Combined Patents (Class 73/198)
  • Publication number: 20130091945
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid meter, in particular for water, comprising a totaliser having an electronic card including a remote meter reading system using radio waves and contained in a metal housing covered in a leakproof manner by an upper transparent panel, this totaliser being covered by a cover which retains the said upper transparent panel in a leakproof manner and the said cover being covered by a cap made from plastic material. According to the invention the said upper transparent panel is made from glass and the said upper transparent panel and the said cover include an orifice in which is disposed a watertight arrangement for transmission of radio waves from the said electronic card towards an antenna disposed between the said cover and the said cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: ITRON FRANCE
    Inventor: Itron France
  • Patent number: 8413502
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for measuring infant feeding performance. The device includes a body portion, a pressure sensor and an integrated circuit. The body portion includes a first end for receiving a fluid, a second end mateable with a feeding nipple, and a conduit in fluid communication with the first and second ends. The pressure sensor is disposed in the body portion, is in contact with the fluid in the conduit, and generates a signal representing a pressure of the fluid passing through the conduit during a feeding session. The integrated circuit is disposed in the body portion and is electrically connected to the pressure sensor. The integrated circuit receives the pressure signal and determines a feeding factor over the feeding session indicative of the infant feeding performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: Jay N. Zemel, Barbara Medoff-Cooper
  • Patent number: 8306762
    Abstract: Systems and methods for analysis of data associated with fluid flow through a conduit and potential control of the fluid flow. In one embodiment, a method includes a data processing unit obtaining from a sensor a signal representing a series of measurements of a physical parameter associated with fluid flow through the conduit. The data processing unit performs singular spectral analysis of this signal and thereby identifies recurring, possibly non-sinusoidal patterns in the signal. The data processing unit may construct a second signal from some or all of the recurring patterns identified in the first signal. Alternatively, the data processing unit may identify recurring patterns in the signal which are indicative of corresponding conditions associated with the fluid flow through the conduit. The data processing unit may then initiate control functions responsive to the recurring patterns and associated conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: William Joshua Sonnier
  • Patent number: 8302470
    Abstract: A flow test device for diminishing and diverting the flow of a high pressure stream of water while testing a fire pump has a hollow diverter tank supported on a trailer for receiving a high pressure stream of water forced by the fire pump through one or more pipes and nozzle tips retained in a stable position adjacent the diverter tank. Diffusers within the tank divert the flow of water as it enters the tank with the water subsequently exiting through an open bottom of the diverter tank. One or more support panels maintain the pipes in a generally horizontal orientation in relation to the diverter tank. A valve and gauge board enables a user to control the testing and provides for easy positioning in the vicinity of the fire pump to be tested while avoiding splash and spray from the diverter tank discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: John R. Earle
  • Publication number: 20120216609
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for determining the delivery rate of a liquid conveying device, in particular a concrete pump, wherein on the basis of measured values concerning the pressure of the liquid the number of the pump strokes of the concrete conveying device is determined, in particular substantially calculated, by series-connection of a plurality of filters with adaptive filter length and variable detection limits. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a liquid conveying device and to a construction vehicle with a liquid conveying device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: LIEBHERR-WERK NENZING GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Amann, Norbert Krimbacher
  • Patent number: 8181512
    Abstract: A timing device includes a timer and a flow meter mounted on the timer. The timer has a water inlet port and a water outlet port. The flow meter includes a first guide pipe mounted on the water outlet port and provided with a mounting chamber, a detector mounted on the first guide pipe, a rotation ring rotatably mounted in the mounting chamber, a magnetic member mounted on the rotation ring and movable to pass the detector, and a second guide pipe mounted on the first guide pipe. Thus, the water flow rate in the flow meter is calculated according to the times of the magnetic member passing the detector so that when the flow rate of the water passing through the flow meter reaches a preset value, the timer stops operating so as to control the water flow exactly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Ching-Chih Yu
  • Publication number: 20120090605
    Abstract: A medication delivery device for delivering a medicament by inhalation, said device comprising a housing (2) defining a chamber adapted to receive a metered dose of medication from a medication dispensing device, such as a pressurised metered dose inhaler canister or a dry powder inhaler, said chamber having an outlet (4) communicating with a mouthpiece of the device whereby said metered dose of medication can be withdrawn from the chamber via the mouthpiece by inhalation by a patient, said chamber being provided with a moveable wall (5) moveable between a first position and a second position, whereby said moveable wall is arranged to move from its first position to its second position as a patient withdraws a dose of medication from the chamber by inhalation to verify complete inhalation of said dose of medication. FIG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER
    Inventors: Liam McDaid, Barry Henderson, James Harkin
  • Publication number: 20120079880
    Abstract: A fluid flushing and pressurization apparatus for use with geothermal systems, capable of delivering a reversible high-velocity flow of fluid through a system of buried PE pipe without introducing an overpressure condition or water hammer. The apparatus can be utilized with methods for installing, preparing, flushing, filling, testing, and certifying geothermal heating and cooling systems. A portable pumping and testing apparatus can include a high-volume pump, a high-pressure pump, a flow meter, and pressure sensors in wired or wireless communication with a processor or logic controller such that continuous or periodic monitoring of the system can be recorded. The system can be programmed to operate automatically under computer control such that reversal of the flow through the geothermal system does not shock or damage the equipment or buried piping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: BRAUN INTERTEC GEOTHERMAL, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Freitag
  • Patent number: 8141420
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus including: a container that receives urine; and a urine amount measuring device that measures the weight of the urine received by the container; wherein the urine amount measuring device has: a mounting plate, which is a plate on which the container is mounted; a measuring portion that measures the weight of the container mounted on the mounting plate multiple times at given time intervals; and an output portion that outputs a result of the measurement performed by the measuring portion, and the apparatus has a fixing structure that is situated in at least a bottom portion of the container and a mounting face of the mounting plate and that detachably fixes the container on the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Hirao
  • Publication number: 20110296909
    Abstract: The invention relates to a test device for testing the inspection device of a washing machine for endoscopes, the inspection device including a connection that can be sealingly connected to an opening of an endoscope and feeding a fluid under pressure, said connector having a flow meter and/or a pressure transducer and the test device comprising at least one test chamber that can be sealingly connected to the connector by means of a test opening, wherein the test chamber is designed to be adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH
    Inventors: Sascha Eschborn, Jens Waldmann
  • Publication number: 20110283786
    Abstract: A vacuum container having a vacuum producing means, mounted on a vehicle, a trailer, or skid mounted, with options chosen from an articulating boom, a water jetter system, a liquid pressure dissipating means, a valve actuator, and a drive motor for the valve actuator being either hydraulic, air, or electric powered, a global positioning system to determine and log the position of work, service or hardware, controls and measuring devices and de-chlorinator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Lynn A. Buckner, Don M. Buckner
  • Publication number: 20110203364
    Abstract: A method for determining the resource consumption in the usage of a fluid, in particular water, withdrawn from a withdrawal site, determines the amount of fluid withdrawn from the withdrawal site during a withdrawal unit. The fluid quantity is based either on the fluid quantity of an individual withdrawal process or the fluid quantity of an overall withdrawal process combining several individual withdrawal processes. The overall withdrawal process is taken into account when the individual withdrawal processes take place in a time interval that is smaller than a predetermined time window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: Amphiro AG
    Inventors: Thorsten Staake, Thomas Stiefmeier
  • Patent number: 7980124
    Abstract: The invention relates to a meter including a counter provided with an electronic display member and covered by a cap (2) presenting at least one window (2A) enabling an electronic screen (3) that is centered on the vertical central axis (X) of the meter to be viewed, said cap (2) carrying official information on its outside face (4). According to the invention, said cap (2) is pivotable about said axis (X) and the meter includes at least one static sensor (5, 6) responsive to pivoting of said cap (2), said sensor controlling the display of said screen (3) in such a manner that the data displayed by the screen has the same reading direction (S1, S2) as said official information (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Actaris S.A.S.
    Inventor: Alain Cros
  • Patent number: 7962576
    Abstract: The application is directed to methods, systems, procedures, networks and storage apparatus used to conduct conversions of data using remote conversion servers. In one embodiment of the present invention, recent query results may be stored and then used to solve subsequent conversions rather than querying a remote conversion server when the same conversion was previously completed. A counter may be referenced to determine if too much time has passed since the original query was stored in the buffer and, if too much time has passed, the buffer may be cleared and the remote conversion server may be queried to convert the pending data. The resulting conversion may be stored for subsequent use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventors: Guenter Spens, Ralf Mueller, Markus Seng
  • Publication number: 20100319449
    Abstract: The invention relates to a meter including a counter provided with an electronic display member and covered by a cap (2) presenting at least one window (2A) enabling an electronic screen (3) that is centered on the vertical central axis (X) of the meter to be viewed, said cap (2) carrying official information on its outside face (4). According to the invention, said cap (2) is pivotable about said axis (X) and the meter includes at least one static sensor (5, 6) responsive to pivoting of said cap (2), said sensor controlling the display of said screen (3) in such a manner that the data displayed by the screen has the same reading direction (S1, S2) as said official information (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: ACTARIS S.A.S.
