Pressure Patents (Class 340/626)
  • Publication number: 20090201673
    Abstract: A visual indicating device for mounting on a hose includes a body having an outer wall and defining a central passage extending axially through the body between a first end and a second end, and a plurality of lights arranged around the annular body so as to be visible from beyond the outer wall. A power source is arranged within the annular body, and a switch selectively energizes the plurality of lights from the power source. The visual indicating device includes groups of differing colored lights. Mounted on a hose, one of the groups indicates the general direction of the nozzle and another of the groups indicates the general direction of an exit. The switch automatically energizes the lights upon pressurization of the hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Randall H. SMATHERS
  • Publication number: 20090140867
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a pressure vessel apparatus with sensing identification function, comprising a pressure vessel body and an an identification tag. The pressure vessel body has a concave container located on its surface. The identification tag is located in the concave container, comprising a record IC and a communication unit. The record IC is used for recording the status information of the pressure vessel body. When the reading device reads the identification tag, and thus provides an identification signal such that the communication unit transmits the status information to the reading device to verify whether the lifetime of the pressure vessel apparatus was expired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Taiwan Name Plate Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Wen Cheng Yin, Wen Hao Lin, Ho-Chuan Hsu, Fu-Jung Chen
  • Publication number: 20090115602
    Abstract: The present invention relates to detection and alarm systems for predicting and detecting the location of spills, leaks, emissions, and/or pollution sources, i.e., unwanted fluid (liquid/gas) flow/escape, at refineries, e.g., oil and gas refineries, and plants, e.g., petrochemical, chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing plants, and avoiding said unwanted flow/escape. According to one embodiment, said system comprises at least one detector, at least one battery powered radio frequency transmitter, preferably, according to one embodiment, a 900 megahertz spread spectrum transmitter, and a central processing location which, according to one embodiment, is preferably capable of handling up to 3000 points in a single cell site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Rick A. Lawson, Michael S. Kelly
  • Patent number: 7518484
    Abstract: A system, that incorporates one or more enclosures constructed around one or more objects at which, “hot work” is to be performed at a facility at a first location containing flammable or combustible materials. The one or more enclosures are capable of being simultaneously and independently controlled and monitored by a single control and monitoring system which is capable of being in radio communication with a control system at a second, but remote, location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Alford Safety Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason P. Albarado, Todd J. Hutchinson
  • Publication number: 20090058667
    Abstract: A sensor mounting assembly for securing a sensor within a pressurized chamber defined between a wheel and a tire, comprises a patch 2 having a fastening surface 2a by a device in which it is securable, in use, to an inner surface of a tire or wheel. A plate 5 having a threaded aperture 4 is embedded in the patch 2. A sensor housing 1 has a threaded shaft 3 extending from it which complements the thread formed in the plate 5, so that the shaft 3 may be screwed into the aperture 4 in order to secure said housing to the exterior of the patch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Bryn James Dixon, Paul Vickery
  • Patent number: 7499255
    Abstract: A vacuum-type electrical switching apparatus (10) for high voltage electrical power. A vacuum pressure condition in a vacuum pressure space (21) surrounding electrical contact points (18) is monitored and movement of the contact points between open and closed positions is automatically prevented when the pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold in order to avoid destructive arcing between the points. A sensor (32) provides a vacuum signal (34) responsive to the vacuum pressure condition. A controller (36) automatically inhibits movements of the contact points when the vacuum signal indicates that the vacuum has degraded. A contactor (38) may be placed in series with power supply (28) and a solenoid (24) used to move the contact points, with the contactor being automatically opened by the controller in response to the degraded vacuum condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: James Francis Domo, Lance Patrick Sabados, Steven Jay Randazzo, Roderick C. Mosely, Joseph Emil Oeschger, Mary Grace Bello Montesclaros
