Patents Assigned to SSI Technologies
  • Patent number: 11898894
    Abstract: A fluid sensing system includes a target positioned at a target level, a first transducer configured to generate a first sound wave, and a second transducer configured to generate a second sound wave. An electronic processor is configured to produce a first signal to drive the first transducer and receive a first indication of a detected first echo from the first transducer. The electronic processor is configured to determine a first level of the fluid and determine whether the first level is less than or equal to the target level. The electronic processor is configured to produce, in response to determining the first level is less than or equal to the target level, a second signal to drive the second transducer, receive a second indication of a detected second echo from the second transducer, and determine a second level of the fluid based on the second indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: SSI TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory P. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20210100304
    Abstract: A Bharatnatyam headgear comprising a wearable hair net, the hair net being pliable and expandable to be worn over a dancer's head and covering the head, the wearable hair net matching a color of the dancer's hair. A circular piece is affixed to the hair net. The circular piece is capable of being positioned in a middle of a forehead at a forward end of the hair partition of the dancer. A forehead piece is affixed to the hair net, the forehead piece extending in a horizontal direction capable of being positioned to coincide with a hairline in a left and right direction and extending at least beyond eyebrows of the dancer. A vertical piece is affixed to the hair net, the vertical piece being attached to the circular piece and extending across a middle of the head to cover the hair partition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Applicant: SSI TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Supriya S. SUBRAMANIAN, Supreeta K. SUBRAMANIAN
  • Patent number: 10746699
    Abstract: A fluid sensor including a sensing area configured to receive a fluid. The fluid sensor includes a transducer and a capacitive sensor. The transducer is configured to output an ultrasonic wave through the fluid. The capacitive sensor includes a capacitive plate configured to reflect the ultrasonic wave toward the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: SSI Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence B. Reimer
  • Patent number: 10721983
    Abstract: A Bharatnatyam headgear comprising a wearable hair net, the hair net being pliable and expandable to be worn over a dancer's head and covering the head, the wearable hair net matching a color of the dancer's hair. A circular piece is affixed to the hair net. The circular piece is capable of being positioned in a middle of a forehead at a forward end of the hair partition of the dancer. A forehead piece is affixed to the hair net, the forehead piece extending in a horizontal direction capable of being positioned to coincide with a hairline in a left and right direction and extending at least beyond eyebrows of the dancer. A vertical piece is affixed to the hair net, the vertical piece being attached to the circular piece and extending across a middle of the head to cover the hair partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: SSI TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Supriya S. Subramanian, Supreeta K. Subramanian
  • Patent number: 10704949
    Abstract: A level measurement system including a tank, a transducer, and a controller. The tank is configured to contain a liquid. The transducer is configured to output an ultrasonic signal into the tank. The controller has a memory and electronic processor. The controller is electrically coupled to the transducer and is configured to determine a ring time of the transducer, and determine a level of the liquid contained within the tank based on the ring time of the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: SSI Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence B. Reimer
  • Patent number: 10571431
    Abstract: A fluid sensor including a sensing area configured to receive a fluid. The fluid sensor includes a transducer and a capacitive sensor. The transducer is configured to output an ultrasonic wave through the fluid. The capacitive sensor includes a capacitive plate configured to reflect the ultrasonic wave toward the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: SSI TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence B. Reimer
  • Patent number: 10444135
    Abstract: A method of sensing a fluid. The method includes determining a slope based on a first measurement of a first ultrasonic pulse traveling through the fluid, a second measurement based on a second ultrasonic pulse traveling through the fluid, a first temperature of the fluid, and a second temperature of the fluid. The method further includes comparing the slope to a predetermined slope and the first measurement to a predetermined measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: SSI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory P. Murphy, Mark Edward Kernien
  • Patent number: 10422732