    Inventor: Alain Cros
  • Publication number: 20100269583
    Abstract: In various aspects of the invention a flow vortex suppression apparatus for use in an air intake duct having a mass air flow sensor is disclosed. The flow vortex suppression apparatus includes an air flow permeable fibrous vortex dispersive media installed into the air duct in a position upstream of the mass flow sensor and configured to occlude the air duct such that air flow in the duct is constrained to pass through the vortex dispersive media. The vortex dispersive media is configured and adapted to diffuse vortices and reduce air turbulence of an air stream entering the mass flow sensor, thereby reducing variations and noise in a flow measurement signal from the mass air flow sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: MANN+HUMMEL GMBH
    Inventor: Jasris Jasnie
  • Publication number: 20100251813
    Abstract: A device for monitoring circulation of a fluid at a first opening includes a housing through which fluid passes, the first opening to be monitored, at least a second opening that empties into a chamber of the housing, and a sealing element that can shift or be moved, in a reversible manner, from one closed position in which it seals the first opening to at least one open position in which it releases the opening and allows fluid circulation. The sealing element is capable of being deployed in the chamber, and its movement is controlled by at least one activating element. The sealing element includes a moving body that forms a piston whose one end part is configured to seal the first opening and a portion of membrane is sandwiched between the end part of the moving body and at least the edge that forms a seat of the first opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: MARK IV SYSTEMES MOTEURS
    Inventors: Nicolas BECKER, Alexandre FLORANC, Francois COTTET, David GUYON
  • Patent number: 7762313
    Abstract: A coolant sensor doubles as a bleed valve for purging trapped air from a cooling system. The sensor slides into a port placing a sensor element in contact with the coolant. The sensor includes a pair of encircling o-rings for sealing the system from atmosphere in one position and permitting bleeding in a second position. The bleed channel is in the sensor port between the o-rings. The sensor is moved so the innermost o-ring clears the narrow opening into the cooling system. The outermost o-ring maintains a seal to keep the coolant from leaking out of the sensor port. The sensor is held in either position by a horseshoe clip or by a bayonet arrangement, the horseshoe clip arrangement including multiple apertures for each position, the bayonet having a position to provide for safe bleeding of air from the cooling system without completely removing the sensor from its retention port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: Eric Darby
  • Publication number: 20100064797
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus including: a container that receives urine; and a urine amount measuring device that measures the weight of the urine received by the container; wherein the urine amount measuring device has: a mounting plate, which is a plate on which the container is mounted; a measuring portion that measures the weight of the container mounted on the mounting plate multiple times at given time intervals; and an output portion that outputs a result of the measurement performed by the measuring portion, and the apparatus has a fixing structure that is situated in at least a bottom portion of the container and a mounting face of the mounting plate and that detachably fixes the container on the mounting plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Hirao
  • Publication number: 20090320552
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for measuring flow rate in pipes. The standard method of installing flow meters inside pipes to measure flow rates are costly and result in loss of energy and reduction of flow. The present invention solves the problems of standard flow measuring method. The present invention uses an apparatuses comprising of a first pipe and a by-pass second pipe. The flow is partitioned between the first pipe and the by-pass second pipe. A flow meter is installed in the by-pass second pipe. The flow rate is measured through the by-pass second pipe, and using the by-pass second pipe flow rate, the combined flow rate through the first pipe and the by-pass second pipe is calculated. The invention describes two methods to calibrate the apparatuses and relate the flow rate in the by-pass second pipe to total combined flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Zohrab A. Samani
  • Publication number: 20090301185
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring distance traversed by a swimmer are provided. The apparatus comprises a casing with a flow-meter, a recording device, a transmitter and a receiving device to relay distance traversed by the swimmer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Brian Thomas Duk
  • Publication number: 20090241683
    Abstract: Mass air flow sensing for internal combustion engines. In one aspect, a sensor adaptor for use in an internal combustion engine includes an inlet housing including an approximately 90-degree elbow and directing air within the inlet housing to the internal combustion engine in an airflow direction. A mass air flow sensor is coupled to the housing at a location after the 90-degree elbow with respect to the airflow direction and senses the air flowing within the inlet housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Cummins, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Perr, Yongquan Chai
  • Publication number: 20090193886
