With A Probe Structure Patents (Class 324/696)
  • Patent number: 11879811
    Abstract: An elongated sensor for detecting the presence of a particular fluid includes first and second conductors, both extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the sensor. The second conductor includes a swellable conductor, at least a portion of the swellable conductor is swollen when in contact with the fluid and its conductance at least 10 times less when the portion is in contact with the fluid than when absent contact with the fluid. The second conductor further includes a subsidiary conductor in direct contact with the swellable conductor. In one embodiment the first conductor is isolated from the second conductor in the inner part of the sensor, and the two conductors are electrically connected at the distal end of the sensor. In another embodiment, the first contactor is in direct contact with the subsidiary conductor within the inner part of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Valbatech Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Balatchev, Sacha Dabetic
  • Patent number: 11824253
    Abstract: A transmitter device (100) includes a housing (102). The transmitter device (100) has at least one battery housed within the housing (102). The transmitter device (100) has a cover (104) which at least partially covers the at least one battery. The transmitter device (100) further includes a sensor (106) electrically coupled with the at least one battery. The transmitter device (100) is installed in a ground surface. The transmitter device (100) is characterized in that the cover (104) is removably coupled with the housing (102) by a snap-fit connection such that the cover (104) is vertically accessible for removal while the transmitter device (100) remains installed. The cover (104) includes one or more recesses or protrusions (114) and the housing (102) has one or more complementary protrusions (112) or recesses for the removable coupling between the cover (104) and the housing (102), and the cover (104) includes a tab (108) or a slot which allows disassembly of the cover (104) from the housing (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: HUSQVARNA AB
    Inventor: Thomas Renner
  • Patent number: 11774390
    Abstract: A sensor probe for underground soil measurement is provided. The sensor probe includes one or more first sensor circuits, one or more second sensor circuits, a power supply, and a processor. The processor is configured to control at least one of the one or more first sensor circuits or the one or more second sensor circuits. One or more of the first sensor circuits include an oscillator configured to generate a periodic wave, and a transmitter configured to transmit one or more signals. One or more of the second sensor circuits includes an oscillator configured to generate a periodic wave, and a probe element configured to receive the one or more signals via at least one of the transmitter of the one or more first sensor circuits or a transmitter of one or more additional first sensor circuits of an additional sensor probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: KLA Corporation
    Inventors: Brant Burkey, Dan Pickerill
  • Patent number: 11770901
    Abstract: Provided is a method for operating an electronic component mounting system including component storages including a dry box. The method includes maintaining a material management table including a whereabouts information field for indicating whether an electronic component is stored in the dry box, a target indicator field for indicating whether an electronic component is a moisture management target component, and an exposure time field for indicating an exposure time during the moisture management target component has been in an atmospheric exposure state. The method also includes pausing counting the exposure time when the moisture management target component is stored in the dry box, identifying a moisture management target component of which the exposure time has met or exceeded an exposure limit time based on the whereabouts information table, and notifying the identified moisture management target component to an apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Norihisa Yamasaki, Yasuhiro Maenishi, Yuji Nakamura
  • Patent number: 11630073
    Abstract: A sensor system for collecting data regarding sub-surface material characteristics may include a multitude of sensor nodes, a data gateway, and a controller. Each sensor node may include a power supply and a communication device and the multitude of sensor nodes may include sensors distributed between underground sensor nodes and/or partially-exposed sensor nodes to collect data regarding sub-surface material characteristics. The data gateway may be coupled with any combination of the sensor nodes through wireless transmission data pathways and may receive and store at least some of the data collected by the one or more sensors. The controller may receive the data generated by the one or more sensors from the data gateway and display at least a portion of the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: REALMFIVE, INC.
