Leakage Patents (Class 73/40)
  • Publication number: 20150082866
    Abstract: A method and system for testing an evaporative emission control system for leaks. The method begins by setting a variable reference orifice to a preselected diameter. Then, a vacuum pump evacuates a reference volume in the vicinity of the variable reference orifice. The reference volume is defined by the vacuum pump, and the reference orifice. Then, after a specified evacuation time, the method determines a pressure in the reference volume. That pressure is stored as the threshold test value. The method continues by evacuating the entire EVAP system for a predetermined time. A leak can then be identified if after the evacuation, the system pressure falls at least to the threshold test value. Switching the vacuum pump between the first and second positions is accomplished with a changeover valve having parallel airways configured for evacuating a small volume to the reference orifice and also evacuating the entire EVAP system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: RUSSELL RANDALL PEARCE, AED M. DUDAR
  • Publication number: 20150082867
    Abstract: A method for operating a dialysis cassette including a flexible membrane that covers a pump chamber includes allowing a source of fluid to fluidly communicate with the pump chamber of the dialysis cassette, filling the pump chamber with the fluid from the source, mechanically extending the flexible membrane into the pump chamber with a piston head to expel the fluid from the pump chamber through a flow path, and directly sensing a pressure of the fluid flowing through the flow path at a location of the dialysis cassette adjacent to the pump chamber and using the sensed pressure to perform a test prior to delivering fluid to a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Robert W. Childers
  • Publication number: 20150075260
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and determining fuel vapor recovery performance is disclosed. The dispensing of liquid fuel into a tank by a conventional gas pump nozzle naturally displaces a mixture of air and fuel ullage vapor in the tank. These displaced vapors may be recovered at the dispensing point nozzle by a vapor recovery system. A properly functioning vapor recovery system recovers approximately one unit volume of vapor for every unit volume of dispensed liquid fuel. The ratio of recovered vapor to dispensed fuel is termed the A/L ratio, which should ideally be approximately equal to one (1). The A/L ratio, and thus the proper functioning of the vapor recovery system, may be determined by measuring liquid fuel flow and return vapor flow (using a vapor flow sensor) on a nozzle-by-nozzle basis. The disclosed methods and apparatus provide for the determination of A/L ratios for individual nozzles using a reduced number of vapor flow sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Robert P. Hart
  • Publication number: 20150075259
    Abstract: The disclosure extends to apparatuses, methods, systems, and computer program products for generating and optimizing irrigation protocols. The disclosure also extends to a system and method for the detection of leaks in an irrigation system during operation in accordance with the disclosed methods, systems, and computer program products for optimizing water usage in growing plants for yard and crops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Skydrop, LLC
    Inventors: Matt Romney, Clark Endrizzi
  • Patent number: 8975576
    Abstract: Close containers which are filled with a consumer product are tested on leakiness by means of mass spectrometry (10) in that an impact (AN(P)) by the consumer product (P) upon the surrounding atmosphere (A(P)) of the container to be leak tested is monitored by the mass spectrometry (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Wilco AG
    Inventor: Martin Lehmann
  • Patent number: 8973425
    Abstract: Apparatuses for evaluating the integrity of a container seal and methods of using same are provided. The apparatuses include a sealed container having a conductive fluid and a first probe therein, a conductive solution bath having a second probe therein, a conductivity meter and a pressurized fluid supply. A pressurized fluid is supplied from fluid supply to an interior of the sealed container through the first probe until the seal on sealed container ruptures, first and second probes create an electrical circuit, and the conductivity meter detects a flow of electrons between the two probes. In this manner, apparatuses of the present disclosure are able to quantify the amount of internal pressure in the container at the time the container seal ruptures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Anthony Edward Dzikowicz
  • Patent number: 8973424
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting leakages in a system for conducting a medical fluid upstream a shut-off device of the system as well as systems related thereto. More specifically, the method is used with systems having a section conducting the medical fluid, the section being arranged upstream the shut-off device, which is configured to interrupt or reduce an escaping or outflow of the fluid out of the section into an area downstream the shut-off device. The system for use with the present method further has at least one conveying device for conveying the fluid through the section. The present invention further relates to a digital storage medium, a computer program product and a computer program for performing the method for detecting leakages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Christoph Wiktor
