Dew Point Patents (Class 374/28)
  • Patent number: 11525793
    Abstract: In an embodiment a method includes determining, for each capacitor element of a plurality of capacitor elements of a capacitor, an increase of a capacitance of a capacitor element caused by a decrease of a temperature of the capacitor and deriving a dew point from a temperature at which the increases of the capacitances or values corresponding to the increases of the capacitances exceed a predefined limit by generating a set of binary digits, each of the binary digits corresponding to one of the capacitor elements and indicating whether the capacitance of the capacitor element is within a predefined range, comparing sets of binary digits generated at different temperatures and determining a number of capacitor elements for which the corresponding binary digits of the sets are different and repeating the comparison for a sequence of sets generated at decreasing temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: SCIOSENSE B.V.
    Inventors: Dimitri Soccol, Viet Nguyen Hoang, David Van Steenwinckel, Roel Daamen, Pascal Bancken
  • Patent number: 11495841
    Abstract: A method for detecting a water ingress into an interior of a housing, which is sealed against the surroundings, including the following steps: detecting a temperature of the air in the interior; detecting a relative air humidity in the interior; and detecting a water ingress as a function of the detected temperature and of the detected relative air humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Jost, Walter Gronbach
  • Patent number: 11236865
    Abstract: An automatic system and method to detect moisture in a compressed gas cylinder is faster, less labor intensive and has increased accuracy, including the ability to detect free moisture, over prior methods and devices. This device and method avoid the need to individually invert cylinders. A system to detect moisture level in a compressed gas cylinder includes a gas vent/fill line that is in fluid communication with a compressed gas cylinder; a vacuum system with a vacuum line and a vacuum pump connected to the vacuum line; and a dewpoint monitor connected to a dewpoint line and the vacuum line. When a compressed gas cylinder is connected to the gas vent/fill line, the vacuum pump draws gas from the gas vent/fill line into the vacuum line and the dewpoint line, and into the dewpoint monitor, where the dewpoint monitor measures moisture content in compressed gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: CRYOVATION, LLC.
    Inventor: Joseph K. Bernacki
  • Patent number: 11002696
    Abstract: In an embodiment a dew point sensor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a top layer arranged on the semiconductor substrate, a Peltier element integrated in the semiconductor substrate, a temperature sensor, a capacitor arranged at a surface of the top layer facing away from the semiconductor substrate, the temperature sensor and the capacitor being arranged so that a temperature of the capacitor is measurable by the temperature sensor, wherein the capacitor includes a plurality of capacitor elements each having a capacitance, and an electronic circuit configured for an individual determination of the capacitances and a generation of a set of binary digits, each of the binary digits corresponding to one of the capacitor elements and indicating whether the capacitance of the capacitor element is within a predefined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: SCIOSENSE B.V.
