Patents Assigned to Measurement Systems, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8089459
    Abstract: A control device comprises a base portion and a handle portion extending from the base portion. The handle portion is movable from side to side relative to the base portion in an X direction, and forward and backward relative to the base portion in a Y direction perpendicular to the X direction. The handle portion is also configured to twist relative to the base portion. A magnetoresistive sensor is located in the handle portion. The magnetoresistive sensor is configured to provide an output signal indicative of a twist angle of the handle portion relative to the base portion. At least one sensor is disposed in the base portion for detecting a position of the handle portion in the X and Y directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Measurement Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Passaro, Tony V. Jacques
  • Patent number: 8027035
    Abstract: Described herein is a particle detection system capable of spatially resolving the interaction of particles with a beam of electromagnetic radiation. Using a specific electromagnetic beam cross sectional shape and orientation, the detection sensitivity of a particle detection system can be improved. Also provided are methods for detecting and sizing particles in a manner that has low background signal and allows for spatially resolving the scattering or emission of electromagnetic radiation from particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Particle Measuring Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Mitchell, Jon Sandberg, Karen R. Sandberg, Legal Representative, Dwight A. Sehler
  • Patent number: 7985949
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting analytes in a gas phase sample. An ion mobility spectrometer is provided for detecting analytes having an excess amount of dopant in its separation region. In an embodiment, the dopant is added directly to the separation region, such as with a drift gas or by diffusion, thereby providing excess dopant that dominates subsequent cluster formation and maintenance. Excess dopant in the separation region minimizes or reduces interfering signals associated with unwanted substances, such as water vapor, that are introduced to the IMS. In an aspect, the invention provides IMS systems and methods having increased sensitivity and reliability for analyte detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Particle Measuring Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Rodier
  • Patent number: 7973929
    Abstract: Described herein is a portable, low power consuming optical particle counter calibration verification system and reliable and sensitive methods for verifying the calibration status of a gas or liquid particle counter. The calibration verification systems described herein are useful for quickly determining the calibration status of an optical particle counter at its point of use, as well as for allowing the end user to determine if an optical particle counter is in need of a recalibration before the recommended calibration schedule suggests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Particle Measuring Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Bates
  • Publication number: 20110155927
    Abstract: Described herein is a particle detection system capable of spatially resolving the interaction of particles with a beam of electromagnetic radiation. Using a specific electromagnetic beam cross sectional shape and orientation, the detection sensitivity of a particle detection system can be improved. Also provided are methods for detecting and sizing particles in a manner that has low background signal and allows for spatially resolving the scattering or emission of electromagnetic radiation from particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: Particle Measuring Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John MITCHELL, Jon Sandberg, Dwight A. Sehler, Karen R. Sandberg
  • Patent number: 7916293
    Abstract: Described herein is a particle detection system capable of spatially resolving the interaction of particles with a beam of electromagnetic radiation. Using a specific electromagnetic beam cross sectional shape and orientation, the detection sensitivity of a particle detection system can be improved. Also provided are methods for detecting and sizing particles in a manner that has low background signal and allows for spatially resolving the scattering or emission of electromagnetic radiation from particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Particle Measuring Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Mitchell, Jon Sandberg, Karen R. Sandberg, legal representative, Dwight A. Sehler
  • Patent number: 7905143
    Abstract: An ultrasonic liquid level monitoring system includes an ultrasonic transducer unit that is mountable to a tank. The unit has an emitter to generate an ultrasonic beam passing through the wall of the tank. The emitter further receives an echo of the ultrasonic beam off a liquid surface. An acoustic lens is disposed between the emitter and the tank wall to receive and shape the ultrasonic beam to compensate for lensing effects of the tank wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Schmitt Measurement Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Lagergren
  • Patent number: 7796255
    Abstract: The invention relates to particle sensors that are capable of passively cooling high-powered optical sources within the sensor, thereby extending the optical source lifetime without requiring additional power. The sensor detects particles within a sample fluid by optical interaction of the optical source with flowing sample fluid in the sample chamber. Sample fluid that exits the sample chamber is directed into thermal contact with the optical source, thereby cooling the optical source. Sample fluid that has come into thermal contact with the optical source is continuously removed from the sensor to ensure the optical source is adequately cooled. A variety of elements are used to facilitate thermal contact between the optical source and sample fluid including plenums, heat sinks, and airflow cavities. Provided are related methods for cooling a one or more heat-producing device within a particle sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Particle Measuring Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Rick Miller