  • Patent number: 8968568
    Abstract: A water or liquid substance filtration device is disclosed which removes microorganisms and organic contamination and sterilizes the containers and water lines after the unit. The unit is portable, or can be mounted stationary. The unit has a five-stage filtration and sterilization system controlled by an independent onboard computer system that can link to a central computer system to keep track of all independent units. The unit will physically filter out of the water contaminants that can be reused, destroyed, or flushed down a safe drain. It can also be modified to filter for a certain size of particulate, making recovery of certain substances possible. The unit has a self-diagnostic system that can determine if the unit is operating properly and can shut down a part thereof if one of the capillary units fails. The unit uses ozone to disinfect containers and water lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: John A. Armour
  • Publication number: 20150041000
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system that can detect leaks that occur in seals, and in one example, to seals found in a valve. In one embodiment, the system utilizes sensors that measure fluid properties of a sample volume proximate to the seal. The system can compare data from these measurements with data from a sample of a reference fluid (e.g., ambient air) to indicate the presence of working fluid in the sample volume. This result may indicate problems with the seal, e.g., degradation of the seal that is meant to prohibit the working fluid from migrating out of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Randall Smart, Edward James Nieters, Frederick Wilson Wheeler
  • Patent number: 8950837
    Abstract: A sealing sheet is configured to restrain at least one of leakage of liquid in and out. The sealing sheet includes: a film member which is impermeable to the liquid and configured to cover a region that needs to be sealed; and electrical wires which are arranged on the film member. An electrical signal corresponding to change in electrical resistance due to contact with the liquid is obtainable from the electrical wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Maeda
  • Patent number: 8950242
    Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a pressure vessel, a pressurization system connected to the pressure vessel, and a sensor system. The pressurization system may be configured to change a pressure in an interior of the pressure vessel. The sensor system may be configured to monitor a number of characteristics with respect to a fluid line in the pressure vessel while the pressurization system changes the pressure in the interior of the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Kenneth Marvin Dull
  • Patent number: 8950241
    Abstract: A method is provided of monitoring the leak tightness of a plurality of pneumatically or hydraulically actuated actuators of a machine, in particular a plurality of valve actuators of a medical treatment machine, in which pressure is exerted on the actuators in different combinations during operation of the machine. A common pressure drop occurring during a stationary operating phase at the actuators on which pressure is exerted in the respective combination is measured for a plurality of different combinations of actuators on which pressure is exerted. A respective leak tightness value is determined for individual actuators and/or groups of actuators, with the pressure drop measured for those combinations and in which the respective actuator and/or the respective group of actuators on which pressure is exerted being accounted for in the leak tightness value. A machine, in particular a medical treatment machine, is configured to effect the valve actuator monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Frank L. Hedmann, Stephan Klatte
  • Patent number: 8944099
    Abstract: A valve arrangement is provided, (1) comprising: a valve (2) for controlling a flow of heating or cooling fluid through a heat exchanger, an actuator (12) for actuating said valve (2), control means (15) for controlling said actuator (12), a first temperature sensor (18) connected to said control means (15), a thermal resistance between the first temperature sensor (18) and the valve (2) being greater than a thermal resistance between the second temperature sensor (19) and the valve (2). It is intended to improve control of the valve. To this end the first temperature sensor (18) and the second temperature sensor (19) are part of detector means detecting a closing condition of the valve (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Peter Gammeljord Nielsen, Lars Munch, Niels Gregersen, Bjarne Frederiksen
  • Patent number: 8947242
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to valves, and more particularly, to gas valve assemblies. In one example, a valve leakage test may be performed on a valve assembly including a valve body with a first valve and a second valve, where the valves may be positioned across a fluid path in the valve body with an intermediate volume between the valves. A pressure sensor may be in fluid communication with the intermediate volume and may sense a measure that is related to the pressure in the intermediate volume. The pressure sensor may communicate with a controller to determine a measure that is related to a pressure change in the intermediate volume and compare the measure that is related to a pressure change to a first and/or second threshold value. The controller may output a signal if the measure meets and/or exceeds the first and/or second threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: David Kucera, Gregory Young, Donald J. Kasprzyk, Gregory Todd Filkovski
