Which Includes Current And Voltage Electrodes Patents (Class 324/444)
  • Patent number: 7638034
    Abstract: A barrier structure for use in an electrochemical stochastic membrane sensor for single molecule detection. The sensor is based upon inorganic nanopores having electrically tunable dimensions. The inorganic nanopores are formed from inorganic materials and an electrically conductive polymer. Methods of making the barrier structure and sensing single molecules using the barrier structure are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Jose-Maria Sansinena, Antonio Redondo, Virginia Olazabal, Mark A. Hoffbauer, Elshan A. Akhadov
  • Publication number: 20090302857
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen gas sensor that may suffer less influences from the environmental space as well as exercise less influence to the environmental space. The hydrogen gas sensor 10 comprises a first electrode 12 and a second electrode 14 are provided, and an electrolyte 16 disposed between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14. The first electrode and the second electrode are made of corresponding different materials in chemical potential for hydrogen gas. That is, the first electrode includes a relatively high chemical potential material, and the second electrode includes a relatively low chemical potential material. The hydrogen gas sensor detects hydrogen gas based on the electromotive force generated between these electrodes and, at least a contacting portion of the electrolyte with the first electrode and a contacting portion of the electrolyte with the second electrode are covered with a hydrogen selective permeable envelope 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Shuuji Harada, Kunio Matsuda
  • Patent number: 7626401
    Abstract: A method and a corresponding system for error checking an electrochemical sensor having at least two electrodes and a liquid measuring medium applied thereto are disclosed. The method discloses determining a first admittance between a first set of electrodes of the sensor; determining a second admittance between a second set of electrodes of the sensor; determining a value using the first admittance and the second admittance; and displaying an error message if the value is out of a predetermined tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Joerg Dreibholz, Sylvia Saecker, Volker Unkrig
  • Patent number: 7598745
    Abstract: An apparatus (2) for measuring electrical conductivity in a material has a pair of electrically conducting elements (6), a first electrical conductor (9) coupled to the electrically conducting elements and coupling a first transformer core (10) and a second transformer core (12) to form a first current loop (8), and a second electrical conductor (17) of known resistance coupling the second transformer core (12) and a third transformer core (14) to form a second current loop (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: The University of Southern Queensland
    Inventors: Nigel Harold Hancock, Andrew Douglas Maxwell, Antonio Louis Ah Fock
  • Patent number: 7541817
    Abstract: A method of diagnosing corrosion risk of a buried pipe due to DC stray currents and/or AC voltages induced in soil employs a metal probe including a first, exposed part having a first specific resistivity, and a second, sealed reference part having a second specific resistivity. The probe is buried in the soil, and the AC current and voltage between the pipe and the probe are measured, from which the spread resistance is determined. The resistances of the first and second probe parts are determined by respectively passing first and second excitation currents through the first and second probe parts and measuring the voltages across them. The resistance measurements are stored, and the steps are repeated periodically. The corrosion of the first probe part is determined from the measurements according to an algorithm, and the pipe corrosion risk is diagnosed from an empirical combination of the corrosion of the first probe part, the spread resistance, and the AC voltage measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Metricorr APS
    Inventors: Lars V. Nielsen, Folke Galsgaard
  • Publication number: 20090066339
    Abstract: Assay modules, preferably assay cartridges, are described as are reader apparatuses which may be used to control aspects of module operation. The modules preferably comprise a detection chamber with integrated electrodes that may be used for carrying out electrode induced luminescence measurements. Methods are described for immobilizing assay reagents in a controlled fashion on these electrodes and other surfaces. Assay modules and cartridges are also described that have a detection chamber, preferably having integrated electrodes, and other fluidic components which may include sample chambers, waste chambers, conduits, vents, bubble traps, reagent chambers, dry reagent pill zones and the like. In certain preferred embodiments, these modules are adapted to receive and analyze a sample collected on an applicator stick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: MESO SCALE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Eli N. Glezer, Jonathan K. Leland, Mark A. Billadeau, Joseph M. Leginus, Bandele Jeffrey-Coker, Jeff D. Debad, Koustubh A. Phalnikar, Sriram Jambunathan
  • Publication number: 20090039893
    Abstract: A method for measuring the through-thickness resistance or conductance of a thin electrolyte is provided. The method includes positioning a first source electrode on a first side of an electrolyte to be tested, and positioning a second source electrode on a second side of the electrolyte, wherein the second side is opposite the first side and wherein the first and second source electrodes partially overlap. The method further includes positioning a first sense electrode, corresponding to the first source electrode, on the second side of the electrolyte, wherein the first sense electrode is positioned such that it is in contact with the second side of the electrolyte directly opposite a non-overlapping portion of the first source electrode and is not in direct physical or electrical contact with the second source electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Scribner Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Cooper, Louie L. Scribner
