Rate Of Sample Flow Continuously Controlled Patents (Class 73/863.03)
  • Publication number: 20090223309
    Abstract: A sampling device and method for use with a conduit for fluid which has at least one sampling nozzle or sample hole. The sample collected is directed to a manifold where an analysis is conducted and flow rates are measured. The sampled fluid is returned to the conduit. The Static Pressure Control System uses a vacuum pump or other device to equalize the static pressures of the sample nozzle collection manifold and the Static Pressure of the Conduit to achieve the mass-velocity and area-weighted average fluid composition and mass flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: LOS ROBLES ADVERTISING, INC.
    Inventor: Jerome L. Kurz
  • Patent number: 7565846
    Abstract: An exhaust sampling system is provided that includes a sampler having a sample inlet for receiving an exhaust gas sample. The sampler includes a mixer for receiving the exhaust gas sample and a diluent to produce a diluted exhaust gas. The exhaust sampling system includes first and second dilution gas flow devices. The first and second dilution gas flow devices are fluidly connected to one another at a second junction. Any diluent provided by the first and second dilution gas flow devices intermingles with one another prior to reaching the mixer. A diluted sample flow meter is arranged downstream from the mixer for receiving the diluted exhaust gas. In one example, diluent flow from the first and second dilution gas flow devices intermingles before being introduced to the mixer. In another example, diluent flow from the first dilution gas flow device is leaked out of the second dilution gas flow device in a controlled manner to achieve a desired diluent flow into the mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: AVL North America Inc.
    Inventors: William Martin Silvis, Gerald Marek, Wolfgang Schindler
  • Publication number: 20080276729
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sample analyzing apparatus for controlling the flow of a fluid by the movement of a ball using centrifugal force and inertia. Provided is a sample analyzing apparatus using centrifugal force and inertia according to the invention including a rotating body composed of a disk including upper and lower thin-films; a plurality of chambers composed of a polygonal space parts in the rotating body and including porosities on one side edge and a bottom side thereof; paths connected between the porosities of the chambers to transfer fluids mixed or separated in the chambers; sample inputting holes connected to the chambers formed inside of the rotating body through the paths; and balls moving within the chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Il Kweon Joung
  • Patent number: 7434449
    Abstract: An SOF measuring system that can continuously measure SOF and a soot measuring system that can continuously measure soot are connected with an exhaust gas line. The soot measuring system comprises a diluter that selectively dilutes either one of the exhaust gas and standard gas whose hydrocarbon concentration is known with diluent gas and extrudes it. A dilution ratio adjusting device can adjust a dilution ratio of the diluter. A soot detector continuously detects soot in the exhaust gas or the standard gas diluted by the diluter. The SOF measuring system can be connected with the diluter so that an exhaust gas analyzer can measure the hydrocarbon concentration in the standard gas diluted by the diluter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Horiba, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Kusaka, Akihiro Taniguchi, Kaoru Okada, Tatsuki Kumagai
  • Patent number: 7421911
    Abstract: This invention details apparatus and methods for a unique integrated duct probe assembly system that enables multipoint sampling systems to cost effectively measure air parameters in partially confined locations such as ductwork, plenums, and air handlers with both remote and local sensors with a minimum of duct penetrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventors: Eric M. Desrochers, Gordon P. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20080190168
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for proportional sampling of particulate material present in the exhaust gas emitted from an engine, in order to measure the mass of particulate material present in the exhaust gas, utilizes a mixing chamber (18) for mixing a portion of the exhaust gas with a dilution gas. A flow control (20) controls the flow rate of the portion of the exhaust gas as a function of exhaust gas flow by activating individual ones of a parallel array of solenoid valves (30), each defining a flow restriction (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: SENSORS INC.