    Inventors: Brant Burkey, Steve R. Tippery, Tim Adkins, Jochen Pfrenger, Dan Pickerill
  • Patent number: 11631970
    Abstract: A junction box includes a housing having a plurality of side wall portions, and a liquid detector including a first terminal portion and a second terminal portion. The junction box is disposed in a housing case housing a power storage module. The first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are directed toward a lower side of one of the side wall portions and drawn out from the inside of the housing to the outside of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Yuki Ohira, Yoshiki Yanagita, Yoshimasa Tanuma, Takumi Ejima, Tatsuya Fujisaka, Takayuki Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 11531013
    Abstract: Provided are: a gas sensor which is able to have improved gas detection performance, while being capable of suppressing variation in the output characteristics among individual gas sensors; a gas detection device; a gas detection method; and a device which is provided with a gas sensor or a gas detection device. This gas detection device (10) is provided with: a heat sensitive resistive element (2); a lead part (22b) which is connected to the heat sensitive resistive element (2) by welding, while having no material being interposed therebetween; a gas sensor (1) which is thermally coupled to the heat sensitive resistive element (2), while comprising a porous gas molecule adsorption material (3) from which specific gas molecules are desorbed by means of heating; and an electric power supply unit which supplies electric power to the heat sensitive resistive element (2), thereby heating the heat sensitive resistive element (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: SEMITEC Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Nojiri, Dezhi Cheng
  • Patent number: 11474061
    Abstract: A method for determining water content of a preferably solid pharmaceutical preparation/sample, wherein at least two electrodes are brought into direct contact with the pharmaceutical preparation/sample in a measurement chamber such that the electrodes are electrically connected to one another via the pharmaceutical preparation/sample, and wherein a resistance of the pharmaceutical preparation/sample is determined by means of the electrodes and the water content and/or the sample quality of the pharmaceutical preparation/sample is determined with the ohmic resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventors: Eduard Balthes, Kathrin Salzmann
  • Patent number: 10429333
    Abstract: A relative humidity sensor is disclosed. The relative humidity sensor includes a first electrode and a second electrode disposed above a dielectric substrate. A sensitive layer is disposed above at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode, where the sensitive layer is formed from a composition including a polyimide and a hydrophobic filler. A dust protection layer is disposed above the sensitive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Bogdan-Catalin Serban, Cornel P. Cobianu, Mihai Brezeanu, Octavian Buiu, Cazimir Gabriel Bostan, Alisa Stratulat
  • Patent number: 10422680
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring at least one media-specific property of a medium in automation technology with a measuring probe, wherein the at least one media-specific property is ascertained in a conductive operating mode and in a capacitive operating mode of the measuring probe. The conductive operating mode and the capacitive operating mode are operated alternately, wherein based on the measured values, which are ascertained in at least one of the two operating modes, it is checked, whether the at least one media-specific property to be monitored lies within a predetermined tolerance band, and wherein a report and/or a switching signal is generated, when the at least one media-specific property to be monitored lies outside of the predetermined tolerance band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: ENDRESS+HAUSER SE+CO.KG
    Inventors: Armin Wernet, Gerd Bechtel, Kaj Uppenkamp, Franco Ferraro
  • Patent number: 10416020
    Abstract: Method for monitoring a predetermined fill level of a medium (3) in a container (2) with at least one measuring probe (1) and an electronics unit (7), wherein the measuring probe (1) is operated alternately in the conductive and in the capacitive operating modes, wherein the measuring probe (1) is supplied with an exciter signal, which is composed of two different, time alternatingly sequential, periodic signal components, wherein in a first time interval the first periodic signal component is generated for the conductive operating mode and in a second time interval the second periodic signal component is generated for the capacitive operating mode, wherein from the capacitive or conductive operating mode response signal obtained from the measuring probe (1) as a function of the current signal component, it is ascertained, whether the predetermined fill level has been reached, and wherein a report is generated upon the exceeding or subceeding of this fill level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: ENDRESS+HAUSER SE+CO.KG
    Inventors: Armin Wernet, Gerd Bechtel, Kaj Uppenkamp
  • Patent number: 10338023
    Abstract: A temperature and humidity sensor includes a substrate, a first electrode provided on the substrate, a linear second electrode at least part of which is so provided as to extend along the first electrode, and a moisture sensitive film provided between the part of the second electrode extending along the first electrode and the first electrode. The second electrode has a section that is formed in a spiral shape when viewed from above so as to form an inductor. With this, a precise oscillation circuit can be configured so that a temperature-humidity sensor small in size and capable of being easily manufactured can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsumi Fujimoto, Hiroshi Shiraki, Keisuke Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 10309865