    Inventors: Dimitri Soccol, Viet Nguyen Hoang, David Van Steenwinckel, Roel Daamen, Pascal Bancken
  • Patent number: 10101219
    Abstract: A system, a method of use, and a Carbon Nanotube (CNT) condensation sensor for determining a dew point and/or ice point is provided. For example, a sensing system may include a thermal device configured to generate heating or cooling to change a temperature of a surface, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the surface, a controller configured to control the thermal device, a carbon nanotube (CNT) condensation sensor mounted on the surface having a moisture sensitive resistance and a processor configured to determine one or more parameters based on the moisture sensitive resistance of the CNT condensation sensor and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor. The one or more parameter can be used to determine the dew point and/or ice point. A method for forming a carbon nanotube (CNT) condensation sensor is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignees: The Research Foundation for The State University of New York, Cosa Xentaur
    Inventors: Vladimir Samuilov, John Lewis Ayres
  • Patent number: 10044506
    Abstract: An electronic device comprising: a cover; a sensing unit; a memory; and at least one processor operatively coupled to the memory and the cover, configured to: acquire authentication information by using the sensing unit; detect a current state of the cover; and disable a locking function in response to detecting that the cover is in a closed state and the authentication information satisfies a first condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin Seo
  • Patent number: 9188993
    Abstract: A method of maintaining a temperature of a surface in a building space to be above a dew point of the building space includes calculating a dew point based on a temperature measurement and a relative humidity measurement. The method further includes estimating a safety margin associated with the dew point calculation, determining a minimum temperature of the surface, wherein the minimum temperature is a function of the dew point and the safety margin, and commanding a first component of a building automation system to adjust a current temperature of the surface to be greater than the minimum temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Michael J. Wenzel
  • Publication number: 20150063407
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for determining the dew point of a vaporised hydrocarbon feedstock, comprising heating a hydrocarbon feedstock and a hydrocarbon diluent to a first temperature and maintaining the feedstock and diluent at that temperature until all hydrocarbon feedstock is vaporized and a homogeneous mixture is obtained; passing a first flow of the mixture through a first zone maintained at a second temperature, which is lower than the first temperature; halting the first flow; passing a sweep gas through the first zone and providing the sweep gas to a detector for detecting hydrocarbons; decreasing the temperature of the first zone, wherein steps (c) to (f) are repeated at least until a hydrocarbon presence is detected in the sweep gas. The invention further provides a method for measuring the dew point of a steam cracker feed and a system for determining the dew point of a vaporised hydrocarbon feedstock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Jan Blomberg, Pieter Huizenga, Muralikrishna Venkatacharyulu Khandavilli, Walter Stanley Postula
  • Publication number: 20140369377
    Abstract: A hygrometer and dew-point instrument is provided that is structurally simple while reducing the workload during maintenance. The hygrometer measures relative humidity of a measurement space, and has a main body that encapsulates a working fluid therein and causes a heat-pipe phenomenon. The main body is disposed across the measurement space and an external space spaced from the measurement space by a heat-insulating part and has a temperature lower than the measurement space. A first temperature deriving part derives the temperature of the main body in a section where the working fluid evaporates. A space temperature detecting unit detects the temperature of the measurement space. A computation unit calculate relative humidity of the measurement space based on the temperature of the main body derived by the first temperature deriving part and the temperature of the measurement space detected by the space temperature detecting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Shinichirou Sakami
  • Patent number: 8894278
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to automate the process of measuring and verifying trace gas levels such as oxygen and dewpoint inside a retort used to coat or heat treat substrates are provided. The apparatus may include an integrated measuring system, and an operator interface. The method may include coupling the apparatus to the retort in which the substrate is coated or heat treated, activating the integrated measuring system to measure and verify atmospheric conditions within the retort, and providing operator access to process parameters and status through the operator interface. The measurement and verification system may be completely autonomous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Manfried Carl Verch, Jr., Peter N. Horniak
  • Publication number: 20140341250
    Abstract: A temperature sensor system for a vehicle includes a temperature sensor assembly having a thermally insulating body, a temperature sensing element thermally insulated within the body, and a thermally conductive contacting element exposed externally of the body and in thermal communication with the temperature sensing element. The thermally conductive contacting element is urged into contact with an interior cabin side of a windshield of the vehicle for sensing the temperature of the vehicle windshield. A controller, responsive to the temperature sensing element and another temperature sensing element and a humidity sensing element of the vehicle, is operable to calculate an ambient dew point and to control a cabin climate control system of the vehicle responsive to the calculated ambient dew point. The other temperature sensing element is mounted in the vehicle away from the vehicle windshield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, Patrick J. Lawlor, Garrett Coady
  • Patent number: 8851745
    Abstract: A hygrometer and dew-point instrument is provided that is structurally simple while reducing the workload during maintenance. The hygrometer measures relative humidity of a measurement space, and has a main body that encapsulates a working fluid therein and causes a heat-pipe phenomenon. The main body is disposed across the measurement space and an external space spaced from the measurement space by a heat-insulating part and has a temperature lower than the measurement space. A first temperature deriving part derives the temperature of the main body in a section where the working fluid evaporates. A space temperature detecting unit detects the temperature of the measurement space. A computation unit calculate relative humidity of the measurement space based on the temperature of the main body derived by the first temperature deriving part and the temperature of the measurement space detected by the space temperature detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Espec Corp.
