Which Includes A Temperature Responsive Element Patents (Class 324/441)
  • Patent number: 11340098
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, containing a first sensor, designed and arranged for sensing a first measurement variable of a fluid, and a second sensor, designed and arranged for sensing a second measurement variable of the fluid, a first electrode assembly has a substrate and a first planar electrode overlying the substrate. A second electrode assembly has a second planar electrode. The first planar electrode and the second planar electrode are dielectrically spaced apart from each other. The first electrode assembly and the second electrode assembly form a first capacitor as the first sensor such that a first capacitance, formed by the first planar electrode and the second planar electrode, can be varied under the influence of a fluid and in accordance with a flow velocity of the fluid as the first measurement variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Grohe AG
    Inventor: Thilo Richard
  • Patent number: 11275042
    Abstract: An electrode assembly for a conductivity meter or resistivity meter includes: an electrode main body; a test liquid intake flow path passing through the electrode main body; a pair of voltage electrodes which is respectively provided so that surfaces thereof are exposed to opposing inner wall surfaces forming the test liquid intake flow path; and a pair of current electrodes which is respectively provided so that surfaces thereof are exposed to each of the inner wall surfaces, and in this configuration, each of the pair of current electrodes contains a carbon-based material, and each of the surfaces of the pair of current electrodes exposed to the inner wall surfaces is in a strip shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: HORIBA Advanced Techno, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichi Ichinari, Riichiro Suzuki, Yugo Nishitani
  • Patent number: 11112400
    Abstract: Examples herein provide a method. The method includes applying an electrical potential difference over a blood sample in a testing cassette of a microfluidic device, the cassette including a microfluidic channel through which the blood sample flows. The method includes measuring, over a duration of time, an electrical signal passing through the blood sample as the blood sample flows from a first end and coagulates at a second end of the microfluidic channel to obtain a measurement function as a function of time. The method also includes correlating the measurement function to a characteristic of the blood sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Shameed Sait M A, Rachel M. White, Chantelle Domingue, Manish Giri
  • Patent number: 10808217
    Abstract: A system and method with increased sensitivity to microorganism growth. The system includes signal processing electronic circuit connected to a consumable or vessel through two or more electrodes that fully penetrate the vessel and are in contact with the fluid contents. The electronic circuit is configured to detect a component of the total impedance of the sample, specifically the “out-of-phase” or imaginary reactance component, which has a sensitive response to organism growth in a frequency-dependent manner. The system detects changes in both the composition of charged molecules in the liquid matrix and the number of microorganisms based on monitoring the sample for change in this parameter. This results in a 5-70% reduction in time-to-detection (TTD). The system and method detect organisms in a plurality of vessel shapes, volumes, and matrix (or media) formats. The electrodes are fully immersed in a continuous body of liquid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: BECTON DICKINSON AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Patrick Shawn Beaty, Michael A. Brasch, Suneil Hosmane, David Polley, Julie L. Rosales, Kerry Lynn Smith
  • Patent number: 10512226
    Abstract: Crop-specific automated irrigation include environmental medium and management of nutrients. Operation of an irrigation apparatus can be regulated according to specific water demand of a crop. The water demand can be assessed by evaluating water content conditions of the environmental medium comprising the crop, medium characteristics, and/or nutrient delivery and transport characteristics at the medium. Regulation of operation of the irrigation apparatus can comprise control of one or more of water supply to the apparatus, positioning and/or movement of the irrigation apparatus, or configuration of sensing devices for collection of information suitable for such regulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Earthtec Solutions LLC
    Inventor: David Lankford
  • Patent number: 10502857
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for measuring resistivity to be mounted on a downhole tool and comprising: a watertight body, a first electrode and a second electrode electrically insulated from the first electrode and surrounding the first electrode, arranged in the body at a proximal end of the device, an electrical connecting module arranged in the body and comprising a first contacting element electrically coupled to the first electrode and a second contacting element electrically coupled to the second electrode, surrounding the first contacting element, with interposition of an electrically insulating material between the first and second contacting element; wherein the electrical connecting module projects from the body at a distal end of the device so as to form an electrical interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Didier Fouillou
