Fluent Material Patents (Class 340/603)
  • Patent number: 8269638
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention is an apparatus including an alarm for alerting an operator to recharge a humidifier, wherein such alarm is generated other than through the use of a humidity sensor. In one embodiment the total work performed during heating and hydrating an insufflation gas is measured and an alarm generated when the total work performed exceeds a particular threshold. In another embodiment, a flow meter is used to measure the total flow of insufflation gas so that when the total flow of insufflation gas reaches a predetermined level an alarm is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Lexion Medical LLC
    Inventors: Duane Lloyd, Douglas E. Ott
  • Patent number: 8264360
    Abstract: A highly sensitive low loss and low flow fluid flow switch is coupled with an automatic timer and/or optional transmitter to indicate the flow of gas to an appliance and to automatically start a reminder timer to turn the appliance off. After a preset time limit has expired, the timer either sounds an alarm or wirelessly triggers an alarm in a remote location. The receiver portion of the wireless timer may be mounted directly to the appliance (grill handle), so that the timer automatically resets when activity (cover opening or closing) is detected, indicating the appliance is still in use. An alarm can also be configured to sound when the grill is attempted to be ignited with the cover closed, thereby avoiding a potential explosion. A biasing attraction magnet is incorporated in the fluid flow switch to offset either the force of gravity or a return spring in order to extend performance to low pressure and low flow applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Waterstrike Incorporated
    Inventor: David A. Struyk
  • Patent number: 8264361
    Abstract: A highly sensitive low loss and low flow fluid flow switch is coupled with an automatic timer and/or optional transmitter to indicate the flow of gas to an appliance and to automatically start a reminder timer to turn the appliance off. After a preset time limit has expired, the timer either sounds an alarm or wirelessly triggers an alarm in a remote location. The receiver portion of the wireless timer may be mounted directly to the appliance (grill handle), so that the timer automatically resets when activity (cover opening or closing) is detected, indicating the appliance is still in use. An alarm can also be configured to sound when the grill is attempted to be ignited with the cover closed, thereby avoiding a potential explosion. A biasing attraction magnet is incorporated in the fluid flow switch to offset either the force of gravity or a return spring in order to extend performance to low pressure and low flow applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Waterstrike Incorporated
    Inventor: David A. Struyk
  • Patent number: 8264362
    Abstract: Disclosed is an insult-sensing absorbent article including an absorbent assembly, an insult-sensing means coupled to the absorbent assembly, and a tuned antenna system coupled to the insult-sensing means. Also disclosed is a method for indicating an insult to an absorbent article to be worn by a wearer, the method including providing an absorbent article including a conductive element; providing an antenna system associated with the absorbent article, the antenna system including a signal generator and an antenna, wherein the antenna includes the conductive element, and wherein the antenna system is adapted to transmit a signal; and maximizing the receivability of the signal by optimizing an aspect of the antenna system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, III, Andrew Mark Long, Timothy Joseph Wurth, Terrance James Hill
  • Patent number: 8248255
    Abstract: An optical fluid tester device for testing a fluid sample in an ampoule includes an ampoule cradle, a radiation source, a radiation detector and an analyzer. The ampoule cradle supports the ampoule. The ampoule with the fluid sample serves as a lens whose focal properties are dependent on the index of refraction of the fluid sample. The radiation source irradiates the ampoule. The radiation detector is located opposite the radiation source so that the ampoule, when supported by the ampoule cradle, lies between the radiation source and the radiation detector. The detector serves to detect the intensity of the incident radiation. The analyzer verifies the composition of the fluid sample based on the detected intensity, which is dependent on the focal properties of the ampoule and is, therefore, indicative of the composition of the fluid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Verifuel Ltd.
