Fluid Pressure Gauge Patents (Class 73/700)
  • Publication number: 20130283912
    Abstract: Apparatus and related fabrication methods are provided for a sensor device. An exemplary sensor device includes a first structure including a first sensing arrangement and a second sensing arrangement formed therein and a second structure affixed to the first structure. The second structure includes a cavity aligned with the first sensing arrangement to provide a first reference pressure on a first side of the first sensing arrangement and an opening aligned with the second sensing arrangement to expose the first side of the second sensing arrangement to an ambient pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventor: Yizhen Lin
  • Patent number: 8567256
    Abstract: A piezoresistive sensor chip element of a pressure sensor has lower face with an outer edge, an adhesion area and a non-adhesion area. The chip has a closed chip cavity for measuring the pressure of a medium flowing around the chip. The upper face of a substrate is fastened only at the adhesion area of the chip. The non-adhesion area extends at least over a circular area arranged centrally on the lower face and covers a third of the lower face's total area and extends over at least one connection area from the circular area to the edge of the lower face. The pressure in the pressure medium can spread through the connection area into a space under the non-adhesion area on the element lower face. The substrate has a recess located centrally under the sensor chip element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Kistler Holding, AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Albicker, Christof Sonderegger, Peter Meister, Jochen Von Berg, Rene Tanner, Jeffrey M. Schnellinger
  • Patent number: 8567242
    Abstract: A pressure sensor venting system for efficiently and accurately measuring a liquid level. The pressure sensor venting system generally includes a housing, a pressure transducer within the housing, a diaphragm, a pressure passage fluidly connecting the pressure transducer and a pressurized liquid from the diaphragm, and a first vent tube that is fluidly connected to the pressure transducer opposite of the pressure passage. The distal end of the first vent tube extends outwardly from the housing and extends a distance into a second vent tube. The second vent tube is fluidly connected to liquid resistant vent that is positioned within the interior space of the liquid container and above the liquid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: S.J. Electro Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan J. Bergum
  • Patent number: 8555727
    Abstract: An integral regulator and gauge for a vacuum device consists of a circular regulator having the vacuum gauge inside thereof such that the regulator and gauge rotate about a common radial axis. An opening defined in a boss extending from the bottom of the regulator engages a sloped shoulder defined on the inside surface of a circular port in which the regulator is disposed, varying the size of an opening which allows air to bleed into the vacuum chamber to regulate the strength of the vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: DeVilbiss Healthcare, LLC
    Inventor: Joel David Neatrour
  • Publication number: 20130263670
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pressure sensor, comprising: providing a ceramic platform, a ceramic measuring membrane, and an intermediate ring; providing an active braze material by means of gas phase deposition at least on a first surface section of a first surface and on a second surface section of a second surface. The first surface is a platform surface, which is to be connected with the intermediate ring by means of the active hard solder, or braze, or a surface of the intermediate ring, which is to be connected with the platform by means of the active hard solder, or braze. The second surface is a measuring membrane surface, which is to be connected with the intermediate ring by means of the active hard solder, or braze, or a surface of the intermediate ring, which is to be connected with the measuring membrane by means of the active hard solder, or braze.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: ENDRESS + HAUSER GMBH + CO. KG
    Inventors: Peter Selders, Andreas Rossberg, Elke Schmidt, Andrea Berlinger
  • Patent number: 8549923
    Abstract: A remotely interrogatable pressure and/or temperature measuring device includes at least an acoustic wave sensor including at least one resonator coupled to a first antenna element, and an interrogation system including a second antenna element for transmission and reception. The device further includes an expandable tubular structure, the structure integrating a biocompatible material, and the acoustic wave sensor is encapsulated in the biocompatible material. The second antenna element operates at frequencies above several tens of MegaHertz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Senseor
    Inventors: Luc Chommeloux, Philippe Menage, Gerhard Heider
  • Patent number: 8550078
    Abstract: An assembly structured to inflate a retaining or pressure cuff associated with an artificial airway tube such as an endotracheal and/or tracheotomy tube and concurrently monitor pressure therein including a casing having an interior pressure chamber. A pump assembly is movably connected to the casing and structured to force fluid flow to the retaining cuff through said pressure chamber. An indicator member is disposed within the casing, is visually accessible through casing window, and is variably positionable dependent on and indicative of existing pressure within the retaining cuff. The existing pressure within the pressure chamber is substantially equivalent to that within the retaining cuff thereby facilitating the variable position of the indicator member to indicate pressure within the cuff. A junction is disposed between the casing and an inflation lumen to the restraining cuff and is structured to allow disconnection between the casing and the lumen but prevent reconnection thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Seedlings Life Science Ventures, LLC.