  • Patent number: 7459920
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for obtaining electrical characteristics and moisture content of dried objects having different shapes and sizes through impedance and electrostatic capacity measurements are provided. Measuring the moisture content of dried objects comprises the steps of: introducing dried objects of different sizes and shapes into a container, inserting four electrode terminals into the container, measuring electrical characteristics between two electrodes based on the dried objects and inputting measurement results into a high impedance voltmeter. An apparatus is provided comprising: a container for accommodating dried objects having different sizes and shapes, four electrode terminals inserted into the container, an AC signal having a predetermined voltage to be applied to the terminals, and a high impedance voltmeter for measuring and receiving electrical characteristics between two terminals based on the dried objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Incorporated Adminstrative Agency National Agriculture and Food Research Organization
    Inventors: Yuzo Mizukami, Yuichi Yamaguchi, Yusuke Sawai
  • Patent number: 7429865
    Abstract: A method and a corresponding system for error checking an electrochemical sensor having at least two electrodes and a liquid measuring medium applied thereto are disclosed. The method involves determining a first admittance between a first set of electrodes of the sensor; determining a second admittance between a second set of electrodes of the sensor; determining a value using the first admittance and the second admittance; and displaying an error message if the value is out of a predetermined tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Joerg Dreibholz, Sylvia Saecker, Volker Unkrig
  • Patent number: 7408359
    Abstract: The current measuring device includes an upper solution chamber (3) and a lower solution chamber (8) whose bottom has a support layer (5) and measures a current flowing via an artificial lipid bilayer membrane (2) formed on a small hole (4) of the upper solution chamber (3), wherein the lower solution chamber (8) is provided below the upper solution chamber (3) by being surrounded with a bottom plate (6) and an interval keeping member (7a). An internal pressure of the lower solution chamber (8) is dropped so that the artificial lipid bilayer membrane (2) formed on the small hole (4) swells to the side of the lower solution chamber (8) so as to be thinner, and the thinner artificial lipid bilayer membrane (2) is supported by the support layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Japan Science and Technology Agency
    Inventor: Toru Ide
  • Patent number: 7403017
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of measuring formation of a barrier to restrict or reduce movement of an electroactive species. The method comprises providing an electrochemical cell having a working electrode and a counter electrode spaced from the working electrode, providing a subject component, a testing component and at least one electroactive species within the cell, the subject and testing components being intended to cause the formation of a barrier to restrict or reduce movement of an electroactive species, applying a potential between the working electrode and the counter electrode sufficient to produce a current proportional to the concentration of the electroactive species being measured, and measuring the current at the working electrode to obtain a measure of the formation of the barrier to restrict or reduce movement of the electroactive species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Universal Biosensors PTY Limited
    Inventors: Alastair McIndoe Hodges, Ronald Christopher Chatelier, Garry Chambers
  • Patent number: 7372277
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell has two terminals. One of the terminals is connected to a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) power supply and to a voltmeter. The other terminal is connected to circuitry capable of switching between amperometric and potentiometric measurement modes. A sequence of successive approximations permits selection of a PWM duty cycle giving rise to a desired voltage at the terminal connected with the power supply. In this way a stable excitation voltage is supplied to the cell even in the face of supply voltage instability or drift or instability in electronics coupled with the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Agamatrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Diamond, Martin Forest, Baoguo Wei
  • Patent number: 7195937
    Abstract: A measurement-facilitating method of measuring the breakdown voltage of a semiconductor epitaxial wafer, and a semiconductor epitaxial wafer whose breakdown voltage is superior are realized. In a method of measuring the breakdown voltage of a semiconductor epitaxial wafer having to do with the present invention, the breakdown voltage between contacts 14 and 18 is measured only through the Schottky contacts, without need for ohmic contacts. Inasmuch as the manufacturing process of forming ohmic contacts is accordingly omitted, the semiconductor epitaxial wafer 10 may be readily used in a breakdown-voltage measurement test. The measurement of the wafer-10 breakdown voltage thus may be readily carried out. Likewise, because the inter-contact breakdown voltage V2 of a wafer 10 can be measured prior to manufacturing a working device from it, unsuitable wafers 10 can be excluded before they are cycled through the working-device fabrication process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsushi Akita, Masashi Yamashita, Makoto Kiyama
  • Patent number: 7154274
