Liquid Level Or Volume Measuring Apparatus Patents (Class 73/1.73)
  • Patent number: 11752859
    Abstract: A fuel measurement system and a fuel gauge error reduction method are provided. The fuel gauge error reduction method includes determining a driving mode of a vehicle based on an external input condition; calculating a remaining amount of fuel using a different manner corresponding to each driving mode; and providing the calculated remaining amount of fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA Corporation
    Inventors: Dong Hyun Kim, Jung Hoon Park, Keun Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 11725974
    Abstract: A level sensing module for use with a liquid immersion cooling system having a device chassis housing an electronic device, the level sensing module comprising a fluid level sensor, and a controller coupled to the fluid level sensor and configured to receive a signal from the fluid level sensor indicative of a height of dielectric fluid in the device chassis, receive a signal from a pump controller indicative of a volume of dielectric fluid provided to the device chassis, and generate a map of dielectric fluid volume within the device chassis based on the signal from the fluid level sensor and the signal from the pump controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORPORATION
    Inventors: John H. Bean, Jr., Cory D. Basden
  • Patent number: 11680963
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for examining a measuring tip of a scanning probe microscope, wherein the method includes the following steps: (a) generating at least one test structure before a sample is analyzed, or after said sample has been analyzed, by the measuring tip; and (b) examining the measuring tip with the aid of the at least one generated test structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
    Inventors: Kinga Kornilov, Christof Baur, Markus Bauer
  • Patent number: 11493378
    Abstract: A fuel level measurement system and method for liquified natural gas (LNG) powered machines is disclosed. An engine control module (ECM) receives fuel line pressure levels at a first time (e.g., a key-off event) and, again, at a second time (e.g., a key-on event). The ECM predicts an expected change in pressure from the key-off event to the key-on event based on various factors. If the change in pressure detected is greater than a threshold level different from the predicted change in pressure, the ECM determines a fill event and resets a current fuel level. The ECM tracks mass flow commands used to provide fuel to the engine to determine the consumption of fuel from the fuel tank and to determine a new current fuel level based on the amount of fuel consumed. The current fuel level is displayed on a fuel gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Thomas Perko, Michael Joseph Campagna, Matthew Jordan Engfehr, Balasubramanian Ramachandran
  • Patent number: 11359955
    Abstract: A level sensing module for use with a liquid immersion cooling system having a device chassis housing an electronic device, the level sensing module comprising a fluid level sensor, and a controller coupled to the fluid level sensor and configured to receive a signal from the fluid level sensor indicative of a height of dielectric fluid in the device chassis, receive a signal from a pump controller indicative of a volume of dielectric fluid provided to the device chassis, and generate a map of dielectric fluid volume within the device chassis based on the signal from the fluid level sensor and the signal from the pump controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORPORATION
    Inventors: John H. Bean, Jr., Cory D. Basden
  • Patent number: 11344750
    Abstract: A method of recanalizing a lumen of a vessel includes positioning an ultrasonic device having a distal end in a first position within the lumen of the vessel; transmitting pulsed ultrasonic vibrations though the ultrasonic device to the distal end; and advancing the distal end through the lumen to recanalize the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: FLOWCARDIA, INC.