  • Patent number: 10451606
    Abstract: A bioelectrochemical sensor utilizing a nanoporous gold electrode. The bioelectrochemical sensor is suitable for measuring redox in biologic media while having increased resistance to biofouling as compared to conventional electrodes such as planar gold electrodes, due to greater exposed surface area of the three-dimentional ligature structure defining the nanopores. The nanopores have a pore size of 5-100 nm, preferably with an average pore size of less than 50 nm, and more preferably with an average pore size of less than 20 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignees: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Rodney C. Daniels, Kevin R. Ward, Maryanne M. Collinson
  • Patent number: 10416107
    Abstract: Systems and methods can be used for correcting for the presence of voids in a fluid when measuring the conductivity thereof. The conductivity of a fluid can be measured using a conductivity sensor. Capacitance electrodes can be used to measure the capacitance of the fluid. The measured capacitance affected by the fluid can be used in combination with the measured conductivity to determine a corrected conductivity value that compensates for possible voids in the fluid. Other parameters, such as the makeup or temperature of the fluid can be used in determining the corrected conductivity measurement. Some such systems include an annular housing and can be inserted or integrated into fluid flow systems so that fluid to be analyzed flows through an aperture defined by the annular housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Ray Godfrey, Eugene Tokhtuev, Joseph Erickson
  • Patent number: 10203261
    Abstract: A fluid measuring device includes a measuring head device having a measuring head with separated and electrically insulated electrodes and measuring head contacts each connected to a respective electrode. A measuring circuit includes terminal contacts each connected to a respective measuring head contact. The measuring circuit includes a current source for pulsed energizing of the measuring head connected to the terminal contacts. The measuring circuit includes an output circuit between the terminal contacts including a measuring capacitor and an evaluation circuit ascertaining state-of-charge information regarding the measuring capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Roland Kube
  • Patent number: 10175189
    Abstract: A determination device for determining an improvement in water quality, capable of determining it in no time, is provided. The device has a first measuring device for measuring by AC terminal electric conductimetry a capacitance of a first capacitor formed between a pair of electrodes immersed in untreated water to be supplied to a water quality-improving apparatus; a second measuring device for measuring by AC terminal electric conductimetry a capacitance of a second capacitor formed between a pair of electrodes immersed in water discharged by the apparatus; and a processor for calculating a ratio (Y/X) of a capacitance Y to a capacitance X wherein the capacitance X is a capacitance of the first capacitor outputted by the first measuring device when an AC frequency is 100 Hz or less, and the capacitance Y is a capacitance of the second capacitor at the same frequency outputted by the second measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: TOSHIKOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuo Tajiri, Mitsuo Ishikawa, Nobuyuki Kamiya
  • Patent number: 9347902
    Abstract: A tester for measuring insulating properties of cross-linked polyethylene, the tester including: a housing including a control panel; a high voltage chamber including an insulating cover, a fixed frame, an insulating oil cup, a high voltage electrode, a ground electrode, and a temperature control device; and a test circuit including a high voltage power supply, a voltmeter, a timer, an overcurrent protection device, and a digital thermometer. The high voltage chamber and the test circuit are arranged inside the housing. The control panel is arranged on the housing. The insulating cover is disposed on the high voltage chamber. The fixed frame is disposed inside the high voltage chamber. The insulating oil cup is mounted on the fixed frame. The high voltage electrode and the ground electrode are disposed oppositely inside the insulating oil cup. The temperature control device is disposed beneath the insulating oil cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignees: Tianjin Electric Power Corporation, State Grid Corporation of China
    Inventors: Xiaohui Zhu, Zhengzheng Meng, Fengzheng Zhou
  • Patent number: 8975901
    Abstract: Measurement devices, systems, and methods to measure a high field conductivity of a fluid are provided herein. The measurement device includes a fluid cell, a pair of electrodes, a voltage switch, and a measurement unit. The fluid cell is on an inclined plane to receive the fluid. The pair of electrodes are connected to the fluid cell. The pair of electrodes are spaced apart from one another to receive the fluid therebetween and positioned parallel to one another to pass an electrical current therethrough. The power unit provides a high voltage power supply to one electrode of the pair of electrodes. The measurement unit measures the electrical current that passes between the pair of electrodes through the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Henryk Birecki, Omer Gila, Michael H Lee, William D Holland
