Fluid Material Examination Patents (Class 324/204)
  • Patent number: 11906465
    Abstract: Provided is a magnetic material concentration measuring device including: a bobbin having an outer circumference around which an exciting coil, an output coil, and a further exciting coil are wound; an eccentric hole formed in the bobbin; a rotor that is rotatably fitted in the eccentric hole about an eccentric axis line; a first cutout part that forms a first flow passage on one end side in an eccentric axis line direction of the rotor; a second cutout part that forms a second flow passage whose angle is shifted in a rotor rotation direction with respect to the first cutout part, on another end side in the eccentric axis line direction of the rotor; and a communication passage that connects the first flow passage and the second flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignees: MITSUI E&S DU CO., LTD., MEIYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Fujii, Shigeki Kagomiya
  • Patent number: 11885800
    Abstract: A system includes an apparatus having at least one permanent magnet and at least one magnetic field sensor at a pole of the at least one permanent magnet and configured to be positioned relative to a surface of a membrane containing immobilized magnetic particles selectively bound to an analyte such that the magnetic particles are magnetized by the at least one permanent magnet. The system further includes a stage configured to move at least one of the apparatus and the membrane relative to one another with an oscillatory movement parallel to the surface of the membrane, at least one controller configured to control the oscillatory movement, and a data acquisition unit configured to receive signals from the at least one magnetic field sensor and the at least one controller method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: IMRA America, Inc.
    Inventors: Bing Liu, Matthew L. Elani, Alison R. Garrett
  • Patent number: 11796479
    Abstract: A material characterization system and method for characterizing a stream of material emanating from a material identification, exploration, extraction or processing activity, the system including a source of incident radiation configured to irradiate the stream of material in an irradiation region, one or more detectors adapted to detect radiation emanating from within or passing through the stream of material as a result of the irradiation by the incident radiation and thereby produce a detection signal, and one or more digital processors configured to process the detection signal to characterise the stream of material, wherein the source of incident radiation and the one or more detectors are adapted to be disposed relative to the stream of material so as to irradiate the stream of material and detect the radiation emanating from within or passing through the stream as the stream passes through the irradiation region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Southern Innovation International Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Paul Scoullar, Christopher McLean, Shane Michael Tonissen, Syed Khusro Saleem
  • Patent number: 11555871
    Abstract: A method of detecting a biological sample includes the following steps. A magnetic sensor chip is provided, wherein the magnetic sensor chip includes a substrate and a magnetic sensing layer located on the substrate. Probes are connected to the magnetic sensor chip. A sample solution containing biological samples labeled with a first marker is provided on the magnetic sensor chip, so that the biological samples labeled with the first marker are hybridized with the probes. Magnetic beads labeled with a second marker are provided on the magnetic sensor chip, so that the magnetic beads labeled with the second marker are bound onto the biological samples labeled with the first marker. A signal sensed by the magnetic sensing layer is detected by a magnetic sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Cheng-Tai Chen, Shih-Ya Chen, Yi-Chen Liu, Ching-Fang Lu, Chia-Chen Chang, Erh-Fang Lee
  • Patent number: 11448636
    Abstract: Magnetic chip detectors for detecting magnetic chips in a lubrication fluid are provided. The chip detector includes a first electric terminal, a second electric terminal and a magnet. The second electric terminal is spaced apart from the first electric terminal to define a gap between the first and second electric terminals. The gap exposes a cavity formed in the magnet for collecting magnetic chips. The cavity accommodates the accumulation of smaller and relatively harmless magnetic chips without triggering an alarm to reduce the occurrence of nuisance alarms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Alan Padilla Martinez, Pierre Castonguay, Hubert Caron-Saint-Georges
  • Patent number: 11435029