    Inventor: Shinichirou Sakami
  • Patent number: 8783945
    Abstract: A superheat sensor (1) for sensing superheat of a fluid flowing in a flow channel (3) is disclosed. The sensor (1) comprises a flexible wall defining an interface between an inner cavity (5) having a charge fluid (6) arranged therein and the flow channel (3). The flexible wall is arranged in the flow channel (3) in thermal contact with the fluid flowing therein, and the flexible wall is adapted to conduct heat between the flow channel (3) and the inner cavity (5). Thereby the temperature of the charge fluid (6) adapts to the temperature of the fluid flowing in the flow channel (3), and the pressure in the inner cavity (5) is determined by this temperature. A first wall part (7, 14) and a second wall part (9, 16) are arranged at a variable distance from each other, said distance being defined by a differential pressure between the pressure of the charge fluid (6) and the pressure of the fluid flowing in the flow channel (3), i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Asbjoern Leth Vonsild, Claus Thybo, Leo Bram, Jakob Spangberg
  • Publication number: 20140192836
    Abstract: A dew and/or frost point measurement instrument and related method are disclosed. An electrically actuated micro/nanoscale resonating element is formed over a resonator substrate. A temperature controlled platform is provided in thermal communication with the resonator substrate. A temperature sensing element is provided in thermal communication with the resonating element. A sustaining amplifier stimulates the resonating element to maintain substantially continuous oscillations at one of its mechanical natural frequencies. A control circuitry monitors the resonator frequency, controls the temperature of the resonator substrate accordingly, and interprets a dew or frost point of a gaseous compound of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: FEMTOSCALE, INC.
    Inventor: Paul C. Neilson
  • Publication number: 20140185649
    Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods for testing a device under test (DUT) with a probe system are selected to test a DUT at a temperature below the dew point of the ambient environment surrounding the probe system. Probe systems include a measurement chamber configured to isolate a cool, dry testing environment and a measurement chamber door configured to selectively isolate the internal volume of the measurement chamber. When a DUT, that is or is included on a substrate, is tested at a low temperature, systems and methods are selected to heat the substrate in a dry environment, at least partially isolated from the measurement chamber, to at least a temperature above the dew point and/or the frost point of the ambient environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Botho Hirschfeld, Axel Becker
  • Patent number: 8727608
    Abstract: A moisture meter with non-contact temperature measurement capability having a housing, a moisture-detecting device coupled to or contained at least partially in the housing, and having an output related to measured moisture parameters, a non-contact, optically-based temperature sensing device coupled to the housing, having an output related to sensed temperature, an output display contained in the housing, for displaying measurements to a user, and circuitry contained in the housing for processing both the moisture-detecting device output and the non-contact temperature sensing device output, and transmitting the processed outputs to the output display. The moisture-detecting device can be either one or both of a contact-type moisture-detecting device such as a pad on the rear side of the housing, and a pin-type moisture-detecting device in a hand-held probe, and electrically coupled to the circuitry in the housing through a cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: FLiR Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald W. Blakeley, III
  • Patent number: 8668384
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a temperature detector coupled to a conductive layer of an electrophoretic display device. The temperature detector is operable to measure a leakage current that is responsive to a temperature associated with the electrophoretic device and determine the temperature associated with the electrophoretic device based at least in part on the measured leakage current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Howe, Gary A. Frazier
  • Patent number: 8641270
    Abstract: The invention relates to a field of measuring engineering. For increase in speed, sensitivity and accuracy of measurement of a hydrocarbon dew point, a method for hydrocarbon dew point temperature measurement is provided, comprising feeding gas to be studied onto a cooled element with a condensation surface onto which a light flux is directed at an angle providing its reflection in the observation aperture, a cooling of condensation surface of a cooled element and registering the value of the light flux reflected from the condensation surface, advent of the hydrocarbon dew point being determined on the basis of the registered value, and as a material for condensation surface of a cooled element use silicon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventors: Alexandr Mikhailovich Derevyagin, Sergei Victorovich Seleznev, Alexandr Sergeevich Fomin
  • Patent number: 8602640