    Inventors: David R. Booker, Gideon Eden
  • Patent number: 7404340
    Abstract: A gas sampling system 36 capable of testing and certifying internal combustion engines 16 under transient conditions is provided and includes a partial flow dilution tunnel 38, master and slave mass flow controllers 80,60 and a transient dilution air flow controlling arrangement 110. The transient dilution air flow controlling arrangement 110 measures the transient changes in intake air and varies the flow of diluent air to the partial flow dilution tunnel 38. By controlling the diluent air in this manner ensures that a particle sample can be taken at any time that is at a constant proportion to the exhaust flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Richard R. Dickson, Russell R. Graze, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7389703
    Abstract: A partial flow sampling system includes a system inlet for receiving an exhaust sample flow from a sample inlet probe and transfer line. The system further includes a dilution air control system for controlling a dilution air flow rate, and a mixer. The mixer receives and mixes the exhaust sample flow and the dilution air flow to produce a mixture flow. A total flow control system controls the mixture flow rate. An orifice flow meter installed at the system inlet measures the exhaust sample flow rate in. real-time. This provides accurate sample flow measurements over a wide range of dilution ratios and sample ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Horiba Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Qiang Wei, Ichiro Asano
  • Publication number: 20080134805
    Abstract: A dilution apparatus suitable for use with particles suspended in a fluid is described. The apparatus comprises a first batch diluter and a second continuous diluter. The first diluter comprises a vessel having at least one inlet, and an outlet, the at least one inlet being arranged to receive diluent so as to mix said sample with said diluent. The second diluter comprises a sample input, a diluent inlet and an output, the diluent input being arranged such that diluent entering the second diluter experiences a pressure drop. The pressure drop is sufficient to entrain at least a portion of diluted sample from the first diluter through the sample input. The outlet of the first diluter is arranged to be in communication with the input of the second diluter such that a sample that has been pre-diluted in the first diluter is arranged to be further diluted in the second diluter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Alain Blasco, Gerard Michel
  • Patent number: 7363828
    Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for aerosol measurement having a high concentration of particles the apparatus comprising a diluter for diluting the concentration of particles in a sample aerosol stream to form a diluted aerosol stream, and a sensor for detecting the particles in the diluted aerosol stream by vapor condensation, droplet growth and optical detection. Such apparatus may be housed in a common housing along with the electronics for operating the apparatus and components such as pumps and filters that may be necessary. The diluter includes an input for an aerosol stream having an initial particle concentration, and a dilution stream. The aerosol stream and the dilution stream flow through a restriction which is sized such that turbulent flow is created so that the dilution stream and the aerosol stream are mixed to produce a diluted aerosol stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: MSP Corporation
    Inventor: Benjamin Y. H. Liu
  • Patent number: 7347112
    Abstract: Air sampler with integrated airflow sensing. The air sampler according to at least some embodiments includes an air mover that is operable to move air over a sampling media. An integrated airflow sensor is in fluid communication with the air mover. The air mover operating speed can be adjusted, in example embodiments, by either a feedback control mechanism that is connected to the air mover and the integrated airflow sensor, by user input, or by a combination of the two. The feedback control mechanism adjusts the operating speed of the air mover in response to signaling from the integrated airflow sensor in order to maintain an actual airflow in accordance with a stored, target value. The feedback can, in at least some embodiments, compensate for obstructions, environmental variables, variations in the power supplied to the air mover, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Environemental Monitoring Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Gary Kay
  • Patent number: 7303728
    Abstract: The invention concerns a fluid dispensing device, characterised in that it comprises: a dispensing member (10) including: a conduit (42, 44) allowing through a transporting liquid (52), a valve (48) fixed to one of the ends (38) of said conduit, a dispensing needle (12) arranged at the other end (38), means for measuring the flow rate (46) of the transporting liquid (52) in the conduit, control means (54) for circulating the said liquid through said conduit in one direction or the other, and electronic means (58, 60) reacting to said measuring means (46) and acting both on said valve (48) and said control means (54) to cause a specific amount of fluid (30) to be sucked into the needle (12), and then to be restored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Seyonic SA