    Abstract: A magnetic device for capturing metal wear particles in suspension in a lubrication fluid, the magnetic device being for inserting in a straight-line insertion direction of the magnetic device into a wall of a casing via a through orifice serving to put an inside volume of the casing containing the lubrication fluid into communication with an outside volume outside the casing, the magnetic device presenting a longitudinal axis X, the longitudinal axis X being for putting into coincidence with the direction for inserting the magnetic device into the casing, the magnetic device comprising a permanent magnet suitable for attracting the metal particles and a presence-detector member for detecting the metal particles attracted by the permanent magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventors: Benoit Basso, John Le Ru, Damien Goujet
  • Patent number: 11428667
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring a first parameter of a specimen, the device including a measuring volume configured to receive the specimen, a first control module and a measuring module, the first control module being configured to supply electricity to the measuring module with an electrical supply current, the measuring module including a magnetic field generator, a sensor and a second control module, the magnetic field generator being configured to generate a magnetic field in the measuring volume, the sensor being configured to measure values of a variable of the measuring volume during the generation of the magnetic field, the second measuring control module being configured to calculate a value of the parameter based on at least one value of the variable. The first control module is configured in order, following the generation of the magnetic field, to inhibit the power supply of the measuring module during a first predetermined length of time (dn).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: OVVI DIAGNOSTICS SE
    Inventor: Costin Caciu
  • Patent number: 11371979
    Abstract: An oil debris monitoring sensor includes a multiple of passages within the housing, each of the multiple of passages surrounded by a set of coils to detect a particle. A method for determining a presence of a particle in a system includes a) installing a single sensor in-line with an oil flow path; b) communicating oil through a multiple of passages within the housing of the single sensor; c) detecting a particle through the single sensor; and d) isolating the particle to one of the multiple of passages within the sensor housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Sheridon Everette Haye, Edward Thomas Rocco
  • Patent number: 11346871
    Abstract: A sensor relating to the present invention includes: a first electrode; a second electrode; a first attracting portion positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode and configured to receive conductive abrasion powder contained in a detection region and attracted onto the first attracting portion; a sensing unit for sensing a change in electrical resistance between the first electrode and the second electrode caused by the conductive abrasion powder; and at least one second attracting portion positioned within the detection region and configured to attract the conductive abrasion powder contained in the detection region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: NABTESCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaki Harada, Kazuhiko Sakurai, Takashi Wada
  • Patent number: 11237032
    Abstract: A magnetic-inductive flowmeter having a measuring tube for guiding a conductive medium, having a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field passing through the measuring tube at least partially perpendicular to the medium flow direction, electrodes for tapping a measuring voltage induced in the medium and a conductivity measuring device for determining the conductivity of the medium. The conductivity measuring device has a measuring circuit with the electrodes, a voltage source and a measuring unit. In operation, the voltage source generates a voltage and the measuring unit measures the actual electrode voltage applied between the electrodes. The control unit sets the actual electrode voltage to a predetermined constant setpoint value and the evaluation unit determines the electrode current flowing between the electrodes and calculates the conductivity value of the medium or a variable related to the conductivity using the determined electrode current and the actual electrode voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: KROHNE MESSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Helmut Brockhaus, Markus Dabrowski
  • Patent number: 11172972
    Abstract: A method of treating scoliosis in a subject includes securing a scoliosis treatment device to first and second locations on the subject's skeletal system, the scoliosis treatment device including a first portion, a second portion moveably mounted relative to the first portion, and an adjustment device disposed on the device and configured to change a distraction force between the first location and the second location, the adjustment device including a rotationally mounted magnetic element configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion in response to rotation of the magnetic element. An external adjustment device is provided external to the subject and is able to adjust the distraction force between the first location and second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: NUVASIVE SPECIALIZED ORTHOPEDICS, INC.