  • Patent number: 7495575
    Abstract: A gear pump for the dosed conveyance of pigmented lacquers or paints and which is adapted for use with a painting robot. The gear pump comprises two toothed wheels meshing with one another and which are mounted within a pump housing in such a manner that they can be rotated by a driven drive shaft and a fixed bearing shaft. For this, the drive shaft is mounted by a bearing section at multiple points in a pump housing and a coupling section of the drive shaft projects out of the pump drive to connect to a drive. In order, on the one hand, to avoid wear due to high pressure forces and, on the other hand, to absorb a pronounced load from the outside, a supporting bearing for the radial and axial support of the drive shaft is formed on the drive shaft's coupling section projecting outside of the pump housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignees: Saurer GmbH & Co. KG, Dürr Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Arkardiusz Tomzik, Florian Axmann, Michael Baumann
  • Publication number: 20090033508
    Abstract: A system and a method for determining positions of structures on a substrate are disclosed. The system includes at least one measurement table (20) movable in the X-coordinate direction and in the Y-coordinate direction, a measurement objective (9) and a camera for determining the positions of the structures (3) on the substrate (2). The position of the measurement objective (9) and/or the measurement table (20) may be determined by at least one interferometer (24). The system is surrounded by a housing representing a climatic chamber (50) provided with an active pressure regulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Vistec Semiconductor Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Artur Boesser, Wolfgang Fricke, Michael Heiden
  • Patent number: 7483795
    Abstract: A method of determining a temperature and a pressure in a tank is provided. The method comprises the steps of obtaining sensor data and calculating coefficients. Then, a bridge resistance is ratiometrically determined from a bridge voltage. A temperature is calculated with the coefficients and the bridge resistance. Thereafter, a transition from a temperature measurement mode to a pressure measurement mode is made. A voltage per resistance is calculated with the coefficients and a differential voltage. Then, a normalized voltage is calculated using the voltage per resistance, the differential voltage, and the bridge resistance to indirectly compensating for temperature. A pressure is calculated with the coefficients and the normalized voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Wojtek Miller, Kenneth Alan Cupples, James Robert Champion
  • Publication number: 20090015416
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fasten device for tire pressure alarm transmitter, which comprises a fasten base for fastening a valve core style transmitter, and a strip for binding the fasten base on wheel rim, wherein: the fasten base has a board shaped support portion, and a hole for accepting the strip to drill through is set on the support portion; a securing board is set on the middle portion of the support portion, and a position slot that matches with the valve core of the transmitter is excavated on the securing board; and a buckle that matches with the securing board is set on one end of the support portion to fasten the transmitter corporately. As the fasten base having a support portion, a buckle and a securing board with position slot are provided on the support portion, the valve core of the transmitter can be fixed inside the position slot, and the transmitter is fastened on the fasten base by the buckle together with the securing board, then it is installed on the wheel rim by the strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: China Modern Associated & Industrial Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xiangping Liu
  • Publication number: 20080291034
    Abstract: A system for monitoring in a horn system of a vehicle having at least one activatable mechanism for causing a horn to sound. The system includes at least one monitoring device in communication with the at least one activatable mechanism, at least one component of the horn system or any combination thereof. The at least one monitoring device measures the presence or absence of at least one measurable characteristic in the horn system, and transmits a signal based upon the results of the measurement. A method for monitoring in a horn system of a vehicle is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: WABTEC HOLDING CORP.