    Abstract: A sensing system is configured to detect physical parameters of a fluid sample. In particular, the sensing system is configured to detect the dew point of the fluid by reducing temperature of a sensing medium and detecting the fluid condensate on a sensing surface by directing light from a light source to the sensing surface and detecting the light reflected off the sensing surface onto a light detector. The light source and the light detector are on the opposite side of the sensing medium from the sensing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Entegris—Jetalon Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Chiarello, Christopher Andrew Wacinski, Charles Eric Boyd, Stewart Robin Shearer
  • Patent number: 8573842
    Abstract: A sensor control circuit for controlling a sensor unit for measuring a physical value includes a timing controller which selects periodically one or more sensor units among multiple sensor units and converts an output signal from the sensor unit to a continuous serial input signal, an oscillator which receives the serial input signal input by the controller and outputs a frequency signal corresponding to the output signal detected by the sensor unit, a counter which counts for a predetermined duration a number of pulses of the frequency signal output from the oscillator, a data converter which converts the number of pulses to voltage data and outputs the data, and an RLC selector which inputs to the converter information indicating a characteristic value on which the number of pulses is based. The characteristic value is resistance, inductance or electrostatic capacitance. The sensor units measure physical values, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ibiden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhenhua Shao, Christopher Lee Keller, Masataka Ito, Dongdong Wang
  • Patent number: 8485720
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a measurement method of dew-point in low temperature, and more specifically to a measurement method of accurately distinguishing dew-point and frost-point using a quartz crystal microbalance dew-point sensor in a low temperature of 0° C. or less. To this end, the present invention provides a measurement method of distinguishing dew and frost point using a quartz crystal microbalance dew-point sensor in low temperature, comprising the steps of: measuring a resonant frequency of a quartz crystal microbalance dew-point sensor while slowly dropping temperature; observing shock waves of the resonant frequency; and determining dew point or frost point through the observation of the resonant frequency and shock waves of the quartz crystal microbalance dew-point sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science
    Inventors: Su Yong Kwon, Jong Chul Kim, Byung Il Choi
  • Publication number: 20130177038
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to automate the process of measuring and verifying trace gas levels such as oxygen and dewpoint inside a retort used to coat or heat treat substrates are provided. The apparatus may include an integrated measuring system, and an operator interface. The method may include coupling the apparatus to the retort in which the substrate is coated or heat treated, activating the integrated measuring system to measure and verify atmospheric conditions within the retort, and providing operator access to process parameters and status through the operator interface. The measurement and verification system may be completely autonomous.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: Pratt & Whitney
    Inventors: Manfried Carl Verch, JR., Peter N. Horniak
  • Publication number: 20130077651
    Abstract: A wafer testing apparatus includes a temperature controller for comparing a predetermined first dew point with a second dew point in a prober, and a dry air controller for controlling an amount of dry air supplied into the prober based on a comparison result of the temperature controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Ki-bong LEE
  • Publication number: 20130039380
    Abstract: A sensor device is provided for detecting thawing on surfaces with interdigital electrodes formed in a resistance layer which is formed on a substrate. In order to develop the sensor device further so that the measuring speed of the sensor device is further increased, the disclosure proposes that the interdigital electrodes and recesses between the interdigital electrodes have a moisture-sensitive hydrophilic surface through condensation cores applied to it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Vishay BCcomponents Beyschlag GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Werner, Joachim Aurich, Sascha Werth
  • Patent number: 8348500
    Abstract: A hygrometer and dew-point instrument is provided that is structurally simple while reducing the workload during maintenance. The hygrometer measures relative humidity of a measurement space, and has a main body that encapsulates a working fluid therein and causes a heat-pipe phenomenon. The main body is disposed across the measurement space and an external space spaced from the measurement space by a heat-insulating part and has a temperature lower than the measurement space. A first temperature deriving part derives the temperature of the main body in a section where the working fluid evaporates. A space temperature detecting unit detects the temperature of the measurement space. A computation unit calculate relative humidity of the measurement space based on the temperature of the main body derived by the first temperature deriving part and the temperature of the measurement space detected by the space temperature detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Espec Corp.