    Inventors: Blair Walker, Scott Pool, Jay R. McCoy, Arvin Chang
  • Patent number: 11099113
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for detecting the concentration of non-metal particles in a fluid and detection method thereof. The detection system comprises a particle morphology detection device, a metal particle detection device, and a detection pipeline, the particle morphology detection device and the metal particle detection device being connected to each other and wound around the detection pipeline. The detection method comprises: S1, detecting the concentration of fluid particles; S2, detecting the concentration of fluid metal particles; and S3, detecting concentration of fluid non-metal particles. By means of the detection system and the detection method, the concentration of non-metal particles in a fluid can be more accurately detected, and the detection accuracy is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: FATRI UNITED TESTING & CONTROL (QUANZHOU) TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yongzhong Nie, Zhongping Zhang
  • Patent number: 11061047
    Abstract: A sensor for measuring displacement and time comprises a hollow body including a longitudinal axis. The hollow body comprises a wall including an inner surface and an outer surface, and a pathway defined by the inner surface. The sensor further comprises a solid body including an outer surface, the solid body configured to be received by the hollow body and travel through the pathway. The sensor further comprises a plurality of frangible wires, where each wire of the plurality of wires extends through a first opening in the wall, across the pathway, and through a second opening in the wall, and each wire is spaced apart by a distance in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Skylar C. Watson, Scott M. Gordon, Zachary T. Pawson
  • Patent number: 11041828
    Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring arrangement comprising: a coil arrangement for creating a magnetic field to measure a sample to be arranged in connection with it including at least one flat coil, the coil geometry of which is arranged to be changed in the direction of the plane defined by the coil arrangement, in order to create a spatially changing magnetic field having a known distance dependence for measuring the sample; and electronics connected to the coil arrangement for creating a magnetic field using the coil arrangement; and means for changing the position of the sample and the coil arrangement relative to each other in order to change the magnetic field affecting the sample and having the known distance dependence. In addition, the invention also relates to a method for measuring a sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNASENSE TECHNOLOGIES OY
    Inventor: Markus Savonen
  • Patent number: 10823700
    Abstract: A method for determining the presence of a particle while actively calculating and monitoring oil debris monitor phase angle in an oil system including collecting I and Q channel data from an oil debris monitor sensor; determining whether the I and Q data is symmetric; processing the I and Q channel data to identify a ferrous and nonferrous signal in response to the I and Q data being symmetric; processing the ferrous and nonferrous signals to determine if a particle is present; determining a symmetry factor from the I and Q channel data in response to the particle being present and confirming that the particle is present from the symmetry factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Thomas Rocco, Sheridon Everette Haye
  • Patent number: 10782176
    Abstract: A tank and liquid level indicator has first housing that holds a liquid and a second elongated housing in fluid communication with the first elongated housing so that a liquid level in the second housing is approximately equal to the level in the first housing. A float in the second housing cooperates with the circuitry to operate one or more light switches. A light-transmissive cover is disposed over the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: GEMS SENSORS INC.
    Inventors: David P. Curry, Douglas Stetson, James B. Dockendorff
  • Patent number: 10705038
    Abstract: There is described herein methods and systems for detecting of metallic chips in a fluid system of an aircraft engine. A resistance value is measured across a magnetic chip detector mounted to a fluid system of the aircraft engine. The resistance value is transmitted to an engine computer of the aircraft engine. In the engine computer, The resistance value is compared to a first threshold and a first warning indicative of a chip in the fluid is issued when the resistance value exceeds the first threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Thomas Trevor Ricci, Simon Sai-Ming Lam, James Robert Jarvo
  • Patent number: 10698337
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a developer information acquisition unit. The developer information acquisition unit performs a developer deterioration information acquisition operation. In the developer deterioration information acquisition operation, the developer information acquisition unit acquires a tilt of a measurement straight line representing the relationship between the change amount of the frequency in a first measurement toner image forming operation and the density change amount of the measurement toner image based on the change amount of the frequency in the first measurement toner image forming operation and a result of detecting density of the measurement toner image in a density detecting unit, and acquires a toner charging amount based on the acquired tilt of the measurement straight line and the reference information in the storage unit so as to acquire information relating to deterioration of developer based on the acquired toner charging amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Tamotsu Shimizu, Akifumi Yamaguchi, Yasuhiro Tauchi, Eiji Gyotoku, Yu Sasaki
  • Patent number: 10677612