    Inventors: Stephen Jay Lowenstein, Michael R. Cole, Klaus D. Lessnau, Keith Rubin, James M. Sellers
  • Patent number: 8544334
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for providing compensating atmospheric pressure measurements in fired equipment. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided compensating pressure measurements. The method includes providing a wind compensating ring tube having three or more apertures to equalize pressure inside the compensating ring tube, installing the wind compensating ring tube adjacent to a furnace, connecting a pressure transmission tube from the wind compensating ring tube to one or more pressure sensors, and transmitting pressure from inside the wind compensating ring tube to the one or more pressure sensors by the pressure transmission tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Yokogawa Corporation of America
    Inventor: Tadao Jo
  • Publication number: 20130247674
    Abstract: Apparatus for measuring a differential pressure of a fluid flowing through a fluid line includes a nozzle having a nozzle interior wall defining a nozzle chamber. The nozzle interior wall tapers at a constant rate of area reduction to generate a laminar fluid flow. A differential pipe is coupled to the nozzle and fluidly communicates with a downstream portion of the fluid line. The differential pipe has a pipe interior wall defining a differential chamber fluidly communicating with the nozzle chamber. A first pressure port is formed in the nozzle and fluidly communicates with the nozzle chamber to obtain a first gauge pressure of the fluid, and a second pressure port is formed in the differential pipe and fluidly communicates with the differential chamber to obtain a second gauge pressure of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: HYDRO FLOW PRODUCTS, INC
    Inventor: Frederick H. Grenning
  • Publication number: 20130248024
    Abstract: A sensor including a buffer material layer configured to at least partially deflect when a force or pressure is imparted on the buffer material layer; and an electroactive polymer (EAP) cartridge in operative contact with the buffer material layer, wherein the EAP cartridge is configured to generate an output signal that corresponds to an amount of strain imparted on the EAP cartridge. The EAP cartridge may be used in a variety of sensing applications including as a pressure sensor integrated into a fluid connector. One aspect of the invention provides for selection of a buffer material layer based upon a desired pressure range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Jason T. Dunn, Shawn D. Ellis, Roger W. Briese, Tad N. Orstad, Todd D. Lambert, John E. Page, Mario A. Calvo, Timothy Skwiot
  • Publication number: 20130243032
    Abstract: A superheat sensor includes a housing, a pressure sensor mounted within the housing, a temperature sensor that is integrated to the pressure sensor, and/or is external to the pressure sensor, a fluid passageway connecting the pressure sensor to a source of superheat fluid, and a processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: DUNAN MICROSTAQ, INC.
