrangement with a plurality of excimer lamps and fluorescence detectors is provided. The sensor is distinguished by reliability, freedom from maintenance and a long service life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: John Byatt, Thomas Kleiner, Ulrich Kogelschatz, Daniel Matter
  • Patent number: 6148661
    Abstract: A method of separating and analyzing slightly volatile cations and/or anions contained in a sample immediately and simultaneously. The sample is injected into a chromatography device in liquid phase co-operating with at least one stationary phase likely to retain the cations and the anions contained in the sample by competing interactions with the stationary phase or phases. The cations and anions are eluted by feeding at least one mobile phase which can be evaporated through the stationary phase or phases. The cations and the anions present in the mobile phase or phases are analyzed with the aid of an evaporative light scattering detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignees: Sedere S.A., Universite d'Orleans-UFR de Sciences
    Inventor: Michel Dreux
  • Patent number: 6141395
    Abstract: A sealed neutron tube is provided, in which an insulating structure is designed to be solid to enhance the shock-proof performance thereof, an ion beam drawn out from an ion source is pulsated more rapidly, and the lifetime of a target is increased without substantially increasing the filling amount of the Tritium. The sealed neutron tube (1) includes a metal housing (20), an ion source (5) disposed and sealed within the metal housing for ionizing a Deuterium gas, an accelerating electrode (4) charged with a high voltage, disposed and sealed within the metal housing and facing the ion source, and a target (3) disposed within the accelerating electrode and absorbing Tritium and the like therein. An outer wall (20) is constructed by a metal housing, and a ceramic insulating member (11) is disposed within the metal housing. Since the accelerating electrode is held by this insulating member, the outer wall of the sealed neutron tube has enhanced shock-proof performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Japan National Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuya Nishimura, Michio Kato, Yuko Rintsu, Masaaki Nagakura, Yoshinobu Miyake
  • Patent number: 6097027
    Abstract: A method of using natural oil inclusions in rock that is capable of oil entrapment to determine whether that rock has had, or presently contains, oil, comprising the steps of: selecting two or more regions on a sample of the rock; determining a ratio of the number of regions that contain oil inclusions, or the number of regions that do not contain oil inclusions, as against the total number of regions selected; and comparing that ratio against standard rock samples to thereby enable the determination to be made as to whether or not the rock has had or presently contains oil. The method can also be used to locate boundaries of different fluid phases in geological sites capable of retaining oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
    Inventors: Peter John Eadington, Mark Lisk, Francis William Krieger
  • Patent number: 6091071
    Abstract: An opto-electronic sensor for recognizing transparent articles, such as, for example, glass bodies, plastic bodies, or foils. The sensor includes at least one transmitter for transmitting light signals into a monitored region, at least one receiver for receiving the transmitted light signals, and at least one evaluation unit for the evaluation of the received signals. The transmitter is designed for the transmission of the light signals in the UV range. At least one reference transmitter is provided for the transmission of light signals into the monitored region. The light signals transmitted by the reference transmitter lie in a different frequency range from the light signals transmitted by the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Sick AG
    Inventors: Thomas Franz, Gerhard Alt, Guenter Hirt, Daniel Kietz
  • Patent number: 5982959
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for inexpensively and accurately sensing with the use of a fiber optic guide the presence or absence of a particular substance ("analyte"). The preferred embodiment of the sensor of the present invention comprises a light source, a photodetector, and a loop shaped plastic fiber that is exposed to the environment and that acts as a sensing element. In the preferred embodiment, the fiber optic guide comprises a core and a cladding, either of which are coated with a coating that is selected to at least partially degrade in the presence of the analyte. The coating is selected to have an index of refraction below that of the core but sufficiently large to allow at least some light to escape from the core even in the absence of the analyte. A decrease in the amount of light is detected when the analyte is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Joram Hopenfeld
  • Patent number: 5974860
    Abstract: An oil detecting system for detecting a leakage oil by optical fluorescence measurement means even in the presence of external fluorescent light, for example, from parts and equipments of a vehicle and a plant comprises an irradiation apparatus for irradiating a light including an absorption wavelength of an oil to be detected and exciting molecules of the oil to make the oil fluoresce, a wavelength selection apparatus operatively connected to the irradiation apparatus and adapted to select a fluorescence wavelength of the leakage oil fluoresced by the irradiation apparatus, and an observation apparatus for detecting the fluorescence of the leakage oil and selecting only a period of observing fluorescing of the leakage oil over substantially the same time period that the leakage oil fluoresces light. A processing apparatus may be further provided so as to be operatively connected to the observation apparatus and adapted to process an image or a signal from the observation apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hidehiko Kuroda, Naruhiko Mukai, Teturo Aikawa, Kunihiko Yokoyama, Masahiko Kuroki, Takashi Kokubo
  • Patent number: 5969254
