Fluid Pressure Gauge Patents (Class 73/700)
  • Patent number: 8365605
    Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring pressure through a jointless pressure sensor port are disclosed, including permitting a substance to pass into a jointless pressure sensor port comprising an aperture, a channel, and a diaphragm having a larger area than the area of the aperture, allowing the substance to come into contact with the diaphragm resulting in a mechanical stress on the diaphragm, and measuring the mechanical stress to generate a signal indicative of the substance pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Yanling Kang, Daniel J. Bratek, Robert Kosberg
  • Publication number: 20130026098
    Abstract: A device and method for monitoring the connection of a blood treatment unit to a fluid system of an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus are described, in which the blood treatment unit includes an inlet and an outlet for connection to the fluid system and the fluid system includes a line system with a first line segment connected to the inlet and a second line segment connected to the outlet. An extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus includes a device for monitoring the connection of the blood treatment unit to the fluid system. The device and method for monitoring the connection of the blood treatment unit to the fluid system is based on measurement of pressure in the fluid system of the blood treatment apparatus. Solely on the basis of the pressure measurement, it is ascertained whether the connection of the blood treatment unit to the fluid system is correct or incorrect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Juergen Haecker, Soeren Gronau
  • Publication number: 20130019746
    Abstract: A hydraulic accumulator includes: a pressure vessel; a hose which is situated within the pressure vessel, for receiving a first medium; a gap, which is formed between the pressure vessel and the hose, for receiving a second medium; and at least one connection for supplying and discharging the first or the second medium under pressure into or out of the hose or the gap, the supply of the first medium resulting in the compression of the second medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Ralph Engelberg
  • Publication number: 20130019687
    Abstract: A gauge pressure sensor for determining the pressure of a medium by means of a housing and by means of a measuring element, which is positioned in the housing, wherein an outwards facing side of the measuring element is in contact with the medium and is exposed to the pressure, which is to be measured. A tube for a reference pressure is provided, which conducts ambient air to the measuring element, and by means of at least one dehumidifying chamber, positioned in the housing, for the collection of air moisture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser + Co.KG
    Inventors: Elmar Wosnitza, Michael Hugel, Sergej Lopatin, Thomas Uehlin, Olaf Textor, Hansjorg Brock
  • Patent number: 8348864
    Abstract: A uterine cavity length measuring device includes a first elongate member including a lumen and a plurality of apertures extending between the lumen and an exterior surface of the first elongate member, and a second elongate member including a lumen, and at least one aperture located at a distal end extending from the lumen of the second elongate member to an exterior surface, where the second elongate member is positioned within and is configured to move within the lumen of the first elongate member and where the first elongate member and second elongate member provide a fluid path from a proximal end of the lumen in the second elongate member, through the lumen in the second elongate member to the at least one aperture located at the distal end of the second elongate member and to at least one of the plurality of apertures in the first elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Cytyc Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Kotmel, J. Brook Burley, Russel M. Sampson, Estela H. Hilario
  • Publication number: 20130000410
    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: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: DWYER INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventor: Michael A. Popp
  • Publication number: 20130000753
    Abstract: A valve signature diagnosis and leak testing device includes a spool valve operatively connected to a pilot valve, the pilot valve being configured to position the spool valve to one of an open position and a closed position. A blocker valve is fluidly connected to a control fluid outlet of the spool valve. An electrical module is operatively connected to the pilot valve, a supply of control fluid, and the blocker valve, the electrical module being capable of sending pulsed electrical signals to the pilot valve and the blocker valve to selectively position the spool valve and the blocker valve to an open or closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: General Equipment and Manufacturing Company, Inc., d/b/a TopWorx, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce R. Penning, Jingli Li, Bruce Rigsby, Robert L. LaFountain
  • Publication number: 20120325015
