Patents Examined by Hezron E. Williams
  • Patent number: 9945772
    Abstract: A method includes providing a device under test, which includes a lower test layer and an upper test layer that is stacked on the lower test layer and includes an overhang protruding past an edge of the lower test layer by a predetermined length, fixing the lower test layer onto a mounting stage, and measuring adhesive force of an interlayer adhesive layer in a tensile mode by applying a load to a bottom surface of the overhang of the upper test layer in a first direction. An apparatus includes a mounting stage fixing the device under test, a load applying tip applying the load to the bottom surface of the overhang, a location adjuster adjusting a distance between the device under test and the load carrying tip, a load cell detecting a magnitude of the applied load, and a controller controlling the location adjuster and the load cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignees: SK HYNIX INC., INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION, YEUNGNAM UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Dong Kil Shin, Chul Keun Yoon, Min Kyu Kang, Gyu Jei Lee
  • Patent number: 9939298
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method and system for detecting activation of a pressure relief device connected to a storage tank containing a pressurized gas. The method includes calculating a pressure relief device release rate based on a set of inputs, wherein the set of inputs includes at least one of a storage tank volume, a pressure relief set point, an orifice size of the pressure relief device, a gas density, and a reseat point for the pressure relief device. The method further includes monitoring the pressure within the storage tank and calculating a differential pressure reading over time, comparing the differential pressure reading over time to the pressure relief device release rate, and detecting a pressure relief device activation based on the comparison result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Nuvera Fuel Cells, LLC
    Inventor: Bryan Gordon
  • Patent number: 9939418
    Abstract: A system, method and hydrocarbon processing facility for determining at least one parameter of a multiphase fluid (1) comprising hydrocarbons flowing in a conduit (2) of a hydrocarbon processing facility, which system comprises: said conduit; at least one coaxial measurement probe (3), which comprises at least one probe conductor, a probe shield (7) arranged outside of the at least one probe conductor, which at least one measurement probe is mounted to the conduit for measuring signals indicative of at least one physical property of the fluid- and comprises a first, open-ended terminal (8) where the at least one probe conductor and the probe shield are exposed to the flowing fluid when the system is in operation; and a signal processor (4) for interpreting the signals to determine the at least one parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventors: Anders Eriksson, Larisa Beilina
  • Patent number: 9932812
    Abstract: An excavation status monitoring system for a tunneling machine that includes a detecting portion mounted on a cutter head of the tunneling machine, including an accelerometer that detects a vibration or an acoustic sensor that detects a sound wave and a sound output portion that outputs a signal detected by the detecting portion as sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: HITACHI ZOSEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Katsuya Sasaki, Keitaro Hidani, Kohei Takatori, Takuya Miwa
  • Patent number: 9933383
    Abstract: A moisture sensor for drying grain having a sensor block with built in ground bars, a removable electronic module having a circuit board encased in black potting compound, and a removable back plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Sukup Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Graham Giddings
  • Patent number: 9927419
    Abstract: A test apparatus (12) and a method of testing a sample (30) are disclosed. The method comprises receiving a test sample (30) within a test chamber (14), the test chamber (14) containing two or more iron saturation elements (2) separated by a spacer (16); and filling the test chamber (14) with a test solution, the iron saturation elements (2) being arranged to saturate the test solution with iron. Each iron saturation element (2) is shaped such that it has a predetermined surface area such that the ratio of the volume of the test solution to the surface area of the iron saturation elements (2) and the test sample (30) exposed to the test solution can be calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas UK Limited
    Inventors: Fabio de Souza Pires, Fabio Pinheiro dos Santos
  • Patent number: 9927457
    Abstract: System and method for remotely sensing the cross-flow orientation of a fluid (including a gaseous fluid) over an extended range. A Fourier transform of beam wander of a single beam can be used to determine the orientation of the flow field. Many applications depend upon accurate flow orientation data to provide correct information such as, for example, citing of turbines on wind farms and atmospheric/ocean weather prediction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Gero A Nootz, Fraser Dalgleish, William T Rhodes, Weilin Hou
  • Patent number: 9926916