    Abstract: A phase difference measuring apparatus obtains a first receive signal by transmitting and receiving a to-be-measured material in a reference state and a second receive signal by transmitting and receiving a signal wave to and from that material in a measured state. The apparatus finds a reference phase difference .theta..sub.1 from the transmit wave and first receive signal and an apparent phase difference .theta..sub.2 ' from the transmit wave and second receive signal. The apparatus adds the apparent phase difference .theta..sub.2 ' to a product of the number of rotations, n, the apparent phase difference .theta..sub.2 ' passes through a given reference point and an angle of 360.degree. to find a true phase difference .theta..sub.2. The apparatus varies the number of rotations, n, to n+1 when the apparent phase difference .theta..sub.2 ', while being increased, passes through the reference point and that number of rotations, n, to n=n-1 when the apparent phase difference .theta..sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Seiji Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5828798
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for inexpensively and accurately sensing with the use of a fiber optic guide the presence or absence of a particular substance ("analyte"). The preferred embodiment of the sensor of the present invention comprises a light source, a photodetector, and a loop shaped plastic fiber that is exposed to the environment and that acts as a sensing element. In the preferred embodiment, the loop comprises a partial ellipse and the angles at which the light enters and exits a sensing zone is defined by the tangents to the elliptical arc. In the preferred embodiment, the fiber optic guide comprises a core and a cladding, either of which are coated with a coating that is selected to decompose in the presence of the analyte. The coating is selected to have an index of refraction just above or greater than the core, causing an increase in the amount of light that is detected when the analyte is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Joram Hopenfeld
  • Patent number: 5828460
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspection of metallic surfaces before subsequent treatment thereof (for example, painting) are disclosed. In accordance with the invention, several light sources illuminate the inspected surface with light beams having different wave lengths, reflected radiation is detected and converted to electrical signals, the electrical signals are processed digitally, and the results of processing are displayed. Some of the light sources are mounted so as to produce light beams inclined with respect to the inspected surface. These light beams are defined by an angular divergence of not more than 5 degrees. Display of results can be presented, in terms of the ISO standard, for inspection and assessment of industrial steel surfaces (i.e., in terms of preparation grades).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: S.Q.C.C. Ltd.
    Inventors: Arcady Lucovsky, Arcady Gershanik, Leonid Lipetsker
  • Patent number: 5790246
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a parameter of a particle in a fluid is disclosed and, in particular, an apparatus and method for determining contamination or machine wear by the measurement of contamination or wear particles in a fluid used in the machine is disclosed. In a first embodiment, a measurement cell is provided with a fluid flow path. A first hall probe is arranged adjacent to the flow path for detecting dia-magnetic, para-magnetic, ferro-magnetic particles and a second optical sensor formed of a light emitting diode and phototransistor are provided for optically detecting the particles. A correlation between the hall probes and the optical detector enables an indication of the particles to be obtained so that a parameter of those particles can be determined to provide an indication of contamination or machine wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Montores Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Bruce Thomas Kuhnell, Jacek Stanislaw Stecki, Zbigniew Przelozny, Xi Huang, Christopher Eugene Doran
  • Patent number: 5780850
    Abstract: A method for evaluating the API gravity of a sample of underground formation includes steps of:Solvating a known volume of an underground formation sample in a known volume of a solvent which will solvate hydrocarbons;Quantitatively measuring with a changeable filter portable fluorometer the emission fluorescence of the solvated sample at a fixed excitation wavelength with measurements of emission intensities at two points;characterizing the oil by the ratio of two emission intensities obtained at a fixed excitation wavelength;determining the yield;applying regression analysis to a data base of oils to obtain an equation which results in an algorithm value; andinterpreting the value of the algorithm to give a value for API gravity and estimate in-situ oil concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Lee DeLaune, Kerry Kennedy Spilker, Alan Cameron Wright
  • Patent number: 5767409
    Abstract: A phase difference measuring apparatus obtains a first receive signal by transmitting and receiving a to-be-measured material in a reference state and a second receive signal by transmitting and receiving a signal wave to and from that material in a measured state. The apparatus finds a reference phase difference .theta..sub.1 from the transmit wave and first receive signal and an apparent phase difference .theta..sub.2 ' from the transmit wave and second receive signal. The apparatus adds the apparent phase difference .theta..sub.2 ' to a product of the number of rotations, n, the apparent phase difference .theta..sub.2 ' passes through a given reference point and an angle of 360.degree. to find a true phase difference .theta..sub.2. The apparatus varies the number of rotations, n, to n+1 when the apparent phase difference .theta..sub.2 ', while being increased, passes through the reference point and that number of rotations, n, to n=n-1 when the apparent phase difference .theta..sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Seiji Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5759857
    Abstract: Leakage in a heat exchanger between two liquids which are in indirect heat exchange relationship is detected by marking one of the two liquids with a colorless chemical marker and detecting it in the second liquid by extraction and conversion to a colored material. The heat exchanger liquids are preferably organic liquids which are immiscible with water. The marker is detected in a heat exchanger liquid by extraction of the marker followed by chemical conversion of the marker to a colored material that can be detected visually. Aminoalkylnaphthalenes are suitable markers which can be extracted by an acidic aqueous solution and converted to a colored material by reaction with a diazotized aromatic amine. Phenylazoalkylphenol derivatives are also suitable markers which can be extracted and simultaneously converted to a colored material with a detection reagent which is comprised of water and a water-soluble amine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Shri K. Goyal, Terrence A. Renner, Ashok K. Jhawar