  • Patent number: 7726875
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture for monitoring a condition of a material are disclosed. In particular, the example apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture emit a first acoustic signal into a wall of the tubular member having a first temperature value and obtain a first propagation time associated with the first acoustic signal. In addition, a second acoustic signal is emitted into the wall having a second temperature value and a second propagation time associated with the second ultrasonic acoustic signal is obtained. The second temperature value is determined based on the first temperature value and the first and second propagation times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Measurement Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Yuhas
  • Patent number: 7667839
    Abstract: A particle sensor for optically detecting an unconstrained particle suspended in a flowing gas includes a sample chamber having a gas inlet and a gas outlet; a gas flow system for flowing said gas from said gas inlet through said sample chamber to said gas outlet, a source of light; an optical system directing said light through said sample chamber, an optical collection system located to collect light scattered by said particles in the gas, and a detection system located to detect the collected light. The total pressure drop through said gas flow system is 3 inches of water or less. The gas flow system includes an axial fan, which may be a high static pressure fan or a counter-rotating fan. In a 1.0 CFM system, the gas inlet nozzle has an area of 25 square millimeters or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Particle Measuring Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Bates
  • Patent number: 7576857
    Abstract: A liquid particle counter for optically detecting an unconstrained particle suspended in a flowing liquid includes a sample chamber having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet; a laser diode module producing a symmetrically collimated laser beam; a beam shaping optical system directing the laser beam at the sample chamber; and an optical detector located to detect light scattered by the particle in the sample chamber, the detector producing an electric signal characteristic of a parameter of the particle. The laser beam has an energy of a watt or more and passed through an aperture in a black glass aperture element in the sample chamber. The black glass aperture element removes diffracted and stray light from the beam without damage to the sample chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Particle Measuring Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg A. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20090128810
    Abstract: Described herein is a portable, low power consuming optical particle counter calibration verification system and reliable and sensitive methods for verifying the calibration status of a gas or liquid particle counter. The calibration verification systems described herein are useful for quickly determining the calibration status of an optical particle counter at its point of use, as well as for allowing the end user to determine if an optical particle counter is in need of a recalibration before the recommended calibration schedule suggests.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Particle Measuring Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Bates
  • Patent number: 7470056
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture for monitoring a condition of a cavity surface of an elongated member having a cavity therein. In particular, the example apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture emit a first ultrasonic signal that propagates from a first surface of an elongated member having a cavity therein toward a second surface of the cavity having a first temperature value. First and second echoes associated with the first ultrasonic signal are then obtained. At least one of the first and second echoes is associated with a recess in the second surface. A condition of the second surface is monitored by determining a second temperature value of the second surface based on the first and second echoes and the first temperature value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Industrial Measurement Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Yuhas
  • Patent number: 7471216
    Abstract: A handheld controller allows a human operator to control various aspects of a vehicle's operation. The operator's fingers are used to manipulate various devices (e.g., buttons, switches, joysticks, levers, triggers, trackballs and the like) disposed on the handheld controller to control aspects of the vehicle's operation associated with these devices. The handheld controller may provide control signals to the vehicle by a cable, or by a wireless connection. The handheld controller allows the operator to freely move about the vehicle's compartment or to move outside the compartment, while still being able to control the various aspects of vehicle operation. Furthermore, the handheld controller allows the operator to control the various aspects of vehicle operation from a location away from potentially hazardous surfaces within the compartment, which helps to prevent the operator from contacting these surfaces in the event that the vehicle is struck by an object (e.g., enemy artillery, another vehicle, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Ultra Electronics Measurement Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Chen, Steven Cai, David Sulkowski
  • Patent number: 7456960