    Inventors: Jeff Sarge, Michael A. Summers
  • Patent number: 11237187
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for examining a measuring tip of a scanning probe microscope, wherein the method includes the following steps: (a) generating at least one test structure before a sample is analyzed, or after said sample has been analyzed, by the measuring tip; and (b) examining the measuring tip with the aid of the at least one generated test structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
    Inventors: Kinga Kornilov, Christof Baur, Markus Bauer
  • Patent number: 11150125
    Abstract: A fuel remaining amount detector may include an arm supported rotatably to a body; an angle sensor configured to output first data in accordance with a relative angle between the body and the arm; a storage circuit configured to store conversion data; and a data conversion circuit configured to convert the first data to second data based on the conversion data. A manufacturing method of the fuel remaining amount detector may include creating the conversion data by performing processing for each of at least three predetermined angles, in which the processing includes: measuring the first data outputted by the angle sensor with the relative angle set to one of the predetermined angles; and storing a value corresponding to the one of the predetermined angles in the storage circuit as a value of the second data in association with the value of the measured first data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuichi Manabe, Nobuo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 10994977
    Abstract: A device for filling a container with a filling product, preferably for filling a beverage container in a beverage filling plant, comprising a filling product reservoir for accommodating the filling product to be filled and a first fill level probe for determining the filling product level in the filling product reservoir during a filling mode, wherein a second fill level probe is provided for determining a cleaning fluid level in the filling product reservoir during a cleaning mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Manfred Ziegler
  • Patent number: 10843953
    Abstract: A turbidimeter device, including: a fluidically closed turbidimeter vessel comprising a liquid sample inlet and a liquid sample outlet; a vacuum pump for generating underpressure in the turbidimeter vessel to degas the liquid sample; and an optical measurement device for an optical determination of the liquid sample turbidity. Other aspects are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: HACH LANGE GMBH
    Inventors: Jochen Simon, Harald Hahn, Hans-Christian Bitschnau
  • Patent number: 10801877
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of calibrating an ultrasonic fluid measurement system using an ultrasonic fluid measurement calibration probe. A base of the probe comprises an ultrasonic transducer. A tube extends from the base. A first calibration target is attached to the tube at a first distance from the ultrasonic transducer and extends into an interior of the tube. An orifice is formed in the tube. The orifice extends through the tube from an exterior of the tube to the interior of the tube and along the tube wherein an edge of the orifice is at the first distance from the ultrasonic transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Sigvard Johann Wahlin
  • Patent number: 10794967
    Abstract: A sensor intermediate part is provided with a physical quantity detection element that has a power source terminal, a ground terminal and an output terminal that outputs a desired output signal, where the physical quantity detection element is capable of adjusting properties of the output signal; a high-capacitance capacitor, which has at least a first terminal and a second terminal, and a jumper wire, one end of which is conducted to either the power source terminal or the second terminal and the other end of which is not conducted. The first terminal is conducted to the ground terminal, and the power source terminal and the second terminal are configured to be electrically connectable by the jumper wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Teiichiro Oka, Hiroyuki Hirano, Mikio Sumiyoshi, Makoto Takahashi
  • Patent number: 10760942
    Abstract: Substance level of a container at a moment may be measured. Filtered substance level for the moment may be determined based on multiple substance levels of the container at multiple moments preceding the moment. An occurrence of a measurement disruption event at the moment may be detected based on the substance level being smaller than the filtered substance level and the difference between the substance level and the filtered substance level exceeding a difference threshold. Responsive to detection of the occurrence of the measurement disruption event, the substance level may be calibrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry Kieth Nobles
  • Patent number: 10634546
    Abstract: A liquid level detection device includes a float that ascends and descends following a liquid level, a magnet attached to the float, a guide that guides the float to ascend and descend, magnetic sensors attached to the guide and sensing a magnetic flux density varying in response to a position assumed by the magnet as the magnet ascends/descends and outputting an electrical signal corresponding to the magnetic flux density, and a detection circuit that detects a position of the float based on electrical signals respectively output from the magnetic sensors. The detection circuit detects the position of the float based on electrical signals output from two adjacent ones of the magnetic sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yingnan Zhang