  • Patent number: 8847601
    Abstract: A method of determining the maximum temperature undergone by a specimen of sedimentary rock during natural heating over a geological process, within the range from 60° C. to 230° C. approximately. The method includes analysis at very low temperature, down to a few kelvin, for example down to 10 kelvin, of the magnetic transitions intended to characterize an iron oxide and an iron sulfide that are formed or destroyed in the specimen by the geological heating of the sediment; and determination of the maximum temperature undergone by the specimen, using a calibration obtained by measuring the same magnetic parameters on the same sediment or on other sediments of the same nature, heated beforehand in the laboratory to known temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventors: Jean Pierre Pozzi, Charles Aubourg
  • Patent number: 8705245
    Abstract: A sensor device has a ceramic carrier substrate. At least two conductor tracks are arranged on the carrier substrate. The sensor device has at least one ceramic component that is in the form of a chip and is connected to the conductor tracks in an electrically conductive manner. The at least one ceramic component is mechanically connected to the conductor tracks by means of a screen printing paste which has been burnt in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: EPCOS AG
    Inventors: Gerald Kloiber, Heinz Strallhofer, Norbert Freiberger
  • Patent number: 8581533
    Abstract: A controller controls switching of IGBT devices of an inverter according to the desired output of the permanent magnet motor. The controller includes: a magnet temperature detection device that detects the magnet temperature of the permanent magnet motor based on the output of a temperature sensor; a setting device that sets a threshold value of the magnet temperature corresponding to the desired output of the permanent magnet motor, based on a predetermined relation between the output from the permanent magnet motor and a critical temperature, up to which demagnetization in the permanent magnet motor is not caused; and a carrier frequency control device that, when the magnet temperature detected by the magnet temperature detection device exceeds the threshold value, changes the carrier frequency, at which the IGBT devices are switched, such that a ripple current superimposed on a motor current that flows through the permanent magnet motor is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhito Hayashi, Masayoshi Suhama
  • Patent number: 8555928
    Abstract: An adapter cap for the parallelepiped distributor section of a liquid treatment arrangement, which is provided with a flattened section in a corner area, on which the adapter cap can be placed, wherein the adapter cap has a base with a passage for a liquid, which corresponds to the passage for the liquid in the flattened section, and a pipe line connection. The pipe line connection comprises a universal connector, and a receptacle for a temperature sensor, which has been totally embedded into the receptacle by a casting compound, is provided in a base section of the adapter cap, where a connecting cable with an electrical plug connector leading away from the base section is provided, by which the temperature sensor is connectable to a temperature regulating arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventors: Philipp Pustelnik, Thomas Euler-Rolle
  • Patent number: 8493184
    Abstract: System for remote measuring a physical variable comprising an RF transceiver arranged for transmitting an RF signal and for receiving a reflection signal derived from the transmitted signal. An RF transponder comprises a dielectric material having a dielectric property which is dependent on the physical variable according to a first function. The dielectric material is exposed to the physical variable to be measured. The transponder is arranged to receive the signal transmitted by the transceiver and to reflect a reflection signal, or the second and/or higher harmonics of it, which is dependent on the actual dielectric property. Processing means are provided for comparing the signal transmitted by the transceiver and the reflection signal received from the transponder and for converting the comparison result, e.g. the phase shift, into a value which is representative for the physical variable to be measured. The transponder may be e.g. a patch antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNO
    Inventor: Johannes Adrianus Cornelis Theeuwes
  • Publication number: 20130130069