    Inventors: Aviv Tzidon, Yehuda Yavets-Chen, Dekel Tzidon
  • Patent number: 8223028
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and infusion pump assembly for determining a first rate-of-change force reading that corresponds to the delivery of a first dose of an infusible fluid via an infusion pump assembly. At least a second rate-of-change force reading is determined that corresponds to the delivery of at least a second dose of the infusible fluid via the infusion pump assembly. An average rate-of-change force reading is determined based, at least in part upon the first rate-of-change force reading and the at least a second rate-of-change force reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Marc A. Mandro, Robert J. Bryant
  • Patent number: 8220484
    Abstract: The present invention provides a monitoring system for a conduit network including one or more conduit sections joined at one or more conduit nodes, including: one or more sensor devices disposed at selected ones of the one or more conduit nodes, wherein each of the one or more sensor devices is operable for sensing a blockage or breakage in an associated conduit section, and wherein each of the one or more sensor devices is operable for communicating blockage or breakage information to a central location. Optionally, each of the sensor devices includes one of an audio sensor device and a radio frequency sensor device. Each of the sensor devices is operable for sensing the blockage or breakage in the associated conduit section by measuring an attribute of a transmitted/received signal, alone or in combination with another sensor device. Each of the sensor devices is operable for communicating the blockage or breakage information to the central location via a wireless link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
    Inventor: Ivan Howitt
  • Publication number: 20120169504
    Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting or providing instructions to spraying systems are provided. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus to identify sensitive areas is provided. The apparatus comprising: a module to electronically receive sensitive area information, the sensitive area information related to one or more sensitive areas proximate to a first specified location; a module to electronically receive an identity of a first substance to be sprayed at the first specified location; and an alert mechanism to provide an indication of a first sensitive area proximate to the first specified location which is sensitive to the first substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: DOW AGROSCIENCES LLC
    Inventors: David E. Hillger, Tammie J. Jones-Jefferson, Damon M. Palmer
  • Publication number: 20120161974
    Abstract: A system for detecting a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration in a cold aseptic filling system that uses a peracetic acid (PAA)-based cleaning solution is shown and described. The system includes a conductivity sensor configured to receive the PAA-based cleaning solution and to provide a signal representative of the electrical conductivity of the PAA-based cleaning solution. The system further includes a controller configured to receive the signal representative of the electrical conductivity of the PAA-based cleaning solution and to compare the signal to a threshold value associated with a setpoint H2O2 concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: DIVERSEY, INC.
    Inventors: Detlef Trost, Holger Theyssen
  • Patent number: 8207394
    Abstract: A signaling device is provided for sensing and indicating the presence of a body exudate in an absorbent article, the device including a housing and a detection circuit disposed within the housing, the detection circuit including an induction coil and a marginal oscillator. A body exudate collection and detection system is also provided including an absorbent article and a signaling device adapted to be used in conjunction with the absorbent article, the signaling device including a housing and a detection circuit disposed within the housing, the detection circuit including an induction coil and a marginal oscillator. The signaling device can also include an attachment mechanism for removably attaching the housing to the absorbent article. The detection circuit can also include an electrical common and a conductor in electrical communication with the electrical common and with the body exudate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Raymond Feldkamp, Jeffrey Robert Heller, Shawn Jeffery Sullivan, Sudhanshu Gakhar
  • Publication number: 20120154578