    Abstract: A plurality of magnetic field sensors, for example arranged in an array, is operative to measure changes in magnetic field strength proximate the surface(s) of a test structure. The test structure may approximate the geometry of an airplane fuselage, wing, or the like. An electric current is applied to the test structure, and the magnetic field sensors sense changes in a magnetic field caused by the current. A corresponding plurality of integrators convert the sensor outputs to magnetic field strength values. From the plurality of magnetic field strength values and corresponding sensor locations, a current density over the target surface is inferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Dejan Nikic
  • Patent number: 10670566
    Abstract: A system for and method of antimicrobial susceptibility testing includes detecting a resonance peak of a sensor provided with live microbes on a surface thereof; applying a substance to the live microbes; detecting a resonance peak of said sensor after application of said substance; determining a width of a top of each of said resonance peaks before and after application of the substance from one of: (1) a phase angle versus frequency plot where the phase angle is the phase angle of the electrical impedance of said sensor. (2) a real part of a plot of an electrical impedance versus frequency of said sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Wan Y. Shih, Wei-Heng Shih, Christopher Emery, Xin Xu, Suresh Joshi, Wei Wu
  • Patent number: 10607772
    Abstract: A conductivity sensor, preferably a structure with a pair of magnetic cores with a primary coil wire around a shared member of both cores, and a secondary coil wire around a non-shared section of each core. When part of one core is immersed in a fluid and current is applied to the primary coil, measurements taken at the secondary coils reveal the conductivity of the fluid. The same structure can be used to measure the level of the fluid, and to determine impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: R-Water LLC
    Inventor: Javad Rezanezhad Gatabi
  • Patent number: 10597786
    Abstract: A rust particle remover, comprising a core (1) and an outer sleeve (2). The core (1) is made up of a magnet comprising a magnetic field strength of at least 13.2 Tesla and is introduced into the outer sleeve (2) by means of pressure pressing. The patent application is based on the problem of preventing signs of rust on cutlery and metal parts caused by rust particles, which are transported by tap water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Rokitta's GmbH
    Inventor: Oliver Rokitta
  • Patent number: 10571456
    Abstract: Provided is an electrical measuring cartridge including at least: a biological sample holding section that accommodates a liquid biological sample containing a sedimenting component; a measuring electrode unit that is fixed to the biological sample holding section and composed of a pair of electrodes for electrically measuring a state of the biological sample; and a sedimentation measuring electrode unit that is fixed to a position at a different height from the measuring electrode unit of the biological sample holding section and composed of a pair of electrodes for electrically measuring a degree of sedimentation of the sedimenting component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoichi Katsumoto, Marcaurele Brun, Yoshihito Hayashi
  • Patent number: 10464132
    Abstract: A method for producing a raw material powder of a permanent magnet, includes: preparing a material powder of a permanent magnet, measuring magnetic characteristics of the material powder, and judging the quality of the material powder as the raw material powder based on a preliminarily determined relation between magnetic characteristics and the structure of the material powder. A method for producing a permanent magnet includes integrating material powders judged as good in the step of judging the quality as raw material powders by the method for producing a raw material powder of a permanent magnet. A method for inspecting a permanent magnet material powder includes transmitting a magnetic field to a material powder of a permanent magnet, receiving the magnetic field from the material powder, and measuring a magnetic field difference between the transmitted magnetic field and the received magnetic field as magnetic characteristics of the material powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Noritsugu Sakuma, Hidefumi Kishimoto, Mikiya Nozaki, Masao Yano, Tetsuya Shoji, Akira Manabe
  • Patent number: 10451603
    Abstract: A contaminant sensor (1) for detecting magnetizable contaminants (7) present in a lubricant flow is disclosed. A permanent magnet (3) is arranged movably inside a sensor housing (2). A sensor element (6, 11, 13), e.g. in the form of a distance sensor (6) or a pressure sensor (11), is arranged to detect a displacement of the permanent magnet (3) inside the sensor housing (2), and an indicator is arranged to generate an alert signal when a displacement and/or a rate of change of displacement of the permanent magnet (3) inside the sensor housing (2) exceeds a predefined threshold value. The permanent magnet (3) is arranged to move inside the sensor housing (2) in response to magnetizable contaminants (7) collected on an outer surface of the sensor housing (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Thomas Korsgaard Nielsen, Jan Hove Pedersen
  • Patent number: 10436728
    Abstract: A sensor for sensing debris in a lubrication flow through a lubrication channel in a gas turbine engine, the sensor including: a housing; external electronics communicating sensed data to a signal processor; internal electronics within the housing, the internal electronics being electronically connected to the external electronics, the internal electronics including a plurality of sensor coils adjacently disposed in a lubrication flow-wise direction; and internal damping material separating the plurality of sensor coils from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sheridon Everette Haye, Jun Liu
  • Patent number: 10408961
    Abstract: A sensing circuit for metal object includes a resonating element, a power supply circuit, and a determining circuit. The resonant element is coupled to the power supply circuit and the determining circuit. The power supply circuit drives the resonating element to generate an oscillation, and the determining circuit determines the position of the metal object relative to the resonating element according to the energy change of the resonating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: GETAC TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Huang-Wen Su