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Kernwein
  • Publication number: 20080291035
    Abstract: In a pressure switch, a joint coupling holder is mounted via an opening in a case constituting a housing. A plurality of engagement pawls that make up the joint coupling holder engages with a bottom of the case. Further, by inserting a cap into a recess of the joint coupling holder, the engaged state of the engagement pawls is maintained, whereby the housing, which is made from a resin material, and the joint coupling holder are strongly and rigidly connected together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: SMC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kawakami, Kazuhiro Kurahara
  • Patent number: 7450021
    Abstract: There is provided a method for monitoring a vacuum system such as that used in a dairy milking system. Several independent measurements are made whereby a long term degradation of the vacuum pump or other component in the vacuum system may be identified before system performance drops below acceptable limits. Baseline data generated when the vacuum system is known to be in good working order. The baseline data is used to compare operation of the vacuum system. An alarm signal or other indication may be generated to alert an operator that vacuum system performance has degraded beyond an acceptable limit. Such predictive failure techniques allow maintenance to be performed on the vacuum system long before performance degrades to a point where a system becomes inoperative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventors: Lanny Gehm, William Gehm
  • Publication number: 20080257027
    Abstract: A multiple-function valve cap is disclosed for mounting on a valve stem of a tire for indicating a safe pressure condition or a low pressure warning. The multiple-function valve cap includes a pressure indicator assembly having a piston including a safe pressure indicator, and an internal bore. A warning indicator is seated within the internal bore of the piston. A biasing spring is fitted between the low pressure warning indicator and the safe pressure indicator, and acts to urge them apart, such that the warning indicator is displayed when low pressure is applied to the piston. When a safe level of air pressure is applied to the piston, the piston is moved against the force of the biasing spring to surround the warning indicator, and the safe pressure indicator is displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Min Wu
  • Patent number: 7397361
    Abstract: A device is described for a safety system on an installation in connection with the operation of a habitat (10) in which an object that is carrying out work which results in heat generation such as flames, sparks and the like, is isolated from the surroundings, and where an overpressure of air is set up in the habitat (10) to prevent ingress of flammable gases, and comprising systems for supply of electricity and overpressure air to the equipment inside the habitat, and also an alarm system which can warn of irregularities and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: STS Stillasservice
    Inventor: Nils Paulsen
  • Publication number: 20080150739
    Abstract: A medical gas cylinder monitoring and alarm device is provided. The medical gas cylinder monitoring and alarm device is a portable device that provides a monitoring function for one or more cylinders and may be carried by a patient or respiratory therapist or may be removably affixed to a medical gas cylinder. The monitoring device is a processor based device adapted to receive selected user inputs for a specific medical gas cylinder application and determine the estimated time remaining before the medical gas cylinder is emptied. The device displays the time remaining for the medical gas cylinder and is also adapted to provide visual and audible alarm notifications when the gas cylinder is near empty.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Stephan C.F. Gamard
  • Patent number: 7352287
    Abstract: A pneumatic controller for controlling a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Veris Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Rupert
  • Patent number: 7343871
    Abstract: An apparatus for surveying the pressure of fluids housed in tanks or flowing through ducts comprises a device (100), an envelope (1) with axial symmetry which forms the external covering of the device (100), said envelope (1) being kept in distal position with respect to a connecting body (2) by a counter spring (3); the envelope (1) axially slides with respect to the body (2) to allow the commutation of the apparatus (100) from a non-active to an active condition; the commutation of the device (100) is due to an external force (F).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Sistec S.r.l.
    Inventor: Marcello Pellicciari
  • Patent number: 7298280
    Abstract: A fluid flow indication apparatus is provided for monitoring and giving an indication of fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Ameriflo Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Voege, David A. Ferrer, Matthew G. Thie
  • Publication number: 20070247322
    Abstract: The sensor module has four internal terminals that include a first ground terminal, a second ground terminal, an output signal terminal, and a power terminal, three external terminals are connected to the first ground terminal, the output signal terminal, and the power terminal, respectively, a sensor main body portion is obtained by molding the sensor module to which the external terminals are connected integrally in a insulating resin, and a connector connecting portion and a mount portion are molded integrally with the sensor module in this sensor main body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Izuru Shinjo
  • Patent number: 7265662