    Abstract: A chemical detection system for detecting chemicals entrained in a sample of ambient fluid. The ambient fluid may be atmospheric air, a process gas, or a liquid such as water. Some embodiments employ a plurality of chemical detection sensors and in some embodiments one or more of the chemical detection sensors have two levels of alarm conditions. A situation indicator is provided to provide alarm indications when the concentration level of chemicals exceeds a threshold amount. In some embodiments the chemical detection system includes a collection device for retaining a sample of chemicals entrained in ambient fluid. A visual imaging device may be provided to produce an electronic visual image of a scene associated with a location of the chemical detection system. Visual image data and detected chemical concentration levels may be recorded in an information storage system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Fariborz M. Bzorgi
  • Patent number: 8199021
    Abstract: A fluid level detection system includes a fluid reservoir defining a cavity for holding fluid therein. A fluid level sensor is mounted to the fluid reservoir. The solenoid body defines a first opening establishing fluid communication between an armature chamber and a cavity defined by the reservoir. Travel time of an armature within the armature chamber is thereby affected by fluid level in the reservoir. A controller is operatively connected to the sensor and is operable to receive a sensor signal indicative of travel time from the sensor and formulate a control signal corresponding thereto. A power source is operatively connected to the controller for energizing the coil and the controller. In some embodiments, multiple fluid containing components are connected with one or more controllers. An engine, a transmission, and rear axle differentials on a vehicle may be equipped with sensors to provide fluid level, temperature and viscosity information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Keller, William G. Spurrier, III, Gerrit V. Beneker, Jeffrey B. Smith, Mark L. Dell'Eva
  • Publication number: 20120141251
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for predicting the instability of an axial compressor, which is applicable to the aerospace and industrial field, specifically to the field of one- or multi-stage axial compressors. The invention relates to a method and a device for predicting the instability of an axial compressor which allows protecting said compressor from the instabilities of devices of this type. The present invention could be used in all those products requiring the use of said compressors, such as aircraft engines, turbofans, turboshafts, or turboprops in the aerospace field, gas turbines in the energy field, air conditioning systems in the civil field, and gas compression systems in the chemical or oil industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSIDAD POLITÉCNICA DE MADRID
    Inventor: Efrén Moreno Benavides
  • Patent number: 8164468
    Abstract: A system and method is described for rapid charging and power management of a battery for a meter. A charger component is operably associated with the meter and is capable of executing a rapid charge algorithm for a rechargeable battery. The algorithm includes monitoring for a connection to an external power source and implementing a charging routine of a battery at a first charge rate and then at a second charge rate. The second charge rate is lower than the first charge rate. A temperature rise in the rechargeable battery due to the first charge rate has a negligible heat transfer effect on the fluid sample. The meter can also include a power switch for controlling current flow to a battery fuel gauge. The power switch is open when the meter enters into a sleep mode. The state of battery charge is determined after the meter exits the sleep mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Bayer Healthcare LLC
    Inventors: Igor Gofman, Jun Chen
  • Patent number: 8159358
    Abstract: A method includes receiving information associated with a level of material in a tank, where the tank has a hatch. The method also includes determining whether the level of material in the tank experiences a specified variation within a critical zone associated with the hatch. The specified variation is indicative of the hatch being open while the tank is being filled. In addition, the method includes generating an alarm when the level of material in the tank experiences the specified variation. Determining whether the level of material in the tank experiences the specified variation could be based on an entrance level speed of the material, which identifies a rate at which the level of material in the tank is increasing when the material level crosses a lower bound of the critical zone. Also, no alarms could be generated when the level of material in the tank is outside the critical zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Enraf B.V.