    Abstract: A high-sensitivity measuring instrument comprising at least two sensors for detecting the same characteristics by touching a substance being measured with a specified time difference, wherein the between detection signals taken out simultaneously from respective sensors is determined, the difference between characteristic values upon elapsing the specified time difference is determined from the difference between detection signals, a reference time of measurement and a reference characteristic value at that time are preset, a time axis having a time pitch of a specified time difference is set, and a measurement value is obtained at a point in time elapsing an arbitrary time pitch from the reference time. Objective measurement characteristics can be detected by the measuring instrument not in the form of difference or variation but as an absolute value with high accuracy and sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Organo Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshio Sunaoka, Shinichi Ohashi, Toshio Morita, Masashi Fujita
  • Patent number: 7141982
    Abstract: A current is injected in the vicinity of a liquid-containment facility of interest to create a measurable electrical potential field in the ground underlying the site. Voltage is measured at each of a plurality of electrodes and plotted as a function of time. The rate of change of the voltages measured at each electrode was found to be proportional to the flow rate of any leak from the facility. Accordingly, the monitoring system is calibrated with artificially imposed leaks flowing at various rates and the resulting information is used to estimate the flow rate of actual leaks on the basis of the slope of the potential plot recorded by any given electrode over time. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the flow rates so calculated are averaged to produce an estimate of the rate of leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: James B. Fink
  • Patent number: 7057393
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for monitoring the quality of an internal fluid contained in an apparatus. The system includes a pulse input port, a test gap unit, and a reactive impedance unit. The pulse input port receives a test pulse input signal from a pulse source. The test gap unit provides a test voltage across a test gap while the test gap unit is immersed in the internal fluid within the apparatus. The test gap unit has an inherent capacitance. The reactive impedance unit provides an impedance in series with the inherent capacitance of the test gap unit that restricts transfer of current to the test gap, and is coupled to the pulse input port and coupled to the test gap unit. The impedance unit includes a first resistor unit in parallel with a capacitor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Timothy L. Cargol, Chathan M. Cooke
  • Patent number: 7015700
    Abstract: Flaw detection apparatus includes an electrode disposed in a region surrounded by a packaging material including a layer of an electrically-conductive material; a cutting member made of an electrically-conductive material and adapted to cut a predetermined portion of the packaging material; a variable detector, disposed between the electrode and the cutting member, for detecting an electrical variable; and flaw detection processor for reading the detected variable and for determining, on the basis of the detected variable, a flaw in the packaging material. In this case, the variable detector is disposed between the electrode and the cutting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Konno, Yasuyuki Moriyama, Michio Sugata
  • Patent number: 6984986
    Abstract: A database is compiled of values of the frequency fNM corresponding to the minimum reactance Z?MIN (Nyquist minimum) versus temperature TL over a selected range of temperatures for a probe immersed in a sample of the fluid to be monitored and excited by an a.c. voltage and the frequency swept over a range to cover both bulk fluid and electrode interface impedance characteristics. The probe is then excited in situ and the temperature measured. The Nyquist minimum is then determined from the database and the current measured on the low frequency (interfacial) side of the Nyquist minimum. The angle ? of the rate of change of resistance Z? with respect to resistance Z? and magnitude of the impedance ZS is then determined from the current measurement; and, the fluid condition ? determined from a previously compiled database of values of ?, ZS and ?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Sosnowski, Gordon M. Fincannon
  • Patent number: 6956376
    Abstract: A device for determining the mean resistivity of a multiphase fluid having a continuous conductive phase, includes a pipe segment (4) of insulating material and a oil (6) for generating an electric current in the fluid flowing along the pipe. The device has two measurement electrodes (10, 11) spaced apart in the axial direction of the insulating segment to measure the electrical resistance between said two electrodes, the measurement electrodes being applied to the outside of the wall of the segment to perform measurement by capacitive coupling. The voltage between the measurement electrodes is measured. The device is particularly useful for determining the volume fraction (“holdup”) of water in a mixture of water and hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Philippe Salamitou
  • Patent number: 6894502
    Abstract: The invention relates to an internal solution ground for primary use with a pH sensor, and preferably with a multi-sensing instrument monitoring a pH sensor and one or more additional secondary sensors having non-isolated circuits. In one aspect, a pH sensor assembly includes a pH electrode, a reference electrode, and an internal solution ground wire. The internal solution ground wire shares a liquid junction with the reference electrode but is protected by the reference fill solution. In one embodiment, the internal solution ground can be electrically isolated through a capacitor or, alternately, a capacitor and resistor in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Rosemount Analytical Inc.
