With Signals, Indicators, Measuring, Or Testing Means Patents (Class 96/417)
  • Patent number: 11940308
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for promoting more desirable fluid flow within a section of pipe between upstream and downstream transducers in a fluid meter (e.g., a water or gas meter). To create better fluid flow characteristics, an insert may be installed within the section of pipe. The insert may be configured with an upper portion and a lower portion that are connected in the manufacturing process. The insert may include mirror supports configured to result in low pressure drop and stable flow conditions. The mirror supports (upstream and downstream) reflect the ultrasonic signals sent between the upstream and downstream piezo transducers. A fluid stabilizer may be connected to one of the upper portion or the lower portion of the insert. The fluid stabilizer may include a conical central portion and four blades to smooth fluid flow between the transducers and associated mirrors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: ITRON GLOBAL SARL
    Inventors: Pierre-Olivier Jandaud, Soufiane Zbidi, Clara Lefaucheux, Jeremy Masson, Leo Meyer, Abdel-Hakim Elattar
  • Patent number: 11933734
    Abstract: A flow cell system includes a vessel and a fluid located in the vessel. A fluid surface of the fluid can be vented to a first gas pressure. The fluid surface can have a first cross-sectional area. The flow cell system includes a conduit in fluid communication with the vessel and positioned downstream of the vessel. The conduit can have a region that includes one or more orifices and has a second cross-sectional area. The second cross-sectional area can be less than the first cross-sectional area. The one or more orifices can be vented to a second gas pressure. The second gas pressure can be equal to or greater than the first gas pressure. Methods for analyzing a process fluid can include characterizing the fluid in the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: UCHICAGO ARGONNE, LLC
    Inventors: Cari A. Launiere, Nathaniel C. Hoyt
  • Patent number: 11932404
    Abstract: This disclosure describes an on-board oxygen generating system (OBOGS) using open loop control. An example OBOGS includes a concentrator comprising at least two beds and a controller. Each bed has a valve to pneumatically couple the bed between a supply gas source and a vent; The controller receives at least one input signal from at least one sensor aboard an aircraft, and determines a predicted oxygen concentration output from the at least two beds into the based on the received input signals. The controller controls the valves of the at least two beds based on the determined predicted oxygen concentration to adjust charge/vent ratios of the at least two beds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Peter James Hedges, Andrew Paul Marsh
  • Patent number: 11873628
    Abstract: A redundant meter measurement system includes a first water sensor configured to measure a first set of water use data and a second water sensor configured to measure a second set of water use data. The system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the first water sensor and the second water sensor. The controller is configured to receive the first set of water use data from the first water sensor and receive the second set of water use data from the second water sensor. The controller is also configured to store the first set of water use data and the second set of water use data as a collection of water use data. The controller is also configured to enable transmission of the collection of water use data to a remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
    Inventor: Christopher G. Henry
  • Patent number: 11869066
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to an automatic ordering method including a network-connected machine-readable code scanner identifying a product, and a network-connected weigh scale identifying a current weight of the product, the method further triggering an automatic order process when the current weight crosses a predetermined threshold. In an illustrative example, the automatic order process may send a signal to a user's network-connected personal device containing a notification that the products current weight has crossed the predetermined threshold. The user may be presented one or more options, for example, regarding product purchase. In some examples, user setup selections may provide input to a function that determines the predetermined weight threshold. Various examples may include a network server. Online merchants providing online ordering of the product may also connect to the network server, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Adam Dewey McBrady, Teresa Marta, Stephan Bork, Tong Shang
  • Patent number: 11846937
    Abstract: A robot cleaner comprising: a cleaner body including a controller, the cleaner body having a dust container accommodation part formed therein; a wheel unit mounted in the cleaner body, the wheel unit of which driving is controlled by the controller; and a dust container detachably coupled to the dust container accommodation part, wherein a first opening and a second opening are disposed at the same height in an inner wall of the dust container accommodation part, wherein the dust container includes: an entrance and an exit, disposed side by side along the circumference of the dust container, the entrance and the exit, respectively communicating with the first opening and the second opening when the dust container is accommodated in the dust container accommodation part; and a flow separating part extending downwardly inclined along the inner circumference of the dust container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Bohyun Nam, Inbo Shim, Jihoon Sung, Sojin Park, Seunghyun Song, Sangkyu Lee, Woochan Jun