    Inventors: Adrianus Leonardus David van Schie, Jan Leendert Stolk
  • Patent number: 8144021
    Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of bodily fluid, the device including a detector (1) means having two spaced apart electrodes (2, 3), each electrode is connected to a signal generating means via a lead (6, 7). The electrodes are encased in a flexible non-conductive material with each including at least one protruding conductive element (4). The protruding elements are separated by the same distance as the spacing between the two electrodes. The device also includes a signal processing means that detects a change of state across the electrodes produced by the introduction of a fluid and an alarm actuated by the change of state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignees: Whalley, Robin as Trustee of the Olfarse Trust, Le Gros, Paul Donald as Trustee of the Olfarse Trust
    Inventor: Anthony Edward Page
  • Patent number: 8138931
    Abstract: Diagnostic and response systems and methods for a fluid power system acquire data from pressure and temperature sensors disposed in the fluid power system, analyze the data in a failure algorithm to build a history of cumulative damage to hoses in the fluid power system, communicates an indication of potential imminent hose failure to a central location when a level of the cumulative damage indicates imminent failure of a hose, analyze the information at the central location to determine an appropriate response, and transmit information about the fluid power system, including location, and identification of the hose about to fail to a response unit. The response unit responds to the location and replaces the component prior to failure, or the communication might include information that the hose has failed, such that the response unit replaces the failed hose to return the fluid power system to normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey Richard Keast, Michael H. Ellis, Jonathan Clark Swift, Layne Railsback, Donald R. Gilbreath
  • Patent number: 8130106
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for detecting sugars in boiler condensate and/or boiler feedwater in industrial processes. The method includes measuring an oxidation-reduction potential at one or more locations in the process with one or more devices capable of measuring oxidation-reduction potential at operating temperature and pressure and correlating that measurement to an amount of sugar in the system. If the measured oxidation-reduction potential is not within an optimum range, action is taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: Peter D. Hicks, Jason S. Van't Hul
  • Publication number: 20120044077
    Abstract: A method of monitoring oil in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine is provided. The method includes measuring a sump temperature of the engine and measuring a power output of the engine. Oil consumption is calculated as a function of the measured sump temperature and the measured power output. Remaining oil life is calculated as a function of the calculated consumption. The method may include alerting a receiver of the calculated remaining oil life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Hicks Blossfeld, Matthew J. Snider
  • Patent number: 8085156
    Abstract: A remote system for sensing a process fluid parameter comprises a cavity, a tuner and a signal coupler. The cavity is configured to resonate at a central frequency that shifts in response to the process fluid parameter. The tuner is configured to tune the central frequency. The signal coupler is configured to receive a query signal, and to transmit an echo signal when the query signal matches the shifted central frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Schumacher, Liangju Lu
  • Patent number: 8081069
    Abstract: An insulin pump and an infusion set adapter having a membrane which can be acted upon by a liquid flow path associated with the pump, wherein the pump comprises a sensor by which a change in shape or location of at least a portion of the membrane caused by a change in the liquid pressure in the flow path can be detected in a contact-free manner to identify an occlusion in the flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: Ueli Haueter, David Bosshard, Ivan Heutschi, Thomas Rufer, Hanspeter Stoller
  • Publication number: 20110291844
    Abstract: The present invention provides an alarm for detecting and alerting of a water spill, having an audible transducer angled for optimally transmitting an alarm sound into a space adjacent to the alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: BRALIN COMPANY
    Inventors: Steven J. Kelchlin, Jay Brandt, Mark Mallaby
  • Patent number: 8069013
    Abstract: A water heater is provided with monitor/diagnostic display apparatus that selectively provides a user with visual or other type of indicia of the recovery time for the water heater. The apparatus includes a monitoring unit that may be mounted on the water heater, and a display unit that may be mounted either on the water heater or remotely therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Bruce A. Hotton, Troy E. Trant, Jozef Boros, Walter T. Castleberry
  • Patent number: 8068033