    Abstract: A polymer that combines high ionic conductivity with the structural properties required for Li electrode stability is useful as a solid phase electrolyte for high energy density, high cycle life batteries that do not suffer from failures due to side reactions and dendrite growth on the Li electrodes, and other potential applications. The polymer electrolyte includes a linear block copolymer having a conductive linear polymer block with a molecular weight of at least 5000 Daltons, a structural linear polymer block with an elastic modulus in excess of 1×107 Pa and an ionic conductivity of at least 1×10?5 Scm?1. The electrolyte is made under dry conditions to achieve the noted characteristics. In another aspect, the electrolyte exhibits a conductivity drop when the temperature of electrolyte increases over a threshold temperature, thereby providing a shutoff mechanism for preventing thermal runaway in lithium battery cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Scott Mullin, Ashoutosh Panday, Nitash Pervez Balsara, Mohit Singh, Hany Basam Eitouni, Enrique Daniel Gomez
  • Patent number: 8368411
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the determination of diffusion coefficients and/or exchange coefficient of a material having electronic and ionic conductivity. The material is permeable to at least one gas. It is the object of the invention to provide a cost-effective, accurate method for the determination of the diffusion coefficient and of the surface exchange coefficient which can be carried out in a short time and can thus be used for a screening of materials, in particular for application in the field of permeation membranes. The procedure is followed in accordance with the invention such that a sample of the material is arranged in a measurement chamber and has an electric current passed through it for a determination of the electric resistance. In this respect, a gas mixture in which the respective gas is contained is conducted through the measurement chamber as a gas flow and the partial pressure of the respective gas in the gas mixture is changed periodically at regular intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V
    Inventors: Mihails Kusnezoff, Steffen Ziesche, Anne Paepke
  • Patent number: 8350571
    Abstract: An electronic salt meter including a sensor rod, salt meter body and receiving components to measure a temperature and salinity. The electronic salt meter includes a first and sensor electrode and a temperature sensor to detect a temperature of the measurement object. A measurement monitoring unit detects whether the first and second sensor electrodes are electrically connected to each other. A salinity measurement unit applies an AC power to the first and second sensor electrodes to measure salinity of the measurement object. A temperature measurement unit applies a power to the temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the measurement object. A thermal equilibrium detection unit stores the temperature value previously measured, and when the temperature variation is less than a predetermined threshold, it is determined as a thermal equilibrium state. A room-temperature salinity conversion unit converts the salinity value into a salinity value at room temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Yun-Ho Son
  • Patent number: 8340928
    Abstract: A capacitive sensor in its simplest form has three identical plated spatial electrodes, which are positioned equally spaced apart, in order, alignment and parallel with each other. The first and third electrodes are the outer electrodes and connected in parallel by a first lead wire serving as a first electrical pole to be a group of the integrated electrodes. The second electrode is the middle electrode and connected by a second lead wire serving as a second electrical pole. The sensor is applied with an alternating current (AC) excitation signal from an AC device. The present invention method includes application of referencing and sensing capacitive sensors to obtain a measured temperature compensated electrical property of the oil to thereby obtain a measured remaining usage so as to a predicted remaining usage of the oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Yizhong Sun
  • Patent number: 8326555
    Abstract: A system and related method are provided for measuring conductivity/resistivity of water having high purity, including a temperature sensor and a conductivity/resistivity sensor exposed to a water source. The system further includes a computing assembly configured to receive measurement signals from the sensors and to determine change in resistivity over a change in temperature (a collected R/T slope) from the collected temperature measurements and the collected resistivity measurements. The system compares the collected R/T slope to a standardized R/T slope at a temperature value corresponding to a midpoint temperature of the temperature measurements over the prescribed time interval. Based on the comparing, the system provides providing a compensated measurement for resistivity or conductivity of the water source. As a result, the system can calibrate the sensor continually during use, in real time, resulting in highly improved accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Signet LLC
    Inventor: John W. Morgan
  • Patent number: 8237444