    Inventors: Marc Boillat, Bart Van Der Schoot, Bastien Droz, Xavier Tinguely
  • Patent number: 7243559
    Abstract: A gas sampling system 36 capable of testing and certifying internal combustion engines 16 under transient conditions is provided and includes a partial flow dilution tunnel 38, master and slave mass flow controllers 80,60 and a transient dilution air flow controlling arrangement 110. The transient dilution air flow controlling arrangement 110 measures the transient changes in intake air and varies the flow of diluent air to the partial flow dilution tunnel 38. By controlling the diluent air in this manner ensures that a particle sample can be taken at any time that is at a constant proportion to the exhaust flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Richard R. Dickson, Russell R. Graze, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7201071
    Abstract: A wide range continuous diluter for diluting gases that contain small particles to allow subsequent measurement of the diluted gases with an instrument is provided. A dilution gas inlet receives a dilution gas, and a sample gas inlet receives a sample gas. A flow meter measures the sample gas flow rate. A mixer receives and mixes the dilution gas and the sample gas at a dilution ratio. An instrument flow outlet provides a well-defined flow into the instrument from the mixture flow. A make-up gas inlet is arranged to provide make-up gas into the mixture flow at a controlled rate. Because the dilution gas flows at a controlled rate and the mixture flows at a controlled rate, changing the flow rate of the make-up gas causes a responsive change in the sample gas flow rate, thereby allowing continuous adjustment and control of the dilution ratio when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Horiba, Ltd.
    Inventors: Qiang Wei, Ichiro Asano
  • Patent number: 7100459
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing a first stream of gas with a second stream of gas is provided. The method includes introducing a first stream of gas into a first stream manifold and directing the first stream from the first stream manifold into a mixing chamber via a plurality of first stream passages flow coupled to the mixing chamber. A second stream of gas is directed into the mixing chamber via at least one second stream passage flow coupled to a first end of the mixing chamber. A combined stream is formed from the first and second streams, gradually converged, and discharged from the mixing chamber through a mixing chamber exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerrick S. Gehner, Russel R. Graze, Jr., Kartik G. Iyer, Korby A. Koch, Hermant P. Mallampalli, John R. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7059205
    Abstract: A system for extracting samples from a stream in a conduit utilizing a probe, placed in the stream and having a channel for passing samples from the conduit stream. First and second pressure taps measure the pressure inside and outside the probe. A feedback signal, based on a pressure differential relative to the probe, is generated and controls a valve regulating sample velocity flow through the probe channel, that bears a fixed proportion to the velocity of flow in the conduit. The constant of proportionality between flow velocities in the conduit and the probe may be 1.0, resulting in an isokinetic sampling condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Engine, Fuel, and Emissions Engineering, Incorporated
    Inventor: Christopher Weaver
  • Patent number: 7044009
    Abstract: A dilution tunnel having a flow chamber structure with an inlet, an outlet, and an internal flow passage for a sample gas, the sample gas being adapted to flow in a flow direction between the inlet and the outlet. The flow chamber structure having a plurality of pores that communicate between an outside region external of the flow chamber structure and the internal flow passage. The pores are adapted to introduce a diluting gas from the outside region into the internal flow passage. The flow chamber structure is adapted to provide a diluting rate of the dilution tunnel that varies in the flow direction of the dilution tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Russell R. Graze, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7044010
    Abstract: An aseptic, continuous sampling arrangement used in a fluid transportation system, the arrangement including an elbow pipe and a septum cartridge. The sampling arrangement further including a needle, a tube, and a collection reservoir, arranged such that the collection reservoir is in fluid contact with the fluid transportation system. The sampling arrangement configured to create a non-laminar fluid flow region from which a continuous sample of fluid material is drawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Darrell Lee Bigalke
  • Patent number: 7021145
    Abstract: An acoustic transducer for measuring a property of a fluid includes an acoustic pulse generator and buffer assembly. The buffer assembly is between the pulse generator and the fluid. The buffer assembly is composed of a core and a sleeve shrink fitted over the core to form a cladding layer. The cladding layer reduces dispersion of the acoustic pulses traveling through the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Horiba Instruments, Inc
    Inventor: James A. Hill
  • Patent number: 6976397