    Abstract: An integrated building monitoring system including a conductive grid having a plurality of rows, where each row has a plurality of interwoven positive and negative electrodes forming a hexagon pattern, and the conductive grid is integrated within a wall. The system also includes a plurality of signal nodes, where a signal node is coupled to a respective row and each of the rows is insulated from one another. A controller is coupled to the plurality of signal nodes and has a current sensing circuit. In addition, the current sensing circuit is configured to measure the current for each of the rows of the conductive grid to sense when an electrical signal from a row of the conductive grid indicates that moisture is present within the wall when a voltage is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Inventor: Jason Todd Roth
  • Patent number: 9857498
    Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting chemicals are disclosed. A device configured for use in a wellbore includes a sensor including a quantum tunneling composite (QTC) material configured to exhibit a change in electrical resistance responsive to the sensor contacting a target chemical. The sensor includes electrical resistance measuring circuitry operably coupled to the QTC material and configured to measure the electrical resistance of the QTC material and output a sensor signal indicating the electrical resistance. A method comprises deploying the sensor into the wellbore, measuring the electrical resistance of the QTC material, and determining the presence of the target chemical responsive to detecting changes in the electrical resistance of the QTC material. Another method includes selecting at least one of the QTC material and an active material to interact with a target wellbore chemical to change the electrical resistance of the QTC material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Othon R. Monteiro, Anusha Chilukuri, Sankaran Murugesan
  • Patent number: 9752999
    Abstract: This application relates to a moisture ingress sensor. In particular, this application relates to a moisture ingress sensor that can detect liquid ingress into an electronic device. The moisture ingress sensor can include a resistor, an N-channel MOSFET, an operation amplifier, comparators, and an AND logic gate. The moisture ingress sensor is configured to provide a lower power means for accurately detecting moisture in an electronic device. Multiple areas of the electronic device can include the moisture ingress sensor in order to optimize the detection of moisture for at a variety of regions of the electronic device. Additionally, the electronic device can record signals from the moisture ingress sensor and shut down components of the electronic device that could be affected by the detected moisture. Furthermore, the moisture ingress sensor can be tuned to detect one or more types of liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Kirill Kalinichev, Kevin M. Keeler, Brian C. Menzel
  • Patent number: 9746438
    Abstract: A gas sensing device that includes humidity compensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Veris Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Albert Pion
  • Patent number: 9310348
    Abstract: The submergence detecting device includes a submergence detecting terminal and a submergence judging device. The submergence detecting terminal is composed of at least two conductive sections disposed within a case. The submergence detecting terminal detects a submergence state by coming into contact with water that has infiltrated a predetermined area within the case. The submergence judging device is disposed within the case. At least a signal related to submergence detection is inputted into the submergence judging device from the submergence detecting terminal. The submergence judging device then judges whether or not submergence has occurred. The submergence detecting terminal is disposed in a position away from the submergence judging device in the downward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshiki Adachi
  • Patent number: 9007050
    Abstract: A wireless soil sensor includes a curved surface and at least two groups of sensor-pin electrodes. A tine-catching block is disposed within the sensor body, near a top of the sensor to protect against aeration tools damaging components of the sensor. The electrical circuitry and the battery are separately potted in an epoxy material and oriented vertically, creating a central gap through which an incoming aeration tine is directed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventor: Jason Lester Hill
  • 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: 8884608
    Abstract: The present disclosure is discloses the development of a new device, system, and method that combines advantages of magnetic resonance and atomic force microscopy technologies, and the utility of the new device, system, and method for a wide range of biomedical and clinical researchers. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device for micro-scale spectroscopy is disclosed. The micro-scale spectroscopy device includes a beam having a distal end, a proximal end, a top surface and a bottom surface, where the beam is attached to an anchor at the proximal end and further includes a tip extending substantially perpendicular from the bottom surface at or near the distal end, and a coil having at least one turn mounted to the top surface of the beam at or near the distal end opposite the tip, where the coil is capable of both transmitting and sensing electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Corey P. Neu, Babak Ziaie, Teimour Maleki-Jafarabadi, Charilaos Mousoulis
  • Publication number: 20140260604
    Abstract: A moisture meter detects one or more conditions within an environment. The moisture meter includes a housing and one or more detection pins structurally supported by the housing. The detection pins being can measure moisture. The moisture meter further includes a sensing probe structurally supported by the housing. The sensing, probe being can measure humidity within the environment. Operation of one of the one or more detection pins and the sensing probe does not interfere with operation of the other of the one or more detection pins and the sensing probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher James Elliott Ranwell