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for detecting contamination of a boiler condensate and/or a boiler feedwater in industrial fermentation processes. The method includes measuring an oxidation-reduction potential at one or more locations in the fermentation process with one or more devices capable of measuring oxidation-reduction potential at operating temperature and pressure. If the measured oxidation-reduction potential is not within an optimum range, an alarm is triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: Peter Blokker, Peter D. Hicks
  • Publication number: 20110285537
    Abstract: A method for the estimation of oil viscosity in an internal combustion engine, the engine subjected to fuel post injections to activate Particulate Filter regeneration processes and to fuel hydrocarbons (HC) evaporation events affecting said oil viscosity. The method includes, but is not limited to determining if the particulate filter is subjected to a regeneration process and, in the affirmative case, calculating an oil viscosity decrease during said Particulate Filter regeneration process as a function of an oil dilution rate, and calculating an oil viscosity increase after said regeneration process as a function of an Hydrocarbon (HC) evaporation rate and of a time during which fuel Hydrocarbon evaporation takes place, where said evaporation time is determined as a function of a time spent in evaporating fuel Hydrocarbon from engine oil in a previous fuel hydrocarbons evaporation event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Igor ZANETTI, Stefano CASSANI
  • Patent number: 8049634
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system and apparatus for use in remotely and internally tapping a conduit. The method is performed, at least partially, by an automatic mechanism or robot configured to effectively perform the tasks and various steps of the method. The method includes the steps of: (a) lining a conduit with a liner; and (b) inserting an automatic mechanism into an internal portion of the liner, wherein the automatic mechanism (i) locates a service tap connection point; and (ii) at least partially engages a fitting device within an internal surface of the service tap entry portion, thereby providing fluid communication between a service tap internal passageway and an internal portion of the liner. An automatic mechanism, a fitting device and an insert element are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Underground Solutions Technologies Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Smith, Bryan St. Onge, Joan Bondira
  • Patent number: 8049638
    Abstract: A fluid sensor comprises a sensor housing, a sensor package, an actuator and a switch. The sensor package is disposed within the sensor housing and includes first and second screens and at least one sensing membrane. The sensing membrane is disposed between the first and second screens and is adapted to expand when exposed to a predetermined quantity of a first predetermined fluid. The actuator is disposed proximate the sensor package within the sensor housing and moveable between a first position and a second position through an intermediate position. The switch is disposed proximate the actuator and is operable between closed and open positions. When the actuator is in the second position at least a portion of the actuator depresses the switch to control an electrical circuit connected therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Perma-Pipe, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S. Bailey, Steven Kubicek
  • Patent number: 8013749
    Abstract: Disclosed are portable, easy-to-install apparatuses for detecting and containing fluid leaked or otherwise discharged from a fluid-filled device and for facilitating testing and maintenance of the apparatus and fluid-filled devices. In one aspect of the disclosed invention, upon sensing a fluid discharge, the apparatus activates audible and/or visual alarms and directs the discharged fluid to a predetermined drainage area to prevent damage to areas surrounding the fluid-filled device. In another aspect of the present invention, no plumbing or electrical wiring is required to install the apparatus, thereby allowing an unskilled individual to easily and inexpensively install the apparatus. In yet another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may be easily located since it is not dependent on gravity or a drainage pipe for discharge of the fluid. Furthermore, the apparatus optionally includes an integral leveling mechanism to accommodate leveling of the apparatus when placed on uneven surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Kevin M. Murphy, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kevin Michael Murphy
  • Publication number: 20110190693
    Abstract: A computer controlled electric syringe includes: a piston unit including a piston being configured to press and move a rubber plug of a cartridge by a second end to discharge a medicinal solution from a cartridge through an injection needle; a ball screw having a screw shaft and a nut portion that is screwed into the screw shaft, the screw shaft being loosely inserted into the hollow portion of the piston through the opening, the nut portion being coupled to the piston; a screw shaft supporting portion rotatably supporting the screw shaft of the ball screw; a rotation preventing portion configured to prevent the nut portion of the ball screw from being rotated; and a piston supporting portion supporting the piston to be movable in an axial direction of the screw shaft along with the nut portion by the rotation of the screw shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: NIPPON SHIKA YAKUHIN KK.