    Inventors: Parthiban Arunasalam, Wayne C. Long
  • Patent number: 8528410
    Abstract: A gage having a motion detection mechanism magnetically attached to a pressure sensing diaphragm. The motion detection mechanism is magnetically coupled to a pointer rotation mechanism configured to indicate the position of the diaphragm and the corresponding pressure sensed by the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Dwyer Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Popp
  • Patent number: 8528409
    Abstract: A pressure sensor for measuring gage pressure in relatively high temperature environments is provided. The sensor includes a housing that is configured to couple to a source of pressurized fluid and has an inner surface that defines a inner volume. A pressure sensitive device is coupled to the sensor housing and is configured define a reference chamber in at least a portion of the inner volume. The reference chamber is fluidly isolated from the source of pressurized fluid. An atmospheric reference port is formed in the sensor housing and is in fluid communication with the reference chamber for maintaining the reference chamber at ambient atmospheric pressure. A porous metallic plug is disposed within the atmospheric reference pressure port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Sivaprakash Eswaran, Michael Moran
  • Patent number: 8522618
    Abstract: A disposable manometer includes a chamber connectable to a source of respiratory gases via a patient breathing valve and a passageway. A pointer is rotatably disposed with respect to a dial to indicate pressure within the chamber. The pointer has an actuator stem with a spiral-shaped protrusion coupled to a groove within an opening of a stem coupling attached at the center of a diaphragm forming one wall of the chamber. Responsive to pressure entering the chamber, the diaphragm reciprocates against the force of a biasing non-magnetic resilient member moving the stem coupling with respect to the actuator stem of the pointer so that the interaction between the spiral-shaped protrusion and the groove causes rotation of the pointer to indicate the pressure within the chamber. The disposable manometer is useful with any source of respiratory gasses and in the vicinity of any strong magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Mercury Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Ratner
  • Publication number: 20130213138
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a connection between two ceramic parts comprises: providing a first ceramic part and a second ceramic part; providing an active hard solder, or active braze, on at least one surface section of at least one of the ceramic parts; and heating the active hard solder, or active braze, in a vacuum soldering, brazing process. The entire active hard solder, or active braze, for connecting the first and second ceramic parts is provided in such a manner that at least one surface section of at least one of the ceramic parts, preferably both ceramic parts, is coated by means of gas phase deposition of the alloy of the active hard solder, or active braze.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser
    Inventors: Andreas Rossberg, Michael Philipps, Frank Hegner, Ulfert Drewes, Jorg Muller, Marco Doms
  • Patent number: 8511167
    Abstract: A gage having a motion detection mechanism magnetically attached to a pressure sensing diaphragm. The motion detection mechanism is magnetically coupled to a pointer rotation mechanism configured to indicate the position of the diaphragm and the corresponding pressure sensed by the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Dwyer Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Popp
  • Patent number: 8499640
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus for outputting a measurement signal representing the difference between a first pressure and a second pressure. The apparatus includes a first pressure measuring transducer module for outputting a sequence of first signals representing the first pressure; a second pressure measuring transducer module for producing a sequence of second signals representing the second pressure; an evaluation module for ascertaining a sequence of difference values between the two pressure values and for outputting a sequence of fourth signals, which, in each case, represent the pressure difference; a first cable connection between the first and second pressure measuring transducer module; and a second cable connection between the second pressure measuring transducer module and the evaluation module. The modules are separated spatially from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Marc Schlachter, Andreas Spitz, Roland Dieterle
  • Patent number: 8499639
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a pressure sensor assembly for use with an application specific integrated circuit includes a capacitive sensor, a sensor coil within a first sensor compartment and operatively connected to the capacitive sensor to form a sensor L-C tank circuit, a measuring oscillator including a measuring coil located within a second sensor compartment and spaced apart from the sensor coil and a feedback circuit configured to provide a control signal for the measuring oscillator based upon an output of the measuring oscillator, and a low frequency signal source configured to provide a low frequency signal to the measuring oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Marko Rocznik
  • Patent number: 8495916