  • Patent number: 8643387
    Abstract: A novel and useful sensor and sensing system employs a transmission electrode which provides a length of transmission electrode that is greater than the physical length of the sensor, allowing for the effective and accurate determination of the moisture content of a volume of material using high-frequency measurement methods. The construction of the sensor allows the sensor to be directly inserted into the material, without requiring excavation or backfilling of the sensors in the material. The sensor can be employed as part of a sensing system, with one or more sensors preferably being managed by a field node, which in turn, interoperates with a system master node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: ESI Environmental Sensors Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. McFarlane, Basel Zohny, Trevor Moat
  • Patent number: 8587327
    Abstract: A device for use with a conduit having a first conduit end and a conduit second end, into which conduit a cable can be installed using a flow of air into the first conduit end, the device being suitable for confirming that the air is flowing out from the second conduit end. In an embodiment, the device includes a housing, means to enable connection of the device to the second conduit end, a detector arranged to detect an electrical property change, and an actuator for causing an electrical property change detectable by the detector, wherein in use, the air flowing into the device causes the detector and the actuator to move relative to each other, causing an electrical property change detectable by the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: British Telecommunications Public Limited Company
    Inventors: David John Taylor Heatley, Philip Alfred Barker, Ian Neild
  • Publication number: 20130214803
    Abstract: A novel and useful sensor and sensing system employs a transmission electrode which provides a length of transmission electrode that is greater than the physical length of the sensor, allowing for the effective and accurate determination of the moisture content of a volume of material using high-frequency measurement methods. The construction of the sensor allows the sensor to be directly inserted into the material, without requiring excavation or backfilling of the sensors in the material. The sensor can be employed as part of a sensing system, with one or more sensors preferably being managed by a field node, which in turn, interoperates with a system master node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: ESI Environmental Sensors Inc.
    Inventor: ESI Environmental Sensors Inc.
  • Patent number: 8441269
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method to determine a characteristic of a subsurface formation using a downhole logging tool. A downhole logging tool having the ability to make substantially concurrent disparate measurements on the subsurface formation is provided and substantially concurrent disparate measurements on the formation using the downhole logging tool are made. Those measurements are used to solve a system of equations simultaneously and the solution to the system of equations is used to determine the characteristic of the subsurface formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chanh Cao Minh, Ahmad Madjidi
  • Publication number: 20130099806
    Abstract: Long range, battery powered, wireless environmental sensor interface devices that can be connected to a plurality of sensors and wirelessly communicate the sensor readings back to a central collection device or Internet terminal. Instead or additionally, sensors can be integrated with the device for added efficiency. The devices incorporate a rugged enclosure and an internal power supply that allows them to be placed in harsh environmental conditions and operate for multiple years without maintenance due to unique power-saving design features. The RF circuitry is specially optimized for long-range outdoor communications of small quantities of data. Line-of-sight communication range of several miles is possible with this device. Various embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Jason Lester Hill
  • Patent number: 8400170
    Abstract: A novel and useful sensor and sensing system employs a transmission electrode which provides a length of transmission electrode that is greater than the physical length of the sensor, allowing for the effective and accurate determination of the moisture content of a volume of material using high-frequency measurement methods. The construction of the sensor allows the sensor to be directly inserted into the material, without requiring excavation or backfilling of the sensors in the material. The sensor can be employed as part of a sensing system, with one or more sensors preferably being managed by a field node, which in turn, interoperates with a system master node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: ESI Environmental Sensors Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. McFarlane, Basel Zohny, Trevor Moat
  • Patent number: 8310256
    Abstract: An improved system for capacitive testing electrical connections in a low signal environment. The system includes features that increase sensitivity of a capacitive probe. One feature is a spacer positioned to allow the probe to be partially inserted into the component without contacting the pins. The spacer may be a collar on the probe that contacts the housing of the component, contacts the substrate of the circuit assembly, or both. In some other embodiments, the spacer may be a riser extending beyond the surface of the sense plate that contacts the component, a riser portion of the component, or a combination of both. The spacer improves sensitivity by establishing a small gap between a sense plate of the probe and pins under test without risk of damage to the pins. A second feature is a guard plate of the probe with reduced capacitance to a sense plate of the probe. Reducing capacitance also increases the sensitivity of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony J. Suto