  • Patent number: 11828301
    Abstract: An air filtration ceiling fan apparatus includes a ceiling fan unit and an air filtration unit. The ceiling fan unit includes a motor and a plurality of fan blades operably coupled to the motor. The air filtration unit includes a filter element and a filter fan configured to move air through the filter element. The ceiling fan unit is operably connected to the air filtration unit to form the air filtration ceiling fan, and the air filtration ceiling fan is configured to attach to a ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Home Depot Product Authority, LLC
    Inventors: Trevor L. Jackson, David M. Pehar, William E. Rabbitt, Marc Louis Vitantonio, Paul D. Stephens, Vikki Nowak, John Evan Spirk
  • Patent number: 11821829
    Abstract: A device for measuring the dust content of an air stream includes a supply line having an inlet opening for supplying the air stream toward a measuring chamber for measuring the dust content. An adjustable flow rate pump is configured for suctioning the air stream toward the measuring chamber. A first measuring system is configured for measuring the velocity, temperature, pressure, and moisture content of the air stream at the inlet opening. A second measuring system is configured for measuring the flow rate, temperature, pressure, and moisture content of the air stream in the measuring chamber. A third measuring system is configured for measuring the dust content in the measuring chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: OPTYL
    Inventor: Yves Willems
  • Patent number: 11781765
    Abstract: The application provides an air purifier comprising a shell assembly having air inlets and air outlets, and a filter assembly, an air inflow guide assembly, a fan and a diffusion air outflow assembly sequentially arranged from back to front. The filter assembly can purify air entering the filter assembly via the air inlets and flowing through the filter assembly. The air inflow guide assembly defines a guide channel between the filter assembly and the fan. The fan generates an air flow that flows into a first receiving cavity via the air inlets and sequentially flows through each assembly. The diffusion air outflow assembly can rotate to guide the air flow to the air outlets, enable the air flow to diffuse outwards and decrease the flow velocity of the air flow. The air purifier expands the purification range of the air purifier and improves the purification effect of the air purifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: X. J. Electronics (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yun Pan
  • Patent number: 11712146
    Abstract: A robot cleaner includes a water tank forming a space to store water, a body forming an exterior and having a housing which forms a space in which the water tank is mounted, a pair of spin mops rotatably mounted at a lower side of the body, a first nozzle provided at the housing, a second nozzle provided at the tank and configured to couple to the first nozzle, and a fixing part generating a magnetic force when the tank is mounted in the housing to fix an arrangement of the tank mounted in the housing. The fixing part includes a fixing device (e.g., a magnet or metal) provided around a circumference of the second nozzle and a response fixing device (e.g., a magnet or metal) provided around a circumference of the first nozzle and having a shape corresponding to the fixing device. The first nozzle and the second nozzle are attached to each other by the fixing device and the response fixing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Moohyun Ko, Sungjun Kim, Donggeun Lee
  • Patent number: 11703816
    Abstract: Apparatus for transforming the air exchange load of a higher air exchange rate space into the air exchange load of a lower air exchange rate space, the apparatus including: a housing for mounting to a surface of the higher air exchange rate space; an air inlet formed in the housing; at least one air outlet formed in the housing; a passageway extending through the housing and connecting the air inlet to the at least one air outlet; a circulation fan disposed in the passageway so as to draw the air of the higher air exchange rate space into the air inlet, through the passageway, and return that air to the higher air exchange rate space through the at least one air outlet; and a filter disposed in the passageway for purging noxious substances from the air passing through the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: FIPAK Research and Development Company
    Inventors: Stephan Hauville, Antoine Hauville
  • Patent number: 11703426
    Abstract: A passive sampling device is provided that is comprised of a member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface and a hole through the member extending from the first surface to the second surface. An adsorbent material is positioned between two mesh members. The adsorbent material allows for efficient and selective removal of organic molecules, such as, for example, perfluoroalkyl substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: ARCADIS U.S., INC.