    Abstract: A system for sensing characteristics of a fluid contained within a tank. The system including an ultrasonic sensor, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The ultrasonic sensor is configured to output a ultrasonic pulse into the fluid, receive an echo of the ultrasonic pulse, and output a signal based on the received echo. The temperature sensor is configured to sense a temperature of the fluid and output a temperature signal corresponding to the temperature of the fluid. The controller is configured to determine a time-of-flight based on the output of the ultrasonic pulse and the received echo of the ultrasonic pulse, receive the temperature signal, determine a characteristic of the fluid based on the time-of-flight and the temperature signal, compare the characteristic of the fluid to a baseline characteristic, and output a signal based on the comparison between the characteristic of the fluid and the baseline characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: SSI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory P. Murphy, Mark Edward Kernien
  • Patent number: 10168200
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the energy of sound waves generated for fluid sensing. The system includes a transducer configured to generate a first sound wave and a second sound wave and to detect a first echo of the first and second sound waves. The system also includes a driver configured to drive the transducer to produce the first and second sound waves. The system also includes a controller configured to compare a signal characteristic of the first echo of the first and second sound waves. The controller is configured to control the driver based on comparing the signal characteristic of the first echo of the first and second sound waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: SSI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence B. Reimer, Gregory P. Murphy
  • Patent number: 10012121
    Abstract: A fluid sensor for sensing at least one characteristic of a fluid. The fluid sensor including a sensing area; a sensing element configured to sense a characteristic of a fluid located within the sensing area; and a shroud having a textured area. The shroud configured to allow a liquid portion of the fluid to enter and exit the sensing area, and substantially prohibit a gas portion of the fluid to enter the sensing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: SSI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Schlenke, Jed William Zenko
  • Patent number: 9841405
    Abstract: A method for calibrating an ultrasonic sensor including a transducer, a reflector spaced a known distance from the transducer, and a memory. A water bath is heated to approximately fifty centigrade and the ultrasonic sensor is at least partially submerged in the water bath. When submerged, an ultrasonic wave is transmitted through a portion of the water bath from the transducer. The ultrasonic wave is transmitted toward the reflector and a reflected ultrasonic wave is received back at the transducer. A time of flight of the ultrasonic wave is measured. A calibration coefficient is determined based on the time of flight of the ultrasonic wave and an expected time of flight of the ultrasonic wave. The calibration coefficient is loaded into the memory of the ultrasonic sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: SSI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory P. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9664552
    Abstract: A system for sensing a fluid. The system including a fixed object; a first transducer generating a first sound wave in a horizontal direction and to detect a first echo of the first sound wave from the fixed object; a second transducer generating a second sound wave in a vertical direction; a temperature sensor detecting a temperature of the fluid; and a controller. The controller configured to produce a first signal to drive the first transducer to produce the first sound wave, produce a second signal to drive the second transducer to produce the second sound wave, receive a first indication of the detected first echo, receive a second indication of the detected second echo, receive a temperature indication, determine a quality of the fluid based on the first indication and the temperature indication, and determine a quantity of the fluid based on the second indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: SSI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence B. Reimer, Gregory P. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9535038
    Abstract: A sensor operable to sense a characteristic of a fluid. The sensor includes a sensing area, a filter, and a transducer. The sensing area is configured to contain the fluid. The filter covers the sensing area. The filter is configured to allow a liquid portion of the fluid to enter the sensing area and substantially prohibit a gas portion of the fluid to enter the sensing area. The transducer is operable to output a pulse of sound through the liquid portion of the fluid contained within the sensing area, receive the reflected pulse of sound, and output a characteristic of the fluid based on the received pulse of sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: SSI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence B. Reimer, Gregory P. Murphy, David T. Schlenke
  • Patent number: 9488368
    Abstract: Systems and methods for defrosting sensing components in fluid sensing system. In one embodiment, the invention provides a defrosting system that includes a sensing system. The sensing system includes a sensor operable to sense a characteristic of the fluid in a tank. The defrosting system includes a fluid pickup line spaced apart from the sensor, and a fluid return line. The fluid return line includes an output. The output is positioned to direct fluid onto the sensing system. In one embodiment, the defrosting system further comprises a pipe configured to provide the fluid to a system external to the tank. The fluid is heated by heat generated by the external system and directed onto the sensing system at least partially defrosts fluid contained within the sensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: SSI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David T. Schlenke