    Abstract: A gage having a motion detection mechanism magnetically attached to a pressure sensing diaphragm. The motion detection mechanism is magnetically coupled to a pointer rotation mechanism configured to indicate the position of the diaphragm and the corresponding pressure sensed by the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Dwyer Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Popp
  • Publication number: 20130180339
    Abstract: A pressure measuring device has tubing with an inline “pillow” portion that is more flexible than the tubing portion. The pillow portion may be created by heating a portion of a length of medical tubing and forcing air into the heated portion to expand, and thin, its walls. The tubing and pillow portion may be used in a negatively pressurized portion of a blood circuit such as an arterial return line. An assembly of interleaved support members adhesively bonded to the pillow portion holds the pillow portion in an expanded state even under negative pressure. Further, when the pillow portion tries to collapse, the interleaved support members compress a strain gauge to provide a pressure signal corresponding to the negative pressure exerted by the fluid therewithin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Brugger
  • Patent number: 8479579
    Abstract: A measuring probe is provided for measuring and taking samples in a metal melt. The probe has a measuring head arranged on a lance, wherein the measuring head carries at least a temperature sensor and a sampling chamber, and wherein the sampling chamber is surrounded, at least partially, by the measuring head and includes an intake duct that extends through the measuring head. The intake duct includes an inner section, which extends in the measuring head and has a length L and a minimum diameter D at least at one site in the inner section. The ratio L/D2 is less than 0.6 mm?1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Guido Jacobus Neyens, Dries Beyens
  • Patent number: 8474321
    Abstract: An apparatus includes (a) a dial having a front face with indicia thereon and a transparent face plate and a back surface; and (b) a light source attached to the dial and positioned exterior to the transparent face plate and oriented so as to illuminate the face plate. The apparatus is advantageously used to measure blood pressure under adverse lighting conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Seltzer
  • Patent number: 8468894
    Abstract: The present invention is a measuring cell with a base body, a measurement membrane which is arranged on the base body, and a measurement device, where a clearance between the measurement membrane and the base body is filled with a fluid which presents an increased heat conductivity (?) compared to air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Vega Grieshaber KG
    Inventor: Holger Gruhler
  • Patent number: 8468893
    Abstract: There is provided a pressure gauge which enables swinging and rotation with respect to a pressure gauge body capable of visually confirming the pressure indication of pressure to be measured. A tubular pressure introduction section 6 through which the pressure to be measured is introduced into the inside is inserted in a pressure introduction port 21 and adapted to be rotatable with respect to a pressure gauge body 2 capable of visually confirming the pressure indication of the pressure to be measured, enabling swinging. A rotating cap 11 rotatable in a circumferential direction is also adapted to be rotatable with respect to this pressure gauge body 2, which can rotate together with a liquid crystal indicator 100 on a substrate 10 attached to the rotating cap 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Krone Corporation
    Inventors: Tohru Fujiwara, Ken Iwawaki
  • Patent number: 8464589
    Abstract: A MEMS structure includes a substrate, a structural dielectric layer, and a diaphragm. A structural dielectric layer is disposed over the substrate. The diaphragm is held by the structural dielectric layer at a peripheral end. The diaphragm includes multiple trench/ridge rings at a peripheral region surrounding a central region of the diaphragm. A corrugated structure is located at the central region of the diaphragm, surrounded by the trench/indent rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Solid State System Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Hsing Lee, Tsung-Min Hsieh, Li-Chi Tsao, Jhyy-Cheng Liou
  • Patent number: 8459124
    Abstract: A general pressure sensor for an automobile comprising a sensor shell, a silicon piezoresistive sensitive core, a sensor core seat, a signal conditioning circuit, and an automobile electric device interface is disclosed. The silicon piezoresistive sensitive core, the sensor core seat and the signal conditioning circuit are disposed in the inner cavity of the sensor housing. The sensor housing is installed to the automobile electric device interface, and the silicon piezoresistive sensitive core comprises a silicon piezoresistive sensitive element and a glass ring sheet. The silicon piezoresistive sensitive element is welded and fixed to a surface of the glass ring sheet. An insulation oxidation layer is formed on one surface of the glass ring sheet and the silicon piezoresistive sensitive element. The other surface of the glass ring sheet is hermetically fixed to the ring-shape recession surface provided on the sensor core seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Kunshan Shuangqiao Sensor Measurement Controlling Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wenxiang Wang, Bing Wang, Chaomin Mao, Qiao Shi, Wei Li, Chao Wang