    Inventors: Paul Edmiston, Craig Divine
  • Patent number: 11679385
    Abstract: A media sample holder includes a base and a plurality of retention assemblies including retaining tabs and opposing flexible release lever arms, configured to allow attachment of the base to an attachment adapter. The media sample holder can attach a media sample on or near a filter. The media sample holder held in the media sample holder can have a different removal efficiency curve than a removal efficiency curve of the filter. The media sample can be placed at or near the filter for a period of time, then tested to determine the status and/or life of the filter based on the relationship between the remaining life, exposure, or removal efficiency of the filter and the exposure or removal efficiency of the tested media sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: ENTEGRIS, INC.
    Inventors: John C. Gaudreau, Evan Warniers, Edward J. Washington
  • Patent number: 11650138
    Abstract: A passive sampling device is provided that is comprised of a member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface and a hole through the member extending from the first surface to the second surface. An adsorbent material is positioned between two mesh members. The adsorbent material allows for efficient and selective removal of organic molecules, such as, for example, perfluoroalkyl substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: ARCADIS U.S., INC.
    Inventors: Paul Edmiston, Craig Divine
  • Patent number: 11618040
    Abstract: Provided is an air cleaner that can take a large amount of air in a large space into a dust collector with good efficiency while being lightweight and having easy maintenance. An air cleaner is provided with a drone and a dust collector. The drone has a main body unit and propellers attached to the tips of frames. The dust collector has electric discharge electrodes and a dust collection electrode. The electric discharge electrodes are connected to a booster unit within a central chamber. The booster unit is electrically connected to a control unit in the main body unit. Electric discharge is formed between the dust collection electrode and the electric discharge electrodes, and dust particles in the air are charged and collected by the dust collection electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuki Tsuboi, Shinsuke Hirano, Yoshiaki Tatsumi, Li Luo
  • Patent number: 11596891
    Abstract: An air purifying system includes first, second, and third air purifiers controlled independently and a docking station having first, second, and third supports configured to support and charge the first, second, and third air purifiers. The docking station has a vertical backbone, and the first, second, and third supports horizontally extend from the backbone. At least the second and third air purifiers are configured to be separated from the docking station and include handles to assist a user in transporting the second and third air purifiers to separate rooms or indoor spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignees: LG ELECTRONICS INC., CHUNGANG UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Jongkeon Jeon, Haeyoong Chung, Jiyoung Kang, David Kangseong Lee, Daeyoung Kwak, Sohee Park
  • Patent number: 11571648
    Abstract: An air cleaner disposed in an indoor space is disclosed. The air cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a blowing device including a suction port and a discharging port, a fan motor configured to cause air flow, a purification unit installed in the blowing device to clean air, a flow conversion configured to change a flow direction of air discharged from the discharging port, a communication unit configured to communicate with a moving agent moving in the indoor space, and a processor configured to receive feature information collected by the moving agent and associated with a structure of the indoor space, obtain a type of the indoor space by using the feature information, and control an operation of at least one of the fan motor and the flow conversion device by using the type of the indoor space to adjust at least one of an operation mode, a wind direction, and a wind volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Taehyun Kim
  • Patent number: 11554235
    Abstract: A trap bowl is provided to accumulate liquid droplets from a filter, as a liquid content. The trap bowl includes a transparent vertical prism. The transparent vertical prism includes a face that forms a vertical transparent surface facing against a content of the section. The face can provide a first angle of total reflection when content of the section is a type of gas, and a second angle of total reflection when the content of the section is the liquid content. A light source may emit a light beam incident on the face at an angle of incidence. The angle of incidence results in reflection of the light beam, striking the light receiver, when the face has the first angle of total reflection, and results in refraction of the light beam, missing the light receiver, when the face has the second angle of total reflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals Ireland Limited
    Inventor: Scott I. Biba
  • Patent number: 11529580
    Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods for estimating a replacement status of an HVAC air filter. Outdoor weather data (e.g., outdoor temperature information), is obtained. A Total Runtime Value of the HVAC system is determined based upon the obtained outdoor weather data. Finally, a replacement status of the air filter is estimated as a function of a comparison of the Total Runtime Value with a Baseline Value. By correlating air filter replacement status with an estimated runtime of the HVAC system, a credible predictor of air filter usage is provided. By estimating fan runtime based on easily-obtained outdoor weather data, the methods are readily implemented with any existing HVAC system and do not require installation of sensors or other mechanical or electrical components to the HVAC system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew R. Fox, Eric C. Lobner, Theresa M. Meyer, Brian J. Stankiewicz
  • Patent number: 11491432
    Abstract: A filter assembly including a housing (15) and a filter cartridge (10). The housing has a housing inlet (16) and a housing outlet (17). The filter cartridge (10) has a filter inlet (11) fluidly connected to the housing inlet (16) and a filter element (12) between a top cap (18) and a bottom cap (19). The top cap (18) and the bottom cap (19) create a circular guiding system. The bottom cap (19) has a first part (19a) that receives the filter element (12) and a second part (19b) that is connected with a mating surface (20) of the housing. The second part has a first circular section (21a) and a second section (21b) and the first section has another shape than the second section (21b), such that the bottom cap (19) cannot rotate in relation to the mating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: ATLAS COPCO AIRPOWER, NAAMLOZE VENNOOTSCHAP
    Inventors: Kristof Adrien Laura Martens, Steven Maurits Ray Laurent, Joris Anna L. Vleeschouwer
  • Patent number: 11465096
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including a water trap (28) that includes an inlet portion (40), via which a mixture of gas and water is configured to enter the water trap, and an outlet portion (42), via which the gas is configured to exit the water trap, the inlet portion and the outlet portion being formed separately from one another and being coupled to one another, such as to form a tube (44) that defines a longitudinal axis and that defines an internal hollow volume through which the gas is configured to flow. A membrane filter (46) is disposed in a flat configuration within the tube, between the inlet portion and the outlet portion, such that the membrane filter is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube, the membrane filter being configured to prevent the water from passing therethrough. Other applications are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: MDC INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Ruby Landau, Haim Yanko
  • Patent number: 11432983
    Abstract: Modules for housing electronic and electromechanical medical equipment including a system to measure and record administration of one or more IV medications or fluids for IV administration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Augustine Biomedical + Design, LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Augustine, Susan D. Augustine, Garrett J. Augustine, Brent M. Augustine, Ryan S. Augustine, Randall C. Arnold
  • Patent number: 11360015
    Abstract: A sensor includes an inner channel with: a first portion; a second portion in communication with the first portion; a storage zone in communication with the first portion; a baffle plate extending inside the first portion; the first portion and the baffle plate being sized such that, in an air stream entering the sensor through a first, open end of the first portion and containing first particles with a diameter of 10 ?m or less and second particles with a diameter of more than 10 ?m, the first particles reach the second portion of the inner channel while the second particles reach the storage zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: ECO LOGIC SENSE SAS
    Inventors: Antoine Dumas, Guillaume Gouverneur, Yulia Glavatskaya, Amanda Martinell
  • Patent number: 11344752
    Abstract: A system for monitoring service life of a filter may include a respirator configured to be worn by an individual. The respirator may include a face mask and a filter housing that retains a filter within a filter chamber. A sensor assembly may be configured to monitor gas from the filter chamber. A respirator filter sampling port assembly is configured to adaptively connect the filter housing to the sensor assembly. The respirator filter sampling port assembly may include an adapter that removably secures to the filter housing, and fluidly couples the filter chamber of the filter housing to the sensor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Scott Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Charles Sutton, Frank Ding, Michael Parham
  • Patent number: 11219570
    Abstract: Modules for housing electronic and electromechanical medical equipment including a system to measure and record administration of one or more IV medications or fluids for IV administration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Augustine Biomedical + Design, LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Augustine, Susan D. Augustine, Garrett J. Augustine, Brent M. Augustine, Ryan S. Augustine, Randall C. Arnold
