Blower, Pump, And Hydraulic Equipment Patents (Class 73/168)
  • Patent number: 11971029
    Abstract: A system (100) for testing an agricultural implement includes a frame (106) configured to receive a device (104) to be tested. The frame carries a filter (108), a pump (112), a pressure relief valve (116) in fluid communication with the pump outlet, a frame output tube (122) to deliver the flow of fluid from the pump outlet to the device to be tested, a frame return tube (124) to receive the flow of fluid from the device to be tested, and a recycle flow outlet (128). A method of testing includes connecting a device to the frame output tube and the frame return tube, pumping a fluid from the frame output tube to the frame return tube through the device, and measuring a flow rate of the fluid through the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Ben L. Schlipf, Matthew Klopfenstein
  • Patent number: 11946907
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to techniques for the inspection of joints and repairs in pipelines. In this scenario, the a method is provided for the inspection of joints in composite pipes and of composite repairs in metallic pipelines, comprising the steps of (i) emitting a series of acoustic wave pulses, at different frequencies, from a collar of acoustic transducers positioned at a predetermined distance from a joint or repair to be inspected, (ii) recording, in a time interval subsequent to the emission, echoes of wave displacements to the repair or joint in each of the transducers in the form of an A-Scan, and (iii) generating a flattened C-Scan image, through a CSM, for each frequency of pulse emission from the collar of acoustic transducers. The disclosure further provides a system for inspection of joints in composite pipes and of composite repairs in metallic pipelines associated with the provided method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignees: PETRÓLEO BRASILEIRO S.A.—PETROBRAS, UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO RIO GRANDE DO SUL—UFRGS
    Inventors: Thomas Gabriel Rosauro Clarke, Sergio Damasceno Soares, Ricardo Callegari Jacques, Lúcio De Abreu Corrêa, Henrique Tormen Haan De Oliveira, Giovanno Ferrari Zuglian, Alberto Bisognin
  • Patent number: 11786374
    Abstract: A testing apparatus is disclosed herein for testing properties of a prosthetic device. The testing apparatus may comprise a dual-drive pulsatile flow tester with the ability to determine coaptation of valve leaflets of a prosthetic device. The testing apparatus may be able to test prosthetic heart valves and reproduce physiological conditions of a prosthetic heart valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Salvador Marquez, Lynn T. Dang, Javier A. Sanguinetti, Emily Cheng Zhou, Gary Alan Breitbach
  • Patent number: 11761973
    Abstract: A liquid surface imaging device includes an irradiator including a plurality of lightings, the irradiator configured to irradiate a liquid surface in a nozzle of a liquid discharge head with lights emitted from the plurality of lightings, and an imaging device configured to image the liquid surface. The plurality of lightings is arranged point-symmetrically with a center of the irradiator as a point of symmetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yuta Moriwaki, Atsushi Yamamoto, Taku Hatakeyama, Takashi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 11761447
    Abstract: A sump pump system may implement adaptive learning and machine learning techniques to facilitate improved control of sump pumps. A sump pump system may implement the described techniques to generate, train, and/or implement a machine learning model that is capable of predicting or estimating one or more conditions of the sump pump system (e.g., water level in the basin, motor malfunction, stuck impeller, geyser effect, blocked outlet pipe, faulty level sensor/switch, faulty bearing, failure to engage pump at high-water mark, etc.) based on one or more detected input variables (e.g., acceleration or vibration patterns detected in water, on a pump, or on a pipe; capacitance values of water; audio signatures; electrical signatures, such as power or current draw; pump motor rotation speed; water pressure signatures or values, such as those detected at the bottom of a sump basin; etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Nathan L. Tofte, Jonathan Christopher Hull, John Donovan, Richard Jan Tjaden
  • Patent number: 11454008
    Abstract: A system for a grading machine includes a lift cylinder sensor to measure a position or movement of a lift cylinder, which is coupled to a drawbar. The drawbar is coupled to a circle. The circle is coupled a blade carrier assembly, and the blade carrier assembly is coupled to a blade. The system also includes a drawbar sensor to measure a position or movement of the drawbar, a circle sensor to measure a position or movement of the circle, a blade carrier assembly sensor to measure a position or movement of the blade carrier assembly, and a blade sensor to measure a position or movement of the blade. A controller receives information from the lift cylinder sensor and one or more of the aforementioned sensors and determines whether one or more wear components is in need of inspection, repair, or replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric M. Gray, Patrick Bishop