    Abstract: A method and system of obtaining a spatially representative sample of fluid flowing through a duct comprises providing a sample probe having a plurality of inlet ports in the duct, controlling a back pressure within the sample probe so that the back pressure within the sample probe at each inlet port is the same, and receiving a sample portion of the fluid into the plurality of inlet ports. The back pressure may be equal to a static pressure of an outlet portion of the duct. The back pressure may be controlled by venting the sample probe to atmosphere, using a pressure regulator connected to the sample probe or venting to an opening in a wall of an outlet portion of the duct. A cross sectional area of the sample probe may be at least ten times larger than a sum of respective cross sectional areas of the inlet ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Neil Colin Widmer
  • Patent number: 6962090
    Abstract: An exhaust gas measurement system is provided that includes a probe to find a sample exhaust gas passageway for collecting exhaust gas. A stainless steel canister is fluidly connected to the probe for storing the exhaust gas. A pump fluidly interconnects the probe and the canister for transferring the exhaust gas from the probe to the canister. A pressure mass flow controller fluidly interconnects the probe and the canister and produces an exhaust gas flow measurement corresponding to the flow of the exhaust gas from the probe to the canister. A temperature sensor senses a temperature of the exhaust gas proximate to the pressure mass flow controller. The temperature sensor corrects the exhaust gas flow measurement based upon the temperature sensed. A pressure sensor senses a pressure of the exhaust gas proximate to the pressure mass flow controller. The temperature sensor corrects the exhaust gas flow measurement based upon the pressure sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: AVL North America Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Fitzgerald McDonald, William Martin Silvis, Norbert Kreft, Gerald Marek
  • Patent number: 6934643
    Abstract: An ultra accurate gas injection system with vehicle transient air simulation is provided. The device includes an input device, at least one mass flow device, an air flow device, a controller, such as a PC based controller, and an output device. The air flow device issues an air flow rate signal indicative of at least the actual air flow rate and receives an air flow control signal. The controller issues gas and air flow control signals, repeatedly reads the air flow rate signal and compares the actual air flow rate with the target air flow rate. The controller adjusts the air flow control signal such that the actual air flow rate is substantially equal to the target air flow rate. The mass flow device injects at least one gas into the air stream which is subsequently emitted into the external system to simulate exhaust gas from a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Krishnendu Kar, Robert Semidey
  • Patent number: 6904815
    Abstract: A method and system of obtaining a sample of fluid flowing through a duct comprises determining an average concentration of a component species of the fluid during a test including determining first and second concentrations of the component species at first and second respective duct locations, positioning first and second sample probes in the duct so that they receive the fluid at the first and second locations, respectively, and controlling respective flow rates of fluid received by the first and second sample probes, or alternatively first and second time amounts that the flow of fluid is received by the first and second sample probes, respectively, based on the determined first, second and average concentrations. The respective flow rates or time amounts may be controlled so that component species concentration collectively received by the first and second sample probes equals the average concentration of the component species determined during the test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Neil Colin Widmer
  • Patent number: 6845676
    Abstract: An aseptic, continuous sampling arrangement used in a fluid transportation system, the arrangement including an elbow pipe and a septum cartridge. The sampling arrangement further including a needle, a tube, and a collection reservoir, arranged such that the collection reservoir is in fluid contact with the fluid transportation system. The sampling arrangement configured to create a non-laminar fluid flow region from which a continuous sample of fluid material is drawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: Darrell Lee Bigalke
  • Patent number: 6823748
    Abstract: A particulate sampler is provided for conveying exhaust gas from exhaust gas source to analysis equipment. The particulate sampler includes a probe for receiving the exhaust gas and a transfer tube for conveying the exhaust gas from a tailpipe to a mixer. The mixer mixes the exhaust gas and a dilution gas from a dilution source. A dilution tunnel mixes and conveys the exhaust gas and dilution gas from the mixer to analysis equipment such as a filter or gas analyzers. A flow pulsation cancellation device includes an actuator in communication with at least one of the tailpipe, probe, transfer tube, mixer, and dilution tunnel for introducing a canceling pressure pulse to minimize the effects of pressures pulses present from the tailpipe within the sampler. The actuator may be a moveable membrane or a fluid flow control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: AVL North America Inc.