    Abstract: An air pressure drop detecting device for detecting air flow volume of a cooling fan includes a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, and a display unit. The cooling fan has an air inlet and an air outlet opposite to the air inlet. The first pressure sensor is positioned in the air inlet and detects a plurality of first pressure values. The second pressure sensor is positioned in the air outlet and detects a plurality of second pressure values. The display unit is connected to the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor to display the first pressure values and the second pressure values, and a position of the cooling fan in the computer case is determined by the pressure difference between the first pressure values and the second pressure values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: XIAN-GUANG TAN
  • Publication number: 20120325001
    Abstract: Optical sensors and sensing methods are provided. A particular method includes applying light to a first end of an optical fiber. Light reflected by at least one of a first photonic crystal sensor coupled to a second end of the optical fiber and a second photonic crystal sensor coupled to the second end of the optical fiber is detected. The first photonic crystal sensor exhibits a first reflection spectrum that changes responsive a first sensed parameter and the second photonic crystal sensor exhibits a second reflection spectrum that changes responsive a second sensed parameter. A parameter value of at least one of the first sensed parameter and the second sensed parameter is determined based on the detected light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Carralero, Ty A. Larsen
  • Patent number: 8336386
    Abstract: An air pump pressure gauge includes a casing, an inner tube coaxially affixed to the casing and defining with the casing an accommodation chamber, a movable member movable back and forth in the accommodation chamber, an end cap end cap set between the inner tube and the casing to seal one end of the accommodation space, a spring member stopped between the end cap and the movable member, at least one seal member mounted on the movable member to define a first airtight structure between the outer surface of the inner tube and the at least one seal member and a second airtight structure between the inside wall of the casing and the at least one seal member, an air hole in communication between the axial hole of the inner tube and the accommodation space, a longitudinal sliding slot located on the movable member, a rack extending along one side of the longitudinal sliding slot, a rotating axle inserted through the longitudinal sliding slot and having its inner end pivoted to the inner tube and its outer end exten
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Beto Engineering and Marketing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lopin Wang
  • Publication number: 20120318058
    Abstract: A heat conduction-type sensor corrects (calibrate) effects of a temperature of a measurement target fluid and a type of the fluid on a measurement value in measurement of a flow velocity, a mass flow, or an atmospheric pressure. Also provided is a thermal flow sensor and a thermal barometric sensor with this correcting function, high sensitivity, simple configuration, and low cost. At least two thin films that are thermally separated from a substrate through the same cavity are provided, one thin film comprises a heater and a temperature sensor, and the other thin film comprises at least one temperature sensor, the temperature sensors being thin-film thermocouples. The thin film is arranged in proximity so that it is heated only through the measurement target fluid by heating of the heater. A calibration circuit calculates and compares quantities concerning heat transfer coefficients of a standard fluid and the unknown measurement target fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Mitsuteru Kimura
  • Patent number: 8327712
    Abstract: A semiconductor pressure sensor includes a silicon substrate, an active gauge resistance forming portion having a first diaphragm and a first gauge resistance formed on the silicon substrate, and a dummy gauge resistance forming portion for temperature compensation having a second diaphragm and a second gauge resistance, formed on the substrate. The first diaphragm of the active gauge resistance forming portion and the second diaphragm of the dummy gauge resistance forming portion for temperature compensation are formed of a common polysilicon film. The polysilicon film has an anchor portion to be connected to the substrate. The first and second diaphragms have mutually identical or symmetrical structures and the first and second gauges have mutually identical or symmetrical structures. Accordingly, a semiconductor pressure sensor capable of highly accurate temperature compensation and manufacturing method thereof can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Kimitoshi Sato
  • Patent number: 8327713
    Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a sensor body which is arranged to couple to a process pressure. The sensor body has a magnetic property which changes as a function of pressure applied by a process fluid. A sensor is coupled to the sensor body and is configured to measure pressure of fluid in the sensor body as a function of a change of magnetic property of the sensor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventor: Charles R. Willcox
  • Patent number: 8327714
