Abstract: A system for applying an inorganic coating material to a surface (110) comprising: —a spray nozzle unit (50), having the following features: —a first end portion (51) with a first connection (11) for a first supply hose (10), for supplying a first component of the coating material, —a second end portion (52) for discharging the coating material from the spray nozzle unit (50), —a connection unit (60) for mixing and transporting components of the coating material from the first end portion (51) to the second end portion (52), —wherein the connection unit (60) comprises a mixing chamber (61) with at least one further connection (21,31) for supplying a second component of the coating material, —and wherein at least one electronic sensor (70) is mounted on the connection unit (60), to detect an oscillation amplitude (81) arising at the connection unit (60), —a data processing unit (80), —a comparison unit (90), —a control unit (100), wherein the control unit (100) —generates a warning signal (101) when the contro

Abstract: A thermal flow measuring device comprising a sensor with a metal sensor housing, the sensor housing including at least a first and a second pin sleeve extending from a base, each pin sleeve having a longitudinal axis and an end face, the two pin sleeves defining a connecting axis, wherein in the first pin sleeve a first heater is arranged and in the second pin sleeve a temperature sensor is arranged, wherein the sensor housing includes at least a third pin sleeve, having a second heater, and a flow obstruction embodied such that the third pin sleeve is arranged in a first flow direction at least partially in the flow shadow of the flow obstruction, wherein the first flow direction extends at an angle of 80-100° to the connecting axis and lies on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the first and second pin sleeves.

Abstract: A system includes a computing device operatively coupled to one or more user interface components, and a thermal cooling system for cooling the computing device. The system further includes a proximity sensor positioned adjacent a thermal vent and configured to set a proximity flag in response to detecting an object in proximity to the thermal vent. The system further includes an orientation sensor coupled to the computing device and configured to set an orientation flag in response to detecting an orientation of the computing device being such that the thermal vent is facing downward. The system further includes a processor communicatively coupled to the proximity sensor, the orientation sensor, and the one or more user interface components. The processor is configured to provide an alert for output through the one or more user interface components in response to having the proximity flag set or the orientation flag set.

Abstract: A patient interface device is for a pressure support system that includes a flow generator that produces a flow of breathing gas to be delivered to an airway of a patient. The patient interface device includes a sealing element to engage a face of the patient and receive the flow of breathing gas; a lumen having a first end and a second end opposite and distal the first end, the first end being in fluid communication with an interior of the sealing element; a connector member coupled to the second end of the lumen; a pressure sensor coupled to the connector member, the pressure sensor sensing pressure of a gas exiting the second end of the lumen; and a surface provided on one of the lumen and the connector member, the surface defining a thru hole through which undesirable liquid in the lumen can escape.

Abstract: A thermal, flow measuring device comprising a sensor with a metal sensor housing, which has a hollow body for connecting to a plug-in apparatus and/or a tube or pipe wall, wherein the hollow body has a base area; wherein the sensor housing has at least first and second pin sleeves, which protrude starting from the base area, wherein the metal sensor housing is embodied as one piece and the pin sleeves and the hollow body are connected together seam freely, especially weld seam freely.

Abstract: A water heating apparatus includes: a water container configured to heat water via a convection process by receiving the water through an inlet and passing water through an outlet; and one positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heating element or a plurality of PTC heating elements arranged within the water container and configured to be immersed during the convection process. The plurality of PTC heating elements have a gap between each PTC heating element. Further, the water heating apparatus includes at least one ultrasonic transducer attached to the water container and configured to project ultrasound onto and around the PTC heating element or the plurality PTC heating elements within the water container and to descale the PTC heating element or the plurality of PTC heating elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an obstruction in a conduit structure, the apparatus includes a sleeve portion, a plurality of sensor cells, a primary termination cap, and a secondary termination cap. The plurality of sensor cells coupled to the sleeve portion, wherein each sensor cell from the plurality of sensor cells is electrically coupled to the primary termination cap and the secondary termination cap. The sleeve portion configured to wrap around a conduit structure, wherein each sensor cell from the plurality of sensor cells is directed to an exterior surface of the conduit structure. The primary termination cap electrically and mechanically coupled to a first end of the sleeve portion, wherein the primary termination cap includes Wi-Fi transmitter, a primary microcontroller, and a power source connection. The secondary termination cap electrically and mechanically coupled to a second end of the sleeve portion to short the plurality of sensor cells.