  • Patent number: 11338782
    Abstract: A brake system includes a piston configured to generate hydraulic pressure of brake fluid stored in a brake system, and an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to calculate hydraulic pressure to be generated in response to an amount of movement of the piston. The ECU estimates a current temperature of the brake fluid, calculates a maximum estimated hydraulic pressure of the piston based on the estimated current temperature, and determines a maximum hydraulic-pressure reference value for backward movement control of the piston based on the maximum estimated hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sam Hyun Jung
  • Patent number: 11280358
    Abstract: The method for monitoring the condition of the hydraulic system for predicting the risk of failure is designed for hydraulic systems, whose components include at least one pump (1) for transporting fluid through the distribution system of the hydraulic system. The hydraulic system simultaneously detects at least one current magnitude of pressure and the current value of speed of the pump (1), whereupon the current speed value is compared with the trend speed value obtained from the statistically processed archived data of speed from the previous operation of the pump (1) and/or with the reference speed value of the pump (1), whereupon the comparison result provides the condition and risk of failure of the hydraulic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: JIHOSTROJ A.S.
    Inventors: Frantisek Stanek, Radovan Charwot
  • Patent number: 11242766
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring the flow rate of cooling air in a cooling air circuit (13) of a casing (121) of a high-pressure turbine (9) of a turbomachine (1). The invention is characterized in that sensors (21, 22, 24, 26, 28) are used to measure a total pressure at the fan inlet, a static pressure at the outlet of the high-pressure compressor (6), a rotational speed of the low-pressure shaft (101), a rotational speed of the high-pressure shaft (91) and a degree of valve opening of the cooling air circuit (13), a calculation unit is used to calculate the flow rate of cooling air on the basis of at least the measurement of these.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventor: Benjamin Boudsocq
  • Patent number: 11236743
    Abstract: There is provided a technique that includes: a main controller configured to execute a process recipe including a plurality of steps to perform a predetermined process on a substrate so as to acquire device data when executing the process recipe; and a storage part configured to store the acquired device data, wherein the main controller is configured to: acquire the device data in a predetermined specific step among the steps constituting the process recipe; calculate a value of the acquired device data in the specific step; compare the calculated value with a value of the device data in the specific step calculated at a time of previous execution of the process recipe; and generate an alarm when the calculated value shows a predefined tendency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: KOKUSAI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masanori Okuno, Hideki Horita, Kazuyoshi Yamamoto, Kazuhide Asai, Toshihiko Yonejima
  • Patent number: 11112330
    Abstract: Techniques for determining a location of a leak in a water distribution system are described herein. In some examples, a remote leak detection service and/or a leak detection device may receive measurements from a pressure sensor, a contamination sensor, and a flow rate sensor positioned along the water distribution system. Based on a difference in time between a change in pressure detected by the pressure sensor and a subsequent change in contamination detected by the contamination sensor, the flow rate measured by the flow rate sensor, and dimensions of the water distribution system, the remote leak detection system may determine the location of the leak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventor: Premananda Sahoo
  • Patent number: 11073150
    Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for testing mobile pumps and mobile fire pumps. Exemplary embodiments described herein can reduce or eliminate the discharge of water used for testing pumps to the ground or other ambient environments. Further, exemplary embodiments can reduce or eliminate the potential for contamination of water bodies and reduce or eliminate need for large transportable reservoirs as a source of water. Exemplary embodiments can include attachment of hose valves to pump outlets for controlling a flow rate of water as well as water pressure. A hose may further be coupled to each hose valve and looped to a pump inlet, allowing for the recycling of water. Flow meters may further be provided on the looped lines to measure water flow. A low flow capacity water source and discharge may be utilized to provide further control of or adjustment to test system temperature, water flow and pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Haines Fire & Risk Consulting