  • Publication number: 20150032357
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting barometric pressure (BP) changes based on tire pressure changes are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises adjusting an evaporative leak detection threshold based on a change in barometric pressure, where the change in barometric pressure is based on a tire pressure change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Publication number: 20150020578
    Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting a leak of a battery, the apparatus including a jig on which a battery is mounted, a first plate comprising nozzle parts configured to inject air, a second plate configured to support the jig and the first plate, and a first driving unit positioned on the second plate and configured to move the jig, wherein the jig is moved by the first driving unit to a position at which the jig overlaps the first plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Hwan Kim, Jin-Pil Kim
  • Publication number: 20150013435
    Abstract: In a method of detecting defects generated in a honeycomb structural body, both end sections of the honeycomb structural body is sealed along a flowing direction of exhaust gas. Air is supplied in the flowing direction of the exhaust gas from one end section to the other end section of the honeycomb structural body. Microphones are arranged at outer periphery of the honeycomb structural body and detect sounds of air leaking from a skin layer of the honeycomb structural body. A judgment step judges whether or not defects such as holes having not less than a predetermined diameter and cracks are generated on the basis of a magnitude of the detected sounds of the leaking air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Tomio SUGIYAMA, Yasushi MIYAMURA, Hiromi INADA, Kouji HORI, Kazuo MATSUBARA
  • Patent number: 8931328
    Abstract: A multilayer structure includes: a microfluidic circuit, delimited at least in part by a first sealing structure; a fluid-tight chamber delimited in part by a second sealing structure and in part by the first sealing structure, which is arranged in the fluid-tight chamber and is configured to provide a signal indicative of a leakage between the microfluidic circuit and the fluid-tight chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giorgio Allegato, Matteo Perletti, Laura Oggioni, Francesco Tripodi
  • Patent number: 8931329
    Abstract: A leak detection method for an air bed having an air chamber comprises adjusting the air chamber to a predetermined pressure level, sensing a first pressure value of the air chamber after a first time interval, sensing a second pressure value of the air chamber after a second time interval, determining a pressure change in the air chamber, detecting whether the air chamber is leaking by comparing the pressure change with a second pressure value, and displaying a leak detection indicator. In one embodiment, the second pressure value is a pressure change in a second air chamber. In another embodiment, the second pressure value is an expected pressure change of the air chamber that is calculated based upon changes in ambient temperature and barometric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Select Comfort Corporation
    Inventor: Paul James Mahoney
  • Publication number: 20150008670
    Abstract: A method for monitoring functionality of a seal assembly within an injector feed assembly is described. The method includes providing a buffer fluid to the seal assembly, measuring at least one of a pressure and a flow rate of the buffer fluid, and determining a functionality of the seal assembly based at least partially on the at least one of a pressure and a flow rate of the buffer fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Anthony Holmes Furman, John Saunders Stevenson, Raymond Douglas Steele, Beth Etta McCracken
  • Publication number: 20150007638
    Abstract: Improved gas leak detection from moving platforms is provided. Automatic horizontal spatial scale analysis can be performed in order to distinguish a leak from background levels of the measured gas. Source identification can be provided by using isotopic ratios and/or chemical tracers to distinguish gas leaks from other sources of the measured gas. Multi-point measurements combined with spatial analysis of the multi-point measurement results can provide leak source distance estimates. Qualitative source identification is provided. These methods can be practiced individually or in any combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Chris W. Rella, Eric R. Crosson, Michael R. Woelk, Sze Meng Tan, Yonggang He, David Steele
  • Publication number: 20150001139
    Abstract: A membrane integrity monitoring system includes: (1) a metering unit fluidly connected to a feed side of a separation membrane unit; (2) a detection unit fluidly connected to a permeate side of the separation membrane unit; and (3) a data acquisition and processing unit connected to the detection unit. The metering unit is configured to inject a fluorescent marker into a feed stream via pulsed dosing. The detection unit is configured to detect a marker signal in a permeate stream. The data acquisition and processing unit is configured to process the marker signal and determine a presence of a membrane breach and at least one of (a) a size of the membrane breach and (b) a location of the membrane breach in the separation membrane unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Yoram Cohen, Sirikarn Surawanvijit, Anditya Rahardianto, John Thompson