  • Patent number: 5719665
    Abstract: A method of determining the content of insolubles in oils using (a) a relation for measuring either absorbance or transmittance from the intensity of transmitted light, (b) a calibration curve for determining the content of insolubles on calibration curve in an oil sample of interest from a measured intensity of scattered light as obtained with a standard sample, (c) the first correlationship for determining the first coefficient of quantification for correcting the effects of the color intensity of the oil sample and the content of insolubles in it, and (d) the second correlationship for determining the second coefficient of quantification for correcting the effects of the particle size distribution of the insolubles and an apparatus for determining the content of insolubles in oils including basically a light source, an interference filter, a sample cell, a measuring device for the intensities of scattered and transmitted components from a sample, a computing unit for performing processing operations based
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignees: Cosmo Research Institute, Cosmo Oil Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seigo Yamazoe
  • Patent number: 5686724
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for evaluating wet cutting from a well borehole to determine the hydrocarbon content of the earth formations penetrated by the well borehole. The wet cuttings to be measured are mixed with a polar hydrocarbon solvent which has both hydrophilic and hydrophilic properties. The solution of the solvent and cutting is filtered and then its emission (fluorescence) spectrum is measured by irradiating it with ultraviolet radiation excitation at wavelengths at which most petroleum compounds fluoresce. The hydrocarbon content of the sample wet cuttings is then determined by comparing its fluorescence emission to the emission fluorescence of known samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Kerry Kennedy Spilker, Patrick Lee DeLaune, Howard Lee McKinzie
  • Patent number: 5682231
    Abstract: A device and method is provided for determining the degradation of oil after use of the same in an engine or the like. A test sample material is placed in a transparent container and various intensities of light are passed therethrough. A photovoltaic sensor senses the light polarized by the transparent container and the test sample and generates a first set of signals responsive thereto. The methodology is repeated with a sample of used automotive engine oil. The first and second set of signals are compared, and oil degradation is determined therefrom. Where the sensor detects and generates a signal only when the light intensity is equal to or less than the saturation intensity of the sensor, that is from the instant the light is first detected up until saturation of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventor: John R. Holsen
  • Patent number: 5656810
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating the composition of an oil sample. The method and apparatus are premised on the discovery that spectral differences can be observed in the luminescence, excitation, light scattering and absorption spectra in the near UV, visible and near IR regions for various crude oil components, such as asphaltenes, deasphalted crude oil and organic solid residues. Accordingly, in one preferred embodiment the method comprises illuminating an oil sample with light of a suitable excitation wavelength, measuring the resultant fluorescence therefrom and comparing the resultant fluorescence to appropriate standards derived from known components of crude oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: The Research Foundation of City College of New York
    Inventors: Robert R. Alfano, Cheng H. Liu
  • Patent number: 5548115
    Abstract: A probe device for in-situ detection of contaminants such as petroleum prcts in a subsurface media such as soil. The device comprises an elongated probe housing which is driven into the media. An ultraviolet lamp located in the housing provides excitation energy which is reflected through a UV transparent window in the housing to the media by at least one reflecting element in the housing. The reflecting element allows longitudinal offset of the lamp from the window providing space for high intensity UV lamps. A radiation receiver receives fluorescent radiation emitted from contaminants in the media transmitted through the window and provides a signal for analysis equipment on the surface. A concentrating reflector between the lamp and the housing and a focusing lens between the lamp and the reflecting element collect and focus excitation energy from the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: John H. Ballard, Stafford S. Cooper, John C. Morgan, William R. Lawrence, Bobby E. Reed
  • Patent number: RE35370
    Abstract: The present invention rleates to the effective leak detection of refrigerants by the addition of dyes from the general chemical class of naphthalimide fluorescent dyes in a refrigeration system where said refrigeration system employs alone, or in combination, a refrigerant in a hermetic system such as, but not limited to, chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC), hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) and any hydrogen, halogenated or ether derivatives of the methane, hydrogen, halogenated, ether or cyclic derivatives of either ethane, propane, butane, pentane, mixtures of HCFC, HFC, hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and ammonia.Leakage is determined by inspection of the sealed system using a lamp having an emission wavelength from 300 to 480 nanometers providing an indication of any system leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Bright Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard G. Henry
  • Patent number: RE35395
    Abstract: Refrigerant leakage in heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems employing hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants is determined by adding a mixture .[.of.]. .Iadd.including .Iaddend.predetermined amounts of a napthalamide optical brightner .[.with an appropriate lubricant.]. to the system. Inspection of the system under ultraviolet light provides an indication of any leakage occuring in the system of liquid and/or gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Bright Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard G. Henry