    Inventor: Stephen W. Haines
  • Patent number: 11002263
    Abstract: A two-stage high-pressure pump includes a reduction gearbox disposed in front of a motor, a-crank shaft connected to an output shaft of the reduction gearbox, a connecting rod having one side connected to the crank shaft and the other side connected to a primary piston, a primary one-way valve disposed at one end of the primary piston, and a gas storage chamber provided at the middle of the primary piston. The other end of the primary piston is connected to a secondary piston rod in a highly sealed manner. The secondary piston rod is provided with a vent in the middle, and the other end of the secondary piston is connected to a high-pressure piston. A secondary one-way valve is disposed in the secondary high-pressure piston. A noise attenuating filter and a one-way valve block are disposed at an air inlet of the primary cylinder cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: NANTONG GUANGXING PNEUMATIC EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xuefeng Gao, Jinhai Chen, Mingming Su, Yanfei Dai, Yangqing Gao
  • Patent number: 10976231
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining the rate of flow of hydraulic or lubricating fluid through a particle contamination sensor or monitor at an acceptable level is disclosed. The rate of flow may be a specific value or lie within a desired range of values. Regardless, maintaining the rate of flow at an acceptable level improves the accuracy of information produced by the contamination sensor or monitor. A display for displaying the particle information created by a particle contamination sensor or monitor in a manner more easily understood by maintenance personnel and a method of creating such a display is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Fluidmatics, LLC
    Inventors: Nickolas Bernheart Nesland, Sr., Mark Allen Conover
  • Patent number: 10947968
    Abstract: The present invention provides wireless sensor technology seamlessly integrated into a pump system having a pump, a motor and a drive, has diagnostic and prognostic intelligence that utilizes sensor data, allows real-time condition monitoring; enables easy access to data and analytics via smart devices (i.e., smart phones and tablets); allows for easy remote monitoring (i.e., web portal) of the pump system; allows self-learning artificial intelligence (AI) built-in that adapts to changing conditions; and allows for smart pump system remote control. In operation, the present invention monitors the health and performance of the pump system that allows the user to get real-time data and intelligence virtually anywhere and anytime, as well as real-time diagnostics and prognostics, and also allows for smart control of the pump system remotely via smart device, and reduces downtime of equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventors: Bradley Decook, Daniel Kernan
  • Patent number: 10920729
    Abstract: There are described methods and systems for testing operation of a solenoid valve in a control system. A valve command is sent to successively open and close a solenoid valve. A flow command from a control system is monitored to detect a change in the flow command in response to the valve command. The flow command is associated with regulation of fluid flow in a process controlled by the control system. Operation of the solenoid valve is confirmed when the change in flow command is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventor: Michael Darby
  • Patent number: 10898329
    Abstract: A testing apparatus is disclosed herein for testing properties of a prosthetic device. The testing apparatus may comprise a dual-drive pulsatile flow tester with the ability to determine coaptation of valve leaflets of a prosthetic device. The testing apparatus may be able to test prosthetic heart valves and reproduce physiological conditions of a prosthetic heart valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Salvador Marquez, Lynn T. Dang, Javier A. Sanguinetti, Emily Cheng Zhou, Gary Alan Breitbach
  • Patent number: 10809110
    Abstract: A flow meter prover with a piston assembly that is movable from a start position to a finish position and an actuator assembly with a carriage that moves between a first position and a second position. Preferably, the carriage is operable to releasably couple to the piston assembly, and the carriage is operable to move the piston assembly from the finish position to the start position as the carriage moves from the second position to the first position. The actuator assembly preferably includes a linear actuator that moves the carriage, and the carriage preferably includes an electromagnet that releasably couples to the piston assembly. The piston assembly preferably slides on a flag rod having first and second flags mounted thereon and two guide rods. A photoelectric sensor senses the flags as the piston assembly slides on the flag rod and generates signals when it senses the flags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: METER ENGINEERS, INC.