    Inventor: Shinichirou Sakami
  • Patent number: 8348501
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting icing conditions in an airstream includes a flow housing mounted on an aircraft and in which one or more probes are mounted. At least one of the probes subjected to impingement of the airstream and liquid moisture droplets in such airstream. The heat removal, or cooling effect on the probe in the airstream carrying liquid droplets is determined. A temperature signal indicating the airstream temperature is combined with signals from the at least one probe for determining whether or not icing conditions are present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Severson
  • Publication number: 20120287961
    Abstract: A hygrometer and dew-point instrument is provided that is structurally simple while reducing the workload during maintenance. The hygrometer measures relative humidity of a measurement space, and has a main body that encapsulates a working fluid therein and causes a heat-pipe phenomenon. The main body is disposed across the measurement space and an external space spaced from the measurement space by a heat-insulating part and has a temperature lower than the measurement space. A first temperature deriving part derives the temperature of the main body in a section where the working fluid evaporates. A space temperature detecting unit detects the temperature of the measurement space. A computation unit calculate relative humidity of the measurement space based on the temperature of the main body derived by the first temperature deriving part and the temperature of the measurement space detected by the space temperature detecting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: ESPEC CORP.
    Inventor: Shinichirou Sakami
  • Patent number: 8308348
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining the dew point temperature of a measurement gas, having a light guide, a condensation surface located on the light guide and whose reflectivity is dependent on the condensation of the measurement gas, a light source for emitting light through the light guide onto the condensation surface, a light sensor for determining the light intensity reflected back into the light guide by the condensation surface and means for adjusting the temperature of the condensation surface, which has a semihydrophobic construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Bartec Benke GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Boehm, Wilhelm Binder
  • Patent number: 8292497
    Abstract: Cloud point monitoring systems for determining a cloud point temperature value for diesel fuel are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a cloud point monitoring system receives diesel fuel in the tubular conduit and propagates light through the diesel fuel. The cloud point monitoring system further determines a cloud point temperature value indicative of a cloud point of the diesel fuel based on a light intensity level of the light that has propagated through cooled diesel fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Bryan K. Pryor, William C. Albertson, Mike M. McDonald
  • Patent number: 8220988
    Abstract: A sensor device is provided for detecting thawing on surfaces with interdigital electrodes formed in a resistance layer which is formed on a substrate. In order to develop the sensor device further so that the measuring speed of the sensor device is further increased, the disclosure proposes that the interdigital electrodes and recesses between the interdigital electrodes have a moisture-sensitive hydrophilic surface through condensation cores applied to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Vishay BCcomponents Beyschlag GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Werner, Joachim Aurich, Sascha Werth
  • Publication number: 20120069866
    Abstract: The invention relates to a field of measuring engineering. For increase in speed, sensitivity and accuracy of measurement of a hydrocarbon dew point, a method for hydrocarbon dew point temperature measurement is provided, comprising feeding gas to be studied onto a cooled element with a condensation surface onto which a light flux is directed at an angle providing its reflection in the observation aperture, a cooling of condensation surface of a cooled element and registering the value of the light flux reflected from the condensation surface, advent of the hydrocarbon dew point being determined on the basis of the registered value, and as a material for condensation surface of a cooled element use silicon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Alexandr Mikhailovich Derevyagin, Sergei Victorovich Seleznev, Alexandr Sergeevich Fomin
  • Patent number: 8083398
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement comprises a dew point sensor for measuring the dew point characteristic in a room, and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature characteristic on a wall surface of the room, means being provided for evaluating and/or storing the measured dew point characteristic and the measured wall surface temperature characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: SITRONIC Ges.fuer elektrotechnische Ausruestung mbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Doll