    Inventors: Chang-Dong Feng, Joe N. Covey, Beth Meinhard Covey, Richard N. Baril, Roland H. Koluvek
  • Patent number: 6888358
    Abstract: A sensor for determining at least one parameter with a sigma-delta converter (1) comprises switched input capacitors and feedback capacitors (Cf1, Cf2, Crefc1, Crefc2, Creff1, Creff2, Crt1, Crt2, Cr1, Cr2, Ctemp1, Ctemp2, Cs1, Cs2). At least one of the capacitors is designed such that its capacitance depends on the parameter to be determined. In this way, the change of capacitance can be directly determined by means of the sigma-delta converter. Due to a symmetric design of the converter a higher accuracy can be reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Sensirion AG
    Inventors: Moritz Lechner, Andreas Martin Haeberli
  • Patent number: 6888355
    Abstract: A voltage and internal resistance of a battery are measured in advance as its capacity decreases. In a flash memory of a device powered by the battery, voltages necessary to drive a motor, an EL display, and a bezel input unit are stored. By comparing the voltage of the battery with a resistor connected as a dummy load and the voltage read from the flash memory, it can be determined whether it is possible to drive the motor, the EL display, or the bezel input unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Kitazawa, Hajime Kurihara, Motomu Hayakawa, Tsukasa Kosuda, Katsuyuki Honda
  • Patent number: 6885196
    Abstract: A highly sensitive biosensor that uses a smaller amount of sample for measurement is described. The biosensor includes a first insulating base plate having a working electrode, a second insulating base plate having a counter electrode opposed to the working electrode, and a reagent layer containing at least an oxidoreductase. The biosensor further includes a sample supply pathway formed between the first and second insulating base plates, where the working electrode, counter electrode and reagent layer are exposed to an inside of the sample supply pathway, and the distance between the working electrode and the counter electrode is 150 ?m or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuko Taniike, Shin Ikeda, Shiro Nankai
  • Patent number: 6861843
    Abstract: An AC powered device detecting the presence of a conducting fluid using a source of detecting current through the fluid other than a grounded supply. All paths between the source of current and the fluid include large impedances, termed protecting impendances. The protecting impedances are sufficient to prevent the fluid from posing a shock hazard should the source have or develop a connection to AC. Protection does not rely on the isolation of the source from AC. The source may be either AC or an ungrounded supply generated by the device. Using AC as the source of detecting current eliminates the need to generate an ac signal to limit plating. The sensing circuit may remain isolated by using AC leakage current to drive the sensing means. Fluid detection is possible in devices in which the fluid is in contact with a probe, typically the chassis, whether the probe is grounded as intended or is floating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Alfred Wade Muldoon
  • Patent number: 6850865
    Abstract: A tubular probe having annularly spaced electrodes is immersed in ATF and sequentially excited with an alternating voltage at a relatively high and low frequency. The current is measured at both frequencies and the difference in impedance computed; and, the differential impedance is corrected for temperature and the corresponding value of one of TAN per ASTM D-669, Delta Oxidation per ASTME-168 (?OX) and HPDSC induction time per ASTM D-5483 (MIN) determined from a lookup table of values of TAN, ?OX and MIN versus impedance differential for known fluid conditions. The remaining useful life (RUL) may then be computed from determined present value of TAN, ?OX or MIN. When the temperature corrected impedance difference ?ZTC reaches 6.5×105 Ohms, the ATF is considered to have reached the end of its useful life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard W. Hirthe, Sher Schachameyer, Lian Q. Zou, Victor E. Shtaida, Steven R. Schachameyer
  • Patent number: 6831465
    Abstract: An electrical measurement device is described, with a measurement input, an integrated sensor, a measurement and evaluation circuit, and a measured value display, and several measured value outputs. The electrical measurement device enables not only one measured value or several measured values to be determined, but makes it possible to display and process the determined measured values depending on other values such as comparison values and setpoints. An influencing input acts on the measurement and evaluation circuit and is the connecting point for the electrical measurement device to which or via which an influencing value can be applied or input. Therefore, a value with which the measured value can be influenced in the broadest sense is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: i f m electronic GmbH
    Inventors: Benno Kathan, Alfred Wagner
  • Patent number: 6801041