    Inventor: William Bradley Young
  • Patent number: 10647593
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an adsorbent that can adsorb ammonia with no large volume change between absorption and desorption, that has a high ammonia and/or ammonium ion adsorption capacity, and that can have an additional function by gaining proper control of composition, etc. The invention makes it possible to provide an adsorbent that absorbs ammonia and/or ammonium ions through the use of a metal cyanocomplex as an ammonia adsorbent, experiences no or little volume change, exhibits high enough capacity for adsorbing ammonia and/or ammonium ions, and has a function of decomposing ammonia as well as a function of varying optical responses before and after adsorption, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Akira Takahashi, Tohru Kawamoto, Parajuli Durga, Hisashi Tanaka, Yutaka Sugiyama, Yukiya Hakuta
  • Patent number: 10595703
    Abstract: Provided herein is a method of determining whether process water is present in a circulation pump of an appliance for washing and rinsing goods, and an appliance performing the method. The method of determining whether process water is present in a circulation pump of an appliance for washing and rinsing goods may include measuring a minimum value of a property representing load of the circulation pump at a predetermined first speed, measuring a maximum value of a property representing load of the circulation pump at a predetermined second speed, the second speed being higher than the first speed, determining a relation between said minimum value and said maximum value, and determining, from said relation, whether process water is present in the circulation pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag
    Inventor: David Persson
  • Patent number: 10502645
    Abstract: In a dynamometer device (1), a dynamometer (5) is placed on a dynamometer-side bed (6), and the dynamometer-side bed (6) is stacked on a tank-side bed (15) located on the top part of a bed tank (3). The dynamometer (5) is connected to the bed tank (3) by an oil discharge pipe (9) which returns a cooling oil (2) to the bed tank (3) from the dynamometer (5). The oil discharge pipe (9) passes through an interface (23) between the dynamometer-side bed (6) and the tank-side bed (15), and extends into the bed tank (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: MEIDENSHA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahiro Shimizu, Shigeo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10480988
    Abstract: A calibration unit is for a capacitive measuring system in a metering installation, or a metering installation for in particular solid pharmaceutical dosage units, and to an associated method for metering. The calibration unit includes a test body, a drive for the test body, and a guide for the test body. The guide has a first terminal position, a second terminal position, and a guided section that runs between the two terminal positions. The drive is configured for moving the test body along the guided section in a reciprocating manner between the two terminal positions. The capacitive measuring system is calibrated via the calibration unit. The dosage units are then metered via the metering installation and checked for a properly metered mass via the calibrated capacitive measuring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Harro Hoefliger Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Lux, Jonas Hoepfer, Benedict Kleine-Koenig
  • Patent number: 10415577
    Abstract: A deposition substance monitoring device of a vacuum pump for rotatably driving a rotor by a motor to exhaust gas, comprises: a state determination section configured to determine whether or not the vacuum pump is in a predetermined exhaust state; and a deposition amount determination section configured to receive a deposition amount indicator for an amount of a deposition substance in the pump to determine as excessive deposition when the deposition amount indicator in the predetermined exhaust state is equal to or greater than an acceptable deposition threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tetsuya Tsubokawa
  • Patent number: 10345166
    Abstract: Disclosed are structures of a torque sensor and of an angle sensor for a vehicular steering angle sensing devise. An embodiment of the present invention provides a torque sensor module comprising: a rotor holder, which has a hollow interior; a yoke member coupled along the outer peripheral surface of the rotor holder; and a first magnet coupled so as to contact the outer peripheral surface of the yoke member, wherein the torque sensor module comprises a supporting/coupling portion, which extends from the upper surface of the rotor holder, and which contacts the upper surfaces of the yoke member and of the first magnet, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Myung Chul Woo
  • Patent number: 10344779
    Abstract: An electrohydraulic actuator includes a reservoir tank having a bladder that separates hydraulic fluid from any air in the reservoir tank and includes a sensor system that detects when the hydraulic fluid is depleted from the reservoir tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce Besch, Kevin Koenigs
  • Patent number: 10288549