  • Publication number: 20130139602
    Abstract: A device for detecting pressure and/or temperature changes in a fluid-channel and method thereof are disclosed. The device includes a main duct with an inlet and an outlet, a branch ductwork with a first branch end branching off the main duct downwards the inlet and with a second branch end discharging into the main duct upwards the outlet, and at least one dead-end channel with a first end that branches off the branch ductwork and a second closed end. The dead-end channel is adapted to trap a gas bubble within the dead-end channel when the device is primed or filled with a liquid fluid, wherein the gas bubble changes its size or position if a change in pressure or temperature occurs in the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventor: Roche Diagnostics International AG
  • Publication number: 20130139601
    Abstract: An inflation device for airbags has an inflation tube insertable through the airbag inflation valve, the inflation tube having a distal end. A handle mounts the inflation tube and is connected to an inflation gas source. A delivery valve controls inflation gas flow through inflation tube. A pressure gauge has an input and conduit extending therefrom along the inflation tube and to the end of the inflation tube for ascertaining inflation pressure within the airbag. The delivery valve is operated to achieve a desired inflation pressure. The inflation tube has gas delivery openings through its side walls laterally delivering inflation gas to the airbag. The inflation tube and pressure gauge conduit are inserted together through the airbag inflation valve, so that inflation pressure is monitored substantially concurrently with inflation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventors: Michell C. Tschantz, Kerry M. McKinley
  • Patent number: 8453501
    Abstract: A heat conduction type barometric sensor has high sensitivity and high accuracy that has simple structure and circuit configuration and can measure a barometric pressure in the range of a very low barometric pressure to ?1 atm using one sensor chip. The sensor includes a cantilever-shaped thin film provided with a thin-film temperature sensor, a heating element, and an excitation element. The excitation element utilizes warpage and bending based on a difference in thermal expansion between two main layers constituting the thin film during intermittent heating by a thin-film heater as the heating element. The two main layers are a silicon layer and a thermally oxidized film of silicon which are significantly different from each other in the coefficient of thermal expansion. A circuit in which the sensitivity is enhanced by the integration of a seebeck current for a predetermined period of time can be also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Mitsuteru Kimura
  • Patent number: 8448519
    Abstract: A process transmitter for measuring a process variable comprises a sensor module and a static pressure coupling. The sensor module comprises a sensor for measuring a process variable of an industrial process and for generating a sensor signal. The sensor includes a hydraulic fluid inlet within the module. The static pressure coupling is connected to the sensor module and comprises a isolator fitting, a process fluid coupling and an isolation diaphragm. The isolator fitting is inserted into the sensor module and connected to the hydraulic fluid inlet. The process fluid coupling is joined to the isolator fitting. The isolation diaphragm is positioned between the isolator fitting and the process fluid coupling outside of the sensor module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: David Andrew Broden, David Anthony Horkey
  • Publication number: 20130123619
    Abstract: A pressure sensor suitable for use in a powered contrast injector system may be tested to help validate the operability and/or integrity of the sensor. In some examples, the pressure sensor may be tested by generating a pressure pulse in a fluid line fluidly connected to the pressure sensor so as to generate a first pressure reading. A high pressure fluid at a pressure above a maximum operating pressure of the pressure sensor may be conveyed through a valve fluidly connected to the pressure sensor. Subsequent to conveying the high pressure fluid through the valve, the pressure sensor may again be tested by generating a pressure pulse in the fluid line fluidly connected to the pressure sensor so as to generate a second pressure reading. In some examples, the first pressure reading is compared to the second pressure reading to determine whether the pressure sensor has passed or failed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: ACIST MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Leon T. Griggs
  • Publication number: 20130122928
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining states and state changes on a personal wireless device, and triggering actions upon these state changes. The personal wireless device includes at least a user interface, a positioning system and a system to determine the device acceleration. Examples of these systems are an accelerometer to determine the device acceleration and GPS (Global Positioning System) to determine the device position. States incurred from user movement include, but are not limited to: walking, driving, stationary. In one embodiment, the location of a parked vehicle is automatically saved, and a user interface to display past parking locations and guide the user to one of these parking locations, is offered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Oliver Pfluger