    Abstract: A pressure gauge comprises a pressure gauge assembly and a connecting assembly. The pressure gauge assembly includes a measuring pressure port for the pressure to be measured and the connecting assembly includes a pressure measuring port. The pressure gauge assembly is adapted to be connected to the connecting assembly. In order to permit a relative rotation between the pressure gauge assembly and the connecting assembly, the pressure gauge assembly and/or the connecting assembly supports at least one annular passage section connecting the measuring pressure port to the pressure measuring port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: WIKA Alexander Wiegand GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Peter Barmettler, Andreas Arnold, Alex Disler, Andreas Kolb
  • Publication number: 20120304777
    Abstract: A dual port pressure sensor has a lead frame having a flag having a first opening and a second opening. The lead frame has a flag having a first opening and a second opening. An encapsulant holds the lead frame. The encapsulant is over a top of the flag and a bottom of the flag is uncovered by the encapsulant. A first opening in the encapsulant is aligned with and larger than the first opening in the flag, and a second opening in the encapsulant is aligned with the second opening in the flag. A pressure sensor transducer is attached to the bottom of the flag and covers the first opening in the flag and provides an electrically detectable correlation to a pressure differential based on a first pressure received on its top side and a second pressure received on its bottom side. An integrated circuit is attached to the bottom of the flag and is electrically coupled to the pressure sensor. A lid forming an enclosure with the bottom of the flag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: STEPHEN R. HOOPER, William G. McDonald
  • Publication number: 20120291557
    Abstract: A method is described for producing a pressure sensor assembly, the pressure sensor assembly having a sensor housing element having a pressure sensor and a base housing element, which have a continuous recess accommodating the pressure sensor and are welded to each other. It is provided that, after the welding, in the area of the welding connection, the recess of the base housing element and/or the sensor housing element is enlarged by material removal. A pressure sensor assembly is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Markus Ledermann, Ralf Kaiser, Oliver Stoll, Bernhard Panhoelzl, Christian Roesser, Falk Rueth
  • Patent number: 8312774
    Abstract: A flow-through pressure sensor apparatus that reduces the dead space of a flow tube utilized to provide fluid communication between a pressure sense die and a fluid and with an absolute minimum trapped volume. A cover (e.g., plastic) with two-molded ports can be added to one side of the pressure sense die utilizing molded-in solder pins to improve ruggedness and rigidity. A temperature and a humidity sensor can also be mounted to a substrate (e.g., ceramic) in the flow path and can be connected to a programmable compensation integrated circuit on the opposite side utilizing a clip end of mounting pins or by vias through the substrate outside a pressurized area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Bentley, Jim Cook, Lamar Floyd Ricks, Alistair David Bradley, Richard Wade
  • Publication number: 20120285252
    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: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Wei-Chao Yang, Chin-Chu Huang, Sy-Tyng Hwang
  • Patent number: 8307712
    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: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Dwyer Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Popp
  • Patent number: 8302482
    Abstract: A pressure switch includes a piston accommodated for sliding movement in a chamber formed in the interior of a casing and which communicates with an introduction port, a coil spring for elastically applying a force to one surface of the piston, an adjustment screw which is capable of variably adjusting an elastic force applied to the one surface, a swivel plate engaged with the adjustment screw and on which the coil spring is seated, and a pointer formed from a resin material integrally with the swivel plate for indicating a pressure of air detected by a switch unit. The adjustment screw variably stretches and compresses the coil spring by movement of the swivel plate, while also maintaining the coil spring at a position at which a predetermined elastic force is obtained. The swivel plate is colored together with the pointer in a high saturation color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi Kiyama
  • Patent number: 8291768
    Abstract: A syringe having an internal pressure gauge comprises a syringe barrel; a piston within the barrel; a spring coupled to the piston at a first position of the spring, the spring having a second portion that is movable in response to fluid pressure within a syringe cavity; and a pressure gauge having an indicator correlated to a plurality of positions of the second portion of the spring to indicate a pressure of a fluid. The spring can be a bellows. The fluid chamber can be in fluid communication with a cuff of an inflatable medical device, such as an endotracheal tube, such that the measured pressure comprises the fluid pressure within the cuff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignees: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Joan E. Spiegel, Alexander H. Slocum, Adrienne Watral, Samuel Duffley