  • Patent number: 8079755
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a solar energy powered outdoor temperature and humidity detection device comprising a cover panel and a display panel. The cover panel further comprises a solar power supply unit and a temperature and humidity detection unit. The cover panel and the display panel are pivotally coupled by at least one pivotal member. The display panel further comprises a display screen and a microcomputer circuit. The microcomputer circuit receives temperature and humidity information from the temperature and humidity detection unit. The temperature and humidity information is transferred to the display screen by the microcomputer circuit and presented on the display screen. The display panel further has an attaching member, whereby the present invention can be mounted on a piece of glass. Thus, the solar power supply unit can absorb sunlight and generate direct current powering the temperature and humidity detection unit to detect outdoor temperature and humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Yi-Chia Liao
  • Patent number: 7946505
    Abstract: An environmental control system for a vehicle, in particular for predicting internal misting of a vehicle windscreen, the system comprising a windscreen temperature sensor assembly 28, an ambient humidity sensor assembly 32 and a second temperature sensor assembly 30 for sensing the temperature of the humidity sensor assembly 32. The windscreen temperature sensor assembly 28 is mounted on an interior rearview mirror support bracket 10 for engagement with the interior surface 18 of the windscreen, and the second temperature and humidity sensor assemblies are mounted within a rearview mirror housing 12 mounted to the mirror support bracket 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Magna Donnelly Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, Patrick J. Lawlor, Garrett Coady
  • Publication number: 20100294025
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method by which quantities of water vapor passing through a measured object can be measured with high sensitivity and in a short time period. The apparatus and method measure water vapor permeability of the measured object based on a dew point temperature in a second space measured after introducing water vapor into a first space, wherein the first space and the second space are parted from each other by the measured object, and wherein the first space is maintained at a predetermined temperature and a predetermined humidity under atmospheric pressure, and the second space is maintained in a dry state with a dew point temperature of ?70° C. or less under atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Daisuke Omori, Hirohiko Murakami, Hiroyuki Yamakawa, Satoaki Ikeuchi
  • Patent number: 7794140
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the quality of a given gas mixture being transmitted under pressure by throttling a sample of the gas mixture to a representative pressure and measuring the hydrocarbon dew point of the sample at the representative pressure. The measured hydrocarbon dew point is indicative of the cricondentherm of the gas mixture. The representative pressure is pre-selected to provide a pre-selected margin of error between measured hydrocarbon dew points of a set of representative gas mixtures at the representative pressure and respective cricondentherms of the set of representative gas mixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Transcanada Pipelines Limited
    Inventors: Kamal Botros, Steve Hall, John Geerligs
  • Patent number: 7736051
    Abstract: In a thermoelectric device, a thermoelectric element has one surface on a low temperature side and the other surface on a high temperature side. A member is attached to at least one of the low- and high-temperature-side surfaces of the thermoelectric element. A temperature detection element is provided between the member and the surface of the thermoelectric element to which the member is attached. A mirror surface state detection device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Yamatake Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Kanai, Kazumasa Ibata, Shigeki Shoji, Masaki Takechi, Zentaro Nakamura, Masahiro Komatsu, Ken Iwakiri, Ryu Akimoto, Shingo Masumoto
  • Publication number: 20100128751
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement comprises a dew point sensor for measuring the dew point characteristic in a room, and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature characteristic on a wall surface of the room, means being provided for evaluating and/or storing the measured dew point characteristic and the measured wall surface temperature characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Wolfgang Doll
  • Publication number: 20100054299