    Inventors: Minoru TAKATSUKA, Kenichi NAKAZATO
  • Publication number: 20110181425
    Abstract: A server and method detects a pipeline. The server reads pipeline data from a data collector and analyzes the pipeline data to determine if the pipeline works abnormally. An alert command is sent by the server to an alarm computer to notify a user in response to a determination that the pipeline works abnormally. The server saves the pipeline data into a database system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicants: GDS SOFTWARE (SHENZHEN) CO.,LTD, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHI-CHIH WANG, BING-YU HE, ZHONG-GEN ZHAN, SHI-YI YANG
  • Publication number: 20110174706
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a system for recycling and reusing water from sprinkler systems to water or irrigate a yard or an area of land. The system includes a water reclamation tank that stores water captured from beneath the area of land. When it is time to water the area of land, the sprinkler system draws water from the water reclamation tank. A portion of this water is then recaptured and supplied back to the water reclamation tank for further storage until the next time the sprinkler system is activated. This cyclical process occurs repeatedly and enables a significant reduction in the amount of freshly supplied water used to maintain the area of land.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Austin Russell
  • Publication number: 20110175739
    Abstract: An anti-theft alarm for a liquid storage tank, said alarm comprising a housing having means for securing the housing to the storage tank, said housing containing a motion and/or vibration sensor for detecting tampering with the liquid storage tank, an alarm means and a control means for activating the alarm means in response to a signal from the motion/vibration sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Kenneth McFeeters
  • Patent number: 7982623
    Abstract: A radio-type transmitting device capable of transmitting information other than information in an internal memory is provided. A RFID tag includes a encoding circuit for digitalizing receiving sensitivity of a radio wave sent from an external transmitting/receiving apparatus and then sending the digitalized receiving sensitivity to the external transmitting/receiving apparatus. Thus, the external transmitting/receiving apparatus can obtain a distance between the external transmitting/receiving apparatus and the RFID tag based on received sensitivity information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masaru Higashionji, Kenji Hasegawa, Masaru Odagiri, Masafumi Shimotashiro, Hiroshi Seki
  • Publication number: 20110169648
    Abstract: A sensing device able to do concurrent real time detection of different kinds of chemical, biomolecule agents, or biological cells and their respective concentrations using optical principles. The sensing system can be produced at a low cost (below$1.00) and in a small size (˜1 cm3). The novel sensing system may be of great value to many industries, for example, medical, forensics, and military. The fundamental principles of this novel invention may be implemented in many variations and combinations of techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: BANPIL PHOTONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Achyut Kumar Dutta, Rabi Sengupta
  • Patent number: 7973667
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wetness detector system that rapidly detects the presence of wetness due to a liquid leak in a system. The wetness detector system contains a reusable wetness sensor that is able to accurately detect the presence of wetness and, in the case of an extracorporeal blood treatment, the presence of blood. The wetness detector system can quickly alert both a user and medical personnel that a liquid leak has been detected in a treatment system and, if necessary, halt the removal of liquids and/or blood from the patient. If a liquid leak is not detected for a period of time, the wetness sensor can enter a low power state, extending the life of the device. The wetness detector system can monitor a number of wetness sensors simultaneously, which would, for example, eliminate the need for medical personnel to continuously inspect numerous patients visually for potentially fatal blood leaks due to needle dislodgement during an extracorporeal blood treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Crnkovich, Peter Christensen, Roland Levin
  • Publication number: 20110160654
    Abstract: A delivery system for delivering fluidic media may include a second housing configured to be selectively operatively engaged with and disengaged from a first housing portion adapted to be carried by a user. One of the housing portions may support a reservoir for containing fluidic media and a plunger head moveable within the reservoir. A drive device may be supported by the other of the housing portions for coupling with the reservoir upon the housing portions being operatively engaged. A first interactive element may be supported on the first housing portion for interacting with a second interactive element supported on the second housing portion. Circuitry may be configured to detect an interaction between the interactive elements and configured to provide a signal or a change in state in response to the housing portions being operatively engaged and an interaction between the interactive elements being detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Ian B. Hanson, Paul F. Bente, IV
  • Publication number: 20110156917