  • Patent number: 8310250
    Abstract: In a probe and an arrangement including a probe for determining a moisture content or a conductivity of a material, wherein the probe has a base body with two electrical conductors of which at least one has the form of a tape which is embedded in an electrically insulating material area of the base body in such a way that only an edge area of the tape-like conductor is disposed at the surface of the insulating material area of the base body for contact with the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Imko intelligente Micromodule Köhler GmbH
    Inventor: Kurt Köhler
  • Patent number: 8180582
    Abstract: A system for detecting a presence of a liquid within a receptacle includes a sensor and a processor. The sensor includes a transmitting probe and a receiving probe positioned within the liquid receptacle. The transmitting probe includes a first transducer and the receiving probe includes a second transducer. The processor is in electrical communication with the first and second transducers and monitors the first and second transducers to determine the presence and level of the liquid within the liquid receptacle based on a time between generation of a first extensional wave by the first transducer and reception of a second extensional wave by the second transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Terence J. Knowles
  • Publication number: 20120108844
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of measuring entry of water and resulting corrosion in plants for producing isocyanates by reacting phosgene with one or more primary amines in a solvent. The invention further relates to an apparatus for producing such isocyanates, in the work-up section of which probes for monitoring corrosion are arranged in defined places.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Heiner Schelling, Ulrich Penzel, Eckhard Stroefer, Dirk Hablawetz, Dave Beckwith, Kai Thiele, Johannes Jacobs, Matthias Eiermann, Uwe Storck, Jon S. Speier, Thomas Grzanka, William Portwood
  • Patent number: 8154313
    Abstract: A water detection assembly having an electronic fluid-sensing probe located in-line within a primary drain line associated with a fluid-producing unit via probe connection to an access port used for clearing and removing clog-causing debris from the primary drain line. The probe has no moving parts and quick-disconnect connection to a signal-generating unit. The access port is configured for vertical or horizontal installation and introduction of chemicals to clean the drain without retrograde backflow into the fluid-producing unit. The probe is inserted into the access port through a longitudinal opening when vertically installed, and alternatively through a lateral opening in a horizontal installation. When the probe detects fluid, the connected signal-generating unit sends an electronic signal that shuts off fluid production, activates an alarm or pump, and/or provides remote notification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher Ralph Cantolino
  • Publication number: 20120074967
    Abstract: A moisture detection sensor is used in a building structure to detect moisture penetration is a flat self-adhesive tape. It includes a substrate of dielectric, hydrophobic material. Two elongate, parallel, conductors are secured to the top surface and a protective layer of non-hygroscopic, water pervious material secured over the conductors. A pressure sensitive adhesive on a bottom surface of the substrate is covered with a release sheet. The sensor may include moisture probes which penetrate the protective layer, the respective conductors and the substrate and to extend into a building component to which the substrate has been adhered. Each probe is made from a conductive, corrosion resistant material. This is particularly useful with water absorbent building materials, such as wood, where the surface may appear dry, but the body is impregnated with water. The preferred moisture probe is a U-shaped metal staple driven by a power stapler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: David E. Vokey, Hani Nassar, Jody Aaaron Wells, James Gary Coburn
  • Patent number: 8120368
    Abstract: A method of improving the clean, rinse and dry processes during the manufacture of ICs, MEMS and other micro-devices to conserve solution and energy while completing the process within a specified time. An electro-chemical residue sensor (ECRS) provides in-situ and real-time measurement of residual contamination on a surface or inside void micro features within the sensor representative of conditions on production wafers. The measured impedance can be used to determine what process variables and specifically how process conditions affect the rate of change of the measured impedance. The in-situ measurements are used to design and optimize a production process and/or to monitor the production run in real-time to control the process conditions and transfer of a patterned wafer through the processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Environmental Metrology Corporation
    Inventors: Bert M. Vermeire, Farhang F. Shadman
  • Publication number: 20110273196
    Abstract: Long range, battery powered, wireless environmental sensor interface devices that can be connected to a plurality of sensors and wirelessly communicate the sensor readings back to a central collection device or Internet terminal. Instead or additionally, sensors can be integrated with the device for added efficiency. The devices incorporate a rugged enclosure and an internal power supply that allows them to be placed in harsh environmental conditions and operate for multiple years without maintenance due to unique power-saving design features. The RF circuitry is specially optimized for long-range outdoor communications of small quantities of data. Line-of-sight communication range of several miles is possible with this device. Various embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Jason Lester Hill