Abstract: A system including a tube and a force sensor coupled to a wall of the tube via a restraining element and configured to obtain a value of a tubing force when the tube is deformed by the restraining element. The system includes a processor to determine parameters for fitting a curve including the value of the tubing force, to determine a fluid pressure value for a fluid in the tube based on the parameters for fitting the curve, and to activate an alarm responsive to the fluid pressure value and to the parameters for fitting the curve when an occlusion condition is identified in the tube. The parameters for fitting the curve comprise at least one time-decaying parameter(s) associated to the tubing force. A method for using the system and a non-transitory computer readable medium including instructions to perform the above method are also provided.

Abstract: A controller for a harvester. The controller is configured to receive crop flow information representative of how crop is flowing through the harvester and generate display information for providing a visual display to an operator of the harvester. The visual display includes an animation of crop flowing through the harvester. The controller is further configured to set one or more properties of the animation of the crop flowing through the harvester based on the received crop flow information.

Abstract: Waste water assessment apparatus, a method and a computer program are provided. The waste water assessment apparatus comprises: transceiver circuitry configured to transmit a microwave signal and to receive one or more reflections of the microwave signal; and processing circuitry configured to process the one or more reflections of the microwave signal to determine one or more characteristics of waste water flowing through a conduit.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a level of a sanitation agent in a dishwashing system having a sanitation agent supply vessel includes the step of providing a supply tube having a first portion and a second portion that are unconnected to one another. The first and second portions are linked with a pipe. An optical sensor is situated adjacent the pipe, and a reference reading, a fault check reading, and a fault confirmation reading is sequentially taken with the optical sensor. The method further includes the step of imposing a warning signal by a controller when both: (1) a magnitude of the difference between the reference reading and the fault check reading exceeds a threshold; and (2) a magnitude of the difference between the reference reading and the fault confirmation reading exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: A gas appliance monitoring apparatus for automatically detecting and alerting to a “gas-out” condition of a gas appliance during operation, and/or for alerting to the presence of prolonged “gas-on” conditions of an appliance. The apparatus utilizes a highly sensitive low loss and low flow gas flow indicator with multiple flow sensors to monitor the gas flow characteristics of the appliance during use. A gas flow analyzer and alarm timing mechanism analyzes the gas flow characteristics and sounds an alarm at the appliance or wirelessly at a remote location upon detection of either of the above conditions. A biasing attraction magnet is incorporated in the fluid flow indicator to offset either the force of gravity or a return spring in low flow/low pressure applications. The piston is sealed for use in high pressure/low flow applications, and provided with a vent hole for residual gas bleed-off upon a stoppage of gas flow.

Abstract: A device is provided for detecting blockages in a pipe connecting a sewer to a structure. The device includes an acoustic energy sensor, a transmitter for transmitting a signal from the sensor, and a receiver for receiving the signal transmitted from the sensor and indicating to a user the strength of the signal.

Abstract: A crop production system, including at least one electrical sensor configured to measure pressure within a pneumatic flow path configured to convey a particulate material and transmit a first signal indicative of pressure, a controller coupled to the sensor and configured to detect a blockage in the crop production system based on a change in the first signal.

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.

Abstract: An improved pump, reservoir and reservoir piston are provided for controlled delivery of fluids. A motor is operably coupled to a drive member, such as a drive screw, which is adapted to advance a plunger slide in response to operation of the motor. The plunger slide is removably coupled to the piston. A method, system, and an article of manufacture for automatically detecting an occlusion in a medication infusion pump is provided. The electrical current to an infusion pump is measured. Based on a series of measurements of one or more variables, the infusion pump detects whether there is an occlusion in the system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to computer-implemented methods of diagnosing a vehicle hydraulic power steering system and steering diagnostic systems for executing the same. Some exemplary diagnostic systems are configured to detect a steering system condition based on an evaluation of a steering pump outlet pressure, an engine speed and/or a steering wheel position. The system sends a warning signal when a predetermined steering system condition is detected.

Abstract: A crop production system, including at least one electrical sensor configured to measure pressure within a pneumatic flow path configured to convey a particulate material and transmit a first signal indicative of pressure, a controller coupled to the sensor and configured to detect a blockage in the crop production system based on a change in the first signal.

Abstract: A water flow detector has a gear driven timer responsive to the movement of a lever. The lever is connected to a paddle and the paddle is responsive to the flow of water in a pipe. The detector via the gear driven timer responds to the flow of water in the pipe.