    Abstract: An electronic device with a water level monitoring system monitors a buoy to determine if a water level is acceptable. The device separates level markers of the containment facility and the buoy floating therein. The device traces a trace of the movement of the buoy and compares the trace and security lines to determine if the water level is acceptable or not. If the water level is unacceptable, the device sends an alarm to an alarm mainframe to display a warning on a monitor array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicants: GDS SOFTWARE (SHENZHEN) CO.,LTD, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHI-CHIH WANG, QUAN-ZHONG ZHANG, FEI HUO, HAO TAN
  • Publication number: 20110152756
    Abstract: An expiration time of a therapeutic fluid delivered by an implantable fluid delivery device is employed to calculate a fill volume and determine a refill interval for the fluid. The expiration time of the therapeutic fluid may be based on or dictated by a stability time set by the manufacturer of the therapeutic fluid, a clinician treating a patient to whom the fluid is to be delivered, the manufacturer of the device delivering the fluid, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Touby A. Drew
  • Publication number: 20110148643
    Abstract: A tsunami warning system (10) comprising a remote server with evaluation system with means for monitoring tsunami indicating parameters (16, 20), means for determining the possibility of a tsunami occurring and means for issuing a triggering signal, wherein the evaluation system is configured to issue a triggering signal when the possibility of a tsunami occurring is identified. The tsunami warning system (10) further comprises at least one tsunami warning device (14) arranged in a public area, the tsunami warning device (14) being configured and arranged so as to provide a tsunami warning to the general public when a triggering signal is received. The at least one tsunami warning device comprises means for also monitoring tsunami indicating parameters and means for transmitting information collected by the tsunami warning device to the remote server for integration in modelling means therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Alessandro Annunziato, Thierry Benoist
  • Publication number: 20110128152
    Abstract: A device for monitoring the condition of a fluid receptacle such as one that is gradually filling or emptying is disclosed. The receptacle is attached to a torque weighing device, coupled with a transducer that outputs a measurement signal representing the weight of the receptacle. An alert or alarm may be generated by a signaling device in response to the measurement signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: Frederic Bregeon
  • Publication number: 20110109463
    Abstract: A contact is provided for a fluid level detection apparatus. The contact includes a contact support spring for rotating in response to a change in fluid level. The contact support spring includes a cantilevered spring arm having a proximal end to be fixed to a holder and a free end, and a contact support which is provided at the free end. First and second contacts are attached to the contact support in first and second positions, respectively, the first position being set at one end opposite to an end at which the second position is set. The joining position of the contact support and cantilevered spring arm is set so that a pressing load applied to the first and second contacts on the contact support by the flexure displacement of the contact support spring falls within a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshiaki FUKUHARA
  • Patent number: 7936275
    Abstract: Among other things, from a wireless device, a command is transmitted to wearable monitors within range of the wireless device to update their states to a non disinfected state of the hands of users of the wearable monitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: BioVigil, LLC
    Inventor: Steven F. Bolling
  • Patent number: 7932833
    Abstract: A system for detecting a reduction in engine coolant flow rate is provided. The system includes a device configured to monitor at least one parameter associated with an engine, and a device configured to measure actual engine air intake manifold temperature. The system further includes a controller configured to determine a theoretical engine air intake manifold temperature based on the at least one monitored parameter, compare the theoretical engine air intake manifold temperature with the actual measured engine air intake manifold temperature, and generate a signal indicative of engine coolant flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Sridhar Deivasigamani
  • Publication number: 20110084843
    Abstract: A management system includes a container unit, a sensing unit, a control unit, a signal display unit and a liquid pumping unit. The container unit has a container, a liquid substance and an information storing element. The liquid substance has material information recorded in the information storing element. The sensing unit has an information reader for sensing the material information when the sensing unit joined with the container unit. The control unit electrically connects the information reader to receive the material information. The control unit has a material judging module for judging whether the material information is correct in order to generate a judgment result. The signal display unit has a signal display module for outputting a predetermined signal according to the judgment result. The liquid pumping unit has a liquid pumping module selectively inserted into the container to pump the liquid substance according to the judgment result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: INOTERA MEMORIES, INC.