    Abstract: A sensor device is provided for detecting thawing on surfaces with interdigital electrodes formed in a resistance layer which is formed on a substrate. In order to develop the sensor device further so that the measuring speed of the sensor device is further increased, the disclosure proposes that the interdigital electrodes and recesses between the interdigital electrodes have a moisture-sensitive hydrophilic surface through condensation cores applied to it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: VISHAY BCCOMPONENTS BEYSCHLAG GMBH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Werner, Joachim Aurich, Sascha Werth
  • Publication number: 20100040106
    Abstract: A hygrometer and dew-point instrument is provided that is structurally simple while reducing the workload during maintenance. The hygrometer measures relative humidity of a measurement space, and has a main body that encapsulates a working fluid therein and causes a heat-pipe phenomenon. The main body is disposed across the measurement space and an external space spaced from the measurement space by a heat-insulating part and has a temperature lower than the measurement space. A first temperature deriving part derives the temperature of the main body in a section where the working fluid evaporates. A space temperature detecting unit detects the temperature of the measurement space. A computation unit calculate relative humidity of the measurement space based on the temperature of the main body derived by the first temperature deriving part and the temperature of the measurement space detected by the space temperature detecting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: Espec Corp.
    Inventor: Shinichirou Sakami
  • Publication number: 20090304041
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining the moisture of a surface, particularly a wall surface device for determining a room dew point, a surface temperature device for determining the surface temperature by means of an infrared radiation measuring instrument, and an assembly for determining the surface moisture from the room dew point and the surface temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Manfred Streicher, Frank Eder, Martin Rombach, Martin Stratmann, Andreas Messerschmid, Lars Hinkelmann, Patrick Zahn, Karl Schuler
  • Patent number: 7624758
    Abstract: A fluid flow controller (1) comprises a variable aperture flow control valve (5) having an inlet to receive fluid from a supply source and an outlet to deliver fluid along a conduit (6). Downstream of the valve (5) is a back-pressure regulator (8), which in turn delivers fluid to an outlet (9), whilst a permanently open orifice (11) is connected to the conduit (6) upstream of the regulator and provided with an exhaust outlet (12), the characteristics of the valve (5), regulator (8) and orifice (11) being so selected that upon a slight opening of the valve (5), the regulator (8) maintains a closed condition, while further opening of the valve (5) raises the fluid pressure at the regulator (8) which commences opening, to provide a continuous exhaust flow at the exhaust outlet (12), to extend the satisfactory operating range of the flow control valve (5) down to very low flow rates. The controller (1) is suitable for use with a sulphuric acid dewpoint monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Land Instruments International Ltd
    Inventor: Richard Eric Whiteside
  • Publication number: 20090201970
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the quality of a given gas mixture being transmitted under pressure by throttling a sample of the gas mixture to a representative pressure and measuring the hydrocarbon dew point of the sample at the representative pressure. The measured hydrocarbon dew point is indicative of the cricondentherm of the gas mixture. The representative pressure is pre-selected to provide a pre-selected margin of error between measured hydrocarbon dew points of a set of representative gas mixtures at the representative pressure and respective cricondentherms of the set of representative gas mixtures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
    Inventors: KAMAL BOTROS, STEVE HALL, JOHN GEERLIGS
  • Patent number: 7553071
    Abstract: A sensor unit (1) comprises at least one sensor (3) that is arranged on a circuit board (2) and a cover (4) for the sensor (3). The cover (4) is open toward the circuit board (2) and adjoins the circuit board (2) in the installed state. The underside (14) of the circuit board simultaneously forms part of the seal. The at least one sensor (3) is completely climate-encapsulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Sitronic Gesellschaft für Elektrotechnische Ausrüstung mbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Legl, Gerold Stauss
  • Publication number: 20090086789