  • Patent number: 11213780
    Abstract: An air filter including a visually uniform filter life indicator (30), the air filter (1) comprising: a conformable, unframed air filter media (10) that is installable on at least a portion of an upstream face (11) of a filter-support layer of an air-handling system, wherein the conformable, unframed air filter media comprises at least one passivated area (20) that provides a visually uniform filter life indicator of the air filter. Filter life indicators are used in order that aspects of the filtration performance of an air filter can be monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Liang Cheng, Andrew R. Fox
  • Patent number: 10705005
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a unit for validating an in situ decontamination effect, including a connecting end. A left end of the connecting end is in communication with any space that needs gas decontamination. A right end of the connecting end is connected to a closed isolation damper. A right end of the closed isolation damper is connected to a hollow decontamination validation chamber. A sealing cover is sleeved over an outer wall of the decontamination validation chamber. A mesh cup is placed inside the decontamination validation chamber, and the mesh cup is used for placing a bioindicator. In addition, the present invention further discloses a device for filtering biologically contaminated air, including a unit for validating an in situ decontamination effect and a hollow box installed with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. The unit for validating an in situ decontamination effect is in communication with the hollow box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Institute of Medical Equipment, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, PLA
    Inventors: Jiancheng Qi, Zongxing Zhang, Ying Yi, Jinhui Wu
  • Patent number: 10603399
    Abstract: A fragrance delivery apparatus contains: a body, a fan, a power base, and a case. The body includes an accommodation chamber defined therein, a receiving groove formed above the accommodation chamber, an air vent arranged on a first side of the body and communicating between the accommodation chamber and the receiving groove, and multiple elongated orifices formed on a second side of the body opposite to the first side of the body and communicating with the accommodation chamber. The fan is accommodated in the accommodation chamber and draws external gas from the multiple elongated orifices. The power base is connected with the body and shields the accommodation chamber, and the power base is configured to supply power and is electrically connected with the fan. The case is removably connected outside the body and includes a spray nozzle which is in communication with the receiving groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: DONGGUAN YIH TEH ELECTRIC PRODUCTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ming Jen Hsiao
  • Patent number: 10558229
    Abstract: A monitoring system for a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system of a residential or commercial building includes an evaporator unit device and four temperature sensors. The evaporator unit device includes an electrical sensor that measures current supplied to a circulator blower of the HVAC system. The measured current from the first electrical sensor is used to diagnose a problem with the circulator blower. The first temperature sensor that measures a temperature of refrigerant flowing between a condenser of the HVAC system and an expansion valve of the HVAC system. The second temperature sensor measures a temperature of refrigerant flowing between an evaporator and a compressor. The third temperature sensor measures a temperature of air flowing away from the evaporator. The fourth temperature sensor measures a temperature of air flowing toward the evaporator. The evaporator unit device transmits sensor data to a remote monitoring service over a data network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Kates
  • Patent number: 10518203
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for purifying gas from a crankcase of an internal combustion engine, which includes: a transfer wall having a wall portion with a least one narrow accelerated-distribution opening; one gas-flow deflection wall placed behind the transfer wall and defining an impingement and guide surface; an auxiliary opening separate from the narrow opening, made in the transfer wall; and a bypass valve movable to meet a return member and provided to close the auxiliary opening via closure element for moving closer to the surface, the return member extending in the impingement chamber and having a portion that pushes behind the auxiliary opening in the event of overpressure upstream of the transfer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: SOGEFI FILTRATION
    Inventors: Samuel Bonne, Jean-Francois Kientzler
  • Patent number: 10471188
