Patents Examined by Hezron E. Williams
  • Patent number: 9562879
    Abstract: A chromatography column comprises a pipe that contains a tubular metal casing with an inlay and sealing ring. The inlay is configured as a plastics material tube and is pushed or drawn into the metal casing and a sealing ring of plastics material is connected to the inlay at the end. Because of this structure, a connection to further system parts is possible, which is carry-over-free, inert on the inside, liquid-tight, optionally gas-tight, and pressure-tight. A connection element and connection connect the pipe to feed and/or discharge lines of a capillary system. Pipes, connection elements and connections of this type are advantageously used in low and high pressure systems, such as, for example, in an HPLC column. The use of such systems is advantageous in in-vitro diagnostics and in liquid handling applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: MOLLER MEDICAL GMBH
    Inventors: Frank Hirmer, Michael Frank
  • Patent number: 9557206
    Abstract: An improved fluid level verification apparatus which may be manufactured or otherwise fabricated as a kit and assembled at a remote location for use on liquid filled containers and configured to reduce inherent mechanical stresses on the inspection tube and resists leakage due to environmental, chemical, thermal or mechanical expansion cycles by using internal grooves and entrapped o-rings. The improved fluid level verification apparatus having at least one adjustable end to provide adjustable spacing between the fluid level verification apparatus inlet and outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Oil-Rite Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Wech
  • Patent number: 9551641
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an exchangeable needle cartridge for a drilling measuring device with a guiding device for a drilling needle. The guiding device includes a telescopic tube with a plurality of telescopic tube sections which extends between a working end, at which a retainer for retaining the drilling needle in a rotationally fixed manner is arranged, and a docking end, at which a docking device for coupling the telescopic tube to a driving device of the drilling measuring device is arranged. Also disclosed is a docking device comprising a coupling device for transmitting torque from the driving device of the drilling resistance measuring device to the telescopic tube, a transmission device for converting the rotational motion of the driving device of the drilling measuring device into a linear motion of the telescopic tube, and furthermore structure for detachably fastening the exchangeable needle cartridge to the drilling measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: IML-INSTRUMENTA MECHANIK LABOR GMBH
    Inventors: Erich Hunger, Sebastian Hunger
  • Patent number: 9551329
    Abstract: Described are a method and system for diluting a sample in a liquid chromatography system. A sample flowing at a first flow rate is combined for a predetermined time with a diluent flowing at a second flow rate to generate a volume of diluted sample. The diluted sample has a dilution ratio determined according to the two flow rates. A portion of the volume is loaded into a sample loop of an injection valve and subsequently injected into a mobile phase flowing to a chromatography column. The method eliminates the need to have a technician available to perform dilutions or to transfer the sample to a remote location for dilution. Advantageously, manufacturing or processing downtime to perform the dilution is not required and the amount of sample flowing to waste is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Sylvain Cormier, Richard W. Andrews, Robert Tacconi, Craig H. Dobbs
  • Patent number: 9541488
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sampling and measuring air born particulate matter includes an inlet for the particulate containing gas to enter. A mechanism then removes coarse particles larger than a selected size while permitting filtered particles of less than the selected size to pass through. A chamber containing a quartz crystal sensor permits the filtered particles that have passed through to deposit to create an output signal in response to the deposited particle mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: MSP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Benjamin Y. H. Liu, Virgil A. Marple, Francisco Romay, Lin Li
  • Patent number: 9541474
    Abstract: The seawater surface sampling device is a buoyant device for sampling the topmost layer of water in a body of water in order to study water properties specific to depths of only about 0.5 cm. The seawater sampling device includes a buoyant housing having an open upper end, a lower wall and at least one sidewall. The lower wall has a concave contour, and an aperture is formed through the lower wall at an apex of the concave contour. A pump is mounted on an upper surface of the lower wall, within the buoyant housing, and is in fluid communication with the aperture for extracting the water sample therethrough. A sample holder is also mounted on the upper surface of the lower wall, within the buoyant housing, for removably receiving a sample collection bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: KUWAIT INSTITUTE FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
    Inventors: Saif Uddin, Montaha Behbahani
  • Patent number: 9541234