  • Patent number: 8438930
    Abstract: A liquid/gas interface pressure accumulator and mechanical filter device is especially adapted for use within a propellant utilization monitoring system of a space launch vehicle. The device provides a retrofit solution for overcoming problems associated with liquid entering a pressure sensing lines and pressure noises that collectively harm the ability to accurately measure fuel and oxidizer levels. One device is attached to each fuel and oxidizer tank of the launch vehicle. Each device includes a housing and an internal sensing chamber that is used to accumulate liquid before it can enter a pressure sensing communication line connected to a pressure sensing transducer. The construction of the device also allows filtering of undesirable pressure noises due to vibration, pressure pulsations, and other vibratory events that occur during operation of the space vehicle. The device is also selectively tunable to filter out certain frequencies and frequency ranges/bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: United Launch Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Rogers, Paul R. Brennan
  • Publication number: 20130112002
    Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid collection device that can estimate the nucleic acid collection amount when collecting nucleic acids from a biological sample containing nucleic acids. The nucleic acid collection device comprises a sucking and discharging unit for sucking in and forcing out a sample containing nucleic acids, a collector for collecting the nucleic acids by sucking in and forcing out the sample using the sucking and discharging unit, a pressure measurer for measuring a discharging pressure when forcing out the sample and a sucking pressure when sucking in the sample, and measuring a differential pressure that is the difference between the discharging pressure and the sucking pressure, and an estimator for estimating the collection amount of nucleic acids collected based on the differential pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: ARKRAY, INC.
    Inventors: Masahiro Kozuka, Yukihiro Sukawa
  • Patent number: 8424388
    Abstract: An implantable capacitive pressure sensor apparatus and method for making such an apparatus includes a first pressure sensor portion and a second pressure sensor portion. The first pressure sensor portion includes a diaphragm electrode connectable to ground (e.g., the diaphragm electrode being positioned in close proximity to the body when implanted therein such that the diaphragm electrode is deformable in response to pressure applied thereto by the body). The second pressure sensor portion includes a signal electrode (e.g., wherein the first pressure sensor portion and the second pressure sensor portion are coupled such that a gap is provided between the diaphragm electrode and the signal electrode) and an insulator material. The signal electrode is provided on and in direct contact with the insulator material to electrically isolate the signal electrode such that parasitic capacitance effects on the signal electrode are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael F. Mattes, David A. Ruben
  • Publication number: 20130096740
    Abstract: By taking a pressure reading at a particular port on a multiple-unit braking valve, e.g. the MU-2-A valve, and comparing such a reading to a main reservoir pressure, one can identify whether the locomotive in which the valve is situated is in trailing mode or leading mode. In particular, it was found that the pressure on port 63 of the MU-2-A valve is indicative of which mode the locomotive is in since port 63 is exhausted to atmosphere in lead mode whereas it is at or near the pressure in the main reservoir which is readily distinguishable from atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: ZTR Control Systems
    Inventor: ZTR Control Systems
  • Publication number: 20130086988
    Abstract: A pressure sensor and method of sensing pressure is disclosed. An fluid port is coupled to a substrate. A first microchannel within the substrate is in fluid communication with the fluid port. The first microchannel includes a first compressible fluid, a first incompressible fluid and at least one first meniscus. A second microchannel within the substrate is in fluid communication with the fluid port. The second microchannel includes a second compressible fluid, a second incompressible fluid and at least one second meniscus. A pressure of the first meniscus and/or the second meniscus is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Allan T. Evans, Jonathan D. Suter, Jacob M. Fricke, Rebecca L. Erikson
  • Patent number: 8402833
    Abstract: A gauge includes a housing and a fitting having an inlet, an internal flow path, and an outlet. A sensor is in fluidic communication with the internal flow path and measures a characteristic of a fluid in the flow path. A control unit is in electrical communication with the pressure sensor, receives an output from the pressure sensor and generates a command based on the output received. A stepper motor has a rotor shaft with an indicator needle operatively connected thereto, and is in electrical communication with the control unit. A power supply is in electrical communication with the pressure sensor, the motor and the control unit for supplying power thereto. The control unit transmits the command to the stepper motor, which receives the command from the control unit and drives the rotor shaft according to the command, displaying the sensed characteristic via the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventor: Bryan Alfano