    Abstract: A manifold including a filter element for filtering medical waste. A housing may include a rim having a width larger than a height to define a non-circular outlet opening. A catch including a distally-directed surface may be positioned proximal to a proximally-directed surface of an arm, proximal to the rim, proximal to a proximally-directed surface of a spine, and proximal to a distally-directed surface of a lock element. The proximally-directed surface of the spine may be a ramped surface. The rim and the catch may be spaced apart by a void, and the rim may be positioned below the catch. The housing may include body portion, a first leg extending proximally from the body portion, and a second leg spaced apart from the first leg to define the void. The rim may be on the first leg, and the catch may be on the second leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Zollinger, Peter Laduke
  • Patent number: 10309003
    Abstract: The honeycomb structure includes a pillar-shaped honeycomb structure body having porous partition walls 1 defining a plurality of cells and a circumferential wall, and a pair of electrode members disposed on the side of a side surface of the honeycomb structure body. The pair of electrode members contain metal silicon and boron, at least a part of the electrode member is made of a composite material including, as a main component, silicon containing 100 to 10000 ppm of boron in silicon. In the composite material which is comprised the electrode member, a volume ratio of the silicon containing 100 to 10000 ppm of the boron in the composite material is 70 volume % or more. An electric resistivity of the electrode member made of the composite material is from 20 ??cm to 0.1 ?cm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shiho Matsui, Takayuki Inoue, Kouhei Yamada
  • Patent number: 10272171
    Abstract: A portable electronic device with a smart air purifier is provided with an electronic device body having a display surface, a back surface and a side jointed with the surfaces. The smart air purifier is embedded in the electronic device body. The smart air purifier includes a container, a fan, an air cleaning device, an air quality receiver, a tracking device, an adjustable opening, and a control panel. The container includes an air inlet formed on the back surface, an air outlet formed on the display surface, and an opening formed on the side. The fan draws air from the inlet to provide an airflow. The air cleaning device filters the airflow. The air quality receiver detects quality of the airflow. The tracking device tracks the user. The adjustable opening is disposed at the air outlet of the container. The control panel controls the fan and the adjustable opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: NATIONAL CHENG KUNG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Ming-Yeng Lin, Huann-Shyang Lin
  • Patent number: 10168063
    Abstract: A fan coil includes a humidification unit having an inner container, an outer container, a water supply conduit, and a shut off valve. The inner container includes a water supply for a water mist production member and an inner container water level detector. The outer container includes a reservoir and an outer container water level detector, and the outer container is positioned to receive water which leaks from the inner container. The water supply conduit is connectable to a source of water and is in fluid flow communication with the inner container. The shut off valve is provided in the water supply conduit. The shut off valve is in a closed position when the inner container water level detector senses a high water level in the inner container or when the outer container water level detector senses a high water level in the outer container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Omachron Intellectual Property Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 9908074
    Abstract: A method for controlling purification of air, includes: acquiring a target quality of air to be purified; determining a current quality of the air to be purified, and determining a workload for an air purifier according to the target quality and the current quality; calculating a purification duration for the air purifier to complete the workload according to a purification efficiency of the air purifier; and starting the air purifier, and displaying in real time a remaining time to complete the workload according to the purification duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Xiaomi Inc.
    Inventors: Bin Zhang, Jun Su, Yongfeng Xia, Yunlin Hu, Yang Wang, Hao Chen
  • Patent number: 9827771
    Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejector that ejects a liquid, a liquid supply flow path that connects a liquid supply source and the liquid ejector, a plurality of branch flow paths provided in the liquid supply flow path, filters that are disposed separately in each of the branch flow paths, and a flow path opening/closing mechanism that opens and closes the branch flow paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Murayama, Ryoji Fujimori, Yuji Aoki, Toru Saito, Masakazu Ohashi, Keiichiro Yoshino, Satoru Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9707556
    Abstract: A device for processing a sample comprises a blister defined by first and second walls. The first wall is flexible allowing the blister to be divided into one or more sealed regions by an external pressure applied to a portion of the first wall. The external pressure is applied in the form of a 2-dimensional shape to form a sealed region having that shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Diagnostics for the Real World, LTD.