  • Patent number: 7884620
    Abstract: A sensor for measuring the moisture and salinity of a material is disclosed herein. The sensor preferably includes a soil moisture circuit, a soil salinity circuit and a probe structure. The soil moisture circuit includes a high frequency oscillator, a voltage meter and a reference capacitor. The soil salinity circuit includes a low frequency oscillator, a voltage meter and a reference resistor. A third voltage meter allows for voltage outputs to be measured to calculate soil moisture and soil salinity values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Green Badge, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Campbell
  • Publication number: 20100321046
    Abstract: A conductivity sensor is disclosed that comprises a forked electrode support that includes a first opposing arm and a second opposing arm spaced apart by a slot. Both the first arm and the second arm include a plurality of electrodes embedded in each arm. The first and second arms and the slot are capable of retaining a volume of fluid within the volume defined by the arms and the slot such that the conductivity of the fluid in the slot can be determined. The conductivity sensor is wipeable by a reciprocating wiper assembly positioned adjacent the forked electrode support such that the wiper element can travel through the slot and remove contaminants from the slot and the plurality of electrodes in each of the first and second arms. Also disclosed are methods of making the conductivity sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: YSI Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert C. Randall, Christopher J. Palassis, Michael T. James, Edward E. King, Ben E. Barnett
  • Patent number: 7847564
    Abstract: A probe (1) for measuring the conductivity of a solution comprises a hydraulic part and an electronic part; the hydraulic part comprises a conduit (2) in the shape of a double tuning fork having an inlet (3) and an outlet (4) for the solution whose conductivity is to be measured; the electronic part comprises an energizing toroidal coil (7) and a receiving toroidal coil (22), both fitted round the conduit (2); the receiving coil (22) is mutually concatenated with the energizing coil (7) through an electromagnetic flux (F) generated by the energizing coil (7) in the respective toroid (T1) and through the solution circulating in the conduit (2); the probe (1) also comprises a feedback circuit (111) to keep the electromagnetic flux (F) constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Tecnologie Dinamiche S.A.S. di Rossi Vincenzo & C.
    Inventor: Vincenzo Rossi
  • Publication number: 20100225338
    Abstract: In a probe and an arrangement comprising a probe for determining a moisture content or a conductivity of a material, comprising a base body including two electrical conductors of which at least one has the form of a tape, the base body includes an electrically insulated area in which at least one of the conductors is disposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Kurt Köhler
  • Patent number: 7777504
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining the electric properties of a sample. The apparatus includes a probe having an input, an output, and an effective resistance, inductance and/or capacitance dependent upon the properties of the sample; a pulse generator for producing pulses connected to the input of the probe, each pulse having a period of a sufficient duration to allow the probe to reach steady state; and a measuring device connected to the output of the probe and configured to output a representation of the sample properties based on the effective resistance, inductance and/or capacitance of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Moustafa Mohamed
  • Publication number: 20100109685
    Abstract: A wireless moisture monitoring device that measures the dielectric constant of a material to provide an indication of the water or moisture content of a material. The wireless moisture monitoring device can monitor the moisture level of a material constantly, periodically, or the device can be configured to provide an instantaneous indication of the moisture content of the material (e.g., soil). The moisture monitoring device can be used in conjunction with a moisture monitoring system that can be used to control a watering system (e.g., an irrigation system). A method for providing an instantaneous indication of the moisture content of a material is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: FERTILE EARTH SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: David L. Morton
  • Patent number: 7705616
    Abstract: The invention relates to, in a sensor comprising: an electrically conductive metal housing, said housing having an inside wall forming a transmission matrix cavity, said wall having perforations therethrough; a liner transmissible of water lining said inside wall and covering said perforations; a transmission matrix filling said liner; a tablet of slowly dissolving material atop said transmission matrix; a cap closing said housing forming an electrode matrix chamber; an electrode chamber matrix in said electrode matrix chamber; a pair of spaced-apart electrodes in said electrode matrix chamber in contact with said electrode chamber matrix; the cap passing electrical leads from said electrodes; an improvement comprising said liner comprising a layer of laid, thermally bonded fibers in a pattern such as to provide-passages of such size as to confine said transmission matrix but to permit flow of moisture to and from said transmission matrix and soil in contact with it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Irrometer Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred J. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7696762