  • Publication number: 20120255364
    Abstract: A method by which titania, or other composition, nanotube arrays, grown anodically or otherwise, can be made to meter vacuum pressure through hydrogen absorption has been discovered. The nanotube array (203) is fixed onto a demountable or permanently affixed flange, through which electrical current can be passed. By metering the current (205) for an allowable range of bias voltages (207), a resistance value (302) can be obtained. This resistance is related to the hydrogen pressure (202) through cross-calibration at the overlap with conventional gauges. Conventional gauges require free electrons for ionization of gas molecules, directly contributing to the pressure in the vacuum volume. The present invention avoids that complication by relying on the absorption of hydrogen. The method associated with this embodiment includes the mounting, bias, current measurement, restoration and boosting techniques all compatible with the operation of a vacuum vessel at very high, ultra-high and extreme-high vacuum levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Gregory A. Mulhollan, John C. Bierman, Robert E. Kirby
  • Publication number: 20120258322
    Abstract: A ceramic product 1 includes a first ceramic part 2 and a second ceramic part 3, wherein the first ceramic part 2 is connected with the second ceramic part 3 via a joint, wherein the joint comprises an active hard solder, or braze, characterized in that the joint has an inhomogeneous distribution of the components of the active hard solder, or braze, wherein at least at an interface between the active hard solder, or braze, and the ceramic, the at least one active component of the active hard solder, or braze, is enriched. For manufacture of the product, the active hard solder, or braze, material is provided in such a manner, that at least one surface section of at least one of the ceramic parts is first coated with at least one active component of the active hard solder, or braze, and that on the coated section, an alloy is provided, which, by melting of the alloy during the heating, alloys with the coating and forms a metal joint between the two ceramic parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Andrea Berlinger, Ulfert Drewes, Andreas Rossberg, Detlef Schleiferböck, Elke Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20120247214
    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: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Tohru Fujiwara, Ken Iwawaki
  • Patent number: 8276455
    Abstract: A pressure sensor is provided. The pressure sensor includes a body, a sensing element, and a projection part. The body has an internal space and an introduction passage. The internal space is in communication with an outside of the body through the introduction passage. The sensing element is disposed in the internal space of the body and capable of detecting pressure of air in the internal space. The projection part is disposed in the internal space of the body or the introduction passage of the body, and inhibits liquid from entering the internal space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuya Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8278617
    Abstract: A cargo shipment security system includes a flexible body configured to completely enclose and contain cargo within an internal environment having a predetermined pressure. The system includes a sealable vacuum port disposed on and through the body and configured to couple with a vacuum source for creating a vacuum within the internal environment. The system includes one or more sealable ports disposed on and through the body, positioned to cause a turbulent flow through a predetermined volume of the internal environment of the body when the vacuum source is applied at the vacuum port and fluid is caused to enter the internal environment. The system includes one or more detectors positioned to intercept fluid flowing from the internal environment to an external environment outside the body, in such a way as to enable detection of the presence of a substance exiting from the internal environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Sentina, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Garfinkle, John P. Lock
  • Patent number: 8261619
    Abstract: A time-to-digital converting circuit and a pressure sensing device using the same are provided. The circuit includes: a delay time-varying unit generating a reference signal having a fixed delay time, and a sensing signal having a variable delay time in response to an impedance of an externally applied signal; and a delay time calculation and data generation unit calculating a delay time difference between the reference signal and the sensing signal, and generating digital data having a value corresponding to the calculated delay time difference. Accordingly, the digital data are generated using the delay time varied in response to the externally applied signal, so that the size of the time-to-digital circuit is significantly reduced. In addition, an affect due to external noises is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Atlab Inc.