    Abstract: A water and temperature monitoring device for measuring and indicating fluid temperature and fluid flow rate includes a body connected between a fluid inlet and fluid outlet, the body having an interior; and a faceplate on the body. A temperature indicator is supported on the faceplate, and a fluid flowmeter is in contact with the fluid in the interior of the body. A fluid flow rate indicator is also supported on the faceplate, the fluid flow rate indicator being responsive to the fluid flow rate indicated by the fluid flowmeter. A temperature sensor is connected to the temperature indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Gene Walkin
  • Publication number: 20090173164
    Abstract: An airflow detection apparatus includes an enclosure defining a through hole therein, a conductive pole received in the through hole of the enclosure, a first conductive board electrically connected to a first end of the conductive pole and an electrode of a power source, and a second conductive board electrically connected to the other electrode of the power source. The first and second conductive boards are respectively attached to a top end and a bottom plate of the enclosure. The second conductive board defines a through hole therein to make an end of the conductive pole to pass therethrough, and a diameter of the through hole of the second conductive board is greater than that of the conductive pole. When the conductive pole is driven by an airflow, it will swing to contact with a side bounding the through hole of the second conductive board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: MING-CHIH HSIEH, TSUNG-HSI LI
  • Patent number: 7552643
    Abstract: A device for monitoring gas effusing from a pipe, the device comprising a mounting assembly having an upper and lower bracket; a housing located on the upper bracket; the bottom of the housing is of a shape complementary to the pipe being monitored; a probe assembly; a bore in the housing for receiving the probe assembly; the probe assembly comprising: a probe insert; a chamber for collecting gas in the bottom of the probe insert formed by side walls and an upper wall; a compressible sealing means in the bottom of the side walls for sealingly engaging the outer surface of the pipe to be monitored; a passageway in the probe insert, extending from an outlet at the top surface of the probe insert to an inlet in the upper wall of the chamber, such that the passageway is in flow communication with the chamber; a tube receivable through the outlet of the passageway; a plate removably connected to the housing for, securing the probe assembly in place; the plate comprising a biasing means for compressing the sealing
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Centre For Nuclear Energy Research (CNER)
    Inventor: John Aikens
  • Publication number: 20090164050
    Abstract: A flow control system comprises a flow sensor, a valve controller, a signal processor, a control processor and an interface. The flow sensor generates a sensor signal characterizing a flow rate. The valve controller controls the flow rate as a function of a control output. The signal processor converts the sensor signal into a flow signal characterizing the flow rate as a function of time, and the control processor generates the control output as a function of a setpoint and the flow signals. The interface receives an input representative of the setpoint, transmits a flow output representative of the flow signals, and transmits a diagnostic output directly indicative of an operational condition of the flow control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Rosemount, Inc.
    Inventors: Anis Ahmad, Garrie David Huisenga
  • Publication number: 20090025471
    Abstract: Air out flowing controller for cold waters to be installed in hydraulic pipelines, having a body, composed of two parts united, forming a structural component whose purpose is to involve the internal system and its components: The piston whose purpose is to control the air out flowing. The spring works by the pressure differential. The spring will allow the piston to flow of the air with an out flowing inferior than the water meter Q.min.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: Airblock Air Controller, LLC
    Inventor: Pedro Siqueira
  • Patent number: 7477997
    Abstract: A liquid aspiration method which includes a method for determining the quality of the aspirated sample through mathematical analysis of the standard deviation of the residuals of the linear regression analysis of the aspiration pressure profile generated between the onset of actual aspiration and the end of actual aspiration and comparison of the results with predetermined known values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Kaplit
  • Publication number: 20090000404
    Abstract: Portable devices and related methods for collecting and storing atmospheric samples for subsequent chemical analysis are provided. A sample cartridge according to one implementation includes self-sealing inlet and outlet ports configured to close automatically when not in use, and a sample retention portion between the inlet and outlet ports that is adapted to trap an atmospheric sample. The sample cartridge may also include a memory device for recording data regarding the sample. Another embodiment provides a portable sampler configured to removably secure a self-sealing sample cartridge. A portable sampling device may also be used with an analytical instrument. The analytical instrument may analyze the sample and read the data recorded on the sample cartridge's memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Matthew Briscoe, Brent Rardin, Dennis Barket, JR.