    Abstract: This invention relates to an integrated apparatus and method for inspection of a container adapted to hold a pressurized gas. The integrated apparatus comprises (i) an imaging device configured to obtain image data corresponding to the container and to transmit the image data to a central station, (ii) a sound detecting device configured to obtain acoustic data corresponding to the container and to transmit the acoustic data to the central station, (iii) optionally an odor detecting device configured to obtain odor data corresponding to the container contents and to transmit the odor data to the central station, (iv) wired or wireless electronic circuits in communication between each device and the central station for transmitting signals, the signals including the data, to the central station, and (v) the central station configured to receive the data transmitted by each device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Belanger
  • Patent number: 7260496
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takumi Hashizume, Tetsuya Wakui, Nobuo Miyaji
  • Patent number: 7233231
    Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel lock with a burglar-proof alarm device comprises a burglar-proof alarm circuit, A wireless signal detecting unit, an air pressure detecting unit; supersonic detecting unit for detecting movements of objects; an infrared receiver for receiving infrared signals from the portable alarm device. The wireless wave emitting unit includes a receiving antennal circuit, a high frequency amplifier, a band pass filter, a local oscillating circuit, a mixing circuit, a middle frequency circuit, and a second middle frequency IC; the receiving antenna circuit being for adjusting the harmonic receiving frequency for receiving high frequency signal, which is then passed through the high frequency amplifier, band pass filter, local oscillating circuit, and the mixing circuit; the local oscillator circuit having a baseband oscillating circuit, a nine-time amplifier circuit, a nine-time frequency modulating circuit for generating an oscillating frequency signal to the mixing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Chen-Kuei Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7193501
    Abstract: An enclosure constructed around an area at which hot work is to be performed at a facility containing flammable or combustible material. Hot work includes such things as welding, torch cutting, grinding and the like. Facilities include petroleum drilling and production platforms, oil tankers, petroleum and chemical plants, and petroleum tank farms. Gas detection monitoring apparatuses are used with the enclosure which will automatically simultaneously shutdown one or more enclosures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Alford Safety Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason P. Albarado, Todd J. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 7191072
    Abstract: A temperature and pressure measuring circuit is provided. The circuit comprises an uncompensated pressure transducer, an analog-to-digital converter, a reference resistive device, and first and second switches. The transducer has variable resistive devices between first, second, third, and fourth bridge nodes. The analog-to-digital converter has first and second reference inputs and first and second differential inputs. When the first switch couples the first differential input and the third bridge node and the second switch couples the second differential input and a ground, a bridge voltage is measurable and a bridge resistance is ratiometrically determinable. The bridge resistance is employed to calculate a temperature. When the first switch couples the first differential input and the first bridge node and the second switch couples the second differential input and the second bridge node, a differential voltage is measurable. The differential voltage is employed to calculate a pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: James Robert Champion, Kenneth Alan Cupples, Wojtek Miller
  • Patent number: 7116237
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure-measuring device (M1) with a controller (C) for controlling the functions of the measuring device (M1) and/or for processing measured data, a sensor (S1) for measuring a variable (p1) to provide first measured data (I1), and an output interface (IA1, D1) for outputting the measured data (I1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: VEGA Grieshaber KG
    Inventor: Thomas Kopp
  • Patent number: 7116213
    Abstract: An electronics assembly for integration with a tire structure or in another environment includes a condition-responsive device, an RF source, an antenna, and at least one controllable switching element. The condition-responsive device may comprise at least one acoustic wave resonator that is configured for monitoring such parameters as pressure and temperature within a tire or associated wheel assembly environment. The frequency and bandwidth of the RF source is preferably inclusive of the respective resonant frequency bands for each acoustic wave resonator. An antenna may also be connected to the condition-responsive device for facilitating the transmission of electric signals generated therein. In some embodiments, a switching element is coupled between the condition-responsive device and the RF source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Jack Thiesen, George Phillips O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7091848
    Abstract: One or more enclosures constructed about one or more objects at which hot work is to be performed at a facility containing flammable and/or combustible material. Hot work includes such things as welding, torch cutting, grinding and the like that produces heat, spark, slag or flame. The one or more enclosures are capable of being simultaneously and independently controlled and monitored by a single control and monitoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Alford Safety Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason P. Albarado
  • Patent number: 7088227