    Abstract: The invention concerns a monitored component connection comprising a first component forming a holding portion, a second component forming a receiving portion, and a connecting portion which holds the second component to the first component in the connected condition, wherein the connecting portion engages into a connection receiving means of the receiving portion. According to the invention it is proposed that for monitoring for an unwanted connection weakness in the component connection in the connected condition the connection receiving means can be acted upon with a testing pressure, and the testing pressure can be monitored for a defect deviation which is sufficient to indicate a connection weakness in the component connection in the connected condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventors: Torsten Jepsen, Ralf Kelling
  • Patent number: 9927401
    Abstract: A gravimetric detector including a nanoelectronic structure including: a fixed part, at least one part suspended from the fixed part, an excitation device to vibrate the suspended part relative to the fixed part, a detector to detect variations in vibration of the suspended part, and a porous functionalization layer at least partially covering the suspended part, porosity of the functionalization layer being between 3% and 50%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignees: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES, APIX ANALYTICS
    Inventors: Muriel Matheron, Regis Barattin, Vincent Jousseaume, Florence Ricoul
  • Patent number: 9927280
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer readable media are provided for measuring fluid level in a tank. A system may include: a transmitter gauge installed on or in the tank, the transmitter gauge comprising a probe arranged to be at least partially immersed in the fluid and adapted to conduct energy pulses generated by an energy source within the transmitter gauge; a refractometer module operatively coupled to the transmitter gauge, the refractometer module comprising a processor configured to measure travel times of the energy pulses conducted along the probe and to determine the fluid level in the tank based on the measured travel times: if the fluid level in the tank is below a threshold level, according to a first mode of operation, by determining the fluid level in the tank based on the measured travel time of an energy pulse reflected from a terminal end of the probe, a length of the probe, a speed of the reflected energy pulse in air, and a speed of the reflected energy pulse in the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: TITAN LOGIX CORP.
    Inventor: Gabriel Jarillo Alvarado
  • Patent number: 9927323
    Abstract: Placement of structural health monitoring sensors within a coupled bearing assembly. An exemplary structural health monitoring system comprises first and second bearings configured for rotatable positioning along a structure, and a spacer positioned between the first and second bearings. The first and second bearings are placed against opposing sides of the spacer, and have a preload force engaging the respective first and second bearings against the opposing sides of the spacer. A plurality of sensors are coupled to the spacer so as to be positioned between the spacer and at least one of the first and second bearings, the sensors further coupled to at least one of the first and second bearings so as to be configured to monitor a structural health of the at least one of the first and second bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Acellent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Joseph Pollock, Howard Hungchi Chung, Roger Huang, Fu-Kuo Chang, Irene Li, Jeffrey Dean Bergman
  • Patent number: 9921043
    Abstract: A measurement tool and a method of measuring brake stroke of a brake assembly. The method may include installing the measurement tool on the brake assembly. An actuator shaft may be actuated with a lever tool. The measurement tool may measure the brake stroke when the actuator shaft is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Marcel Rusz
  • Patent number: 9921057
    Abstract: Methods, systems and device are provided for improving the range and accuracy of proximity measurement such as in ultrasonic sensing systems. In particular, the blind zone caused by reverberation signals can be reduced or eliminated by attenuating signals received during the time period corresponding to the blind zone without. In an implementation, an attenuator circuit is selected by a switch to process received signals during the blind zone time period and deselected by the switch after the time zone time period. Additionally, the accuracy and range of the measurement can be improved by varying the gain provided to the received signals based on the varying measuring distance. In an implementation, a gain-adjustable amplifier is controlled by a gain control signal to provide incremental gain as time increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY, CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wancheng Zhou, Liming Huang
  • Patent number: 9920618
    Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying formation boundaries without necessarily obtaining an azimuthal borehole image are provided. A downhole tool may be placed in a wellbore in a geological formation that has a formation boundary. First and second measurements may be obtained at a number of depths of the wellbore. The first measurement may have a first effective penetration length into the geological formation and the second measurement may have a second effective penetration length into the geological formation different from the first effective penetration length. Thus, the first measurement may detect the formation boundary at a first depth and the second measurement may detect the formation boundary at a second depth. Using a difference between the first depth and the second depth, an apparent relative angle between the wellbore and the formation boundary or an apparent formation dip, or both, may be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Edward Stockhausen, John C. Rasmus