    Inventors: William Martin Silvis, Norbert Kreft, Wolfgang Schindler, Gerald Marek
  • Publication number: 20040118223
    Abstract: A gas sampling system 36 capable of testing and certifying internal combustion engines 16 under transient conditions is provided and includes a partial flow dilution tunnel 38, master and slave mass flow controllers 80,60 and a transient dilution air flow controlling arrangement 110. The transient dilution air flow controlling arrangement 110 measures the transient changes in intake air and varies the flow of diluent air to the partial flow dilution tunnel 38. By controlling the diluent air in this manner ensures that a particle sample can be taken at any time that is at a constant proportion to the exhaust flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Richard R. Dickson, Russell R. Graze
  • Patent number: 6742404
    Abstract: The invention discloses a flow proportional fluid sampler. A turbine pump unit has a pump that is powered by the fluid flow of the test site, such as a stream, thereby eliminating the need for outside power for the pump and proportioning the volume of sample taken to the flow velocity. The invention also incorporates a simple pulse counter that monitor's the revolutions of the turbine propeller and can be used to measure velocity. The invention also provides a collection and distribution unit that can collect and store numerous samples in a small, light-weight container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventors: Damien J. Smith, Joseph A. Rainwater, Jan Boll
  • Patent number: 6729195
    Abstract: An exhaust gas sampling system for use in connection with the sampling of an internal combustion engine exhaust gas streams has a plurality of diluters arranged in a serial array along an axial extent. A source of engine exhaust gas is fluidically connected to the plurality of serially arranged diluters so as to supply an engine exhaust gas stream into each one of the plurality of serially arranged diluters in a serial manner. A source of dilution air fluidically is connected to each one of the plurality of serially arranged diluters so as to supply dilution air into each one of the plurality of serially arranged diluters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Russell R. Graze, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040055363
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring fluid flow rate in a system where fluid is pumped, such as a gas monitoring instrument where gas is pumped from a space such as a room or enclosure through a conduit to a sensor. The flow of gas through a pump is determined by measuring motor back-e.m.f. which is proportional to motor speed. In a system where motor speed is regulated by pulse width modulation of the motor drive voltage, the back-e.m.f. is sampled during intervals between the drive pulses applied to the motor, and in a further aspect the sampling is done at selected, spaced-apart or infrequent intervals such as once for every ten or once for every hundred motor drive pulses. Advantageously, in an instrument that uses a microprocessor and analog-to-digital converter to measure gas-concentration, the same microprocessor and converter can provide the PWM control of the pump, in response to the back-e.m.f. generated by the pump motor between the drive pulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: L. Rodney Bristol
  • Patent number: 6615679
    Abstract: A system for detecting particles in a clean environment includes and ensemble manifold having a plurality of sample ports, a delivery port, and flow junction having no open-close valves or other flow selectors connecting all of said sample ports to said delivery port. In one embodiment, the ensemble manifold is mounted directly on a particle detector using a snap-on connector. A plurality of fluid sources are located in a clean environment, each of the fluid sources fluidically connected to one of the sample ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Particle Measuring Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A. Knollenberg, Glenn W. Brandon, Bryan Bast
  • Patent number: 6609433
    Abstract: Discloses a system for the analysis and measurement of selected gases such as combustible gases contained in a gaseous sample to be analyzed including a mixing manifold arrangement to mix the sample gas with a diluting gas to provide a constant gas output flow rate to a detector system. The mixing manifold arrangement automatically reconfigures itself to provide an optimal concentration ratio of sample and diluting mixed gas to the detector system. A constant sample gas input rate is preferred. Excess sample gas not required to maintain a constant mixed sample output rate is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Pason Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Brian Taylor, Wiktor Skupinski
  • Publication number: 20030136177