    Abstract: An alarm for a hydraulic system, a hydraulic system incorporating an alarm, a vehicle having a hydraulic system which incorporates an alarm, and a method of giving an alarm in a hydraulic system, where the hydraulic system comprises hydraulic fluid which is put in contact with a pressure detector, the pressure detector being for giving a signal in response to a condition of the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system. An alarm generator integral with said pressure detector is provided for giving an audible alarm in response to a said signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: General Signal UK Limited
    Inventor: Gordon Ward
  • Patent number: 7084363
    Abstract: A variable differential adjustor for a fluid pressure-actuated switch, with the fluid, in the preferred form of the invention, being air. The restrictor has a restrictor housing with a fluid passage in which a restrictor plug, typically a set screw, is engaged. By judicious adjustment of the position of the set screw, fluid flow to and from a pressure-actuated switch is controlled, controlling when the switch is activated to control apparatus such as a sump pump, and when the switch is deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Trusty Warns, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl Niedermeyer
  • Patent number: 7075425
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for monitoring a plurality of grinder pumps, and in particular, remotely over a communications network. Aspects of the invention include an alarm panel having a modular configuration, a modem board which allows use of a single telephone line and use by the homeowner in an emergency, the transmission of data over a high voltage AC line, and recharging of a sensing tube for measuring the level of wastewater in a tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Environment One Corporation
    Inventors: David Capano, Clark A. Henry, William J. Antalek, Elwood L. Morrell, Jr., John H. Koegler, Jr., Sharon G. Salvi
  • Patent number: 7071832
    Abstract: An electronic digital pressure switch for detecting gas pressures features improved safety. The digital pressure switch that detects gas pressures and generates outputs has a housing provided with pinholes that allow a gas to pass therethrough. With this arrangement, even if a gas should leak into the housing, the leakage gas is let out through the pinholes. Thus, when the pressure of a flammable gas is detected, it is possible to eliminate the danger of an explosion caused by the flammable gas accumulating in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Miyamoto, Tsutomu Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7061387
    Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement instrument, especially for level and pressure measurement with a controller (9), which is connected to a memory unit (8), an input unit (11), and also an output unit (12). Here, the output unit (12) is embodied as an acoustic output unit. According to the invention, operator and/or operating parameters are stored in the memory unit (8) and can be output as audible speech signals from the output unit (12) by activating the input unit (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: VEGA Grieshaber KG
    Inventor: Robert Laun
  • Patent number: 7051570
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a pressure relief device are provided. The system includes a release sensor that provides an indication when the pressure relief device activates. A wireless transmitter is connected to the release sensor and sends a wireless transmission having an activation signal when the indication is provided by the release sensor. A receiver receives the wireless transmission from the transmitter and generates a warning when the activation signal is identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems Limited
    Inventors: Geof Brazier, John P. Clark, III, John E. Smallwood
  • Patent number: 7034700
    Abstract: An electronic single pole double throw switch has two states. In each state, one of the lamps is on and the other lamp is off. In the electronic switch, the voltage, which is at the output terminal of the lamp that is off is utilized to drive a low voltage regulator which operates electronic circuitry associated with the electronic switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Wolf S. Landmann, Richard Martin
  • Patent number: 7030770
    Abstract: There is provided a hydrogen storage system having one or more hydrogen storage containers disposed in a confined area with a vent line extending from the one or more storage containers to a location outside of the confined area. One or more sensors are disposed in the confined area for detecting one or more pre-determined unsafe conditions relating to the storage of hydrogen in the contained area and at least one actuator is provided for actuating an operable valve of the vent line to release the hydrogen from the hydrogen storage container to a location outside the confined area at a pre-determined release rate in response to a signal from the sensor indicating an unsafe condition. A power system incorporating a hydrogen storage system as described above is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Stuart Energy Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Howard, Bill Stewart, Ghassan Sleiman, Gabriel Marin, Ry Smith, Rupert Merer, David McLean, Al Davidson
  • Patent number: 7015820
    Abstract: The proper function of a smoke detector of an enclosed space, such as a toilet or freight space or crew quarters in an aircraft, is monitored by at least two air pressure sensors which are so positioned that these air pressure sensors can measure an air pressure differential in the air flow into the smoke detector. If a pressure differential is detected the differential is evaluated in a central processing unit which produces a respective signal that indicates that the air flow and thus the smoke flow into the smoke detector is obstructed, whereby the smoke detector cannot function properly. This signal is visibly or audibly indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Axel Bobenhausen
  • Patent number: 7012536