    Abstract: Sensors that are capable measuring the rate of flow of a fluid that passes over the electrodes of the sensor. In these sensors, an electrode, designated the flow rate-determining electrode, is used in conjunction with the conventional electrodes, e.g., the working electrode, the reference electrode, and the counter electrode, to determine the rate of flow of the fluid. In one aspect, this invention provides a sensor for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a sample of fluid when the sample flows continuously over the electrodes of the sensor, especially when the rate of flow of the sample is relatively low. In another aspect, this invention provides a method for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a sample of fluid, wherein the rate of flow of the sample varies during the period of time that the sensor is in place. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor employs four electrodes, namely, a working electrode, a reference electrode, a counter electrode, and a flow rate-determining electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Shridhara Alva Karinka, Isabella Moser, Gerhard Jobst, Uwe Tietjen, Panagiota S. Petrou, Uwe Herberth, Gerald Urban
  • Publication number: 20040189311
    Abstract: Assay modules, preferably assay cartridges, are described as are reader apparatuses which may be used to control aspects of module operation. The modules preferably comprise a detection chamber with integrated electrodes that may be used for carrying out electrode induced luminescence measurements. Methods are described for immobilizing assay reagents in a controlled fashion on these electrodes and other surfaces. Assay modules and cartridges are also described that have a detection chamber, preferably having integrated electrodes, and other fluidic components which may include sample chambers, waste chambers, conduits, vents, bubble traps, reagent chambers, dry reagent pill zones and the like. In certain preferred embodiments, these modules are adapted to receive and analyze a sample collected on an applicator stick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Eli N. Glezer, Jonathan K. Leland, Mark A. Billadeau, Joseph M. Leginus, Bandele Jeffrey-Coker, Jeff D. Debad, Koustubh A. Phalnikar, Sriram Jambunathan
  • Patent number: 6777943
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for utilizing a periodic disconnection of a cathodic protection circuit, the voltage fluctuations caused on a cathodically protected structure by periodic disconnection of the protection circuit being detected in an apparatus and used for remote-controlled disconnection of a decoupling capacitor. Detection of periodically occurring negative-going voltage edges on a cathodically protected structure. The voltage supply of an apparatus through a capacitor or an electric circuit by means of a current transformer and a voltage outlet via a breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Mogens Balslev Rådgivende Ingeniører A/S
    Inventor: Peter Mortensen
  • Patent number: 6768310
    Abstract: In the method for detecting a current, the current is detected by a first current sensor in a predetermined sampling period as a digital value, and is detected by a second current sensor in a period longer than the first current sensor with high accuracy as a digital value. In the method for detecting a current, the current during detecting-incapable time period, which is incapable of detecting the current during detecting timing for detecting the current during the predetermined period by the second current sensor, is complemented with the current value detected by the first current sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Yugo, Minoru Gyoda, Hiroshi Egi
  • Publication number: 20040140812
    Abstract: An arrangement containing an electrical assembly and a method for cleaning the electrical assembly are provided. In particular, a first portion of the arrangement may be connected to a wall of an enclosure, and a second portion of the arrangement extends from the first portion. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second portion is adapted to contain the electrical assembly, and when a fluid is dispensed from a position above the arrangement, the fluid contacts substantially the entire second portion in order to clean the electrical assembly. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a housing of the arrangement is connected to the second portion, and the housing and/or the second portion is adapted to contain the electrical assembly. Moreover, when the fluid is dispensed from a position above the arrangement, the fluid contacts substantially the entire housing and/or the entire second portion in order to clean the electrical assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Ademir Scallante, Geraldo Gullo, Evaristo Orellana Alves, Clovis Catananti Junior
  • Patent number: 6720773
    Abstract: A conductivity sensor configuration which has essentially no external electrical field so that the calibration of the sensor is not affected by the existence of nearby external objects or fouling on the exterior parts of the sensor. Additionally, the sensor is relatively insensitive to electrode fouling or electrode polarization. The sensor includes a tube through which the liquid to be measured flows. An inner electrode plate extends partially along the length of the tube dividing the central portion of the tube into two sections. Two inner electrodes are located on the inner wall, one on each side, and two outer electrodes are located on the inside of the tube opposite the inner electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Neil L. Brown