    Abstract: An apparatus for investigating a geological formation surrounding a borehole including a logging tool moveable through the borehole, an electromagnetic probe 1 including a pad 2 mounted on the logging tool for engagement with the borehole by a wall-engaging face of the pad, at least one transmitting antenna TxA, TxB mounted in the wall-engaging face, and a plurality of spaced receiving antennas RxA, RxB mounted in the wall-engaging face spaced in relation to the transmitting antenna TxA, TxB. At least one of the antennas RxA, RxB, TxA, TxB is an open-ended antenna forming a substantially pure electric dipole normal to the pad face and wherein the first transmitting antenna of the at least one pair of transmitting antennas is positioned above the plurality of spaced receiving antennas and the second transmitting antenna of the at least one pair of transmitting antennas is positioned below the plurality of spaced receiving antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Matthieu Simon
  • Patent number: 8148994
    Abstract: A control unit (16) of a replacement determination device charges one or more battery modules (10) as determination targets, and measures the voltage change value of the battery module (10) in a predetermined period of time from the time of stoppage of charge by using a voltage measuring device (14). If the voltage change value becomes equal to or more than a reference voltage change value consecutively a predetermined number of times which is equal to or more than one, the control unit determines that the battery module (10) needs to be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Yamashita, Takahisa Shodai, Akihiro Miyasaka, Riichi Kitano
  • Publication number: 20110140704
    Abstract: An electronic salt meter including a sensor rod, salt meter body and receiving components to measure a temperature and salinity. The electronic salt meter includes a first and sensor electrode and a temperature sensor to detect a temperature of the measurement object. A measurement monitoring unit detects whether the first and second sensor electrodes are electrically connected to each other. A salinity measurement unit applies an AC power to the first and second sensor electrodes to measure salinity of the measurement object. A temperature measurement unit applies a power to the temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the measurement object. A thermal equilibrium detection unit stores the temperature value previously measured, and when the temperature variation is less than a predetermined threshold, it is determined as a thermal equilibrium state. A room-temperature salinity conversion unit converts the salinity value into a salinity value at room temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Yun-Ho Son
  • Patent number: 7927010
    Abstract: Disposable, pre-sterilized, and pre-calibrated, pre-validated conductivity sensors are provided. These sensors are designed to store sensor-specific information, such as calibration and production information, in a non-volatile memory chip on the sensor. The sensors are calibrated using 0.100 molar potassium chloride (KCl) solutions at 25 degrees Celsius. These sensors may be utilize with in-line systems, closed fluid circuits, bioprocessing systems, or systems which require an aseptic environment while avoiding or reducing cleaning procedures and quality assurance variances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: SenCal, LLC
    Inventors: Karl G. Schick, David Uhen
  • Patent number: 7884614
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device of electrodes for measuring water content in foundry sand, an apparatus for measuring water content in foundry sand, and a method and an apparatus for supplying water to a sand mixer. When the prior art device for measuring water content in the foundry sand is disposed in it, the size or shape of the device of the electrodes is limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sintokogio, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Harada, Tadashi Nishida, Kozo Sugita
  • Patent number: 7872448
    Abstract: A power supply system for portable equipment has a lithium-ion secondary battery as a power supply, a temperature detection portion for detecting a temperature of the power supply, a voltage detection portion for detecting a voltage of the power supply, a memory portion, and a forced discharge portion. The memory portion stores a control operating temperature, a control operating voltage and a control termination voltage. The forced discharge portion recognizes an abnormality of the power supply when the temperature of the power supply is at least the control operating temperature and the voltage of the power supply is at least the control operating voltage. Then, the forced discharge portion electrifies the notification portion and makes it inform a message indicating that the abnormality is being avoided. The forced discharge portion forcedly discharges the power supply until the voltage of the power supply reaches the control termination voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Taniguchi, Toshihiko Ichinose
  • Patent number: 7857506
    Abstract: Disposable, pre-sterilized, and pre-calibrated, pre-validated conductivity sensors are provided. These sensors are designed to store sensor-specific information, such as calibration and production information, in a non-volatile memory chip on the sensor. The sensors are calibrated using 0.100 molar potassium chloride (KCl) solutions at 25 degrees Celsius. These sensors may be utilize with in-line systems, closed fluid circuits, bioprocessing systems, or systems which require an aseptic environment while avoiding or reducing cleaning procedures and quality assurance variances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: SenCal LLC