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the conditions within the fuel storage compartments of a transport tank comprises an overfill pressure vacuum probe installed in each fuel storage compartment and which has a first sensor for detecting the presence of fuel at a predetermined level in the compartment, and a second sensor for detecting the pressure of a gaseous head above the fuel. A signal generator responsive to said first and second sensors produces a first signal representing a normal condition when the first sensor is not detecting fuel in the compartment at the predetermined level, a second signal when the second sensor detects a predetermined predetermined high pressure of the gaseous head, and a third signal when the second sensor detects a predetermined low pressure of the gaseous head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee A. McConnel, deceased, Colleen L. McConnel, legal representative, Jeffrey K. Hunter, Larry Ace Gibson
  • Patent number: 7009505
    Abstract: A tire pressure gauge includes a tubular housing, an air ventilating member dividing the housing into receiving and coupling chambers, a flexible diaphragm disposed in the receiving chamber and having a raised portion which is movable in response to an air pressure introduced into the receiving chamber through the coupling chamber, which is coupled to a tire valve, so as to move a pressure indicating member relative to a cap in order to indicate the tire pressure condition, an adjustable member adjustably disposed in the cap, and a biasing member disposed between the pressure indicating member and the adjustable member so as to correct the position of the pressure indicating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Tien-Tsai Huang
  • Patent number: 6992590
    Abstract: A system that includes a container containing a fluid, a fluid line coupled with the container, and a pump configured to pump the fluid out of the container through the fluid line. The system further includes a sensor that includes a wireless transmitter. The sensor is configured to sense the pressure in the fluid line and to periodically transmit, using the wireless transmitter, an alarm message when the pressure reaches an alarm threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Xsilogy, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Tietsworth, Darin K Woolf, Jonathan D Lucas, Igor Abramov, David G. Fern
  • Patent number: 6943694
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cushioning device. The present cushioning device has many attributes that are common with many cushions. Some of these common attributes are at least one bladder having a top surface, a bottom surface and at least one side surface positioned between the top and the bottom surfaces. Another common attribute is a bladder cavity being defined by the top surface, the bottom surface and the at least one side surface. The present invention differs from other bladders in that there is a first conductive material and a second conductive material are positioned within the bladder cavity, positioned away from the bottom surface of the bladder, and capable of acting like a switch for a reactive device. The reactive device is electrically interconnected with the first and second conductive materials. When the first and second conductive materials contact each other the reactive device is capable of responding by sounding an alarm and/or re-inflating the bladder cavity with a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Gaymar Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John Ellis
  • Patent number: 6938635
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel level switch which may be employed to detect liquid levels within a process vessel. The level switch of the present invention is self validating so that manual testing is not required in order to ensure proper operation and switch calibration. The switch of the present invention may be easily introduced into existing process vessel designs as a replacement for prior art level detection switches with minimal or no retrofitting effort being required. The self validating level switch of the present invention may be connected to a Safety Instrumented System (SIS) such that process control including process shutdowns to avoid overfilling and low-fluid conditions may be accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventor: Daniel B. Bolland
  • Patent number: 6940414
    Abstract: In a pressure switch, which emits an electrical switching signal as a function of the magnitude of a pressure which is supplied to it, which electrical switching signal assumes a first value when the pressure is less than the threshold value and which assumes a second value when the value is greater than the threshold value, the threshold value is adjusted—assuming that this is provided at all—by hand, for example by moving a cam disk which is coupled to a rotary knob. In order to adjust the threshold value by an electrical signal, the pressure is supplied to a pressure sensor, which emits an electrical output signal, which is a measure of the pressure which is supplied to the pressure sensor. The pressure switch is supplied with an electrical input signal which is a measure of the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Bosch Rexroth AG
    Inventors: Rainer Drechsler, Wolfgang Lukasczyk
  • Patent number: 6903659
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for collecting sensor data in a pressure regulator system including a controller and a plurality of sensors. The controller and each of the individual sensors are activated as required to collect sensor data during a sampling period thereby reducing the amount of power consumed by the pressure regulator system. Further power conservation measures are implemented by using a battery sensor to monitor the capacity of the pressure regulator battery and placing the pressure regulator in reduced power consumption operating modes as the capacity of the battery is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC.