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a layer-to-layer transition of a lifting steel wire rope on a reel are described. The system includes a reel assembly for winding a steel wire rope on a reel and a tensioning assembly for tensioning a segment of said steel wire rope. The system further includes a loading assembly and a lead screw sliding assembly. The loading assembly provides a vertical loading to the tensioning assembly so as to generate a loading force between the tensioned steel wire rope and the steel wire rope wound around the reel. The lead screw sliding assembly drives the tensioning assembly so as to move on a horizontal guide rail to generate a relative displacement between the tensioned steel wire rope and the steel wire rope wound around the reel. The tensioning assembly is connected to the loading assembly via a first threaded rod and a static torque sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: CHINA UNIVERSITY OF MINING AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Yuxing Peng, Zhencai Zhu, Wenxue Xu, Zhiyuan Shi, Xiansheng Gong, Xiangdong Chang, Dagang Wang, Guohua Cao, Songyong Liu
  • Patent number: 10188886
    Abstract: A valve gear box has a valve monitoring function. The valve gear box is for mounting to a valve that has a fluid passageway and a gate therefor, the gear box providing a gear driven link for moving the gate between open and closed conditions of the fluid passageway, the valve gear box being in a housing that has a mounting for permitting operative connection to the valve via a mounting flange of the valve. The mounting and the mounting flange have a valve monitoring sensor operatively positioned therewith, the sensor being settable in one state when the mounting and the mounting flange are in assembled relationship to each other but being configured to change from the one state if there is a separation of the fastened connection of the mounting and the mounting flange, whereby a change in state from the one state can be used to monitor a separation of the assembled relationship of the mounting and the mounting flange and trigger an alarm condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Amtron Valve Monitoring Device Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Anthony James Magee
  • Patent number: 10105227
    Abstract: This document provides systems and methods for testing of various kinds of valves. For example, this document provides systems and methods for accelerated life testing of prosthetic heart valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: TA INSTRUMENTS-WATERS L.L.C.
    Inventors: David L. Dingmann, Troy D. Nickel, Andrew D. White, Kyle P. Duffin, Ryan Siskey, Michael Liebschner, Andrew Rau, Sunoj Narayanan, Lito Cruz Mejia
  • Patent number: 10082441
    Abstract: A device for checking at least one pressurized testing tool for a fluid circuit of an aircraft includes at least one tank that includes at least one connection to connect a pressurized gas supply and at least one connection system arranged to connect at least one pressurized testing tool. This device makes it possible to perform preventive checks on pressurized testing tools without having to immobilize an aeroplane on an assembly line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventor: Stéphane Mateo
  • Patent number: 10034571
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a measurement device (10) for measuring a volume of liquid contained in a vessel, comprising: —a main vessel (12) for receiving a liquid; —a reference vessel (14) which has a smaller volume than the main vessel (12), wherein the main vessel (12) and the reference vessel (14) are fluidly connectable to each other as communicating vessels; —a pump (16) which is connected to the main vessel (12) and the reference vessel (14) for extracting liquid from the main vessel (12) and the reference vessel (14); —a minimum level sensor (26) which is configured to send a reference signal if a minimum liquid level within the reference vessel (14) is reached; —a first valve (20, 20?) via which the reference vessel (14) is fluidly connected to the pump (16), wherein the first valve (20, 20?) is configured to be closed off if the minimum liquid level within the reference vessel (14) is reached; and —a control unit (30) which is connected to the minimum level sensor (26, 26?) and the pump (16) a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Mark Ronald Van Der Woning, Hendrikus Lodewijk Joseph Franciscus Holten
  • Patent number: 9913718
    Abstract: A chamber assembly for testing a valve includes a proximal chamber portion that defines a proximal interior space, and a distal chamber portion that defines a distal interior space. The distal interior space includes a gas space. When a liquid is inserted into the proximal and distal chambers there is an interface between the liquid and a gas in the gas space. A valve holder is disposed adjacent to the proximal interior space and the distal interior space. The valve holder is configured to receive the valve in a bore of the valve holder. A shortest distance between a center of the valve when in the bore and the interface is at least about 45 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: TA INSTRUMENTS-WATERS L.L.C.