  • Patent number: 9921202
    Abstract: An integrated experimental system of hydrofracturing, water jet slotting, seepage and gas displacement under true triaxial stress, including: a true triaxial stress loading experimental frame, a loading system and a monitoring system. The true triaxial stress loading experimental frame and the loading system are connected by oil pipes; the monitoring system is connected to the true triaxial stress loading experimental frame and the loading system by signal lines; the true triaxial stress loading experimental frame comprises a main experimental bench and six flat jacks; a loading cavity for test block is equipped in the main experimental bench; the six flat jacks are set in the loading cavity; and a space of regular hexahedron is formed by the six flat jacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: China University of Mining and Technology
    Inventor: Bingxiang Huang
  • Patent number: 9921124
    Abstract: A weld seam monitoring apparatus includes a layer of sealant applied to the area surrounding the weld seam; a first layer of sheet material adapted to provide an air space and overlying the weld seam; a second layer of sheet material overlying the first layer of sheet material; and a fluid impermeable sealant overlying the second layer of sheet material. An air tight space is formed between the second layer of sheet material and the weld seam. The apparatus further includes a vacuum source, and the air tight space is in fluid communication with the vacuum source. The apparatus further includes vacuum monitoring means configured to monitor the status of a vacuum created in the air tight space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventors: Christos Sotirious Haritou, Alan Fada
  • Patent number: 9915587
    Abstract: A particulate sensor (1) which detects particulates S contained in a gas under measurement (EG) flowing within a gas flow pipe (EP) has a space forming portion (12) and an ion source (15). The space forming portion (12) projects into the gas flow pipe EP and forms an internal space MX. The space forming portion (12) has an introduction port (43I) and a discharge port (48O) for discharging from the internal space MX the gas EGI introduced through the introduction port (43I). The source (15) produces ions CP by gaseous discharge. The space forming portion (12) is configured such that the introduced gas EGI is discharged from the internal space MX through the discharge port (48O), the gas under measurement EG is introduced into the internal space MX through the introduction port (43I), and the introduced gas EGI is mixed with the ions CP produced by the ion source (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Sugiyama, Masayuki Motomura, Keisuke Tashima, Toshiya Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 9910025
    Abstract: An aircraft fuel system comprises an integrated sensor assembly incorporating a housing. The housing receives a circuit board, a temperature sensor, a point level sensor and a fuel density sensor. A first fuel height sensor is positioned outwardly of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lalit Al Kumar, Rollin W. Brown, Richard T. Williams, Peter Simonds Gras, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9909968
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices for measuring, at one or more time points, one or more properties or changes in properties of a fluid sample. The devices may comprise a chamber defining an internal volume of the device suitable for receiving and retaining the fluid sample; a plurality of layers, the plurality comprising at least a first layer below the chamber, at least a second layer above the chamber, and a substrate layer between the first and second layers, wherein: the substrate layer is linked to at least one suspended element located within the chamber; the suspended element is linked to the substrate layer by at least two compliant structures located within the chamber; and the suspended element is configured to oscillate upon application of an actuating signal to at least one electrically conductive path, which runs across at least two of the compliant structures and the suspended element. Related methods and uses are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: ABRAM SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: Ramkumar Abhishek, Norimasa Yoshimizu
  • Patent number: 9909945
    Abstract: A method adapted to allow aspiration verification of a liquid such as a biological liquid or liquid reagent at low aspiration volumes (e.g., less than 25 ?L). The method includes attempting to aspirate a volume of a liquid into a probe at an aspiration frequency, measuring an aspiration pressure associated with the attempted aspiration of the liquid and providing a measured pressure signal, and filtering the measured pressure signal with a filter. The filter has a passband frequency containing the aspiration frequency and excluding the frequencies of a disturbance causing noise in the measured pressure signal. Apparatus for carrying out the method are provided, as are other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventor: William D. Dunfee