    Abstract: A self contained field sampling system for measuring engine exhaust emissions includes a mini-dilution tunnel adapted for the collection of proportional samples of emissions to be analyzed, an engine air intake flow measurement instrument, a system controller and data acquisition system, and an optionally portable generator to provide electrical power. Several probes withdraw dilute and undiluted exhaust for emission analysis. Various engine emissions may be isolated. As well, engine emissions mass rate may be calculated by reference to engine RPM, inlet flow rate, exhaust temperature and emissions output rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Fredrick Hendren, Bruce Ainslie
  • Patent number: 6584865
    Abstract: An absolute reference aerosol sampler system and method based on isokinetic and isoaxial sampling principles wherein the position of a collection inlet for an aerosol sampling head is adjusted relative to the actual wind direction in real time. In addition, flow rate of the air at a collection inlet within the absolute-reference sampler is matched to the real time actual wind speed. These adjustments and controls enable the absolute reference sampler system to obtain particulate samples from the immediate environment without biasing the size distribution in any manner, resulting in a fully unbiased, representative sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Robert W. Doherty, Paul J. DeLuca
  • Patent number: 6546818
    Abstract: Discloses a system for the analysis and measurement of selected gases such as combustible gases contained in a gaseous sample to be analyzed including a mixing manifold arrangement to mix the sample gas with a diluting gas to provide a constant gas output flow rate to a detector system. The mixing manifold arrangement automatically reconfigures itself to provide an optimal concentration ratio of sample and diluting mixed gas to the detector system. A constant sample gas input rate is preferred. Excess sample gas not required to maintain a constant mixed sample output rate is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Pason Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Brian Taylor, Wiktor Skupinski
  • Patent number: 6532423
    Abstract: A method for determining a plurality of fluid flow characteristic curves of a heat-dissipating system, wherein each fluid flow characteristic curve is a relationship curve of one of an air pressure and an air flow and the air pressure and a rotating speed of the heat-dissipating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Delta Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yin-Yuan Chen, Chia-Kuan Liao, Chih-Jen Chen
  • Publication number: 20030019304
    Abstract: Discloses a system for the analysis and measurement of selected gases such as combustible gases contained in a gaseous sample to be analysed including a mixing manifold arrangement to mix the sample gas with a diluting gas to provide a constant gas output flow rate to a detector system. The mixing manifold arrangement automatically reconfigures itself to provide an optimal concentration ratio of sample and diluting mixed gas to the detector system. A constant sample gas input rate is preferred. Excess sample gas not required to maintain a constant mixed sample output rate is discharged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Brian Taylor, Wiktor Skupinski
  • Patent number: 6505524
    Abstract: A mixing system with proportional dilution gas sampling, and associated proportional dilution gas sampling methods are provided. The mixing system includes a mixing portion, a gaseous inlet, a dilution inlet, and a mixture outlet. A flow meter in flow communication with the dilution inlet has an output indicative of the dilution gas flow rate. A dilution sample line in flow communication with the dilution inlet collects samples of the dilution gas. A dilution sample flow controller along the dilution sample line is applicable to vary the dilution sample flow rate through the dilution sample line. Control logic receives the flow meter output, processes the flow meter output, and operates the dilution sample flow controller to vary the dilution sample flow rate. The dilution sample flow rate is varied in response to variations in the dilution gas flow rate such that the dilution sample flow rate tracks a value which is substantially proportional to the dilution gas flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Horiba Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: William M. Silvis
  • Publication number: 20020194936
    Abstract: Discloses a system for the analysis and measurement of selected gases such as combustible gases contained in a gaseous sample to be analysed including a mixing manifold arrangement to mix the sample gas with a diluting gas to provide a constant gas output flow rate to a detector system. The mixing manifold arrangement automatically reconfigures itself to provide an optimal concentration ratio of sample and diluting mixed gas to the detector system. A constant sample gas input rate is preferred. Excess sample gas not required to maintain a constant mixed sample output rate is discharged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: PASON SYSTEMS CORP.