  • Publication number: 20150000380
    Abstract: A water leak sensor management method includes a water leak sensor being installed in a underground pipe. The method includes detecting an operation time of the water leak sensor through a timer in a sleep mode, changing the sleep mode into a standby mode in the operation time of the water leak sensor to detect a sensor measuring procedure, and performing an operation for a transceiving component of the water leak sensor and determining whether the water leak sensor receives an external command or changes the standby mode into an operation mode based on the sensor measuring procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: LG CNS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang Woong CHO, Cheolsoon PARK, Sook-Ryon SEO, Jongpil AHN
  • Patent number: 8919485
    Abstract: A power unit that can periodically determine a leakage of a compressed gas to early discover a defect, such as a crack, and a vehicle in which the power unit is used are provided. A vehicle that runs with an air engine including a gas machinery includes a control device. The control device includes an adjuster that controls an output of the gas machinery such that a target output is obtained, a pressure measuring unit that measures the pressure of the compressed gas at the piping unit of the air engine, and a determination unit that determines a leakage state of the compressed gas based on a change in pressure, which is measured by the pressure measuring unit every time the target output of the gas machinery becomes substantial zero. The control device suspends the determination of the leakage state when the target output of the gas machinery changes from substantial zero during the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Asai
  • Patent number: 8910509
    Abstract: An apparatus for integrity testing a first container having a flexible body at least partially defining a first interior chamber using a second container having a second, preferably sterilized interior chamber at least partially filled with a detectable gas. A sensor associated with a detection chamber for receiving the flexible container, and possibly the second container as well, senses the presence of the detectable gas external to the first interior chamber in the event of a leak of the detectable gas therefrom. Related methods also involve integrity testing of fluid processing bags and other types of flexible containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Pall Technology UK Limited
    Inventors: Alexandre N. Terentiev, Sergey Terentiev
  • Patent number: 8909479
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method and an apparatus to investigate and quantify a leakage rate for a fluid between a first pipe and a second pipe, the first pipe being surrounded by at least a portion of the second pipe, where the pipes are arranged in a well in a ground and where a measuring arrangement including a flow meter and a pressure meter is put into fluid communication with an annulus defined by the first pipe and the second pipe, where fluid in the gaseous phase is conveyed through the measuring arrangement, as the annulus is used as a separation chamber for gas and liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: ScanWell AS
    Inventor: Morten Kvernvold
  • Publication number: 20140345365
    Abstract: A headspace sampler includes: a sample gas collection channel whose one end communicates with a needle; a pressure gas introduction channel and an exhaust channel that communicate with the other end of the channel in parallel via a branching pipe; a pressure control device that delivers pressure gas to the pressure gas introduction channel at a predetermined pressure; solenoid valves provided in the pressure gas introduction channel and the exhaust channel, respectively; and switching means for switching a state where a measuring pipe is inserted in the sample gas collection channel and a state where the measuring pipe is shorted away from the channel, wherein a pressure sensor is provided on an upstream side of the solenoid valve in the exhaust channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira Aono, Yoshitake Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8893742
    Abstract: A double-skin nozzle system including an internal tube for transporting a liquid, formed by a plurality of tube portions connected to one another by removable junction systems, an external tube positioned around the internal tube and formed by a plurality of tube portions connected to one another by junction systems, wherein at least two junction systems each include a blocking device for blocking, along the external tube, the flow of a liquid coming from a leak from the internal tube, and at least one drain for removing the liquid coming from the leak from the internal tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Christophe Buresi, Robert Rossato, Serge Vernet
  • Patent number: 8893542