  • Patent number: 10345098
    Abstract: The present invention provides a measurement method, a measurement device, and a program capable of non-destructively measuring a volume of an aqueous solution of a drug in each needle-like recess of a mold with high accuracy. A measurement method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a measurement wave intensity acquisition step of acquiring, for each needle-like recess, an intensity of a measurement wave transmitted through a drug in a needle-like recess, absorbed by the drug by an amount according to a distance by which the measurement wave is transmitted through the drug, and emitted from the drug; and a volume acquisition step of acquiring a volume for each needle-like recess on the basis of the intensity of the measurement wave for each needle-like recess acquired in the measurement wave intensity acquisition step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yi Hu, Takashi Murooka
  • Patent number: 10233070
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a fresh food compartment and a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet and including an interior surface in communication with the fresh food compartment when the door is closed. A shelf unit is disposed adjacent the interior surface of the door, and a container is supported by the shelf unit. A fill mechanism is positioned vertically above the container and the container is configured to receive liquid from the fill mechanism. A sensor is configured to sense a property of the container or liquid received in the container. A control is in communication with the sensor and regulates a dispensing of liquid into the container based upon the sensed property. The sensor utilizes a magnetic sensing element located adjacent to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Cornel Comsa, Zhuochen Shi
  • Patent number: 10203237
    Abstract: Disclosed are a module apparatus for garbage collection and an operation method for the module apparatus. A module apparatus for garbage collection, according to the present invention, comprises: a case which is provided so as to be attached to a garbage receptacle and has a first hole on the lower end; an integrated circuit module which is accommodated inside the case; a battery for supplying power to the integrated circuit module; and a sensor unit which is electrically connected to the integrated circuit module and is for sensing the volume of garbage accumulated inside the garbage receptacle, wherein the first hole is aligned with a second hole formed on the garbage receptacle and the detection unit detects the volume of the garbage through the first and second holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Ecube Labs Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Sun Beom Gwon, Gil Rok Do
  • Patent number: 10197431
    Abstract: A device for measuring the filling level of a liquid in a container with an ultrasound sensor and electronic components attached to the ultrasound sensor. A damping cup is arranged above the ultrasound sensor. The electronic components attached to the ultrasound sensor are separated from the liquid to be measured by a cover arranged above the electronic components. The cover has a recess in the vicinity of the ultrasound sensor, rests against the ultrasound sensor with the rim of the recess and is sealingly glued to the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: HELLA KGAA HUECK & Co.
    Inventors: Silvio Fedgenhaeuer, Sergej Tonewizki, Ingo Zoyke, Adam Sklorz
  • Patent number: 10146910
    Abstract: A method of recording a medicament dose using a data collection device comprises capturing, by a video camera of said data collection device, a video showing a medicament dose indicator of a medicament delivery device, adjusting a scale of an image of said medicament dose indicator in said video, adjusting said image for skew of one or more characters displayed on a component of the medicament delivery device in said video, determining the position of at least one of said one or more characters in the image, identifying the at least one character using optical character recognition and determining a medicament dose shown by the medicament dose indicator based on a result of said optical character recognition. The method may include determining whether more than one delivery of medicament is recorded in the video and, if so, whether said more than one delivery includes one or more prime shots, so that an overall dosage delivered to a user may be determined based on multiple determined medicament doses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GMBH
    Inventors: Stephan Riedel, Till Gerken
  • Patent number: 10139257
    Abstract: A closed loop system for the calibration of a multiphase meter, such as a multiphase flow meter or water cut meter, and a method of employing the system in calibration of multiphase meters in crude oil production processes. The system includes an oil and water separation vessel, oil and water flow meters, valves, pumps, and a single phase calibration unit. The system employs a two-step calibration process. First internal single phase oil and water meters are calibrated using the single phase calibration unit; subsequently multiphase meter calibration is achieved using the two precalibrated single phase flow meters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Aftab Ahmad, Luai M. Alhems
  • Patent number: 9989401
    Abstract: A measuring device featuring ascertaining and monitoring optimized orientation of the measuring device. Thus, the invention provides a measuring device for determining and/or monitoring limit level or fill level of a medium in a container, comprising at least one sensor unit and a measurement transmitter unit, wherein at least one inclination sensor is integrated in the measuring device for ascertaining orientation of the measuring device and/or the sensor unit on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: ENDRESS + HAUSER GMBH + CO. KG