    Inventors: Karl G. Schick, David Uhen
  • Patent number: 7788047
    Abstract: Disposable, pre-sterilized, and pre-calibrated, pre-validated conductivity sensors are provided. These sensors are designed to store sensor-specific information, such as calibration and production information, in a non-volatile memory chip on the sensor on in a barcode printed on the sensor. The sensors are calibrated using 0.100 molar potassium chloride (KCl) solutions at 25 degrees Celsius. These sensors may be utilize with in-line systems, closed fluid circuits, bioprocessing systems, or systems which require an aseptic environment while avoiding or reducing cleaning procedures and quality assurance variances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: SenCal LLC
    Inventors: Karl G. Schick, David Uhen
  • Patent number: 7729870
    Abstract: Methods for detecting oil conditions including a top level of an oil in an oil system which is reduced to a top level of a predetermined threshold amount of the oil, a normal oil deterioration which occurs in the absence of water having a confirmed actual remaining usage of the oil, and an abnormal oil deterioration which occurs in the presence of water. The methods include a first preferred embodiment which applies reference and sensing capacitors to obtain a measured temperature compensated electrical property of the oil. From which a quantitatively measured remaining usage is obtained so as to a predicted one for the oil. Therefore, the respective top oil level, or the normal or the abnormal oil deterioration can be concluded according to the measured remaining usage which is respectively larger than, or similar to, or less than the predicted one for the oil. A second preferred embodiment only includes the sensing capacitor for obtaining the measured temperature compensated electrical property of the oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Yizhong Sun
  • Patent number: 7694538
    Abstract: A system and method of determining the temperature of a rotating electromagnetic machine, such as an electric motor or generator. A temperature calibration parameter is calculated based on the temperature of an object situated close to the motor, such as a motor drive connected to the motor, and a first resistance value of the winding. In exemplary embodiments, the motor drive and first resistance value are determined only after the motor has been idle for some predetermined time period. Once the calibration parameter is calculated, the processor uses it along with subsequent resistance measurements to calculate the temperature of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: J Stephen Thorn, Bret S Clark, Joseph G Marcinkiewicz, Vinod Sadasivam, Darko Marcetic, Gregory M Levine
  • Patent number: 7323887
    Abstract: A contacting-type conductivity sensor includes a plurality of electrodes disposed on a distal surface of a substrate. The substrate includes a plurality of vias through which electrical interconnection to the electrodes is accomplished. The conductivity sensor can employ two or four electrodes and may have a temperature sensitive element disposed on the distal surface. The electrodes may be patterned or otherwise deposited using semiconductor processing techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Rosemount Analytical Inc.
    Inventor: Chang-Dong Feng
  • Patent number: 7230430
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a method and apparatus for testing electrochemical cells which is faster and more cost-effective than current testing methods. Accordingly, the invention provides a method for testing electrochemical cells, particularly batteries for medical applications, such as for implantable devices for pacemakers, defibrillators, etc., comprising the steps of: surrounding at least one electrochemical cell with a vacuum with a pressure range of 0 to 0.001 Torr and measuring energy emitted from the electrochemical cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Greatbatch, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald F. Kaiser
  • Patent number: 6967489
    Abstract: Methods and systems for effecting a parameter and detecting a parameter using two electric signal in a conductive path are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlton F. Brooks, Morten Juel Jensen, Seth Stern
  • Patent number: 6884356
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus (50) are disclosed for accurately measuring low concentrations of boron in deionized water utilizing the chemical reaction of boric acid with a polyol by injecting very small plugs of concentrated polyol into streams of boron containing and non-boron containing water samples to produce an ionized acids product, and then measuring the conductivity difference (delta conductivity), corrected for interfering or extraneous factors which can effect conductivity, between such boron containing and non-boron containing samples using a conductivity and temperature detector (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Sievers Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul P. Kosenka, Kevin J. O'Neill, Richard D. Godec
  • Patent number: 6750661
    Abstract: Methods and systems for effecting a parameter and detecting a parameter using two electric signal in a conductive path are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlton F. Brooks, Morten Juel Jensen, Seth Stern