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for coordinated detecting condensation utilizing a wet bulb and dry bulb temperature differential are disclosed. According to exemplary embodiments, a condensation detector may include; a first temperature sensor which generates a first temperature signal corresponding to a temperature measured at the first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor which generates a second temperature signal corresponding to a temperature measured at the second temperature sensor, a connector having a first end connected to the first temperature sensor, and a detector which receives the first and the second temperature signals and determines the presence of condensation at a second end of the connector based on differences between the first and second temperature signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel J. Kearney, Mark A. Marnell, Kenneth A. Shadoff, Randy J. Zoodsma
  • Patent number: 7400975
    Abstract: A probe for use in a computerized plant selection and health maintenance system comprises a controller having a processor adopted to process environmental data received from a plurality of sensors and a communications interface adapted to transmit environmental data; and a soil mount removably engaged with the controller having a receptacle adapted to snugly receive the communications interface and a stake adapted to removably engage with soil. The receptacle advantageously allows engagement and disengagement of the controller from the soil mount by hand without the need for tools or independent attachment mechanisms, which has heightened importance where portability of the controller is required, and protects sensitive electronic components of the controller, such as the communications interface, from environmental contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: PlantSense, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew K. Glenn, David L. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 7380980
    Abstract: The long-side surface of a triangular prism is a detection surface. The distal end portions of coaxial light-emitting/light-receiving optical fiber cables are joined to one short-side surface of the prism. A thermoelectric cooling element is mounted on the other short-side surface of the prism. A mirror is provided between the cooling surface of the thermoelectric cooling element and the short-side surface. When dew condensation occurs on the detection surface, part of light applied from an optical fiber on the light-emitting side onto the lower surface of the detection surface exits from the prism through the condensed dew. The specular reflection returns to the lower detection surface by a mirror surface and is specularly reflected again. The specular reflection then enters an optical fiber on the light-emitting side. Dew condensation on the detection surface is detected by a change in the intensity of light received through the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Yamatake Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Kanai, Kazumasa Ibata, Masaki Takechi, Shingo Masumoto, Yasuhiro Kajio, Shigeki Shoji, Ryu Akimoto
  • Patent number: 7350970
    Abstract: The invention relates to measuring engineering. In order to increase accuracy by increasing sensitivity, for the inventive dew point measurement method a light flux polarized in the plane of incidence thereof is used and directed towards the condensation surface of a dielectric cooled element at an angle at which the light flux is not reflected from the condensation surface of the cooled element in the absence of condensate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventors: Alexandr Mikhailovich Derevyagin, Alexander Sergeevich Fomin, Sergei Viktorovich Seleznev
  • Patent number: 7334938
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring environmental conditions favorable for mold, mildew and fungus growth includes a microprocessor having a data map, a temperature sensor attached to the microprocessor, a relative humidity sensor attached to the microprocessor, an indicator array attached to the microprocessor, and a power supply attached to the microprocessor. The map has a plurality of relative humidity and temperature combinations and one or more suggested actions, for the user, based on the combinations. The indicator array may be a single warning light or an array with a plurality of warning lights. The indicator array may also be a text display or an audio speaker for displaying one or more ambient conditions or suggested actions. Barometric pressure data may also be included with the map for more comprehensive suggestions for action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Ralph Remsburg
  • Patent number: 7237946
    Abstract: The inventive IR camera is used to identify areas of a surface in which there is an increased risk of condensation, by imaging the surface determining, from humidity and temperature values, a condensation temperature at which there is a risk of condensation on the surface, comparing the temperature in at least one image point registered by the camera to the condensation temperature coloring any image points having a temperature lower than the condensation temperature in a particular color, or grey tone, selected to indicate an increased risk of condensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: FLIR Systems AB
    Inventors: Kjell Lindström, Christoph König