    Inventors: David Louis Dingmann, Kyle P. Duffin
  • Patent number: 9726643
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and program code, and methods for monitoring the health and other conditions of the valve, are provided. An exemplary system for monitoring the condition of the gate valve includes a logic module configured to perform the operations of receiving sensor data providing an acoustic emission, vibration, and/or stream level signature and determining the level of lubricity, level of friction, level of surface degradation, and leakage rate at a gate-valve seat interface. An exemplary method for monitoring the condition of the gate valve includes receiving sensor data providing an acoustic emission, vibration, and/or stream level signature and determining the level of lubricity, level of friction, level of surface degradation, and leakage rate at a gate-valve seat interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: David Daniel Comeaux, Gangbing Song, Jiabiao Ruan, Dhaval Mistry, Mahesha Udipi
  • Patent number: 9709456
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for pressure testing of conduits, tools, vessels, devices, or combinations thereof are described, which include a first testing unit having a first pump operable at a first pressure and a second testing unit having a second pump operable at a second pressure, both positioned in a housing. An auxiliary pump may be directly coupled with the output of one or both testing units to facilitate rapid achievement of a selected pressure. The testing units additionally include embodiments having electronic pressure control systems for rapid pressurization and remote control ability. Efficient, simultaneous testing of multiple objects, at differing pressures, is thereby possible, or alternatively, the second testing unit may be used for backup or redundancy purposes, or to further facilitate rapid achievement of the selected pressure by the first testing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Don K. Clover
  • Patent number: 9677961
    Abstract: A pressure indicator with a pressure-relief function is disclosed, which can release excessive pressure to the environment. The pressure indicator includes a transparent tube defining therein a first bore and a second bore, and a slider which can be forced by the medium supplied from an external pressure source to move along the first and second bores of the transparent tube. In particular, the first bore has a diameter greater than the second bore, and a tapered annular surface is provided between the first bore and the second bore of the transparent tube. When the pressure of the medium exceeds a predetermined pressure, the slider can be forced by the medium to reach the tapered annular surface, at which excessive medium can be released into the environment via an annular gap between the slider and the tapered annular surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Inventor: Wen-San Chou
  • Patent number: 9664578
    Abstract: A device for carrying out a test on a fluid circuit of an aircraft including a test unit which includes, at the inlet, at least one means of connection to a pressurized gas supply connected to means for regulating the pressure of the gas provided by the supply as a function of the test to be carried out and, at the outlet, at least two connection means connected to the means for regulating the pressure of the gas, wherein at least two connection means have different dimensions tailored to a range of pressures or a given pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Stéphane Mateo, Bernard Courthieu, Ludovic Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 9551622
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rotor for a torque sensor configured to improve a mechanical coupling force with respect to a jig in a process of adjusting a torque center, thus enabling a fine adjustment, the rotor including a rotor body having a sleeve coupled to a rotating shaft and a yoke protruding from an outer circumference of the sleeve, a ring-shaped magnet coupled to an outer circumference of the yoke, and an anti-slip structure formed on the rotor body and partially coming into contact with a jig during a rotating process for adjusting a torque center, thus inhibiting slipping between the rotor body and the jig when a rotating force is transmitted, so that slipping between the jig and the rotor body is inhibited to enable precise transmission of the rotating force whereby accuracy is improved during fine adjustment of the torque center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Changhwan Lee
  • Patent number: 9417110
    Abstract: A biomedical tester includes a fluid-control container, shaped to define a fluid-control container port and a first interface surface defining fluid-control container apertures. A fluid controller is shaped to define a second interface surface defining controller ports. These elements and a motor are arranged to relative translation between the first and second interface surfaces; thereby effecting a time-varying overlap between subgroups of the system. Fixtures allow disposition therewithin of respective medical devices. Each of the fixtures includes one or more fixture first ports and fixture second ports. The fixture first ports are mounted in fluid Communication respective with the controller ports. A fluid pump includes first and second pump ports in fluid communication with the fixture second ports and the fluid-control container port, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: ENDOSPAN LTD.