  • Patent number: 8402832
    Abstract: Pressure measurement and recording mediums and devices that can respond accurately and reliably to uniform pressure conditions including non-gaseous environments and industrial processing environments are disclosed. Also discloses are methods of making and using the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Volk Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans Oliver Ribi
  • Publication number: 20130072846
    Abstract: A method for determining a pressure of a medical fluid in a fluid line by using at least one centrifugal pump includes detecting the pressure upstream of the centrifugal pump while considering an information about a pressure downstream of the centrifugal pump, or detecting the pressure downstream of the centrifugal pump while considering an information about a pressure upstream of the centrifugal pump. Thereby, at least one information about the volume flow in the fluid line and/or at least one information about a rotation speed of the centrifugal pump are considered, respectively. The invention also relates to a method for determining a volume flow, an arithmetic unit, a treatment apparatus, a digital storage means, a computer program product and a computer program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Alexander Heide, Robin Partenfelder, Arne Peters, Christoph Wiktor, Juergen Klewinghaus
  • Patent number: 8397579
    Abstract: The innovations herein include a compact sensing device that is capable of measuring the conditions (e,g, pressure, temperature) inside a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. Aspects also include a cost-effective method of fabricating the sensing device. An exemplary sensing device includes a substrate, a beam, and piezo-resistive sensing elements. The beam, which is formed on the substrate, is capable of deflecting according to different pressures applied to different beam surfaces. The piezo-resistive sensing elements are coupled to the beam and detect beam deflection. The piezo-resistive sensing elements generate an electrical signal corresponding to the beam deflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Analatom Incorporated
    Inventor: Trevor Graham Edward Niblock
  • Publication number: 20130061681
    Abstract: A pressure sensor device and its use for confirming achievement of a selected pressure in a high pressure process (HPP) for sanitizing food is disclosed. The device includes at least a base and a sheet, each of which is substantially impermeable to the working fluid of the HPP and is deformable at the selected pressure. Microcapsules interposed between flat overlapping portions of the base and sheet contain a color former and burst upon pressurization of the environment surrounding the device. Release of the color former is detected to confirm that the pressurization occurred. The device can be associated with one or more foodstuffs (e.g., a packaged food product or a group of such packages) and remain associated therewith to continuously indicate that the foodstuff(s) have been subjected to the selected pressure and are therefore sanitized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Caitlin Elizabeth Trahan, Justin Wade Shimek, Russell Allan Lem, Andrew Richard Hart
  • Patent number: 8393221
    Abstract: A ball pressure gauge for measuring magnitude of an air pressure in an inflatable ball includes: a probe being configured to pierce into the ball; an air-pressure indicator being configured to move according to the magnitude of the air pressure; a gauge body being provided with a set of air-pressure scale for the air-pressure indicator to point and indicate the magnitude of the air pressure as a numeral value; and at least one ball-specific recommended pressure dial being set alongside the air-pressure scale and including segments representing ranges of applicable air pressures for different types of balls. Thereby, the ball pressure gauge informs a user rapidly and directly of ball-specific appropriateness of the measured air pressure, so that the user can instantly adjust the air pressure to optimization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Chao Yang, Chin-Chu Huang, Sy-Tyng Hwang
  • Publication number: 20130059372
    Abstract: Sample processing units useful for mixing and purifying materials, such as fluidic materials are provided. A sample processing unit typically includes a container configured to contain a sample comprising magnetically responsive particles, and one or more magnets that are in substantially fixed positions relative to the container. A sample processing unit also generally includes a conveyance mechanism configured to convey the container to and from a position that is within magnetic communication with the magnet, e.g., such that magnetically responsive particles with captured analytes can be retained within the container when other materials are added to and/or removed from the container. Further, a sample processing unit also typically includes a rotational mechanism that is configured to rotate the container, e.g., to effect mixing of sample materials disposed within the container. Related carrier mechanisms, sample processing stations, systems, and methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: IBIS BIOSCIENCES, INC.