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and determining fuel vapor recovery performance is disclosed. The dispensing of liquid fuel into a tank by a conventional gas pump nozzle naturally displaces a mixture of air and fuel ullage vapor in the tank. These displaced vapors may be recovered at the dispensing point nozzle by a vapor recovery system. A properly functioning vapor recovery system recovers approximately one unit volume of vapor for every unit volume of dispensed liquid fuel. The ratio of recovered vapor to dispensed fuel is termed the A/L ratio, which should ideally be approximately equal to one (1). The A/L ratio, and thus the proper functioning of the vapor recovery system, may be determined by measuring liquid fuel flow and return vapor flow (using a vapor flow sensor) on a nozzle-by-nozzle basis. The disclosed methods and apparatus provide for the determination of A/L ratios for individual nozzles using a reduced number of vapor flow sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Veeder-Root Company
    Inventor: Robert P. Hart
  • Publication number: 20140338426
    Abstract: An exhaust gas analysis system of the present invention includes: an exhaust gas collecting device for collecting exhaust gas from an exhaust pipe; and exhaust gas analysis equipment for analyzing the exhaust gas. The exhaust gas collecting device includes: an exhaust gas collecting part which is provided at an exhaust gas discharge port of the exhaust pipe, having an exhaust gas collecting port that is larger than the exhaust gas discharge port, for collecting air around the exhaust gas discharge port together with the exhaust gas; a main flow passage which is connected to the exhaust gas collecting part and in which the exhaust gas and the air collected from the exhaust gas collecting part flow; and an exhaust gas detecting mechanism for continuously detecting a predetermined component contained in the exhaust gas in the vicinity of the exhaust gas collecting port in the exhaust gas collecting part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicants: Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Japan Automobile Transport Technology Association, HORIBA, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira NODA, Ippei HARA, Hideya YOKOYAMA, Masahiro HIGUCHI, Sayaka YOSHIMURA
  • Publication number: 20140338427
    Abstract: A leak test method includes: reducing first pressure in an inspection space in a work and second pressure in a space in a master chamber; humidifying the inspection space in the work; and detecting a change in differential pressure between the inspection space in the work and the space in the master chamber, while the inspection space in the work is in a water-vapor saturated state. Also, in this leak test method, a leak in the inspection space in the work is detected from the change in the differential pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsuya Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20140326051
    Abstract: The invention relates to a simplified method for detecting leaks on a non-rigid test specimen, comprising the steps of: introducing the test specimen into a film chamber, lowering the pressure in the film chamber outside of said test specimen, and detecting a leak in the test specimen on the basis of a spatial change in the film of said film chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel Wetzig, Silvio Decker
  • Patent number: 8875561
    Abstract: Presently disclosed are methods and systems for diagnosing a coolant leak of an engine. A method may include diagnosing a coolant leak of an engine based on identified fill signatures of a measured engine coolant pressure. A vehicle system is also disclosed, including an engine, a coolant system operatively connected to the engine, a coolant pressure sensor configured to measure engine coolant pressure during operation of the engine, and a controller, including instructions configured to create a coolant pressure profile corresponding to a given engine speed, and diagnose a condition of the engine based on the coolant pressure profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bret Dwayne Worden, Milan Karunaratne, Benedict George Lander
  • Publication number: 20140318220
    Abstract: A pressure measuring device includes: a tube fixable to a sample body along its surface; a pressure sensor and a closing plug both fixed inside the tube with a predetermined gap therebetween; a pipe for supplying reference pressure; a space defined between the sensor and the plug; and a pressure detecting hole penetrating the tube and communicating with the space. Since a volume of the space between the sensor and the plug is small, unsteady pressure fluctuations to be measured are prevented from being made unclear, thereby improving measurement accuracy. Additionally, the volume is set such that a Helmholtz resonance frequency of the space lies outside fluctuation frequencies of the unsteady pressure, thereby preventing superposition of pressure fluctuations by Helmholtz resonance on the unsteady pressure fluctuations to be measured, thus, further improving the measurement accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jun SAWADA
  • Publication number: 20140311222
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for leak detection on a test specimen, having an evacuable test chamber for the test specimen. The test chamber is provided with at least one wall area made of a flexible, in particular elastic material. For more precise leakage detection, the progression of the total pressure increase inside the test chamber is measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Silvio Decker, Daniel Wetzig, Hjalmar Bruhns, Stefan Mebus
  • Patent number: 8862414