  • Patent number: 10349995
    Abstract: A method of treating scoliosis in a subject includes securing a scoliosis treatment device to first and second locations on the subject's skeletal system, the scoliosis treatment device including a first portion, a second portion moveably mounted relative to the first portion, and an adjustment device disposed on the device and configured to change a distraction force between the first location and the second location, the adjustment device including a rotationally mounted magnetic element configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion in response to rotation of the magnetic element. An external adjustment device is provided external to the subject and is able to adjust the distraction force between the first location and second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Blair Walker, Scott Pool, Jay R. McCoy, Arvin Chang
  • Patent number: 10295499
    Abstract: A method of and system for determining the total magnetic content of a fluid sample introduced within at least one coil. A sample withdrawal event time is determined and, at the sample withdrawal event time, the response of the at least one coil is analyzed in two zones, a first zone before the fluid sample withdrawal event time and a second zone after the fluid sample withdrawal event time. The total magnetic content of the fluid is calculated based on the difference in the response of the at least one coil in the first and second zones at the fluid sample withdrawal event time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Spectro Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: John Glaberson, Patrick F. Henning
  • Patent number: 10278849
    Abstract: A tissue manipulation system comprises a reconfigurable hood structure with a distal end. The hood structure has a membrane extending across the hood structure distal end. The membrane includes an aperture with an aperture diameter smaller than an outer lip diameter of the hood structure in the expanded deployed configuration. The system also includes a fluid lumen in communication with the open area and an inflatable balloon member translatable through the aperture in the membrane and distal to the open area. The system also comprises an expandable stent positioned upon the balloon member. The stent has an unexpanded configuration sized to pass through the aperture in the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David Miller, Vahid Saadat, Ruey-Feng Peh
  • Patent number: 10233773
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a debris monitoring system is disclosed that includes a fan, a geared architecture operatively coupled to the fan. The geared architecture includes a component having a non-ferrous metal coating. A scavenge pump is in fluid communication with the geared architecture via a lubrication sump. A non-ferrous chip detector is situated downstream of the geared architecture, but upstream of the scavenge pump. A controller is configured to determine a lubrication condition of the component based on a signal received from the non-ferrous chip detector, and command a status indicator in response thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frederick M. Schwarz, William G. Sheridan
  • Patent number: 10180468
    Abstract: A chip package, a chip package system, a method of manufacturing a chip package, and a method of operating a chip package including: a first sensor configured to measure a magnetic field component up to a maximum magnetic field value; a second sensor configured to measure the magnetic field component beyond the maximum magnetic field value; and a circuit coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor and configured to receive at least one sensor signal from at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor, wherein the circuit is further configured to select the first sensor or the second sensor to measure the magnetic field component based on the received sensor signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Rainer Markus Schaller, Goran Keser, Manuel Harrant
  • Patent number: 10156467
    Abstract: A tank and liquid level indicator has first housing that holds a liquid and a second elongated housing in fluid communication with the first elongated housing so that a liquid level in the second housing is approximately equal to the level in the first housing. A float in the second housing cooperates with the circuitry to operate one or more light switches. A light-transmissive cover is disposed over the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: GEMS SENSORS INC.
    Inventors: David P. Curry, Douglas Stetson, James B. Dockendorff
  • Patent number: 10092952
    Abstract: A method for measuring an apparent density of a metal powder includes holding a metal powder in a vessel, applying an alternating magnetic flux to the metal powder using an exciting coil disposed outside the vessel, detecting the alternating magnetic flux passed through the metal powder using a search coil disposed outside the vessel, and determining an apparent density of the metal powder from an amplitude of the detected alternating magnetic flux using a calibration curve representing a correlation between the apparent density of the metal powder and the amplitude of an alternating magnetic flux prepared in advance. The method enables to measure the apparent density of a metal powder with a high precision in an on-line and non-contact manner without stopping a process of producing a mixed powder or a process of producing a powder compact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: JFE STEEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshio Maetani, Hiroharu Kato
  • Patent number: 9851408
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for testing electrical storage batteries monitor magnetic susceptibility of components of the storage batteries. In some embodiments, magnetic susceptibility of a plate in a lead-acid battery is determined to provide an indication of the state of charge of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: CADEX Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Joern A. Tinnemeyer
  • Patent number: 9778225