    Inventor: Craig Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 9675224
    Abstract: An autonomous coverage robot includes a cleaning assembly having forward roller and rearward rollers counter-rotating with respect to each other. The rollers are arranged to substantially maintain a cross sectional area between the two rollers yet permitting collapsing therebetween as large debris is passed. Each roller includes a resilient elastomer outer tube and a partially air-occupied inner resilient core configured to bias the outer tube to rebound. The core includes a hub and resilient spokes extending between the inner surface of the outer tube and the hub. The spokes suspend the outer tube to float about the hub and transfer torque from the hub to the outer tube while allowing the outer tube to momentarily deform or move offset from the hub during impact with debris larger than the cross sectional area between the two rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Duane Leigh Gilbert, Jr., Faruk Halil Bursal, Richard Joseph Therrien, Russell Walter Morin
  • Patent number: 9352064
    Abstract: Wearable devices for dispensing insect repellents, fragrances, and/or other chemicals along the outside of the clothing of a human are disclosed. They are of the type that are clipped onto a belt or the like, and use a powered fan to dispense active. They are configured with a first timer to account for a passive release rate of the active and a second timer to account for an active release rate of the active. The first time and second timer are in communication with a useful life indicator to provide a signal to a user of the device to indicate when the substrate in the device for containing the active should be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Furner, Nitin Sharma, Tai P. Luc, Zahra Tashakorinia, Dirk K. Nickel, Terence Lup-ho Kwan, Evelyne Chaubert, Jessica M. Gilbertson, Wenson Chern, Evan A. Sparks
  • Patent number: 9206995
    Abstract: A duct adapter system directs air flow relative to a hybrid water heater. The duct adapter system includes a collar adapted to surround a vent of a hybrid water shroud. The collar couples to standard duct pipe to extend ductwork to a heat pump portion of the hybrid water heater. A boost fan may be included in the system for boosting air flow to or from a remote location. The duct adapter system is adapted to deliver a warm air supply to the heat pump from the remote location, or deliver the cool discharge air from the heat pump water heater to a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Nelson, Michael Thomas Beyerle, Jeffrey A. Kern, Eliel Fresco Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 9181031
    Abstract: The invention provides a trolley for use in a storage system comprising at least one row of side-by-side storage positions for containers, which trolley is reciprocally movable along a path of movement that extends parallel to the row for transferring a container between the trolley and a storage position located opposite the trolley. The trolley comprises a frame, at least one supporting arm and a device for moving the at least one supporting arm forward and backward, transversely to the path of movement, relative to the frame between a passive position and at least one active position, in which at least one active position, in contrast to the passive position, the at least one supporting arm extends at least partially into a storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: VANDERLANDE INDUSTRIES B.V.