Abstract: Automatic devices that determine when pollutant deposits have accumulated in ductwork may be employed to notify maintenance personnel or automated cleaning equipment of the need for ducts to cleaned or replaced. Various detection devices may be employed to detect a property of accumulated grease and generate an indication of an accumulation. The detection device may present a surface to the fume stream inside a duct. The surface may be cooled to a temperature that represents a worst case temperature so that the accumulation due to condensation on the detector surface is at least as high as the coolest surface in the ductwork which is being monitored. Alternatively, the detection device may be located external to the duct. The detection device may interrogate the surface of the duct through contact or noncontact measurements to determine the thickness of an accumulated grease layer on the interior of the duct.

Abstract: A method of detecting an occlusion for an infusion therapy in one embodiment includes: monitoring an output signal from a flowrate sensor for a pulsatile fluid flow having a frequency range, the pulsatile flow being through a fluid pathway to a patient; acquiring a data set that includes the output signal as a function of time; filtering the data set with a noise rejection filter to produce a filtered data set; performing spectra analysis on the filtered data set to determine a strength of the output signal in a frequency domain; calculating a signal strength for the frequency range using the strength of the output signal in the frequency domain; and comparing the signal strength of the range to at least one threshold level to determine if an occlusion is present during the infusion therapy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a fluid that is to be transported through a fluid conduit within a hydrocarbon exploration and production installation is described. A monitoring zone is established upstream of the fluid conduit configured such the fluid supply to the fluid conduit is introduced via the monitoring zone. The fluid supply within the monitoring zone is monitored for the occurrence of events detrimental to the flow of the fluid supply through the fluid conduit. Monitoring the fluid supply prior to entering the fluid conduit allows for the early detection of an event detrimental to the flow of the fluid supply e.g. a chemical reaction indicative of corrosion of the fluid conduit or the formation of a potential blockage within the fluid conduit. In this way the risk of costly blockages or structural failure occurring within the fluid conduit is reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus designed to alert on an abnormal condition inside of a fiber bundle (116). The apparatus includes an air pipe (112) configured inside of the fiber bundle, an air compression element adapted to apply air into the air pipe, at least one sensor (124, 128, 132, 136, 148) configured in combination with the air pipe wherein at least one sensor is coupled to at least one location on the air pipe. An alerting element (172, 308) is configured to notify on an abnormal measurements of at least one sensor.

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.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drain blockage responsive alarm system. The drain blockage responsive alarm system comprises a cleanout cap member, at least one drain blockage responsive element, and an alarming module. The cleanout cap member is capable of being installed at a portion of a drain pipe. Further, the at least one drain blockage responsive element is configured to the cleanout cap member adapted to sense clog deposition at the portion of the drain pipe, and to generate an output signal upon sensing the clog deposition. Furthermore, the alarming module is electrically coupled to the at least one drain blockage responsive element for generating an alarm signal upon receiving the output signal.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting an inclusion within an infusion system. The method includes monitoring an output signal of a flowrate sensor as fluid flows through an infusion system. The output signal is then converted with a noise reduction filter to obtain a filtered output signal. The filtered output signal is compared to a threshold value and an alarm is activated if the filtered output signal falls below a desired threshold, thereby indicating an occlusion within the infusion system.

Abstract: An oil leakage detector for detecting the leakage of e.g. diesel or fuel oil in an engine room of a vessel comprises a conduit for an airflow therethrough, and a screen in the conduit. The screen is meshed to prevent oil particles or droplets from passing therethrough. A sensor determines a pressure loss across the screen, and a control system operatively connected to the sensor is configured to output an oil leakage warning signal if the pressure loss exceeds a predetermined threshold value. A fan may be provided for generating the airflow through the conduit. A gas sensor for determining the presence of hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide is optionally provided.

Abstract: A noninvasive security device for detection of blocked fluid flow within a conduit includes clamping body that may be affixed to the conduit and a safety overflow circuit mounted to the clamping body. The safety overflow circuit includes first and second sensor pads that act as the metal plates of a capacitor. The sensor pads are connected to the clamping body and positioned proximate the conduit to measure the capacitance within the conduit. The capacitance will be low when water is freely flowing through the conduit, since the dielectric constant will be similar to that of air. However, when the water level increases in the conduit, the dielectric constant will increase as will the capacitance, such that a pulse signal is generated to notify the user of the occlusion and to further disable the source of the water to the conduit.