    Inventors: Franco Ferraro, Harald Faber, Steffen Markoni
  • Patent number: 9939308
    Abstract: A limit level switch includes an integrated position sensor which, when the limit level switch is put into operation, detects information about the installation position of the limit level switch inside a container. This positional information is taken into account when evaluating the measurement signals detected by the limit level switch in order to determine whether or not the measuring probe is surrounded by filling material. This can simplify the evaluation method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: VEGA GRIESHABER KG
    Inventors: Christian Weinzierle, Roland Welle
  • Patent number: 9778149
    Abstract: A fluid sample system includes a control system that operates in the hazardous area and controls one or more valves and optionally receives outputs from one or more transducers and optionally one or more sensors. The fluid sample system includes components that operate in a hazardous area and includes a control system that operates in the hazardous area and that controls one or more electrical devices. The control system communicates across a barrier with a system on a safe side of the barrier with as few as two intrinsically safe couplings including a single pneumatic coupling and a communication link coupling. The control system includes an intrinsically safe voltage boost circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventor: Andrew J. Creque
  • Patent number: 9676384
    Abstract: An ECU determines in an HV mode that a fuel sender gauge is in malfunction when a first condition is met, and determines in an EV mode that the fuel sender gauge is in malfunction when a second condition differing from the first condition is met. The first condition is met when the difference between an estimated value of the fuel consumption amount and an amount of change in the detection value by the fuel sender gauge is greater than a predetermined value Z. The second condition is met when the detection value changes exceeding a predetermined range X.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keiji Kaita, Takahiko Hirasawa
  • Patent number: 9518858
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a guided wave radar level gauge system comprising a transceiver for generating an electromagnetic transmit signal within a predetermined frequency range having a center frequency, a flexible single conductor probe having a first end connected to the transceiver and extending towards and into the product to a second end of the flexible single conductor probe; and a probe aligning member attached to the second end of the flexible single conductor probe for keeping the flexible single conductor probe substantially vertically extending from the first end to the second end. The probe aligning member exhibits a horizontal extension that increases with increasing distance from the first end of the flexible single conductor probe along a vertical distance greater than one half of a wavelength of the transmit signal at the center frequency. Hereby, determination of filling levels close to the bottom of the tank is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: ROSEMOUNT TANK RADAR AB
    Inventors: Olov Edvardsson, Michael Larsson
  • Patent number: 9371812
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for permitting adaptation of the clutch torque of a proportional clutch in parallel hybrid vehicles, wherein given certain peripheral conditions the method is triggered automatically by a control device and the internal combustion engine rotates but is not ignited (phantom start).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Kaspar Schmoll Genannt Eisenwerth, Manuel Schnitzer, Fabio Iacona, Mykhaylo Klymenko
  • Patent number: 9322316
    Abstract: A method and a system of determining failure of a urea level sensor may include: determining whether a difference between current and previous urea levels is smaller than or equal to a first predetermined level; determining, if the difference between the current and previous urea levels is smaller than or equal to the first predetermined level, whether a vehicle speed is faster than a predetermined vehicle speed; determining, if vehicle speed is faster than the predetermined vehicle speed, whether a vehicle acceleration is higher than a predetermined acceleration; determining, if vehicle acceleration is higher than the predetermined acceleration, whether a difference between current and previous raw urea levels is smaller than a predetermined raw urea level; and storing stuck failure code and restricting an output or the vehicle speed if the difference between the current and previous raw urea levels is smaller than the predetermined raw urea level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jae-Yoon Jung
  • Patent number: 9261396
    Abstract: A system for monitoring level of a liquid in a reservoir of a machine is provided. The system includes a liquid sensor (112) that measures said level of said liquid in said reservoir, a fixed voltage feed (110) that generates a regulated voltage, a sampling unit (114) that samples one or more parameters of the machine and a calibration unit (124) that calibrates the system for monitoring the level of said liquid in a reservoir of a machine in one or more modes to obtain a mathematical relation between the parameter and the level of the liquid. The calibration unit executes a calibration process during a first mode and obtains a calibrated data that corresponds to the parameter during a second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Excelfore Corporation