    Inventors: Sagi Raz, Raphael Benary, Alon Shalev
  • Patent number: 9366549
    Abstract: Sensor systems comprising a magnetic circuit comprising a coil, a magnet, at least one of a ferromagnetic armature plate and a conductive armature plate, wherein the at least one of the ferromagnetic armature plate and the conductive armature plate is configured to move axially in response to at least one of the magnet and the coil, and a controller configured to apply a known first voltage across the coil and monitor a current through the coil are provided. Methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Joseph Slanker, Herbert S. Summers, Joseph E. Beason
  • Patent number: 9228766
    Abstract: A manifold gauge set has at least one sight glass window for viewing contents of a refrigeration system or an air conditioning system being serviced. The window may be non-planar to achieve an appearance that varies with the presence or absence of liquid. Such a non-planar window may be in the form of a dome, prism or a fresnel lens. The gauge set may have a second light transmissive window to allow light to illuminate system contents being viewed. A light source may be provided to illuminate system contents being viewed. The light source may provide light through the same window that is used for viewing contents. A diffuser may be provided with a second window to achieve an illuminated background for viewing system contents. Similar configurations may be used in standalone sight glasses, vacuum pumps, and recovery machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: BRASSCORP LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul C. Appler, Jack E. Brass, Steven M. Knowles, Donald L. Klipstein
  • Patent number: 9222477
    Abstract: Submersible pump and motor performance testing. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: coupling a torque meter between an electric motor and a pump; and submersing the torque meter, electric motor, and pump in water. During periods of time when the torque meter, electric motor and pump are submerged in the water, the method comprises: operating the pump and the electric motor; measuring pump performance; and simultaneously measuring electric motor performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Gicon Pump & Equipment, Ltd.
    Inventors: R. Mark Durham, M. Bryan Sherrod, Ronald K. Hensley, Gary D. Grant
  • Publication number: 20150143894
    Abstract: A self-monitoring valve module responsive to an actuating signal for admitting liquid into a sump container to test a sump pump includes an electrically-actuated valve responsive to the actuating signal to establish flow into the container, and a flow sensor which provides an output signal indicative of liquid flow through the valve, and a monitoring circuit which provides a fault signal indicating failure of the valve when the actuating signal is not calling for actuation of the valve and the flow sensor output signal indicates flow through the fluid conduit, or when the actuating signal is calling for actuation of the valve and the flow sensor output signal indicates no flow in the fluid conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Eugene M. Cummings
  • Publication number: 20150143895
    Abstract: An automated system for monitoring and testing a sump pump installation includes an electrically-actuated valve which admits liquid into the liquid container in response to a valve control signal. A test control module supplies a valve control signal to initiate a test cycle during which liquid is admitted to the container to cause the liquid level in the container to rise after which the pump, if functional, discharges liquid from the container and the test cycle is terminated. The test control module includes a timer circuit which, if the test cycle is not terminated by the pump, terminates the test cycle and terminates application of the valve control signal to the valve after a predetermined time out period following initiation of the test cycle. The test control module further includes an indicator circuit which indicates upon termination of the test cycle whether the test was successful or unsuccessful.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Eugene M. Cummings
  • Publication number: 20150143891
    Abstract: A proactive test and monitoring system for a sump pump installation of the type having an electrically-powered sump pump which pumps water from a sump pit to a dispersal site when the water level in the pit rises to a predetermined level. The system includes a control module which is periodically actuated by an event timer to initiate a test cycle wherein a valve is actuated open to admit water into the pit. If the pump is operative, the pump operates and the water level in the pit falls, the test cycle is terminated and a successful test is indicated. If the pump is inoperative, the water level continues to rise and the test cycle is terminated, the valve is closed and an unsuccessful test is indicated. Thus the sump pump installation is periodically tested to improve the reliability of the pump and to signal pump inoperability in advance of any potential flood event requiring operation of the pump installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Eugene M. Cummings
  • Publication number: 20150143896
    Abstract: An automated system for testing and monitoring a sump pump installation includes an electrically-actuated valve which admits liquid to the sump container in response to a valve control signal. A test control module actuates the valve to initiate a test cycle during which liquid is admitted to the sump container to cause the liquid level in the container to rise to a predetermined level, after which the pump, if functional, discharges liquid from the container until the liquid level falls to a lower level and the test cycle is terminated. The test control module includes an indicator circuit which indicates in response to completion of the test cycle whether the test was successful or unsuccessful. A processor circuit records the elapsed time of successive test cycles and the current supplied to the sump pump motor to identify trends or anomalies in the operation of the pump and provide an output signal indicative thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Eugene M. Cummings