    Inventors: Young-Ho Shin, Sang-Jin Lee, Bang-Won Lee
  • Publication number: 20120218112
    Abstract: A cost effective manometer is realized for accurately measuring back pressure in all types of vents and ducts. Common back pressure can be caused by restrictions, such as lint or soot buildup. The manometer consists of a main body having two reservoirs for storage of measuring fluid. The first reservoir contains measuring fluid during transit eliminating the need for end user to manually fill manometer prior to first use. Measuring fluid is transferred to second main reservoir prior to initial use. The second reservoir contains an adjustable bladder or plunger for obtaining a zero reading prior to measurement. The manometer can be used on all types of vents and ducts where positive or negative pressure exists. The manometer can be used for measuring positive or negative pressures as well as differential pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: David W. Kresge
  • Publication number: 20120210793
    Abstract: There is disclosed a sensor assembly and a method of sensing. The sensor assembly is for sensing a property associated with a structure of interest. The sensor assembly includes an elongate member constructed and arranged so as to be capable of assuming a structure-engaging form in which it is resiliently biased such that the member can engage with and grip the structure along at least part of the length of the member, and, at least one sensor supported by the elongate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: RWR SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventor: Andrew James Daton-Lovett
  • Publication number: 20120186355
    Abstract: An air pump pressure gauge includes a casing, an inner tube coaxially affixed to the casing and defining with the casing an accommodation chamber, a movable member movable back and forth in the accommodation chamber, an end cap end cap set between the inner tube and the casing to seal one end of the accommodation space, a spring member stopped between the end cap and the movable member, at least one seal member mounted on the movable member to define a first airtight structure between the outer surface of the inner tube and the at least one seal member and a second airtight structure between the inside wall of the casing and the at least one seal member, an air hole in communication between the axial hole of the inner tube and the accommodation space, a longitudinal sliding slot located on the movable member, a rack extending along one side of the longitudinal sliding slot, a rotating axle inserted through the longitudinal sliding slot and having its inner end pivoted to the inner tube and its outer end exten
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Lopin Wang
  • Publication number: 20120187962
    Abstract: In method and a control device for triggering person protection device, a signal of a planarly measuring environment sensor system and a second signal of a contact sensor system are evaluated separately in order to produce a respective trigger signal. These two trigger signals are then gated in order to produce a third trigger signal. A trigger circuit triggers the person protection device as a function of this third trigger signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Frank Ewerhart, Reiner Marchthaler, Mario Kroeninger
  • Publication number: 20120180571
    Abstract: Infusion devices with blockage detection capability and methods of monitoring infusion devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Sam W. Bowman, Scott R. Gibson, Richard E. Purvis, Brian Michael Shelton, Lawrence Eric Ong, John Paul D'Brot
  • Publication number: 20120180876
    Abstract: The present invention is a flow rate measuring mechanism provided with: a body unit that has an internal flow path through which a target fluid to be measured is configured to flow; and a pressure sensor that is attached to the body unit and senses a pressure of the internal flow path, and configured to calculate a flow rate of the fluid on the basis of the fluid pressure sensed by the pressure sensor, wherein the body unit has a length direction and a surface parallel to the length direction, which is set as a component attachment surface, and to the component attachment surface, the pressure sensor is attached such that a pressure sensitive surface thereof is substantially vertical to the component attachment surface and substantially parallel to the length direction, and thereby, without causing a reduction in pressure measurement sensitivity, makes a width direction size dramatically smaller than before.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: HORIBA STEC, CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Hayashi, Akira Kuwahara
  • Patent number: 8210047
    Abstract: An apparatus for remote inspection of fire extinguishers at one or a system of fire extinguisher stations includes, e.g., at each fire extinguisher station: a detector for lack of presence of a fire extinguisher in its installed position at the fire extinguisher station; a detector for out-of-range pressure of contents of the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station; a detector for an obstruction to viewing of or access to the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station; and a device for transmission of inspection report information from the fire extinguisher station to a remote central station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: en-Gauge, Inc.