    Abstract: A measuring machine includes a measuring device and a protective cover covering the measuring device. The measuring device is configured to measure parameters of a work piece. The measuring device includes a control box, a supporting board, a light ring configured to illuminate the work piece, and a camera module configured to obtain images of the work piece. The cover is made of non-transparent material. A first side of the cover defines a cut-out and a first slot. A second side of the cover opposite to the first side defines a second slot corresponding in size and alignment with the first slot. One side of the control box is exposed from the cut. Two ends of the supporting board are positioned on the first and second slots and exposed from the first and second slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignees: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Kuang Chang, Zhong-Kui Yuan, Jun-Hua Li, Yu Jin, Hui Zhang
  • Patent number: 9534945
    Abstract: A multi-tank indirect liquid level measurement device and method for wastewater tanks in a recreational vehicle may be implemented using a sealable reservoir that holds pressurized air, a manual piston pump that supplies and/or pressurizes the air in the reservoir, a rotary valve that incorporates a selection disk with an axial passage that is rotationally coupled to a connection disk that has a plurality of pipes, each of which connect on their other end to the wastewater tanks to be gaged. A bourdon tube pressure gage displays the pressure difference between the sealable reservoir and atmospheric pressure, which is an indirect reading of the height of the wastewater in the tank being gaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: John Vander Horst
  • Patent number: 9534996
    Abstract: A rheometer includes a drive shaft, a drag cup motor for rotating the drive shaft, a first measuring object supported by the drive shaft, a second measuring object, a linear position sensor, and processing and control electronics. The linear position sensor includes a target (e.g., an aluminum target) mounted to the drive shaft, and a pair of coils. The linear position sensor is configured to measure thermal expansion of the drive shaft based on a change in impedance of the coils resulting from a displacement of the target relative to the coils. The processing and control electronics are in communication with the coils and are configured to adjust a position of one of the measuring objects relative to the other based on a change in impedance of the coils resulting from a displacement of the target relative to the coils, thereby to maintain a substantially constant measurement gap therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Nigel Doe, Peter Foster
  • Patent number: 9534987
    Abstract: An apparatus with a reduced dead volume associated with sampling, comprising: a sample container configured to store a fluid, a sample line configured to transport the fluid from a first sampling area to a second area in the sample container, at least one valve in the sample line, the valve configured to selectively range from a closed configuration to an open configuration, and a flow restrictor configuration placed in the sample line, the flow restrictor configured to minimize the dead volume for the sample container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Maxim Yushko, Ramon Hernandez Marti
  • Patent number: 9533575
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a plurality of water level sensors, for example comprising capacitive or resistive sensors, from the outputs of which can be determined vehicle orientation when wading. In conjunction with a vehicle orientation sensor, the outputs from any one water level sensor permits calculation of water depth at any point on the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Thuy-Yung Tran, Edward Hoare, Nigel Clarke
  • Patent number: 9528768
    Abstract: A test stand for testing a fluid injection pump and/or a fluid injector has a device for conditioning a test fluid used for the testing. The device has a tank to accommodate and store the test fluid, a first fluid removal line to withdraw test fluid from the tank and to convey it to the fluid injection pump, and a cooling circuit for cooling the test fluid stored inside the tank. The cooling circuit has a second fluid removal line and a return line. The fluid removal line is to withdraw test fluid from the tank and is connected to a heat exchanger, which cools the test fluid withdrawn from the tank. The return line is connected to the heat exchanger and returns the test fluid from the heat exchanger back into the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Schoenfeld, Kurt Blank, Karl Kastner, Daniel Strack
  • Patent number: 9528971
    Abstract: The particulate matter detection element is constituted of a laminated body including first and second electrode layers each having a plate-like shape and a thickness between 50 ?m and 500 ?m laminated on each other through an intermediate insulating layer having a plate-like shape and a thickness between 3 ?m and 20 ?m. A cross-sectional surface of the laminated body in the lamination direction is used as a detection surface of the particulate matter detection element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinya Teranishi, Tekehito Kimata, Noriaki Kihara
  • Patent number: 9528901