Abstract: An improved pump, reservoir and reservoir piston are provided for controlled delivery of fluids. A motor is operably coupled to a drive member, such as a drive screw, which is adapted to advance a plunger slide in response to operation of the motor. The plunger slide is removably coupled to the piston. A method, system, and an article of manufacture for automatically detecting an occlusion in a medication infusion pump is provided. The electrical current to an infusion pump is measured. Based on a series of measurements of one or more variables, the infusion pump detects whether there is an occlusion in the system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drain blockage responsive alarm system. The drain blockage responsive alarm system comprises a cleanout cap member, at least one drain blockage responsive element, and an alarming module. The cleanout cap member is capable of being installed at a portion of a drain pipe. Further, the at least one drain blockage responsive element is configured to the cleanout cap member adapted to sense clog deposition at the portion of the drain pipe, and to generate an output signal upon sensing the clog deposition. Furthermore, the alarming module is electrically coupled to the at least one drain blockage responsive element for generating an alarm signal upon receiving the output signal.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting, on the ground, the obstruction of a pressure tap of a static pressure sensor of an aircraft. The device includes a pressure sensor that measures the pressure inside a probe and a heating system for heating the probe. When the heating system is activated, the sensor carries out a first measurement of a parameter dependent on the pressure inside the probe. After a predetermined duration from the activation of the heating system, the sensor carries out a second measurement of the parameter. A central processing unit calculates the difference between the first and second measurements and compares this difference to a predetermined value. A warning device emits a warning signal indicating the detection of an obstruction if the difference is greater than the predetermined value.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a liquid blocking apparatus and a system thereof, wherein if the liquid contained in an IV bag or a liquid tank is oozed out completely, the flow of liquid is blocked, the alarm lamp is turned on, the alarm sound is generated, and then the supply of liquid is maintained for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A low cost, robust, wireless sensor system that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The system includes one or more intelligent sensor units and a base unit that can communicate with a large number of sensors. When one or more of the sensors detects an anomalous condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The base unit can contact a supervisor or other responsible person by a plurality of techniques, such as, telephone, pager, cellular telephone, Internet, etc. In one embodiment, one or more wireless repeaters are used between the sensors and the base unit to extend the range of the system and to allow the base unit to communicate with a larger number of sensors.

Abstract: A flow control apparatus having a flow monitoring system capable of detecting and identifying a downstream occlusion present within an administration feeding set loaded to the flow control apparatus is disclosed. A software subsystem is associated with the flow control apparatus and administration feeding set, the software system plots at least one discrete date point against a standard occlusion profile to detect if a downstream occlusion present within the administration feeding set.

Abstract: A water detection signal generator includes a water-sensing member with a first surface which is movable from a first position to a second position upon contact with water by the sensing member. A movement responsive device is coupled with the first surface of the sensing member and is operated by movement of the first surface from the first position to the second position thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of detecting the correct and complete loading of parts in one or more assembly fixtures. A missing or incorrectly loaded part results in an airflow from a respective part cavity in an assembly fixture and a switch assembly, which can be located distal from the assembly fixtures, detects the airflow and provides a signal indicating that the fixture is not correctly loaded. Conversely, if each and every part is correctly loaded into the assembly fixtures, no airflow occurs and the switch assembly outputs a signal indicating that the assembly fixtures are correctly loaded and that subsequent manufacturing/assembly operations can be performed.

Abstract: A device for the early detection and advanced warning that waste is backing up in a waste pipe line comprising: a tubular body member having an open lower portion, a central hollow core extending axially there through, and a closed upper portion. The open lower portion is dimensionally sized and configured to be removably yet sealably fitted and fixed into the waste pipe line. The closed upper portion is provided with a vent.

Abstract: A pressure detector for detecting a high side pressure from a high pressure side impulse line and a low side pressure from a low pressure side impulse line includes a high side pressure variance calculating section for calculating a high side pressure variance from a high side pressure fluctuation calculated from a high side pressure signal, a low side pressure variance calculating section for calculating a low side pressure variance from a low side pressure fluctuation calculated from a low side pressure signal, a rate calculating section for calculating a variable according to a ratio of the high side pressure variance to the low side pressure variance, and a determining section for determining blockage of the high pressure side impulse line or blockage of the low pressure side impulse line based on a value of the variable.

Abstract: A urinous wet alarm to detect a soaked diaper and generate an audio alarm to alert replacement includes a shell to house a test IC. The test IC connects to a lithium battery, a thin alarm speaker and one end of a sensing unit which is a pliable, elongate, narrow and thin plate and has a detection circuit consisting of two conductive wires of opposite polarity extended from the shell. The sensing unit may be inserted into a test insertion hole formed on a diaper during production. Urine soaked the fluid absorption layer of the diaper makes the conductive wires conductive, and the test IC determines the urine overflow condition to activate the thin alarm speaker to generate an audio alarm.