  • Publication number: 20080314118
    Abstract: A combinational sensor system for measuring multiple measurands includes a flow transducer, a pressure transducer and a humidity transducer. The pressure and humidity transducers are provided with independent access to sensed media and are ratiometric to a supply voltage, whereas the flow sensor is sensitive to openings to the flow path. The combinational sensor system utilizes elastomeric seals that include patterned electrically conductive and non-conductive seals. An ASIC is generally associated with the combinational sensor, and is located on a patterned electrically conductive substrate lead frame or for signal conditioning in order to detect any of the sensed measurands. The transducers can be arranged in a manner that distributes the transducers to optimize the accuracy and response time of the combinational sensor system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Paul P. Bey, JR., Craig S. Becke, Jamie W. Speldrich, Christopher M. Blumhoff
  • Publication number: 20080250854
    Abstract: A mass flow device comprises an inlet and an outlet; a bypass and a laminar flow element disposed within the bypass. The device also includes a sensor constructed so as to provide an output signal representative of the flow rate through the mass flow device, the sensor including a tube in fluid communication with the inlet and the laminar flow element at an upstream connection location, and the outlet and the laminar flow element at a downstream connection location. A flow equalizer is disposed between the inlet and the upstream connection location, wherein the flow equalizer includes a porous medium constructed with an interconnected porosity so as to greatly reduce the flow disturbance to the sensor with an approximate equalized flow pattern exiting the equalizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Junhua Ding, Jeffrey Anastas
  • Publication number: 20080210000
    Abstract: To provide a filter test apparatus that can easily and efficiently test parallel filters in a clean room, a plurality of filters for purifying air supplied into the room are disposed in parallel, and a moving frame oriented along the exit surfaces of a filter group is disposed in the clean room, in which the exit surfaces of the filter group are used as the ceiling surfaces or side surfaces of the room, so as to allow movement in the direction along the exit surfaces of the filter group in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the moving frame. The moving frame is disposed so as to span opposing room walls and in a position near the exit surfaces of the filter group in the room. A filter test device is movably mounted on the moving frame in the longitudinal direction of the moving frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: TAIKISHA LTD.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Yoshitome
  • Publication number: 20080148862
    Abstract: A device for monitoring gas effusing from a pipe, the device comprising a mounting assembly having an upper and lower bracket; a housing located on the upper bracket; the bottom of the housing is of a shape complementary to the pipe being monitored; a probe assembly; a bore in the housing for receiving the probe assembly; the probe assembly comprising: a probe insert; a chamber for collecting gas in the bottom of the probe insert formed by side walls and an upper wall; a compressible sealing means in the bottom of the side walls for sealingly engaging the outer surface of the pipe to be monitored; a passageway in the probe insert, extending from an outlet at the top surface of the probe insert to an inlet in the upper wall of the chamber, such that the passageway is in flow communication with the chamber; a tube receivable through the outlet of the passageway; a plate removably connected to the housing for, securing the probe assembly in place; the plate comprising a biasing means for compressing the sealing
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: John Aikens
  • Publication number: 20080105046
    Abstract: A microelectronic packaging method and system for minimizing the distance between the sensing plane of a MEMS flow sensor and a mounting substrate thereof. Flow obstructions are minimized and laminar flow maintained in order to enhance flow sensor optimal performance. The distance between the sensing plane and the mounting substrate can be controlled by optimizing the dimensions of an associated carrier with respect to the thickness of the MEMS flow sensor. Ideally, the sensing plane of the MEMS flow sensor is located at the same level as the mounting substrate or just slightly higher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Lamar F. Ricks
  • Patent number: 7367230
    Abstract: A path detector is constructed so that a path block body, which forms a given path and which has a flow sensor interposed in the path, and a circuit board having an electric circuit mounted thereon are accommodated in a rectangular parallelepiped or cubic housing. An indicator and an operation switch are provided in a front surface portion of the housing that is exposed at a front surface of a given panel when the housing is fixed to the panel. The path in the path block body is U-shaped path and has an inlet and an outlet in a back surface portion of the housing. A terminal for external connection of the circuit board is also disposed in the back surface portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Yamatake Corporation
    Inventors: Isamu Warashina, Osamu Momose, Hiroyuki Inagaki
  • Publication number: 20080092639