    Inventors: Ranjit Abhyanker, B M Dharshan, Shah Mihir Paresh
  • Patent number: 9228881
    Abstract: An in-situ method and apparatus for calibrating and verifying the operational accuracy of a fluid level sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: FLUID COMPONENTS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Malcolm M. McQueen, Eric J. Wible
  • Patent number: 9200942
    Abstract: A liquid consumption device includes a replaceable liquid container, a sensor, a fault finding section, an estimation section and a determination section. The sensor detects whether or not liquid has reached a predetermined amount. The fault finding section finds whether there is a fault in the sensor. The estimation section calculates an estimated value of a consumption amount of the liquid. The determination section carries out determination based on the estimated value of the liquid container and a threshold value which is specified based on threshold value information when a fault in the sensor has been found. The determination section carries out the determination based on the sensor when a fault in the sensor has not been found and to calculate the threshold value information based on the estimation value when the sensor detects that the liquid has reached the predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Jun Sato
  • Patent number: 9176019
    Abstract: The present invention describes systems and methods of providing a pressure switch with temperature enable function. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a pressure sensor for providing a pressure signal having a first voltage level that is proportional to a pressure applied to the pressure sensor; a temperature sensor for providing a temperature signal having a second voltage level where the second voltage level is proportional to a temperature measured by the pressure sensor; and a control circuit for receiving the pressure signal from the pressure sensor and the temperature signal from the temperature sensor and activating a load when the first voltage level exceeds a threshold voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Wolf S Landmann
  • Patent number: 9103764
    Abstract: A method of estimating the time and flight of an acoustic signal transmitted by a transmit acoustic transducer determines a difference in time between receiving the transmitted acoustic signal and receiving an electromagnetic wave transmitted by the transmit acoustic transducer coincident with transmitting the acoustic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Avago Technologies General IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Osvaldo Buccafusca
  • Patent number: 9003879
    Abstract: A measuring cup assembly with a light-pervious cup, a film at least partially disposed on the cup, the film defining a light-impervious region and a light-pervious region, the cup at least partly viewable through the light-pervious region, and at least one volume dispensing indicator that is part of the film light-impervious region and that traverses a light-pervious region to create a visual demarcation, each volume dispensing indicator indicating a volume of product that has been dispensed into the cup. Each light-pervious region is configured to provide visual detection of the at least one volume dispensing indicator, as well as the dispensed product, from a side of the measuring cup assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Perimeter Brand Packaging, LLC
    Inventors: David G. Honan, Isaac Haverlick, Shane Yellin
  • Patent number: 8997512
    Abstract: A transport refrigeration system for a transportable temperature controlled space includes a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator fluidly connected to one another, an engine operatively connected to the compressor, and a fuel tank assembly fluidly connected to the engine. The fuel tank assembly includes a fuel tank configured to contain the fuel, a fuel vapor and air, and an ultrasonic fluid level sensor for sensing a level of fuel, the fuel tank having a maximum fuel level. The fluid level sensor includes a transducer having a ring period. The distance from the fluid level sensor to the maximum fuel level is at least half the distance that the sound travels through the fuel vapor and air during the ring period of the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventors: Russell L. Sanders, Anthony J. McReynolds, Randy Hochstein, Ashok Muralidhar
  • Patent number: 8997549
    Abstract: A method includes initiating a test of a servo gauge by causing the servo gauge to attempt to move a displacer of the servo gauge, where the servo gauge uses a drum to move the displacer in a tank. The method also includes measuring a torque associated with the drum during or after the attempt to move the displacer and identifying a mechanical problem with the servo gauge based on the measured torque. For example, a stuck displacer can be identified when the measured torque exceeds an upper expected value. A lost displacer or a stuck drum can be identified when the measured torque is below a lower expected value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: John Joosten, Paul De Bruin
  • Patent number: 8997513