    Abstract: An apparatus and method providing for detecting and responding to high voltage electrolysis within an electric vehicle battery enclosure to limit possible excessive thermal condition of the battery cells and modules. The present invention includes embodiments directed towards detection algorithms and apparatus for promoting the use of voltage, current, humidity, temperature, and pressure sensors for the purpose of detecting high voltage electrolysis. Additionally, the present invention includes response processes and structures to address high-voltage electrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Francisco LePort, Weston Arthur Hermann, Michael Bell
  • Patent number: 8849594
    Abstract: Methods for measuring the leakage rate of a downhole pump using either measured axial load information from the drive rod string or using measured production data. The invention is for methods of applying the leakage rate to a downhole dynamometer card, for a reciprocating rod pump, for determining well production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Lufkin Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Mills
  • Patent number: 8844626
    Abstract: A method for autonomous testing of traveling valve assembly leakage and standing valve leakage for an oil or gas rod pumped well installation, and for autonomous adjustment of one or more pump operation characteristics based upon the autonomous test results. Traveling valve assembly leakage testing includes autonomous stopping and holding of the polished rod during an upstroke, autonomous determination of a rate of change in the polished rod load, and autonomous determination of a traveling valve leakage factor. Standing valve leakage testing includes autonomous stopping and holding of the polished rod stationary during a down stroke after weight transfer, autonomous determination of a rate of change in the polished rod load, and autonomous determination of a standing valve leakage factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Rodmax Oil & Gas, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Krug
  • Patent number: 8845274
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon presence sensor used to detect for the presence of a fuel in a buffer cavity of an inter-propellant seal. A sensor is formed on a rotor shaft in the buffer cavity and an optical imaging device is used to view a change in appearance of the sensor when a hydrocarbon forms on the surface. The sensor is formed from either an oil/fuel leak detection powder or an oil colorimetric developer. A white light source or a laser is reflected off of the sensor and an optical imaging device reads the reflected light to detect for a change in color or intensity of the light to indicate if a hydrocarbon is present on the sensor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth D. Garvin, Elizabeth V. Stein, Alex Pinera
  • Patent number: 8839680
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for estimating a condition of a seal of a rotary valve are disclosed. An example method includes determining a seal wearing cycle of a flow control member of a rotary valve. The seal wearing cycle includes movement of the flow control member between a first position in contact with a seal and a second position. The example method further includes determining a torque of an actuator operating the flow control member for the seal wearing cycle and estimating a condition of the seal based on the torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Shawn William Anderson, Ted Dennis Grabau
  • Publication number: 20140260549
    Abstract: Methods and systems for fuel system leak detection using passive canister vent valves are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises generating engine off vacuum or pressure in a fuel system for leak diagnostics, where the pressure and vacuum are held via first and second mechanical relief valves positioned in parallel with one another and without a valve holding current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Robert Roy Jentz, Mark W. Peters
  • Publication number: 20140260551
    Abstract: The present invention involves, in some embodiments, systems and methods for performing an integrity test on a medical grade cassette that is configured to be used on a medical fluid handling system, wherein the cassette may be disposable and may comprise a membrane therein. The test may be configured to determine an error condition, such as detection of membrane leakage above a threshold value, and may in certain cases be implemented by a medical computer system. In certain cases the integrity test is a dry integrity test and in certain cases, the test is configured to determine a leakage rate of fluid through the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Larry B. Gray, Robert J. Bryant, JR., Geoffrey P. Spencer
  • Publication number: 20140260550
    Abstract: A method of checking a sealing state of a housing includes starting an operation of a pressure sensor configured to measure an internal pressure of the housing. The method includes checking whether or not the housing is pressed. The method further includes checking the sealing state of the housing through checking a measured value of the pressure sensor under a pressure of the housing. An apparatus for checking a sealing state of a housing includes the housing configured to keep an internal space thereof sealed off from an outside, a pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of the internal space, and an interface unit configured to provide to the pressure sensor a control signal that controls an operation of the pressure sensor, and provide pressure information detected through the pressure sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang-Min Kil, Seong-Joon Kweon, Kyung-Ho Lee
  • Publication number: 20140260552