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for controlling liquid chromatography flow, while preserving optimum separation of analyte components and providing a longer time for detector analysis to simultaneously increase detection sensitivity and resolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Dian Y. Lee
  • Patent number: 7341097
    Abstract: A coolant sensor doubles as a bleed valve for purging trapped air from a cooling system. The sensor slides into a port placing a sensor element in contact with the coolant. The sensor includes a pair of encircling o-rings for sealing the system from atmosphere in one position and permitting bleeding in a second position. The bleed channel is in the sensor port between the o-rings. The sensor is moved so the innermost o-ring clears the narrow opening into the cooling system. The outermost o-ring maintains a seal to keep the coolant from leaking out of the sensor port. The sensor is held in either position by a horseshoe clip or by a bayonet arrangement, the horseshoe clip arrangement including multiple apertures for each position, the bayonet having a position to provide for safe bleeding of air from the cooling system without completely removing the sensor from its retention port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventor: Eric Darby
  • Publication number: 20080037366
    Abstract: A fluid conditioner for a fluid traveling through a conduit, the conduit having a longitudinal axis and substantially circular cross-section. The fluid conditioner includes a static mixing element and a straightener plate. The preferred static mixer is one having a flat generally rectangular central portion having first and second sets of ears affixed on opposite sides of the central portion. The sets of ears include first and second ears bent respectively in upward and downward directions relative to the plane of the central portion wherein each pair of ears located diagonally opposite one another across the central portion are bent in the same direction relative to the plane of the central portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Smith
  • Patent number: 7266467
    Abstract: A method for performing system characterization in situ for a system comprising a actuator controlled by a proportional controller. The system includes a quasi-linear region characterized by a slope of the system response and by a delay in the quasi-linear region of the system. The system includes at least one dead zone (DZ).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation, Limited
    Inventor: John William Peake
  • Patent number: 7258001
    Abstract: A ventilation-mast monitoring system for filling stations contains a thermal through-flow measuring device (30) and a hydrocarbon-measuring device (30). The thermal through-flow-measuring device (30) has a heating device and a temperature sensor which is located in the flow path and reacts to the temperature of the heating device, and is configured to sense the gas volume flow escaping from a reservoir tank (1) via a ventilation mast (4) of the reservoir tank (1) of a filling station or entering the reservoir tank (1). The hydrocarbon-measuring device (30) is configured to sense the direction of the gas volume flow escaping from or entering the reservoir tank (1) via the ventilation mast (4). A control device which is configured to receive and to process measuring signals emitted by measuring devices of the system is preferably provided as a further system component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Fafnir GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Kunter, Wolfgang Schrittenlacher
  • Publication number: 20070181192
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring gas flow in a semiconductor manufacturing equipment, includes an exhaust line, a flow amount measuring unit, and a controller unit having a first input electrically connected to the flow amount measuring unit and a second input having a predetermined reference value, the controller unit having the capability of comparing data in the first input to the predetermined reference value in the second input and generate a signal when the data in the first input exceed the predetermined reference value. The apparatus of the present invention may be incorporated into a gas delivery system employed in semiconductor manufacturing to detect gas leaks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventors: Sang-Kook Choi, Chang-Hyun Lim, Young-Sang Lee, Nam-Oh Kim
  • Patent number: 7021145
    Abstract: An acoustic transducer for measuring a property of a fluid includes an acoustic pulse generator and buffer assembly. The buffer assembly is between the pulse generator and the fluid. The buffer assembly is composed of a core and a sleeve shrink fitted over the core to form a cladding layer. The cladding layer reduces dispersion of the acoustic pulses traveling through the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Horiba Instruments, Inc
    Inventor: James A. Hill
  • Patent number: 6993985
    Abstract: A fluid stream sampler enables variable flow rate controlled air sampling, as an attachment to a vacuum source, typically a household vacuum cleaner. The fluid stream sampler includes a housing body having a vacuum outlet opening and a sampling port inlet. A volumetric flow rate indicator is disposed in the flowpath between the vacuum outlet opening and the sampling port inlet. An adjustable damper panel interposed in the flowpath regulates the vacuum pressure within the housing body. In operation, a vacuum imparted by the vacuum source directs a fluid stream along the flowpath between the vacuum outlet opening and the sampling port inlet such that, upon moving the damper panel to a desired position within the flowpath, a desired volumetric flow rate is achieved as measured by the indicator. The desired volumetric flow rate corresponds to a preferred flow rate specified for a fluid constituent sampling medium interposed in the flowpath at the sampling port inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Toxair LLC