    Abstract: A device includes an excitation coil, a detector coil, and a processing circuit. The excitation coil is aligned about a volume. The excitation coil is configured to carry a first and second biasing current and generate a magnetic field in the volume. The detector coil is configured to generate an electrical signal based on a detected field within the volume. The detected field is based on the magnetic field. The processing circuit is configured to generate data based on the electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Jian-Ping Wang, Liang Tu
  • Patent number: 9772280
    Abstract: A diffuse optical spectroscopic imaging (DOSI) apparatus for tissue spectroscopy measures absorption and scattering properties of tissue using multi-frequency frequency domain photon migration in a modular or networkable platform to provide full broadband information content. The apparatus includes: a broadband signal generator; a driver having an input coupled to the signal generator; a light source coupled to the driver, the light source for exposing the tissue to broadband modulated light at a plurality of wavelengths; an optical detector for receiving returned light from the tissue; an amplitude detection circuit communicated to the optical detector; a phase detection circuit communicated to the optical detector; and a plurality of filters and amplifiers, wherein the optical detector, amplitude detection circuit and phase detection circuit are interconnected with each other by corresponding ones of the plurality of filters and amplifiers to isolate signals and increase signal-to-noise ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Albert Cerussi, Bruce Tromberg, Keun-sik No, Brian Hill, Pai Chou
  • Patent number: 9658157
    Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement comprising at least one sensor nanoparticle supporting Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR), at least one sensing material and at least one separating layer which separates the at least one sensor nanoparticle from the at least one sensing material. The arrangement allows for indirect sensing studies of change in and on the surface of a sensing material or environment by the sensor nanoparticle. The arrangement may also be used for optical temperature measurements and calorimetry, optical differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), to study hydrogen storage, catalytic reactions or for NOx sensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Insplorion AB
    Inventors: Christoph Langhammer, Bengt Kasemo, Igor Zoric, Elin Larsson
  • Patent number: 9651523
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring the concentration of magnetic ballast in a slurry to be analyzed is provided. A detection conduit is provided and configured to receive a slurry to be analyzed. The detection conduit may be surrounded by a set of detection coaxial coils. A reference set of two coaxial coils is also provided. A power source is provided for establishing an electrical current. A measurement subsystem for measuring the differential induced voltage between detection and reference coils is provided to determine the concentration of the magnetic ballast in the slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Simone Klyamkin, Steven E. Woodard, Frank Federico, Colin' M. McKean
  • Patent number: 9581534
    Abstract: A test apparatus and methods of measuring wear of a material with a laser displacement measurement apparatus based upon displacement of a test sample of the material or the wear of a testing surface and a specimen. A lubricant test method and apparatus measures the thickness of a lubricant film between two test surfaces by comparing the location of the test surfaces at rest and dynamically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: TRIBIS ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventor: Robert C. Adams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9574988
    Abstract: A sensor for measuring particles in contaminated media contains an optically transparent measuring cell, through which a capillary tube for conducting and measuring a medium passes, an optical detector, and a magnetic detector. The measuring cell is cylindrical, the capillary tube extends coaxially in the measuring cell and an inspection space is arranged in a center of the measuring cell. On the inspection space an optical lens system having a light source and at least one optical detector is focused. Differential coils for producing and detecting a coaxial alternating magnetic field form the magnetic detector on the shaft of the measuring cell, which differential coils are controlled in such a way that the alternating magnetic field is canceled out in the inspection space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Bernd Donner
  • Patent number: 9575023
    Abstract: Measuring apparatus and measuring method for detecting ferromagnetic particles which are movably arranged in a liquid volume, characterized by a magnetic means for generating a magnetic field in the liquid volume, a measuring means for the total electrical resistance of the liquid volume with the ferromagnetic particles therein and a means for checking the function of the measuring apparatus with at least one low-value resistor of between 50 and 500? for carrying out a resistance measurement. The invention also describes a magnetic means with an electromagnet which, when in need of cleaning, can be demagnetized by means of correct energization (measured using the normal resistance measurement) and can be magnetized again when started up again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE DEUTSCHLAND LTD & CO KG
    Inventors: Rudolf Lueck, Peter Hoehne
  • Patent number: 9557298
    Abstract: A device for generating a magnetic field, the device comprises a coil configured to respond to an electric current, a magnetic core comprising poles configured to generate a magnetic field close to the poles, wherein the magnetic field makes a paramagnetic gas component vibrate and emit an acoustic signal, wherein the magnetic core is surrounded at least partly by the coil, and a substrate at least partly covered by the magnetic core and the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Pekka Tuomo Merilainen
  • Patent number: 9500513