    Abstract: A method to test a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit for external leaks is disclosed. The HVAC unit includes a first and a second port and is coupled to an auxiliary air movement test system using one of the first or the second ports. The other of the first or the second ports of the HVAC unit is blocked. The auxiliary air movement test system includes an air movement device, a conduit, a flow velocity sensor, and a pressure sensor. The air movement device enables airflow into the HVAC unit through the conduit. The flow velocity sensor positioned within the conduit measures air velocity. The pressure sensor is positioned in proximity to a condensate drain of the HVAC unit that measures the pressure within the HVAC unit. The method disclosed determines external leaks in the HVAC unit if the measured air velocity exceeds a predefined air velocity at a predetermined pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald Richard Morris, Arlene Jane Gottshall, Mark Bradley Nitzsche, Daniel Alan Spurgeon
  • Publication number: 20140260548
    Abstract: A leak detecting device for water filled vessel such as a swimming pool. An annular resilient seal having a central opening contacts the surface of the vessel under water and creates a seal between the resilient seal and the vessel. A rigid housing open in its interior is coupled to the resilient seal and has an opening for an inlet to deliver fluid into the interior of the housing, or couple a flow meter thereto to measure the fluid flow, or deliver a dye into the housing and through the central opening of the resilient seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Mark D. Marino
  • Patent number: 8836524
    Abstract: A detecting device is used for detecting a battery leak, a positive terminal of the battery is electrically connected to a first contact, a negative terminal of the battery is electrically connected to a second contact. The detecting device includes a first conductor, a second conductor electrically connected to the second contact, and a warning unit electrically connected between the first contact and the first conductor. The second conductor being electrically connected to the first conductor through electrolyte leaked out of the battery, thus the warning unit will be actuated to produce a warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lung Dai
  • Patent number: 8834954
    Abstract: Methods for processing a vessel, for example to provide a gas barrier or lubricity, are disclosed. First and second PECVD or other vessel processing stations or devices and a vessel holder comprising a vessel port are provided. An opening of the vessel can be seated on the vessel port. The interior surface of the seated vessel can be processed via the vessel port by the first and second processing stations or devices. Vessel barrier, lubricity and hydrophobic coatings and coated vessels, for example syringes and medical sample collection tubes are disclosed. A vessel processing system and vessel inspection apparatus and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: SIO2 Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Felts, Thomas E. Fisk, Robert S. Abrams, John Ferguson, Jonathan R. Freedman, Robert J. Pangborn, Peter J. Sagona
  • Publication number: 20140250981
    Abstract: A seal test fixture for a gas turbine fuel nozzle including an enclosed container for receiving a body of the gas turbine fuel nozzle including a seal; a test chamber coupled to the enclosed container for sealingly enclosing a flange of the gas turbine fuel nozzle and fluidly communicating with a leak path of the gas turbine fuel nozzle; an air injector opening through which pressurized air is injected into a main fuel chamber of the gas turbine fuel nozzle; and a pressure gauge for measuring an air pressure within the test chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Brandon Taylor Overby, James Carroll Baummer, Mark Carmine Bellino
  • Patent number: 8823532
    Abstract: A fluid leak containment device (20) having a back wall (32), a left wall (38), a front wall (26), a right wall (44) and a base (24) is disclosed. The front wall (26) has a height (74) less than that the height (72) of the back wall (32), the left wall (38), and the right wall (44). The base (24) has plateaus (50) and valleys (52) that direct the flow of a fluid (22) to the front wall (26) if a leak does occur. A sensor (64) may be placed to provide additional auditory or visual alerts when fluids (22) are detected by the sensor (64) in fluid leak containment device (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Rollin R. Carlblom
  • Patent number: 8820142
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring a leak detector comprising: a secondary vacuum pump designed to be connected to a primary vacuum pump, the secondary vacuum pump comprising a motor, a rotor and a stator, the said rotor being capable of being rotated in the stator by the motor when the motor is powered, and at least one information means capable of being powered electrically, in order to inform a user of the operating state of the leak detector, characterized in that, in the event of the motor power supply being cut off, the kinetic energy of rotation of the secondary vacuum pump rotor in the form of electrical power (101) is recovered in order to power the information means (102). The invention also relates to a leak detector (1) using the said monitoring method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Adixen Vacuum Products
    Inventors: Frédéric Rouveyre, Didier Pierrejean, Cyrille Nomine