    Inventor: David Edward Srebro
  • Patent number: 6804613
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to achieve measurement of electrode impedance that is not easily affected by fluid noise, and to accurately detect adhesion and discriminate the type of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Ikuhiko Ishikawa, Hironobu Oota
  • Patent number: 6721674
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-situ calibration of quantity measurement of a fluid flowing in a channel, in which a device for measuring the volume of the fluid is disconnected from the fluid flow, measuring fluid is accumulated in a pre-determined amount on site of the calibration, this pre-determined amount of measuring fluid is led through the measuring device with a pre-determined volume flow, in the course of which the volume values measured by the measuring device are saved, then the measured volume values and the real values of the fluid led through are compared to each other and, with this, the quantity measurement of the flowing fluid is calibrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Andras Borzsonyi
  • Publication number: 20040055363
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring fluid flow rate in a system where fluid is pumped, such as a gas monitoring instrument where gas is pumped from a space such as a room or enclosure through a conduit to a sensor. The flow of gas through a pump is determined by measuring motor back-e.m.f. which is proportional to motor speed. In a system where motor speed is regulated by pulse width modulation of the motor drive voltage, the back-e.m.f. is sampled during intervals between the drive pulses applied to the motor, and in a further aspect the sampling is done at selected, spaced-apart or infrequent intervals such as once for every ten or once for every hundred motor drive pulses. Advantageously, in an instrument that uses a microprocessor and analog-to-digital converter to measure gas-concentration, the same microprocessor and converter can provide the PWM control of the pump, in response to the back-e.m.f. generated by the pump motor between the drive pulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: L. Rodney Bristol
  • Publication number: 20030136883
    Abstract: A flow meter strut assembly includes a strut portion having a first end plate, a second end plate, a longitudinally adjustable flow meter support structure between the first and second end plates, and curved mounting surfaces formed on outer surfaces of each of the first and second end plates of the strut portion. At least one flow meter is adjustably mounted on the flow meter support structure. The flow meter support structure is adjustable longitudinally by a turnbuckle assembly connected between the flow meter support structure and the second end plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Byron G. Sjoblom, Gary R. Berlam
  • Patent number: 6371147
    Abstract: The subject of the present invention is: processes for the evaluation and the regulation, to a value P0, of the net (or gross) thermal power P of a flow of a combustible gas CG of composition close to that of a reference gas, said flow of gas passing through a flowmeter (7) of thermal mass technology, which is standardized, or standardized and calibrated, for said reference gas; a method of characterizing a flowmeter of thermal mass technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Louis Philippe
  • Patent number: 6293298
    Abstract: A water softener valve for controlling water flow to and from a water softener is disclosed that includes a cylindrical shaft extending from said inner surface of a piston chamber that fits into a pressure relief port when the piston is in the service position. The shaft clears the pressure relief port of any debris and closes the pressure relief port during the service cycle. The water softener valve also has a flow meter with at least two helically expanding vanes. A magnet on of the vanes trips a sensor as the turbine rotates, thereby providing means for calculating the flow of water through the valve. The valve also has a flow control button located at an inlet of the valve rather than at the drain, preventing the obstruction of the water flow by regeneration sediment of the tank at the drain. The valve also contains an internal piston port for permitting the free flow of water through the valve during a change in softener cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: iNetWater LLC
    Inventors: Earl Brane, Boyd Cornell
  • Patent number: 6149515
    Abstract: A moisture elimination louver includes a housing which allows fluid flow between an air inlet opening on an upstream side of the housing and an air outlet opening on a downstream side of the housing with a plurality of moisture elimination separator plates positioned within the housing such that respective moisture eliminating air flow channels are formed between each adjacent pair of the separator plates. The moisture elimination louver is modified to included one or more air flow sensors by positioning each of the air flow sensor(s) within a different respective one of the air flow channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Tomkins Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Van Becelaere