  • Publication number: 20150143893
    Abstract: A test and monitoring system for a sump pump installation of the type having a battery-powered sump pump which pumps liquid from a sump container when the liquid level in the container rises. A current probe operatively associated with the electrical circuit between the battery and the pump provides an output signal indicative of current flow to the motor. The system includes a control module which is periodically actuated to initiate a test cycle wherein a valve is actuated open to admit liquid into the pit. If the pump is operative, the pump pumps liquid from the container, causing the liquid level in the sump container to fall, and the control module in response to the output signal of the current probe to terminate the test cycle and indicate a successful test. If the sump pump is inoperative, the liquid level in the container continues to rise and the test cycle is terminated, the valve is closed and an unsuccessful test is indicated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Eugene M. Cummings
  • Publication number: 20150143897
    Abstract: An automated battery-powered backup AC power supply system for a sump pump installation of the type having a sump pump and a pump controller which connects the sump pump motor to the AC line to operate in response to a rising liquid level in the sump container. The system includes a standby battery and an inverter operable from the battery for supplying AC power to the sump pump installation in the event of AC power failure or during periodic testing of the sump pump installation. A power controller senses whether the sump pump motor is connected to the AC line by the pump controller and connects the AC inverter to the backup battery to supply AC power to the installation only when the pump is connected, thereby minimizing idle current drain on the battery and prolonging the backup availability of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Eugene M. Cummings
  • Publication number: 20150143892
    Abstract: A test and monitoring system for a sump pump installation of the type having two electrically-powered pumps in a sump container wherein each, when actuated by rising liquid in the container, pump water from the container to a dispersal site. A test control module initiates a first test cycle in which the operation of the second pump is inhibited and fresh water is admitted into the container until the first pump, if functional, pumps liquid from the container. The test control module then initiates a second test cycle in which operation of the first pump is inhibited and fresh water is again admitted into the container until the second pump, if functional, pumps liquid from the container. A separate indication of a satisfactory of unsatisfactory test is given for each sump pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Eugene M. Cummings
  • Publication number: 20150135821
    Abstract: A system and corresponding method for testing fire pumps installed in buildings uses a sensor hub to gather measurement data from one or more pressure sensors installed in corresponding water conduits. The sensor hub broadcasts data related to water flow at the water conduit or conduits to a computer where the information from the sensors is converted to a total water flow through all water conduits. The total water flow is combined with other data about pump operation to determine whether the pump is operating within predetermined requirements. The computer may also analyze a photograph of a placard on the pump to determine model and other operating information from the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Frederick H. Grenning
  • Publication number: 20150133719
    Abstract: An implantable medical pump system can include a blood pump comprising a pump housing defining a passage therethrough and a rotor within the passage. The blood pump further includes one or more elements at least partially contained within the housing adapted to actuate the rotor to drive fluid though the passage. The pump housing includes at least one coupling feature. The system further includes an inflow cannula defining a lumen therethrough. The inflow cannula is adapted to be mechanically coupled to the at least one coupling feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: JUSTIN ARON CALLAWAY, PETER SODERHOLM
  • Patent number: 9027398
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement for detecting wear of a pump are disclosed, which pump is controlled with a frequency converter providing rotational speed and torque estimates, characteristic curves of the pump being known. An exemplary method includes obtaining a value representing the operating point of the pump by measuring the flow (Qact) or the head (Hact) produced by the pump; estimating the operating point of the pump by using a calculation based on the characteristic curves of the pump, the estimated rotational speed (nest) of the pump, and the estimated torque (Test) of the pump; calculating an estimation error from the value representing the operating point and from the estimated operating point; repeating the above steps during the use of the pump; and detecting the wear of the pump from the amplitude of the estimation error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: ABB Oy
    Inventors: Tero Ahonen, Jussi Tamminen, Jero Ahola