    Inventors: John McSheffrey, Jr., Brendan T. McSheffrey
  • Publication number: 20120161446
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring a parameter (e.g., temperature, pressure, strain, or vibration) of at least a portion of a wind turbine generator using distributed sensing with optical fiber technology are provided. Fiber optic technology with distributed sensing offers a fast, low cost solution for measuring the parameter at myriad locations along substantial lengths of optical fiber. In this manner, the health or status of one or more components of the wind turbine generator may be monitored during or after the different stages of fabrication, transportation, site assembly, operation, and repair over time. Furthermore, data from multiple wind turbine generators may be sent to a local control station for processing and monitoring an entire wind farm in real time. Data from multiple wind farms may be transmitted from multiple local control stations to a remote station such that multiple wind farms may be monitored from a single location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: Shanshan McNeill, Garrett Moran
  • Publication number: 20120144915
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a micromechanical component is described, the micromechanical component having a medium. The medium has settable and changeable volume-elastic properties and generally completely encloses a sensor module and/or a module housing. The medium preferably has a low-pass response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Wolf-Ingo RATZEL, Christian Ohl, Juergen Kurle
  • Patent number: 8182435
    Abstract: An implantable intraocular pressure sensor system has a sealed geometric shape with an internal pressure at a first value. A strain gauge wire is embedded in a surface of the sealed geometric shape. When the surface is deflected by intraocular pressure, a measured resistance of the strain gauge wire indicates the intraocular pressure. The system also has a processor coupled to a power source and memory. The processor is configured to read the measured resistance and write values corresponding to intraocular pressure to the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bruno Dacquay, Matthew J. A. Rickard
  • Publication number: 20120118066
    Abstract: A pressure sensor for measuring the location and intensity of an applied pressure, including an elastomeric sheet; and a plurality of micro-channels embedded in the elastomeric sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Carmel S. Majidi, Robert J. Wood, Philippe Bérard, Yong-Lae Park
  • Patent number: 8166827
    Abstract: A MEMS device, including: a substrate having a first principal plane and a second principal plane opposite to the first principal plane; a through hole formed in the substrate; and a vibrating film formed over the first principal plane so as to cover the through hole. The first principal plane and the second principal plane are both a (110) crystal face; and the through hole has a substantially rhombic shape on the second principal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Miyoshi, Tohru Yamaoka, Hidenori Notake, Yusuke Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20120090397
    Abstract: A pressure indicator for indicating pressure of a pressure source. The indicator comprises a first reservoir which defines a first enclosed volume having a first inlet pipe for communication between the first enclosed volume and a first source of pressurised fluid. A passage which provides a flow path for the pressurised fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Douglas J. ANGUS, Alexander E.H. FITZHUGH
  • Publication number: 20120067132
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to pressure sensors. In one illustrative embodiment, the pressure sensor may include a pressure sensor assembly having pressure ports on opposite sides of the pressure sensor assembly. The pressure sensor may include a protective housing including a first housing member and a second housing member defining a cavity for securely housing the pressure sensor assembly. The protective housing may include a first port coupled to one of the pressure ports of the pressure sensor assembly and a second port coupled to the other pressure port of the pressure sensor assembly. In some cases, the protective housing may include one or more aligning features, one or more positioning features, and a boss, which can include two or more bumps, on each side of the cavity around the pressure ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Basavaraja M. Teli, Ian Bentley, Jim Cook
  • Publication number: 20120058552
    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 30, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    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: 20120048023
    Abstract: Embodiments of an ultra miniature pressure probe are disclosed. The pressure probe can include a probe body, a plurality of transducer ports, and a plurality of transducers. The probe body can be a longitudinal tubular body having a front conical end. The transducer ports can be disposed about the front end of the body. The transducers can be leadless SOI transducers, each having an active deflection area associated with a semiconductor substrate. Each transducer can be in communication with a header for supporting the transducer. The header can have a thickness substantially less than the probe diameter and can comprise a flange about an edge of the header. Each of the plurality of transducer ports can define an aperture and a counter-bore, wherein each transducer is positionable in an associated transducer port with the flange of the header of the transducer being welded to the counter-bore of the transducer port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: ANTHONY D. KURTZ