    Inventors: Steven A. Hofstadler, Jared J. Drader, Jose R. Gutierrez, Paul J. Gleason, Rex O. Bare, Robert D. Miller, Jeffrey C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130047733
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for systems and methods for fabricating measuring devices, e.g., a pressure gauge, thermometer or the like. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for systems and methods for fabricating measuring device assemblies having zero/span adjustable linkage movements (e.g., zero/span adjustable four-bar linkage movements). In general, the present disclosure provides for measuring device assemblies having zero/span adjustable linkage movements, wherein the zero/span adjustable linkage movements do not adversely affect linearity of the measuring device assemblies, and wherein the measuring device assemblies are rugged and able to withstand certain extreme shock and/or vibration conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: ASHCROFT, INC.
    Inventors: Tomiyuki Kuramoto, Yoshikazu Kaneko
  • Patent number: 8375798
    Abstract: An external pressure measuring device having a base and a tubing system bent with various radii. Pressure inside the bent tubing causes the tubing to move in such a way that can be measured and can provide an indication of internal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Robert C. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20130036825
    Abstract: A pressure sensor for measuring gage pressure in relatively high temperature environments is provided. The sensor includes a housing that is configured to couple to a source of pressurized fluid and has an inner surface that defines a inner volume. A pressure sensitive device is coupled to the sensor housing and is configured define a reference chamber in at least a portion of the inner volume. The reference chamber is fluidly isolated from the source of pressurized fluid. An atmospheric reference port is formed in the sensor housing and is in fluid communication with the reference chamber for maintaining the reference chamber at ambient atmospheric pressure. A porous metallic plug is disposed within the atmospheric reference pressure port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Michael Moran, Sivaprakash Eswaran
  • Publication number: 20130040254
    Abstract: A combustor nozzle includes a center body that defines an axial centerline. A shroud circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of the center body to define an annular passage between the center body and the shroud. A plenum is inside the center body and aligned substantially parallel to the axial centerline. A sensor extends inside the center body and is generally adjacent to the plenum, wherein the sensor detects a condition proximate to the combustor nozzle. A method for monitoring a combustor includes flowing a fuel through a center body axially aligned in a nozzle and flowing a working fluid through an annular passage substantially parallel to and radially outward of the center body. The method further includes sensing a condition inside the combustor using a sensor located inside the center body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Anthony Wayne Krull, Krishnakumar Venkataraman
  • Patent number: 8371160
    Abstract: A piezoresistive sensor assembly is provided that has a flex circuit having at least one air flow aperture formed therein. A sensor die is coupled to an absolute support and the flex circuit. The sensor die has a diaphragm that deflects in response to air flow that flows through the air flow aperture and is incident on the diaphragm. The sensor die includes one or more gages positioned on or in the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Meggitt (San Juan Capistrano), Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Kwa, Don L. Danielson
  • Publication number: 20130035557
    Abstract: A hinged level and method for utilizing the same in connection with the leveling of a pressure transducer with respect to a reference point are provided. The hinged level includes a plurality of elongate members interconnected to one another by a hinge. The hinge allows the elongate members to be pivoted relative to one another within a first plane. A level device is aligned with the first plane. The level or elevation of a pressure transducer relative to a reference point, which corresponds to the elevation of an implanted catheter, is determined by placing the free ends of the hinged level relative to the reference point and the pressure transducer. The height of the pressure transducer is then adjusted until the level device indicates that the elongate members are level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: LEPPERT LEVEL LLC
    Inventors: Joshua J. Leppert, Joseph C. Livengood, Barry T. Phillips