  • Publication number: 20030173971
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a storage battery is provided that generates a temperature at which the battery will fail to meet performance criteria. The use of a temperature-based system to rate battery performance provides a clearer understanding to those not skilled in the art of battery testing. The critical failure temperature is obtained using the battery parameters of open circuit voltage, temperature and a dynamic parameter such as conductance or resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin I. Bertness, J. David Vonderhaar, Dennis V. Brown, James K. Klang
  • Patent number: 6577134
    Abstract: Liquid conductivity and temperature are measured in respective sensitivity fields that are collocated—i. e., in volumes that nearly match by mathematical, geometrical, or functional criteria. Collocation is as distinct from mere adjacency or proximity; and is with respect to measurement volumes, not measuring hardware. Preferably pressure too is measured with sensitivity very generally collocated to the conductivity and temperature sensitivity. Preferably, respective temporal/spatial bandwidths of the two (or three) sensors are matched. Preferably the pressure sensor is a MEMS transducer, the conductivity sensor is a four-terminal device, the thermometer is a thermistor encapsulated in a silkscreened glass wall, and circuits (1) compensate for time lag between conductivity and temperature measurement, (2) remove artifacts due to detritus in or near either sensor, and (3) derive secondary parameters of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Areté Associates
    Inventors: Guy J. Farruggia, Allan B. Fraser
  • Publication number: 20030094953
    Abstract: Methods and systems for effecting a parameter and detecting a parameter using two electric signal in a conductive path are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Carlton F. Brooks, Morten Juel Jensen, Seth Stern
  • Patent number: 6541978
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method, a system and a device for producing, from a substance, electric signals characteristic of the biological activity of an active element contained in the substance. The method consists in: placing the substance in a zone subjected to a specific electric, magnetic and/or electromagnetic excitation field. The method further includes a step which consists in transforming the fields resulting form the interaction between the specific excitation filed and the substance, into signals, in particular electric signals, using a first transducer receiving the resulting fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Digibio
    Inventors: Jacques Benveniste, Didier Guillonnet
  • Patent number: 6504358
    Abstract: In order to detect a motor temperature during operation of a motor without using any sensors, the motor temperature is determined when the motor is switched on by measuring a current and a voltage at the time when the motor is switched on. The motor temperature can be determined by relationships by determining the real element of the motor impedance from the current and voltage signals, and comparing the values when the motor is stationary and values which have been obtained at a known temperature. The determination can be carried out in analog or digital form, with a computer being used in the latter case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Reinhard Maier, Paul Fröhlich
  • Patent number: 6489774
    Abstract: A miniaturized ion analysis system with a contactless conductivity detection means is described for use in liquid phase sample analysis and detection. The device is formed by microfabrication of microstructures in novel support substrates. The detection means can be fabricated directly in the support body at the point of detection or other locations on the device or, alternatively, may be formed as part of a modular structure that is insertable into the device at the point of detection. In addition, a method is provided for analyzing ionic species present in a sample using the miniaturized ion analysis device. The invention herein is used for the analysis of ionic solutes in the liquid phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom A van de Goor, Patrick Kaltenbach
  • Publication number: 20020167322
    Abstract: A thin film integrated conductivity sensor is formed on a suitable surface for measuring the electrical conductivity of a liquid. The surface is preferably an insulator, but may be conducting, if the electrodes are on an insulating surface. A preferred embodiment insulates the electrodes by use of a dielectric layer that is deposited on top of a silicon wafer substrate. A sensor tip is integrated on the top surface of the substrate. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate is fabricated into a sensor shape with a small sharp tip at one end and an opposite larger end for accommodating electrode pads. The larger end might also be used for integration of measurement circuits or accommodating bonding pads. In a preferred embodiment, the tip also accommodates an integrated temperature sensor to enable local temperature measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Dongming He, Mark A. Shannon