    Inventors: Brian Taylor, Wiktor Skupinski
  • Publication number: 20020184956
    Abstract: Discloses a system for the analysis and measurement of selected gases such as combustible gases contained in a gaseous sample to be analyzed including a mixing manifold arrangement to mix the sample gas with a diluting gas to provide a constant gas output flow rate to a detector system. The mixing manifold arrangement automatically reconfigures itself to provide an optimal concentration ratio of sample and diluting mixed gas to the detector system. A constant sample gas input rate is preferred. Excess sample gas not required to maintain a constant mixed sample output rate is discharged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Brian Taylor, Wiktor Skupinski
  • Patent number: 6451201
    Abstract: In an apparatus for providing a continuous integrity test for suction driven filtering membrane assemblies 10, a monitoring line 32 diverts a portion of permeate to a monitoring device 30 (e.g. a turbidimeter). Both ends 34, 36 of the monitoring line are connected to the permeate pipe 20 upstream from the permeate pump 26 and at points of relatively higher and lower pressures respectively, to cause fluid to flow through the monitoring line. The relatively higher and lower pressures may be caused by a source of head loss 38 (e.g. a valve) in the permeate line. The source of head loss may be adjusted to provide a required flow through the monitoring device by a control 43 communicating with a flow meter 42 in the monitoring line. Membrane assemblies may be individually monitored although many of them may be connected to a common permeate pump (FIG. 2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Zenon Environmental Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Cadera, Nicholas Adams
  • Patent number: 6435004
    Abstract: A measuring system and process for measuring the size distribution of particles in an aerosol with a time-varying flow utilizing a measuring instrument that utilizes a time-invariant flow rate is provided. The process includes employing a vacuum source to establish a constant flow through the measuring instrument. The vacuum generated by the vacuum source is used to draw an aerosol stream through an inlet incorporating a second stream of relatively particle free gas. The first and/or the second stream may be adjusted so that at any instant of time, the sum of the two streams is a constant value equal to the flow rate through the measuring instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Nicholas C. Miller
  • Patent number: 6431014
    Abstract: An aerosol impactor and monitor has a plurality of impactor stages, each of which will receive an aerosol and classify the aerosol according to particle size. The impactor stages have nozzle plates and impaction plates that reduce the effects of cross flow under high flow volumes, as well as including monitors for determining pressure drop to permit analyzation of performance of the impactors. The impaction plates are mounted so that they can be rotated within the separate impactor chambers through the use of magnetic attraction drives to eliminate the need for rotating seals and yet obtain the benefit of the rotatable impaction plates. Pressure sensors are used for determining pressure drop across nozzle plates, both to insure evaluation of the flow rate through the impactor and also to determine the condition of the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: MSP Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin Y. H. Liu, Virgil A. Marple
  • Publication number: 20020083780
    Abstract: A surface particle detector that includes a scanner slidable over a surface, a particle counter for counting particles passed therethrough, and a conduit connected between the scanner and the particle counter. The particle counter includes a pump for creating an airstream for drawing particles from the surface, through the scanner and conduit, to the particle counter, and back to the scanner. A sensor measures the airstream flow rate, and a controller controls the pump speed based upon the sensed airstream flow rate. The conduit attaches to the particle counter via a first connector, which contains electronic indicia identifying the type of scanner attached to the other end of the conduit. The controller controls the particle counter in response to the detected electronic indicia. The particle counter also includes a removable filter cartridge with a filter element that captures the counted particles for laboratory analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Donald G. Lutz, Daniel Duggan
  • Patent number: 6405577
    Abstract: A flow rate detector mechanism using variable Venturi therein, comprising: a variable flow rate generator, comprising: a core 11; and a variable Venturi 12; wherein a throat (flow passage) cross-sectional area defined between the core and the venturi is able to be changed by shifting relative positions of the core and the venturi in a direction of axes thereof, and further comprising a flow rate calculation processing portion 30 for calculating a flow rate based on the relative positions in the direction of the axes thereof and for outputting the calculated flow rate, thereby continuously changing the constant flow rate, without occurrence of any disturbance therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha and Kabushiki Kaisha Tsukasa Sokken