  • Publication number: 20040027133
    Abstract: An object is to provide a flaw detection apparatus which can simplify labor necessary for flaw detection, which can inspect all packaging containers, and which does not destroy packaging container during inspection. The flaw detection apparatus comprises an electrode disposed in a region surrounded by a packaging material (11) including a layer of an electrically-conductive material; a cutting member made of an electrically-conductive material and adapted to cut a predetermined portion of the packaging material (11); variable detection means, disposed between the electrode and the cutting member, for detecting an electrical variable; and flaw detection processing means for reading the variable and for detecting, on the basis of the variable, a flaw generated in the packaging material (11). In this case, the variable detection means is disposed between the electrode and the cutting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Konno, Yasuyuki Moriyama, Michio Sugata
  • Patent number: 6690171
    Abstract: A battery capacity detection device and the method for the same are disclosed. The charge time for the capacitor in an RC circuit and a lookup table are employed to determine the charge capacity of the battery. The disclosed device uses a microprocessor with a programmable pin to form a discharge loop that controls the RC circuit. Therefore, the microprocessor can measure the current charge capacity of the battery after each time the capacitor discharges by measuring the time needed for the capacitor to get fully charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Chen
  • Publication number: 20040017201
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining a fluid parameter in a vessel by altering a property of the fluid, sensing the difference in the property after the fluid is altered, particularly as related to the property in an unaltered portion of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: James M. Brugger, George W. Buffaloe, Francis T. Ogawa
  • Publication number: 20040012395
    Abstract: The invention relates in particular to a device for determining the mean resistivity of a multiphase fluid having a continuous conductive phase, the device including a pipe segment (4) of insulating material and means (6) for generating an electric current in the fluid flowing along the pipe. The device has two measurement electrodes (10, 11) spaced apart in the axial direction of the insulating segment to measure the electrical resistance between said two electrodes, the measurement electrodes being applied to the outside of the wall of the segment to perform measurement by capacitive coupling, and the device further having means (12-22) for measuring the voltage between the measurement electrodes. The invention is applicable to determining the volume fraction (“holdup”) of water in a mixture of water and hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Philippe Salamitou
  • Publication number: 20040012396
    Abstract: A terminal assembly for measuring electrical current passing to and from a battery post, including an electrically conductive collar for connecting to a post of a battery, and an electrically conductive terminal for receiving a connector of a load. An electrically conductive resistor having a known resistance extends between outer surfaces of the collar and the terminal. The terminal assembly is incorporated into a battery, which also includes a volt meter connected between the outer surfaces of the collar and the terminal for measuring the voltage drop across the resistor, memory for storing the known resistance of the resistor, and a processor programmed to receive the measured voltage drop from the volt meter, retrieve the known resistance from the memory, and calculate current flow through the resistor based on the measured voltage drop and the known resistance, whereby current flow to and from the battery can be measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED
    Inventor: David C. Batson
  • Publication number: 20040012394
    Abstract: An electrical measurement means is described, with a measurement input (1), with an integrated sensor (2), with a measurement and evaluation circuit (3) and with a measured value display (4) and several measured value outputs (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: I f m electronic gmbh
    Inventors: Benno Kathan, Alfred Wagner
  • Publication number: 20040004481
    Abstract: A method of detecting leakage currents in a high voltage battery pack system reduces detection error caused by fluctuations in battery pack voltage during the detection process. The voltages of the individual modules forming the battery pack are separately and simultaneously measured during each measurement of leakage current on the high and low sides of the leakage point. Measurements of individual module voltages are combined with the simultaneous current leakage measurements to calculate leak resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Jizeng Jin