    Abstract: A method for measuring a fluid level in a tank containing a fluid for a transportable temperature controlled space. The method includes providing a temperature control system for the transportable temperature controlled space, providing a fluid level sensor for sensing a fluid level in the tank, generating fluid level signals with the fluid level sensor indicative of the fluid level in the tank, providing a fluid level algorithm for receiving the fluid level signals from the fluid level sensor and computing the fluid level in the tank, and inhibiting nondeterministic fluid level signals from being introduced to the fluid level algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventors: Russell L. Sanders, Anthony J. McReynolds, Randy Hochstein, Ashok Muralidhar
  • Publication number: 20150047413
    Abstract: A method of verifying the performance of a size standard, formed of a plurality of size standard elements, used in a nucleic acid analysis method is provided. The verification is achieved by introducing the size standard to an analysis stage and performing a size based separation on the size standard. The size based separation defines an experimental position for each size standard element. A comparison is made as to whether or not the experimental position for the size standard element corresponds with expected position. The comparison allows a decision to be made on whether or not to use the size standard, which is dependent upon whether or not the experimental position of the size standard element corresponds with the expected position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Frederic ZENHAUSERN, Ralf LENIGK, Andrew HOPWOOD, Pieris KOUMI
  • Publication number: 20150027201
    Abstract: A calibration cup for use in calibrating a quantity of a dessert dispensed from a product dispensing machine includes a body portion having an interior cavity, the interior cavity including a first chamber adjacent to at least a second chamber being disposed along a longitudinal width of the body portion, the first and the at least one second chamber being configured for receiving a quantity of the dessert from the product dispensing machine; and at least one opening on the body portion, the at least one opening being configured for receiving a nozzle coupled to the product dispensing machine; where the body portion is configured for self-aligning the first chamber and the at least a second chamber to the product dispensing machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: James J. Minard
  • Publication number: 20150013428
    Abstract: A connector is used to bring a harness from a level sensor that is arranged in the oil pan and detects a level of oil in the oil pan, out of the oil pan. The connector includes a contact that is electrically connected to the level sensor, and a housing that retains the contact. The housing includes a housing portion that is housed in the connector mounting hole, and a clip attaching groove and a flange portion that are arranged sandwiching the housing portion. A clip and the flange portion sandwich the oil pan, such that the connector is attached to the oil pan, by the housing portion being housed in the connector mounting hole, and the clip being attached to the clip attaching groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomonori FUTAMURA, Masayoshi Nakai
  • Patent number: 8919182
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a liquid level in an aircraft shock strut includes a cylinder having an internal chamber sealed by a piston telescopically movable within the cylinder. The chamber contains a gas and a liquid, and a sensor assembly is provided for monitoring a condition of a level of the liquid in the chamber. The sensor assembly includes at least one probe within the chamber, and a fitting assembly allows one or more leads from the probe to pass through the wall of the strut while maintaining pressure in the chamber. The fitting assembly includes a plug molded to the one or more leads extending from the probe. The fitting assembly also includes a retainer for holding the plug in sealed relationship with a through passage in the strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: William E. Luce
  • Patent number: 8910504
    Abstract: A device for compensating a filling level (34) in a pressure vessel (1) for an extinguishing agent, includes an extinguishing line (32), a propellant-gas line (37) supplied with propellant gas (31), and an adapter (3) on a threaded socket of the pressure vessel (1). A compensation tank (30) is in communication with the pressure vessel and a shut-off member (9) is arranged between the compensation tank (30) and the pressure vessel (1). The shut-off member is closed automatically to isolate the compensation tank from the pressure vessel when a propellant is applied to the pressure vessel so that the extinguishing agent can be stored without pressure in the extinguishing-agent vessel and can be monitored using a simple device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Minimax GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Chrysafis Zlatintsis
  • Publication number: 20140352402
    Abstract: Fill level measuring device having a control unit, which contains a high-frequency generator for generating a transmission signal, an amplifier, an amplifier and an evaluation unit, and a spatially remote probe, which contains a measuring impedance, a reference impedance, a first rectifier and a second rectifier, as well as a connecting line between the control unit and the probe, wherein the rectifier detects the voltage of the transmission signal in the probe, and this voltage is transmitted to the control unit as a first DC voltage signal, and the rectifier converts the probe current in the probe into a second DC voltage signal via measuring resistors, and both signals are supplied to the control unit for the purpose of determining the fill level, wherein the rectifiers are thermally coupled to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: IFM ELECTRONIC GMBH
    Inventor: Werner Hoch