Abstract: A system for detecting water leaks is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of sensors, selected from a moisture sensor, a water level sensor, and/or a water temperature sensor. A processor collects moisture readings from the sensors. In one embodiment, the processor reports a possible water leak when a moisture sensor detects moisture above a moisture threshold value. In one embodiment, the processor report a water leak when the water level reading exceeds a water threshold value and/or when the temperature reading exceeds a temperature threshold value.

Abstract: A portable liquid level detector. The detector comprises a portable casing, a power supply unit disposed in the portable casing, a sensing device coupled to the power supply unit to sense a capacitance within a container and to output a enable signal when a difference in the capacitance is detected, a light emission device coupled to the sensing unit that illuminates after receiving the enable signal, and an alarm device coupled to the sensing unit that sounds after receiving the enable signal.

Abstract: A sensor system for monitoring cryogenic gas flow through a tube/pipe has at least one sensor coupled to the tube/piping. An alarm circuit is coupled to the sensor for receiving measurement signals from the at least one sensor and for sending an alarm signal when the measurement signal deviates from a predetermined level.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of controlling a water supply of a washing machine, which naturally discharges the water within a detergent dissolving unit when the water level within the detergent dissolving unit is more than a designated water level so as to prevent the water within the detergent dissolving unit from overflowing, and warns of a clogging error in a water supply path when a number of times the water level within the detergent dissolving unit is more than a designated water level, is more than a designated number of times. Whether or not the water supply is provided is determined according to the number of times the water level within the detergent dissolving unit is more than the designated water level sensed by the water level sensor, thereby controlling a water supply action so as to stop the water supply only under abnormal conditions from supplying the water to a water tank, and improving a reliability of the apparatus.

Abstract: An airflow blockage detection apparatus for a permanent split-capacitor single-phase cooling fan motor measures and compares electrical currents in main and auxiliary windings of the motor to detect airflow blockage. Main and auxiliary current sensors detect AC currents in the main and auxiliary windings, respectively, and a blockage detection circuit forms a difference between the detected currents. An airflow blockage alarm is activated when the current difference exceeds a specified setpoint indicative of abnormally low airflow.

Abstract: A method and control system is disclosed that monitors the high frequency or commonly referred to as the “noise” component of a measurement signal to detect plugging conditions in fluid flow systems monitored by DP-cell based sensors. This high frequency component has contributions from the process factors like disturbances, user actions and random effects like turbulence. A test statistic ?(t) has been developed that monitors the proportion of variance introduced by process factors and random effects. By monitoring this proportion, it is possible to detect a frozen sensor that is characterized by a dramatic reduction in the variance due to process factors over a sufficiently long detection window. The method works with measurements sampled at frequencies commonly achievable in a process environment.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the service life of a filter (1) in a filter system equipped with a fan, in particular a filter (1) in an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle, the instantaneous air speed (21) preferably being measured on each startup of the system using a sensor (2, 20) downstream from the filter (1), compared to the reference air speed (R) from the unloaded filter (1), and transmitted to a service computer and/or indicated on a display, and the need to replace the filter being signaled when this value falls below a predetermined threshold or threshold range of the instantaneous air flow rate (21).

Abstract: A filter condition sensing circuit includes current and voltage sensors and a data processor. The current and voltage sensors produce signals indicating magnitudes of electrical current and voltage, respectively, provided to an electric motor used to move a fluid (a gas or liquid) through a filter element. During a first time period, the data processor uses the signals to determine an acceptable range of electrical power required by the motor. During a second time period, the data processor uses the signals to determine a magnitude of electrical power required by the motor. When the magnitude of electrical power is within the acceptable range of electrical power, the data processor generates a signal indicating a normal condition of the filter element. A described filter condition indicating system includes the circuit. A method is for determining a condition of a filter element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly universal out-of-liquid sensor that allows an out-of-liquid condition to be accurately detected for a long time, and provides a liquid supply device using the same.

Abstract: A software driven, solid state controlled, electro-mechanically operated system to monitor volatile liquid fuel or other hazardous liquids and provide emergency shut-off if the delivery system is ruptured. A computer receives input from transducers monitoring the flow rate of the liquid through the line and a pressure sensor insures the system is prepared to function. The monitoring apparatus presets a condition based on current environmental conditions. Measuring the flow rate provides input to software that validates all other entries. Delivery quantities allowing point of delivery control to vary the delivery quantity to individual locations. The software options are: Preset conditions; Owner/operator input via external computer for loading delivery and trip instructions; Instructional output on LCD screen to driver on customer information and scheduling; Data download to owner/operator on billing information, driver daily activities and volume of propane remaining in vehicle.