    Inventor: Jan Beewen
  • Patent number: 9086704
    Abstract: Methods of monitoring operation of a refrigerant-cycle system are disclosed. The methods include: measuring a first pressure of refrigerant input to a compressor of the refrigerant-cycle system using a first pressure sensor; measuring a first temperature of the refrigerant input to the compressor using a first temperature sensor; measuring a second pressure of refrigerant output by the compressor and input to a condenser of the refrigerant-cycle system using a second pressure sensor; measuring a second temperature of refrigerant output by the condenser using a second temperature sensor; measuring a third pressure of refrigerant output by the condenser using a third pressure sensor; and measuring current to the compressor using an electrical sensor. The methods further include identifying conditions of the refrigerant-cycle system based on the first temperature, the first pressure, the second temperature, the second pressure, the third pressure, and the current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: EMERSON CLIMATE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Lawrence Kates
  • Patent number: 9081394
    Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring operation of a refrigerant-cycle system is disclosed. A condenser unit sensor measures an operating characteristic of a condenser unit, the condenser unit including a condenser and a compressor. An evaporator unit sensor measures an operating characteristic of an evaporator unit, the evaporator unit including an evaporator and a fan. An electrical sensor measures an electrical quantity indicative of power consumption of the refrigerant-cycle system. A processing system calculates an efficiency of the refrigerant-cycle system based on the power consumption of the refrigerant-cycle system, the operating characteristic of the condenser unit, and the operating characteristic of the evaporator unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: EMERSON CLIMATE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Lawrence Kates
  • Publication number: 20150143997
    Abstract: Apparatus for conditioning of gases, particularly sealing gas, comprising a separator unit (3), particularly for separating liquids and/or particles from the gas flowing through the apparatus, and a collecting container (1) for the trapped substances, said apparatus being characterized in that the separator unit (3) has a cyclone separator (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Manfred Deutschmeyer, Bernhard Schlichter, Sergej Zeller
  • Publication number: 20150135948
    Abstract: Certain embodiments herein relate to systems and methods for managing turbine intake filters. In one embodiment, a system can include at least one memory configured to store computer-executable instructions and at least one controller configured to access the at least one memory and execute the computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be configured to monitor an indication associated with air flow through at least one filter of a turbine intake system. The instructions may be further configured to facilitate in the execution of at least management task of the turbine intake system, based at least in part on the indication of air flow through the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Paul Sherwood Bryant, Steve Hiner
  • Patent number: 9011792
    Abstract: An isolator includes a work chamber, a sterilizing substance supply unit, a gas flow channel pressure adjustment unit, a work chamber barometer, and a controller. The controller is configured to control execution of a gas flow channel leak test for checking a gas leak in a gas flow channel based on a detection result by the work chamber barometer after making the gas flow channel pressure adjustment unit increase or decrease the pressure in the gas flow channel, and is configured to control supply of the sterilizing substance by the sterilizing substance supply unit. The controller performs heating of a heater, which accompanies the supply of the sterilizing substance, in parallel with the gas flow channel leak test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Yokoi, Jiro Ohnishi, Akifumi Iwama, Masaki Harada, Yoshiaki Noguchi
  • Patent number: 9011584
    Abstract: A device includes a cartridge containing a filter material. An insert extends through at least a portion of the filter material. The insert has gas sample path with an opening to provide a sample of air that is representative of the saturation of the filter material. A return path may be included in the insert to return sampled gas to the filter material. A gas mask contains a gas sensor and coupled to the cartridge, which may be replaced when saturated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Tobias, Christopher Scott Larsen
  • Publication number: 20150101487
    Abstract: A compressor compresses a coolant gas returned from a refrigerator and supplies the coolant gas to the refrigerator. A compression capsule compresses the coolant gas and cools compression heat generated by compressing the coolant gas, using oil. An oil separator separates and stores the oil contained in the coolant gas compressed by the compression capsule. A capsule oil level gauge that measures an oil level in the compression capsule. A separator oil level gauge that measures an oil level in the oil separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Yuki IKUSHIMA
  • Publication number: 20150101482
    Abstract: Embodiments of mechanisms for controlling a gas flow in an interface module are provided. A method for controlling a gas flow in an enclosure includes providing the enclosure which is capable of containing a substrate. The method also includes providing a gas into the enclosure. The method further includes cleaning the gas. In addition, the method includes actuating the gas to generate the gas flow, and the gas flow passes through the substrate when the substrate is located in the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd
    Inventors: You-Hua CHOU, Kuo-Sheng CHUANG, Yii-Cheng LIN
  • Publication number: 20150082988
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering air in residential and commercial applications is described herein. The air filter may have a support frame which secures to the intake grille of an HVAC system. A filter media may be placed in the support frame to filter air as it passes through the air filter. The filter media may be replaced when the filter media becomes too dirty to effectively filter air. The dirty filter media may be removed from the frame and a new clean media may be replaced in the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: UNIVERSAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Dwight BUTLER, Frank COVENEY, Richard R. O'LEARY