  • Patent number: 6664793
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining a measurement of various qualities of an electrochemical cell. The apparatus includes first and second electrodes and an excitation source for providing a time varying excitation voltage to the first electrode. The excitation voltage is switched between two voltage levels with the first and second voltages alternately applied to the first electrode for predetermined times. An external capacitance is connected between the second electrode and ground. The apparatus is capable of determining the time related rates at which electrical charge is transferred from the first electrode to charge the external capacitance. These rates, here termed Transient Immitivity Response (TIR), may be provided as a digital or analog output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventors: Allen R. Sampson, Robert E. Davis
  • Patent number: 6664795
    Abstract: A remaining charge detecting system of an electric double layer capacitor to be usable, for example, as an energy source of a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an electric motor separately driving wheels. The system includes a current-voltage sensor which generates an output indicative of a terminal voltage across terminals of the capacitor and an output indicative of charge/discharge current charged into and discharged from the capacitor and an electronic control unit, comprising a microcomputer, which inputs the outputs of the current-voltage sensor indicative of the terminal voltage and charge/discharge current and calculates a remaining charge of the capacitor based on a state equation (mathematical model) having the remaining charge of the capacitor as a state variable and an observer that observes the state equation, thereby enabling simple and accurate detection of the remaining charge of the electrical double layer capacitor without need for a high-precision current sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yutaka Tamagawa, Nobuyuki Imai
  • Patent number: 6664776
    Abstract: Parallel measurements on a plurality of working electrodes E1-E4 during the same pulse-sequence permits voltammetric characterization by, during each cycle of a predetermined pulse-sequence, performing a predetermined number of measurement procedures, each including the steps of: 1) removing the applied first potential P1 from all but one of the working electrodes E1-E4, 2) registering the current passing through the working electrode E1, E2, E3 or E4 still having the first potential P1 applied thereto, 3) storing the registered value in a data storage unit, and 4) applying the first potential P1 on all working electrodes. Thereafter, the stored values are analyzed using a predetermined mathematical model to produce a result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: OTRE AB
    Inventor: Arnold Olofsson
  • Publication number: 20030214304
    Abstract: Sensors that are capable measuring the rate of flow of a fluid that passes over the electrodes of the sensor. In these sensors, an electrode, designated the flow rate-determining electrode, is used in conjunction with the conventional electrodes, e.g., the working electrode, the reference electrode, and the counter electrode, to determine the rate of flow of the fluid. In one aspect, this invention provides a sensor for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a sample of fluid when the sample flows continuously over the electrodes of the sensor, especially when the rate of flow of the sample is relatively low. In another aspect, this invention provides a method for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a sample of fluid, wherein the rate of flow of the sample varies during the period of time that the sensor is in place. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor employs four electrodes, namely, a working electrode, a reference electrode, a counter electrode, and a flow rate-determining electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Shridhara Alva Karinka, Isabella Moser, Gerhard Jobst, Uwe Tietjen, Panagiota S. Petrou, Uwe Herberth, Gerald Urban
  • Patent number: 6650127
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring electric conductivity having three electrodes brought into contact with a substance to be measured. The electrodes include a detection electrode for detecting electric conductivity of the substance to be measured, and two AC current supply electrodes disposed on both sides of the detection electrode at respective distances, and an AC current of the same phase is applied to the two AC current supply electrodes. This apparatus provides stabilized measurement of the electric conductivity of a substance to be measured with a high accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Organo Corporation
    Inventor: Yuji Higo
  • Patent number: 6646443