  • Patent number: 9488514
    Abstract: A three-mode ultrasonic sensor for determining temperature, level, and/or concentration of a fluid. In one embodiment, the sensor includes a target positioned at a level; a controller, and a transducer electrically connected to the controller. The controller is configured to generate an ultrasonic signal, to receive a reflection of the ultrasonic signal from at least one of the target and a surface of a fluid, and generate a signal based on the reflection. The controller is further configured to receive the signal, and determine whether a level of the surface of the fluid is one of the following group: above the level of the target, below the level of the target, and substantially the same as the level of the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: SSI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory P. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9377441
    Abstract: A fluid sensor for sensing at least one characteristic of a fluid. The fluid sensor includes a sensing area, a sensing element and a mesh. The sensing element is configured to sense a characteristic of fluid located within the sensing area. The mesh is positioned around the sensing area. The mesh is configured to allow a liquid portion of the fluid to enter and exit the sensing area, and substantially prohibit a gas portion of the fluid to enter the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: SSI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Lawrence B. Reimer, Gregory P. Murphy, David T. Schlenke
  • Patent number: 9349357
    Abstract: A violin knee-rest comprising a support with a connecting member attached. A rigid having an elongated opening member is attached to the connecting member. A sliding member is attached to a screw with a U shaped head and a screw thread. The sliding member is configured to slide across the rigid member through the first elongated opening. The sliding member having an elongated opening is configured to be fastened at a desired location on the sliding member by a first wing nut and a first washer arrangement. The violin receiving member has a first end which is threaded. The violin receiving member has a second end which is concave shaped to hold a base of the violin. The receiving member is configured to slide across the second elongated opening of the sliding member. The violin receiving member is configured to be fastened at a desired location on the sliding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: SSI TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventor: Shivram S. Iyer
  • Publication number: 20150337708
    Abstract: A fluid sensor for sensing at least one characteristic of a fluid. The fluid sensor including a sensing area; a sensing element configured to sense a characteristic of a fluid located within the sensing area; and a shroud having a textured area. The shroud configured to allow a liquid portion of the fluid to enter and exit the sensing area, and substantially prohibit a gas portion of the fluid to enter the sensing area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Applicant: SSI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Schlenke, Jed William Zenko
  • Patent number: 9038442
    Abstract: A system for sensing a fluid. The system including a fixed object; a first transducer generating a first sound wave in a horizontal direction and to detect a first echo of the first sound wave from the fixed object; a second transducer generating a second sound wave in a vertical direction; a temperature sensor detecting a temperature of the fluid; and a controller. The controller configured to produce a first signal to drive the first transducer to produce the first sound wave, produce a second signal to drive the second transducer to produce the second sound wave, receive a first indication of the detected first echo, receive a second indication of the detected second echo, receive a temperature indication, determine a quality of the fluid based on the first indication and the temperature indication, and determine a quantity of the fluid based on the second indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: SSI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Lawrence B. Reimer, Gregory P. Murphy
  • Patent number: 8969690
    Abstract: A violin knee-rest comprising a support with a connecting member attached. A rigid having an elongated opening member is attached to the connecting member. A sliding member is attached to a screw with a U shaped head and a screw thread. The sliding member is configured to slide across the rigid member through the first elongated opening. The sliding member having an elongated opening is configured to be fastened at a desired location on the sliding member by a first wing nut and a first washer arrangement. The violin receiving member has a first end which is threaded. The violin receiving member has a second end which is concave shaped to hold a base of the violin. The receiving member is configured to slide across the second elongated opening of the sliding member. The violin receiving member is configured to be fastened at a desired location on the sliding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: SSI Technologies
    Inventor: Shivram S. Iyer