    Abstract: A non metallic flow through electrodeless conductivity sensor is provided with a conduit having primary and secondary process fluid flowpaths to form a fluid loop. At least one drive and one sense toroid surround the conduit on the fluid loop. Voltage supplied to the drive toroid induces a current in the sense toroid via the fluid loop to eliminate any need for metallic electrodes in contact with the process fluid. At least one additional drive and/or sense toroid is disposed on the fluid loop to enhance induction. Optionally one or more sense coils are disposed about the conduit outside of the fluid loop to cancel out stray electrical noise. An optional conductor disposed along the conduit detects any fluid leakage through changes in resistance thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kevin Quackenbush, Michael M. Bower, Stephen B. Talutis, Donald S. McKinlay
  • Publication number: 20100026324
    Abstract: A power-efficient soil moisture sensor includes: A moisture sensing element. An alarm device. Sensor circuitry for measuring soil moisture and activating the alarm device when soil moisture reaches a threshold. A powered control timer. The control timer powers the sensor circuitry with a low duty cycle, defined as TON/TOFF with TON/TOFF<<1, hence saving an average consumed power. The alarm device can be an LED and the moisture sensing element is of resistive type. The sensor circuitry drives the moisture sensing element with AC voltages to measure soil moisture while avoiding electrolysis and corrosion at the moisture sensing element. As the measured soil moisture approaches a threshold the sensor circuitry flashes the LED with a gradually increasing intensity. The alarm device can also be an audible speaker (SPK). As the measured soil moisture approaches a threshold, the sensor circuitry pulses the SPK with a gradually increasing volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Hans Camenzind
  • Publication number: 20100019785
    Abstract: A method and apparatus inspect a quality of an adhesive material used for joining a pair of work surfaces during a weld-bonding process. A pair of work pieces are at least partially bonded by a layer of the adhesive material, and the dynamic displacement of one or both electrodes is measured through a duration of the resistance welding process to determine relative moisture content of the adhesive. A control action is executed when the dynamic displacement exceeds a stored threshold value. The apparatus includes a welding device having a pair of electrodes for providing a clamping force and an electrical current necessary for forming the welded joint, a sensor for measuring a dynamic displacement of at least one of the pair of electrodes and/or another portion of the welding device during formation of the welded joint. A controller has an algorithm for determining a relative moisture using the dynamic displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGT OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Pei-Chung Wang, Zongqing Lin, Xinmin Lai, Yansong Zhang, Guanlong Chen
  • Publication number: 20090278699
    Abstract: A wastewater holding tank sensor probe for use in determining the presence of a conductive liquid held within a wastewater holding tank in a recreational vehicle is disclosed. The probe is less sensitive to the presence of conductive residue as a result of an improved geometry and/or choice of materials that reduce the leakage currents between the probe tip and the sensor probe attachment surface, typically the wall of the tank. This reduction in sensitivity to conductive residue buildup can be measured by a geometrically determined resistivity factor between the probe tip and the mounting surface of the probe. The reduction in sensitivity can also be measured by the length of the path through the conductive residue between the probe tip and the mounting surface of the probe. A variety of geometries and material choices to reduce the sensitivity of electrical conductance based sensor probes to conductive residue are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: John Vander Horst
  • Publication number: 20090206853
    Abstract: A sensor for sensing the moisture level in soil and changes in the moisture content. An improved liner improves the response of the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Alfred J. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7559243
    Abstract: An attachment for an instrument having a rotary shaft whose position is indicative of a value being measured. A needle is attached to the shaft with an inherent magnetic field, or which carries a magnet. A sensor responsive to the direction of the field is supported above the needle, and reads out the angle of the needle relative to the sensor. These readings can be used for monitoring and control purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Irrometer Company, Inc.
    Inventor: ALfred J. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7546181
    Abstract: Method and apparatus determining the water absorption gradient and controlling the irrigation system based upon the water absorption gradient. The means for determining uses at least a first electrical coupling and a second electrical coupling, which electrically couple with a first probe and a second probe, placed in the soil near the at least one plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Nikola V. Vidovich
  • Patent number: 7535237
    Abstract: A sensor for measuring the moisture and salinity of a material is disclosed herein. The sensor preferably includes a soil moisture circuit, a soil salinity circuit and a probe structure. The soil moisture circuit includes a high frequency oscillator, a voltage meter and a reference capacitor. The soil salinity circuit includes a low frequency oscillator, a voltage meter and a reference resistor. A third voltage meter allows for voltage outputs to be measured to calculate soil moisture and soil salinity values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Sensor Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Campbell