    Abstract: Two conductivity measuring cells each having at least two electrodes are arranged in series in a flow path of a sample to be measured so that the sample may make contact with the cells in sequence. A difference conductivity meter produces the difference between the signals themselves detected by the conductivity cells as the difference in conductivity of the sample between the positions of the conductivity measuring cells. Based on the predetermined correlation between the change in conductivity of the sample and the change in concentration of the ion of interest in the sample, an ion concentration meter thus constructed derives the change in ion concentration of the sample from the output from the difference conductivity meter. The ion concentration meter can measure a minute change in ion concentration, such as of ammonia, with extremely high accuracy and sensitivity, while carrying out continuous measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Organo Corporation
    Inventor: Yuji Higo
  • Patent number: 6621263
    Abstract: A high-speed corrosion-resistant rotating cylinder electrode test apparatus for monitoring of corrosion rates of metals includes an electrochemical/permeation cell body adapted to contain a fluid whose corrosive effect is to be monitored, the cell body having a base at a lower surface thereof and the base having an aperture therethrough. A counter electrode/reference electrode complex is mounted within the cell. The system further includes a cylindrical working electrode and a rotatable system shaft having a lower portion below the base and extending therefrom through the aperture into the cell body, the working electrode being mounted on an upper portion of the system shaft to be positioned within the cell body for rotation. A cone-shaped cap formed from a corrosion-resistant polymeric material is positioned above the working electrode and extends upwardly a relatively short distance into the fluid to reduce vortex phenomena. A motor is connectable to the system shaft for rotating the system shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Yahya T. Al-Janabi, Arnold L. Lewis, II
  • Patent number: 6608493
    Abstract: There is described a fully automatic portable testing device which can be used generally for testing test-pieces to be operated at high voltages and/or high currents, such as current or voltage transducers or transformers for example. For this purpose, the portable testing device comprises a switched-mode power amplifier (3) whose output is connected to a matching transformer (4-7) having a plurality of secondary windings (5-7), which can be changed over. The test-piece on which measurements are to be made is in each case removably connected to the secondary windings (5-7) of the matching transformer. The portable testing device also comprises a control which in particular may have a digital signal processor (8) and/or a controller or computer (9) and which on the one hand controls the power amplifier (3) in a purposive way and preferably also performs an automatic changeover of the secondary windings (5-7) of the matching transformer, in order to generate a desired testing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Omicron Electronics GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Hensler, Reinhard Kaufmann, Ulrich Klapper, Michael Krüger, Zeljko Schreiner
  • Publication number: 20030146756
    Abstract: In the method for detecting a current, the current is detected by a first current sensor in a predetermined sampling period as a digital value, and is detected by a second current sensor in a period longer than the first current sensor with high accuracy as a digital value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Masaki Yugo, Minoru Gyoda, Hiroshi Egi
  • Publication number: 20030146755
    Abstract: A voltage and internal resistance of a battery are measured in advance as its capacity decreases. In a flash memory of a device powered by the battery, voltages necessary to drive a motor, an EL display, and a bezel input unit are stored. By comparing the voltage of the battery with a resistor connected as a dummy load and the voltage read from the flash memory, it can be determined whether it is possible to drive the motor, the EL display, or the bezel input unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Koji Kitazawa, Hajime Kurihara, Motomu Hayakawa, Tsukasa Kosuda, Katsuyuki Honda
  • Patent number: 6600306
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus for monitoring the polar compound content of a liquid bath disposed within a cooking vat to insure the liquid bath remains suitable for human consumption while in use. The invention thus teaches the use of a capacitive probe configured take an initial measurement of the dielectric constant of the liquid bath and thereby define a shutdown criterion. The dielectric constant is then continuously measured during subsequent heating cycles and compared with the initial measurement. A shutdown procedure is triggered when the difference between the initial measurement and subsequent measurements reach a predetermined threshold defined by the shutdown criteria. In this manner, the polar content of the cooking vat is continuously and automatically monitored such that operator supervision is not necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Metatron
    Inventors: Christian Pernot, Denis Le Henaff