    Abstract: A particle counter for optically detecting an unconstrained particle of less than one micron in size suspended in a flowing liquid includes a sample chamber having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a laser module producing a laser beam; a beam shaping optical system providing a multiple laser beam pattern in the sample chamber, and a CMOS optical detector located to detect light scattered by the particles in the sample chamber. The particle counter has a particle sensing area within the sample chamber in which the intensity of light is at least 10 Watts/mm2, the sensing area having an area of 0.5 square mm or more. The detector has thirty or more detector array elements. In the preferred embodiment, the laser optical system reflects and refocuses the laser beam to effect multiple passes of the same laser beam through the sensing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Particle Measuring Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A. Cerni, Dwight A. Sehler
  • Publication number: 20070229825
    Abstract: A particle sensor for optically detecting an unconstrained particle suspended in a flowing gas includes a sample chamber having a gas inlet and a gas outlet; a gas flow system for flowing said gas from said gas inlet through said sample chamber to said gas outlet, a source of light; an optical system directing said light through said sample chamber, an optical collection system located to collect light scattered by said particles in the gas, and a detection system located to detect the collected light. The total pressure drop through said gas flow system is 3 inches of water or less. The gas flow system includes an axial fan, which may be a high static pressure fan or a counter-rotating fan. In a 1.0 CFM system, the gas inlet nozzle has an area of 25 square millimeters or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: Particle Measuring Systems Inc
    Inventor: Thomas Bates
  • Patent number: 7271796
    Abstract: A reconfigurable control for a combat vehicle such as a tank, personnel carrier, or aircraft, is presented. The control includes a grip, a base and a seal. The grip has a lower surface and a chamber. The grip includes a first electrical connector and a key located within the chamber. The base has an upper surface and a shaft. The base includes a second electrical connector and a keyway. In an installed position, the shaft is located within the chamber such that the grip's lower surface and the base's upper surface are substantially coplanar, the first connector electrically engages the second connector, the key mechanically engages the keyway, and the seal facilitates a compression fit between the grip and the base for sealing the chamber such that at least one of contaminants are prevented from entering the chamber and noise vibration rattle is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Ultra Electronics Measurement Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Moll, Steven Cai
  • Patent number: 7235214
    Abstract: A molecular contamination monitoring system includes a piezoelectric measurement sensor exposed to a molecular constituent to be measured; a piezoelectric reference sensor; and a filter for filtering said molecular constituent, the filter located between the reference sensor and the measurement environment. The reference sensor is exposed to the same ambient conditions of temperature, pressure and humidity as the measurement sensor. Alternatively, there may be a plurality of different reference sensors having different filters, or there may be a plurality of different measurement sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Particle Measuring Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Rodier, Scott Waisanen, Dale Griffin
  • Patent number: 7208123
    Abstract: A flow-through monitor for detecting molecular contamination (MC) within a fluid flow. The monitor has a diffusion chamber having an inlet port and an outlet port, and a structure for supporting a fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port. The structure includes a flow gap causing a diffusion of molecular contaminants into the diffusion chamber, while substantially preventing, for a rate of the fluid flow above a predetermined magnitude, particulate contaminants within the fluid from entering the diffusion chamber. A SAW device detects molecular contamination interior to the diffusion chamber. Fluid input to the flow-through monitor may be diluted by a pure fluid for extended monitor life. A system for aggregate sampling connects an ensemble manifold upstream of the flow-through monitor. A system for triggered sampling connects a sample preconcentrator downstream of the flow-through monitor. A chemically selective membrane may be located between the flow gap and the SAW.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Particle Measuring Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A. Knollenberg, Daniel Rodier, Scott Waisanen
  • Patent number: RE39783
    Abstract: A sensitive particle distribution probe uses special processing including a modified Twomey/Chahine iterative convergence technique and a specially constructed sample cell to obtain particle size distribution measurements from optically dense slurries, such as the slurries used in the semiconductor industry for chemical mechanical planarization. Spectral transmission data is taken over the spectral range of 0.20-2.5 microns, utilizing specially constructed, chemically resistant sample cells of 50-2000 microns thickness, and miniature, fixed grating, linear detector array spectrometers. At wavelengths greater than one micron, the preferred design utilizes InGaAs linear detector arrays. An ultrasonic disrupter can be employed to breakup harmless soft agglomerates. In addition to direct particle size distribution measurement, the invention described here could be used to detect other fundamental causes of slurry degradation, such as foaming and jelling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Particle Measuring Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A. Cerni, Scott Waisanen, Dennis J. Knowlton