    Abstract: A magnetic liquid level gauge for measuring a boiler drum water level comprises an external cylinder body having a first upper portion and a first lower portion, and an internal cylinder body having a second upper portion and a second lower portion, the first upper portion and the second upper portion are connected to the boiler drum through a steam side sampling pipe, the second lower portion is connected to a water portion of the boiler drum through the water side sampling pipe, the external cylinder body and the internal cylinder body define a steam heat tracing chamber therebetween. A float inside the internal cylinder body is connected to a magnetic component in a magnetic component cylinder body. A display indicator is connected to a magnetic transmitter and a boiler drum pressure transmitter. A waveguide tube is disposed outside the magnetic component cylinder body and connected to the magnetic transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Qinhuangdao Huadian Measurement & Control Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jichuan Liu, Shengli Yu, Dong Han
  • Patent number: 9488649
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for imaging from a distribution of small magnetic particles. According to said method, the magnetisation of the small particles is rotated asynchronously to the magnetic field by means of an outer magnetic field of suitable field intensity and rotational frequency, which rotates about a longitudinal axis (z), whereby an asynchronous average rotational frequency is generated for a set of particles according to the field intensity; a spatial dependence is impressed on each set of particles by means of a magnetic gradient field of the asynchronous average rotational frequency; the frequency parts of the superpositioned transverse magnetisation (MQ) of the set of particles are detected; and a spatially resolved distribution of the transverse magnetisation (MQ) determines the small particles and emits same by means of the frequency parts. The invention also relates to a suitable device (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventors: Martin Rueckert, Volker C. Behr
  • Patent number: 9310327
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for making noncontact measurements of liquid conductivity are disclosed. This apparatus forms a conductivity cell and uses two toroids, one to generate a magnetic field and another to sense the magnetic field, placed in an enclosure which allows liquid to pass through it for measurement. Ground planes constructed preferably of printed circuit boards with conductive layers are used to reduce capacitive coupling between the toroids and provide better shielding. Circuitry on or near these circuit boards are used to convert local, low level signals from a sensing toroid to signals which can be more readily passed to and from a recording system or operator without degradation. Sensors on or near these circuit boards can be used to sense environmental conditions in order to improve operation and stability of the conductivity cell. Methods and apparatus for increasing circuit sensitivity and calibrating the sensor are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: SGS Instruments LLC
    Inventors: Brian Keith Roper, Todd Kenneth Roper, Steve Lurcott, Robert Trepp
  • Patent number: 9304131
    Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic sample-processing device, particularly a sensor device (100), that comprises two electromagnets (110, 120) for generating a magnetic field (B) in a first and a second sample chamber (SC1, SC2) located adjacent to each other in an x-direction. The poles of the electromagnets are disposed below the first and the second sample chamber (SC1, SC2), respectively, next to each other in a perpendicular y-direction. Moreover, the electromagnets are individually controlled by a control unit (130). In a preferred embodiment, the distance between the electromagnets (110, 120) in x-direction is so large that magnetic cross talk can be neglected. In another embodiment, said distance is close, and the electromagnets are operated in a synchronized way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Mikhail Mikhaylovich Ovsyanko
  • Patent number: 9274071
    Abstract: Provided herein are techniques for identification of viable and nonviable cells in a cell culture that include measuring a resonance impedance spectral response of at least one resonator in proximity to the cell culture and correlating the measured response to the concentration of viable cells in cell culture and/or the concentration of nonviable cells in cell culture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Radislav A. Potyrailo, Victoria E. Cotero, Jon A. Dieringer, Thomas J. Erdenberger, Timothy A. Wortley
  • Patent number: 9250223
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring a material includes adding tagging particles to the material, sensing the tagging particles in the material for an even distribution throughout the material, forming a part from the material if the tagging particles are evenly distributed throughout the material, sensing the tagging particles in the part to determine a physical characteristic of the part, placing the part in operation if the determined physical characteristic is within a predetermined specification, sensing the tagging particles in the part during operation to detect at least one of wear and damage to the part, and generating an indication to a user upon detection of the at least one of wear or damage to the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Inventor: Thomas C. Targosz
  • Patent number: 9250273
    Abstract: A current sensor includes: a current bar through which a current flows; a first cover that covers the current bar and includes a cutout portion formed in at least a part thereof; a magnetic substance core that covers at least parts of the current bar and the first cover and includes a gap; a magnetic field measuring element located in the gap; and a second cover that covers the magnetic substance core and the magnetic field measuring element and at least parts of the current bar and the first cover, and is located so that a side surface thereof engages with the cutout portion of the first cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: FUJITSU COMPONENT LIMITED
    Inventor: Naoyuki Nagao