    Inventors: CHIANG-LUAN LIU, TZU-TO LIN, CHIEN HSIANG HUANG, CHIN HUA CHUO, HSIEN YEN LUNG, CHING HSIANG CHANG
  • Publication number: 20110084842
    Abstract: An optical fluid tester device for testing a fluid sample in an ampoule includes an ampoule cradle, a radiation source, a radiation detector and an analyzer. The ampoule cradle supports the ampoule. The ampoule with the fluid sample serves as a lens whose focal properties are dependent on the index of refraction of the fluid sample. The radiation source irradiates the ampoule. The radiation detector is located opposite the radiation source so that the ampoule, when supported by the ampoule cradle, lies between the radiation source and the radiation detector. The detector serves to detect the intensity of the incident radiation. The analyzer verifies the composition of the fluid sample based on the detected intensity, which is dependent on the focal properties of the ampoule and is, therefore, indicative of the composition of the fluid sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Aviv Tzidon, Yehuda Yavets-Chen, Dekel Tzidon
  • Publication number: 20110080297
    Abstract: Method of estimating a level of fluid that is absorbed by a porous substrate, wherein fluid is absorbed by the substrate, wherein a light is arranged near the substrate such that it emits light rays directed to the substrate, wherein the light intensity of the light rays transmitted through the substrate changes under influence of the decrease of the amount of fluid that is absorbed by the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Toni Broncano Atencia, Francisca-Yolanda Perez Bonilla
  • Publication number: 20110074589
    Abstract: A diagnostic system and method for a home appliance is provided. When the home appliance outputs product information as a sound signal, a service center remotely performs fault diagnosis of the home appliance by receiving the sound signal, detecting the product information from the sound signal, checking the state of the home appliance using diagnostic data included in the product information to determine whether the home appliance is out of order, diagnosing, when water supply malfunction including a water supply error or a water level sensor error has occurred, a cause of the water supply malfunction, and deriving a solution to the water supply malfunction. Upon deriving a diagnosis result through the fault diagnosis of the home appliance, the service center immediately notifies the user of the diagnosis result and may dispatch a service technician or may provide the user with a solution to allow the user to easily fix the fault without dispatching a service technician.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Jonghye HAN, Inhaeng Cho, Phaljin Lee, Hoijin Jeong
  • Publication number: 20110050431
    Abstract: Methods and systems described herein include individual-use beverage containers including sensors and methods of their use. Beverage containers include: a vessel body configured to hold a beverage; and at least one sensor associated with the vessel body, the at least one sensor including a sensor configured to detect one or more substance in a fluid. Systems include: at least one beverage container including at least one sensor configured to detect one or more substance in fluid; and at least one external device including at least one port configured for communication with the at least one sensor. Methods include: detecting one or more substance within fluid with at least one sensor integral to a beverage container; and interfacing one or more of the at least one sensor with an external device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Leroy E. Hood, Edward K.Y. Jung, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110050432
    Abstract: An interactive apparatus for a urinal comprises one or more non-contact passive infra-red sensors, computing means and a display. The one or more non-contact passive infra-red sensors are arranged to detect a flow of liquid within one or more zones and to output a signal corresponding to the target zone or zones in which the flow of liquid has been detected. The zones are located in the vicinity of a urinal receptacle. The computing means receives the signal from the one or more non-contact passive infra-red sensors, processes some or all of the signals from the one or more non-contact passive infra-red sensors and produces an output signal. The output signal is output to the display. A method for carrying out the invention is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Gordon MacSween, Mark Melford
  • Publication number: 20110054807
    Abstract: An analyzing apparatus comprising a processor of a controller and a memory that stores programs executable by the processor to: receive a test result on a test item from a measurement unit; analyze the test result to determine whether the test result indicates an abnormality on the test item; if the test result is determined to indicate an abnormality on the test item, update a history database in which a history of abnormality determinations made on the test item is recorded; review the history database to determine whether a frequency of abnormality determinations made on the test item exceeds a predetermined frequency for the test item; and if the frequency of abnormality is determined to exceed the predetermined frequency for the test item, alert a user on a possible problem is disclosed. An analyzing method and a non-transitory storage medium are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Toru Mizumoto, Hiroo Tatsutani