    Inventors: Richard J. Vanderah, Paul R. Adams, David E. Woolums, Jon B. Milliken
  • Patent number: 6885284
    Abstract: An identification apparatus comprises an array of conductive pins fixed onto a base component placed onto a primary device and in communication therewith. A set of shaped identifiers has a plurality of holes through which respective pins on the array of fixed pins pass. Each identifier is uniquely configured with at least one distinct location containing a conductive sleeve fitted therein which allows the passage therethrough of that particular pin for further use by subsequently placed identifiers. Each pin is in individual communication with the primary device such that the primary device can thereafter identify the placed identifiers so as to subsequently perform certain functions or other desired operations based on the type, configuration, and/or number of identifiers placed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Debora Margaret Hejza Litwiller, Philip E. Blair
  • Patent number: 6856251
    Abstract: A system comprises a pressurized container configured to hold a pressurized gas and to supply controlled amounts of the pressurized gas to the system as required. The system also includes a sensor that includes a wireless transmitter. The sensor is configured to sense the pressure in the pressurized container and to periodically transmit, using the wireless transmitter, information related to the pressure in the pressurized container. The system also includes a control unit that includes a wireless receiver configured to receive the information transmitted by the sensor. The control unit is further configured to predict based on the received information when the pressure in the pressurized container will reach a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Xsilogy, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Tietsworth, Darin K Woolf, Jonathan D Lucas, Igor Abramov, David G. Fern
  • Patent number: 6843098
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a pressure relief device are provided. The system includes a release sensor that provides an indication when the pressure relief device activates. A wireless transmitter is connected to the release sensor and sends a wireless transmission having an activation signal when the indication is provided by the release sensor. A receiver receives the wireless transmission from the transmitter and generates a warning when the activation signal is identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Geof Brazier, John P. Clark, III, John E. Smallwood
  • Patent number: 6838975
    Abstract: An identification apparatus comprising an array of retractable conductive pins on a base component placed onto a primary device and in communication therewith. A set of shaped identifiers have a plurality of holes through which respective pins on the array of retractable pins pass, each identifier being uniquely configured with at least one distinct location containing a conductive plug or ‘cap’ fitted therein which blocks the passage therethrough of that particular pin thereby forcing said pin to retract into the base component to block further use of that pin by subsequently placed identifiers. Each retractable pin is in individual communication with the primary device such that, once one or more identifiers have been placed onto the pin array, the primary device can thereafter identify the placed identifiers so as to subsequently perform certain functions or other desired operations based on the type, configuration, and/or number of identifiers placed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Debora Margaret Hejza Litwiller, Philip E. Blair
  • Publication number: 20040263339
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a pressure alarm device comprising a first thread section defined in a connector of a connecting base for fixing an air nozzle of a tire by a screw, and a second thread section for fixing a valve nozzle by a screw; a flexible film disposed between said second thread section and said isolating base, and the film is fixed into a position by the valve nozzle; a conductive wire comprising an annular conductive ring with an upper surface and two conductor stands correspondingly disposed with an appropriate distance apart under the conductive ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Win-Tai Cheng
  • Patent number: 6836217
    Abstract: The invention relates to a carbon dioxide fire extinguishing device comprising a capacitive measuring device (11) which is calibrated for a temperature range above and below the critical temperature of carbon dioxide and which is used to detect the amount of gas loss from a carbon dioxide pressure tank (10). The carbon dioxide fire extinguishing device comprises an outlet valve in which the capacitive measuring probe (12) is integrated in such an advantageous way that the outflow resistance of the extinguishing gas is hardly increased at all.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Luxembourg Patent Company S.A.
    Inventor: Thomas Andreas