  • Patent number: 8887392
    Abstract: Apparatus useful for connecting a drain pan overflow sensor to the evaporator assembly of a ductless mini-split HVAC system includes at least one carrier extending upwardly from the overflow sensor and at least one connector releasably engageable with the carrier and at least one fin and/or evaporator coil tube of the evaporator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Rectorseal Corporation
    Inventors: Zhengyi Xu, Robert Allen Martinelli
  • Publication number: 20140326037
    Abstract: Provided are a measuring apparatus and method for obtaining a measurement value from a response to a signal applied to a sample, wherein the measuring apparatus includes a first measuring unit that measures a first electric response to a first signal that is input to a first pair of electrodes that can come into contact with a sample, a second measuring unit that measures a second electric response to a second signal that is input to a second pair of electrodes that can come into contact with the sample, the second signal changing its value from a first level to a second level and thereafter maintaining the second level for a certain period of time, as a peak value of a response signal with respect to the change in the second signal, and a control unit that corrects a value indicating the amount of a measuring target component of the sample, the value being obtained from the first electric response, based on the peak value of the response signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuo Fukuda, Hirokazu Matsuda, Akiko Okami
  • Publication number: 20140326038
    Abstract: A calibration system for a level meter comprising a tank having a sidewall and a bottom defining a tank interior, and a stilling well coupled to said tank, said stilling well having a sidewall, proximal and distal ends and a stilling well interior, and the distal end in fluid communication with the tank interior near the tank bottom, said proximal end of said stilling well being sealingly coupled to said level meter, said stilling well having a calibration fluid path allowing fluids to flow out of said stilling well interior; said stilling well having a vent opening that is sealingly closable near said proximal end; and a source of pressurized gas connectable to said stilling well interior, said stilling well having a measurement configuration where said vent opening is opened allowing said proximal end to vent gases in said stilling well interior, and a calibration configuration, where said pressurized air source is connected to said stilling well and flowing into said stilling well interior, where said pres
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Eric Fauveau
  • Patent number: 8869587
    Abstract: A dewatering system includes a selective calibrating sensor circuit configured to receive sensor readings from an electronic sensor, to determine if the electronic sensor is immersed in water, and to generate a control output signal accordingly. The selective calibrating sensor circuit periodically performs a self-calibration when the electronic sensor is not immersed in water to cancel the effect of potential contaminants deposited on the electronic sensor over its operating life. The selective calibrating sensor circuit inhibits calibration when the electronic sensor is immersed in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: SEEwater, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert F. Gibb
  • Patent number: 8868358
    Abstract: A fill level measuring device includes: a transmitting and receiving system for producing a higher frequency microwave signal and a lower frequency microwave signal. The transmitting and receiving system includes a single antenna, which has an internally funnel shaped horn and two hollow conductor segments connected with one another and connected to the horn. The antenna additionally includes, a coaxial conductor connection, via which the antenna is fed with the lower frequency microwave signal and the associated lower frequency echo signal is received. The antenna additionally includes, connected to a horn-remote end of that one of the two hollow conductor segments arranged on an end of the hollow conductor segment adjoining the horn, a hollow conductor connection, via which the antenna is fed with the higher frequency microwave signal and the associated higher frequency echo signal is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Winfried Mayer
  • Publication number: 20140298885
    Abstract: A gauging method for a plastic fuel tank mounted on a hybrid vehicle, the tank including a reservoir including a gauge for measuring an amount of fuel in the tank, the method including: measuring the amount of fuel in the tank using the gauge; estimating deformation of the tank using at least one sensor onboard the vehicle; and correcting the amount measured by the gauge based on the estimated deformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Bjorn Criel, Vincent Cuvelier
  • Publication number: 20140260521
    Abstract: An in-situ method and apparatus for calibrating and verifying the operational accuracy of a fluid level sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: FLUID COMPONENTS INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Malcolm M. MCQUEEN, Eric J. WIBLE
  • Publication number: 20140260520
    Abstract: An electronic fuel sensor which utilizes the characteristics of fluid (such as gasoline) to dissipate heat more readily than a gas. Specifically the fuel sensor utilizes a linear array of sensors comprising a couple heat detector and heat source which can determine which of the sensors are in fluid and which are in air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Gregory B. Schoenberg