  • Publication number: 20020163339
    Abstract: A battery-monitoring system in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes one or more cell sensors modules linked to a battery sensor module via a data interface. In turn, the one or more battery sensor modules may be linked to an alarm interface. Each cell sensor module includes one or more sensors that monitor physical parameters, such as cell voltage and temperature, related to the corresponding cell. Each battery sensor module monitors physical parameters, such as battery voltage, discharge current, and temperature related to the battery. The battery sensor module also gather cell monitoring information from the plurality of cell sensor modules. Various battery monitor-related analytical, control, and reporting functions may be performed by the various modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Daniel D. Friel, Louis Hruska
  • Publication number: 20020135377
    Abstract: Liquid conductivity and temperature are measured in respective sensitivity fields that are collocated—i. e., in volumes that nearly match by mathematical, geometrical, or functional criteria. Collocation is as distinct from mere adjacency or proximity; and is with respect to measurement volumes, not measuring hardware. Preferably pressure too is measured with sensitivity very generally collocated to the conductivity and temperature sensitivity. Preferably, respective temporal/spatial bandwidths of the two (or three) sensors are matched. Preferably the pressure sensor is a MEMS transducer, the conductivity sensor is a four-terminal device, the thermometer is a thermistor encapsulated in a silkscreened glass wall, and circuits (1) compensate for time lag between conductivity and temperature measurement, (2) remove artifacts due to detritus in or near either sensor, and (3) derive secondary parameters of the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Applicant: Arete Associates
    Inventors: Guy J. Farruggia, Allan B. Fraser
  • Patent number: 6433560
    Abstract: A combination fluid condition monitor and fluid level sensor having an excitation electrode divided into two segments disposed closely spaced and parallel to current sensing electrode. For the fluid condition monitoring mode function both segments of the excitation electrode are commonly excited sequentially at high and low frequencies and the currents sensed in the sensing electrode employed to compute the difference in impedance for determining the fluid condition. For the level sensing mode function a mode switching circuit grounds one of the excitation electrode segments and excites the other then grounds the other segment and excites the one segment and the resultant currents ratioed to determine the amount of electrode immersed in fluid and hence the fluid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Hansen, Edward F. Buck, Lian Q. Zou, Victor E. Shtaida, Peter J. McGinnis, Birger Pahl
  • Publication number: 20020097054
    Abstract: In a method and arrangement for determining a requirement to replace a component in a device, the measurement of a first parameter that has an unbeneficial influence on the consumption or the service life of the component is replaced by the measurement of at least two parameters that represent the first parameter and whose changes allow the current condition of the component to be calculated. A count reading is thereby modified such that it approaches an outage threshold that is specific for the component and such that the device emits a warning before the end of use or end of the service life of the component part is reached. The invention can be advantageously utilized for the indirect measurement of parameters of components that are located in a security module or in its immediate proximity, for example for determining a requirement for battery replacement for security modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: Francotyp-Postalia AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Rosenau, Torsten Schlaaff
  • Patent number: 6411667
    Abstract: An ECP sensor includes a tubular ceramic probe having a closed tip at one end packed with a metal and metal oxide powder. A metal support tube receives an opposite end of the probe, and is joined thereto by a braze joint therewith. An electrical conductor extends through the support tube and probe, and has an end buried in the powder for electrical contact therewith. A ceramic band bridges the probe and tube at the joint for sealing thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Young Jin Kim, Eric Moran, Donald Allan Hale
  • Patent number: H2228
    Abstract: A conductivity sensor positioned in-line between two pipe sections within a cylindrical collar portion of a measurement assembly measures the electrical conductivity of fluid under flow through a passage therein to generate a conductivity data signal, while a separate temperature measurement data signal is generated by a temperature sensor embedded within the collar portion of the measurement assembly in close axially spaced relation to the conductivity sensor. Both of the data signals are fed from the conductivity and the temperature sensors to a data processing system to provide a temperature compensated conductivity measurement readout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: James A. Eick, Douglas G. McDonnell