    Abstract: In a method or device for quantifying a leakage flow on a process control valve, an intact reference control valve is used to determine several reference flow values in advance by placing the reference control valve in several reference opening positions and measuring the respective reference flow value for each of the reference opening positions. When determining the respective reference flow value, a reference mechanical vibration acquired in an environment of the reference control valve is allocated to the respective reference flow value. An instantaneous mechanical vibration is determined on the process control valve when it is closed. The reference mechanical vibration coming closest to the determined instantaneous mechanical vibration is identified by an identity or approximation comparison. The leakage flow is equated with the reference flow value allocated to the identified reference mechanical vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSON AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Joerg Kiesbauer
  • Patent number: 9528904
    Abstract: A Positive Displacement Metering Systems (PDMS) using a Water Fill Cylinder (WFC) is provided. It will replace or be paired with an existing conventional water meter. The primary advantage of the PDMS is its ability to detect and measure “micro” flow rates. The PDMS allows the water utility to bill for all water consumed by the customer. The PDMS will only allow 100% detectable flow rates to pass through the water meter attached. Flow rates which are undetectable, or only partially detectable will be accounted for. The PDMS will report the sum of the two meters to the utility. The PDMS will also function as a leak detection device and water conservation tool, will perform automatic or remotely controlled functions like turning off water, when a high flow leak is detected, and report directly to the water utility or tenant of the property being monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Inventors: William C. Cronin, John V. Cronin
  • Patent number: 9530290
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a fuel dispensing apparatus for delivering fuel from a fuel source, and related components, systems, and methods. As fuel is delivered from the fuel source, fuel quality is monitored using one or more fuel quality sensor devices, which detect one or more corresponding fuel quality characteristics. In response to the detected fuel quality characteristics, a visual indication of fuel quality is provided at a visual indication device. The visual indication includes a unique combination of a color component and a frequency component, thereby allowing a user of the fuel dispensing apparatus to quickly determine fuel quality status as the fuel is delivered from the fuel source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Fuel Guard Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Ray Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 9523660
    Abstract: The method for calibrating an inspection instrument coupled with acoustic transducers disposed at circumferential positions distributed around a surface of an elongated object to inspect generally has the steps of: for each one of the circumferential positions, measuring a first and a second received signal using two acoustic transducers disposed at two axial positions along the object, the received signals resulting from the propagation of an acoustic guided wave signal along the object; identifying an acoustic mode according to the first received and the second received signals using a known period of time associated with the propagation of the acoustic guided wave signal between the two axial positions along the object; and determining a coupling coefficient associated with the acoustic mode, the coupling coefficient being indicative of the coupling of the acoustic transducers on the object; and calibrating the inspection instrument coupled to the object based on the coupling coefficients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: OLYMPUS SCIENTIFIC SOLUTIONS AMERICAS INC.
    Inventors: Benoit Lepage, Guillaume Painchaud-April
  • Patent number: 9523431
    Abstract: A substantially air-tight triple seal arrangement along a seam between first and second tool segments comprises inner, middle and outer seals forming first and second substantially air tight vacuum chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Dull
  • Patent number: 9522353
    Abstract: A filter device including a probe where a filter element probe first end selectively engages with a sensing unit located in a filter head and a filter element probe second end is located in a contaminant portion of a filter canister. The probe fixedly engages through the filter element utilizing a sealing component. The filter element is disposed in the filter canister that engages with the filter head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Richardson
  • Patent number: 9518911
    Abstract: In the case of an impactor (1) with an impact plate (7) and a classifying nozzle (2) directed at this impact plate (7), in the case of which the impact plate (7) is formed as an electronically readable resonantly oscillating, mass-sensitive element (7, 33), it is proposed to move the oscillating crystal (7, 33) held in an impact plate holder (8) in relation to the static classifying nozzle (2) by a motor (12) during the operation of the impactor (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Testo AG
    Inventors: Ralf Stich, Michael Laufer, Jürgen Bär