  • Publication number: 20120041694
    Abstract: A method and system for assessing the condition of a pipe carrying a fluid is disclosed. The method includes the steps of generating a pressure wave in the fluid being carried along the pipe and detecting a pressure wave interaction signal resulting from an interaction of the pressure wave with a localised variation in pipe condition. The method then involves determining from the timing of the pressure wave interaction signal the location of the localised variation in pipe condition and the extent of the localised variation in pipe condition based on a characteristic of the pressure wave interaction signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: ADELAIDE RESEARCH & INNOVATION PTY LTD
    Inventors: Mark Stephens, Martin Lambert, Angus Simpson, Young-il Kim, John Vitkovsky
  • Publication number: 20120031188
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device to indicate a predetermined critical corrosion of a metallic structure located in soil, water or concrete environment. The device comprises a probe that has a closed tubular container intended to contain a pressurized medium, and that has a wall thickness t that corresponds to the predetermined critical corrosion. A protective coating is arranged essentially over the entire outside of the container with the exception of a surface that is intended to be subjected to corrosion attack. The container is allowed to corrode so that the container becomes perforated, whereupon the pressure of the pressurized medium falls. The pressure change is measured by means of a pressure gauge, and in this way, information is obtained about the fact that the corrosion has reached the predetermined critical level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: SCS Engineering AB
    Inventor: Anders Dahlström
  • Publication number: 20120024070
    Abstract: Pressure sensor unit for sealed attachment to a fluidic system comprising a mounting member, a membrane cavity extending through the mounting member with an opening in contact with the fluidic system when the sensor unit is attached thereto, a membrane formed at the distal end of the membrane cavity, and a membrane deflection sensor, wherein the membrane is separated from the mounting member by a stress insulating member arranged to isolate the membrane from stress and strain in the mounting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: GE HEALTHCARE BIO-SCIENCES AB
    Inventors: Tomas Agren, Klas Marteleur
  • Publication number: 20120017688
    Abstract: A drug delivery device (10) includes a pressurized reservoir (14) in communication with a flow path to an outlet (12). The flow path includes two normally-closed valves (16, 18) and a flow restriction (18). A pressure measurement arrangement (22) measures a differential fluid pressure between two points (24, 26) along the flow path which span at least part of the flow restriction (18), one of the points being between the valves (16, 18). A controller (28) selectively opens the valves (16, 18) to deliver a defined quantity of the liquid medicament to the outlet (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: NILI-MED LTD.
    Inventor: Avraham SHEKALIM
  • Publication number: 20120017693
    Abstract: A pressure sensor of the MEMS and/or NEMS type is disclosed, including: at least one first deformable cavity (20) to receive pressure variations from an ambient atmosphere, this first deformable cavity being made in a first substrate and including at least one mobile or deformable wall (25), arranged at least partially in the plane parallel to the first substrate, called plane of the sensor, pressure variations from an ambient atmosphere being transmitted to said cavity, a detector (24, 24?) for detecting a displacement or deformation, in the plane of the sensor, of said mobile or deformable wall, under the effect of a pressure variation of the ambient atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENE ALT
    Inventors: Philippe ROBERT, Arnaud WALTHER
  • Publication number: 20120000291
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing device (200) for fixing in an opening in a wall of a vehicle, said fixing device (200) having a support element (210) with at least one support lug (220). The fixing device (200) also comprises a retaining element (230) with at least one retaining arm (240) for fixing the fixing device (200) to the wall. To fix the fixing device (200) in relation to the support element (210), the retaining element (230) runs through the support element (210) and can rotate it the latter, the support lug (220) being designed to block the rotation of the support element (210).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Christoph, Michael Kaupp, Roland Seitz, Richard Baur, Gerog Mascha, Markus Breitenberger, Dag-Olof Kardell, Boris Adam, Thomas Klierl, Rolf Bechtle, Frank Ocker, Adam Balogh, Christian Plankl, Werner Menzel
  • Publication number: 20110319823
    Abstract: An infusion pump uses sensors, movable members and a control unit to determine tubing thickness in a tube-loading section of the pump. The infusion pump utilizes sensors, such as a pressure sensor, to record forces imparted by a tube undergoing no pressure, a single pressure, or a pressure sweep, to determine thickness. Using these values, the tubing wall thickness can be determined. The infusion pump can also compress a tube using a movable member of the pump and records the distance traveled by the movable member to compress fully the tube. Using this distance, the tubing wall thickness can be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicants: BAXTER HEALTHCARE S.A., BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Peter M. Bojan, Zhengyan Wang, Surya Rai, Paul Olczak