    Inventors: Noriyuki Hanashiro, Atsushi Shibata, Shigeru Yanagihara, Shuta Yamawaki
  • Patent number: 6370936
    Abstract: A sampling apparatus for exhaust gas is capable of calibrating two flowmeters each other easily and precisely. A diluting air supply passage for diluting the sampled exhaust gas is connected to an upstream side of a diluting tunnel. A first flowmeter for measuring flow rate of air is provided in the diluting air supply passage. A measuring passage having a filter for capturing particulate matter in the exhaust gas diluted with the diluting air and a second flowmeter for measuring the flow rate of the diluted exhaust gas flowing this filter are connected to a downstream side of the diluting channel. Both flowmeters have high precision. A passage changeover part is provided at the downstream side of the first flowmeter of the diluting air supply passage; a passage changeover part is provided at the upstream side of the second flowmeter in the measuring passage; and a bypass passage is provided between the two passage changeover parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Horiba, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Yamagishi, Tetsuji Asami, Shigeru Okuda
  • Patent number: 6365107
    Abstract: A headspace instrument (10, 70) operates to equilibrate a vapor phase of a headspace sample in a sample loop (40, 74). The sample is equilibrated by flow through the headspace between variable volume chambers (28, 50, 86, 90). The volume of the variable volume chambers are changed in coordinated relation so that a constant total volume is always maintained. An aliquot of the equilibrated sample in the sample loop is delivered to an analytical instrument. The headspace instrument enables delivering a vapor sample from a headspace under conditions which do not disturb the thermodynamic equilibrium between the vapor phase and the non-vapor phase of the sample and avoids having the sampling process impact the results of the analysis. Alternative forms of the headspace instrument enable the conduct of concentration dependent processes and absorption and desorption experiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventors: Michael Markelov, Yuri Kazakevich
  • Patent number: 6276195
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the viscosity of a sample solution which comprises an input tube for transporting a sample solution flow towards a splitter for diverting input flow into two distinct flow streams where three capillary tubes are located in the two flow streams placed downstream from the flow splitter, where each flow stream has one or two capillary tubes a delay volume, and a flow through transducer having hydraulic connections placed in one stream or in two streams used for measuring the pressure difference across the capillary tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventor: Jose Luis de Corral
  • Patent number: 6274087
    Abstract: The invention relates to a diagnostic medical device, and in particular to a blood cell analyzer which by manual or automatic operation withdraws and analyzes a minimal amount of blood that is stored in open or sealed vials. The analyzer includes a manually operated self cleaning sampling device for open vials and an automated self cleaning sampling device for sealed vials fitted with a pierceable cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: BioChem Immunosystems Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Preston, Peter A. Bourdelle
  • Patent number: 6223590
    Abstract: The process is disclosed for transforming a liquid mixture sample in a pressurized container to a vapor phase sample of substantially the same concentration as in the liquid mixture which includes the combination of a coarse filter, a first orifice or pressure regulator device, a pressure cut-off switch or second pressure regulator, a coalescing filter, and a fitting for linking the device to an analytical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Janos Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Barry O'Dwyer, Christopher D. Prozzo
  • Patent number: 6200819
    Abstract: An apparatus adapted for analyzing exhaust emissions by using a small fraction of a continuously-extracted exhaust sample combined with a pollutant-free diluent through a system of critical flow orifices at a predetermined and precisely controlled flow ratio. A small quantity of gas is extracted from the diluted exhaust gas available which is diluted with the contaminant-free air or nitrogen to produce a mixture having a dew point below ambient air temperature and satisfying the flow requirements of the analysis system. The diluted sample may then be analyzed to obtain the total mass of pollutants through identification of the instantaneous exhaust concentration rate and the exhaust mass flow rate or through identification of the concentration of pollutants collected in a sample bag and the total exhaust volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Horiba Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Neal Harvey, Allen F. Dageforde