Patents Examined by J. David Wiggins
  • Patent number: 6073481
    Abstract: A method and device for sampling the pressure of inert purge gas flowing in two pipes to be welded at a joint comprising a sleeve for encircling the pipes during their coaxial alignment in end to end abutment, and an associated element with the sleeve forming a sealed chamber surrounding the joint and receiving gas that leaks out from the joint at the same pressure as the gas in the pipes, and a connection for connecting the chamber for measuring the pressure of the gas therein as an indication of the pressure of the gas flowing in the pipes; the method includes clamping the device around the pipes or sliding the pipes into the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventor: Byron G. Barefoot
  • Patent number: 6070452
    Abstract: A pipe leak locating system is provided including a pipe with an inlet. A plug is situated within the pipe and an air generator is mounted on the inlet of the pipe with a pressure gauge coupled therebetween for detecting the release of pressure within the pipe between the inlet and the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Gene T. Brannan
  • Patent number: 6070457
    Abstract: The invention comprises a viscometer for indicating a liquid viscosity in terms of a measured rotational deflection imparted upon a support structure for supporting a bob within the liquid, which has a bob assembly unit suspended between the fixation points for a torsion wire. The torsion wire runs through a tube, which is connected to the bob. The tube has cutouts so that it may rotate in response to rotations of a cup, in which the bob is disposed. The framework to support the fixation points for the wire is preferably positioned to extend through cutouts in the tube so as not to interfere with rotational movements of the tube. An arm connected to the tube in conjunction with a transducer measures the angular defection of the wire for determination of viscosity for the fluid being examined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Geoffrey Robinson
  • Patent number: 6070450
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gas sensor element having physical, electrical and chemical properties capable of detecting methane and carbon monoxide selectively with 1 intergrated filtering, catalyzing sensor by improving gas selectivity of the semiconductor gas sensor. The present invention relates to a gas sensor element, which has a carbon monoxide sensor layer with an ability to function as a catalyst film that blocks carbon monoxide, which impedes detection of methane, and has a layer-built structure where the surface of a methane sensor is covered with the carbon monoxide gas sensor which can be obtained by a gas-phase method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Japan as represented by Director General of Agency of Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Yasumasa Takao, Masanobu Awano, Mutsuo Sando
  • Patent number: 6065328
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to a method and apparatus to determine the thermodynamic properties of a gas medium without making a determination of gas composition. In the instant invention, the speed of sound of a gas medium in a vessel is determined at various temperatures and pressures based upon an isobaric process with estimated initial values of density, compressibility and numerical deriviative (dZ/dT) for the same gas medium. According to the preferred embodiment, this information may be measured at constant pressure or constant temperature. Once the physical information is determined, a routine is executed by which initial estimated parameters such as the compressibility and heat capacity of the gas medium will converge to accurate values. From these parameters, the thermophysical properties of the gas medium may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: Troy Dayton, Steve Beyerlein, Jeffrey L. Savidge, Anthony R. H. Goodwin
  • Patent number: 6062067
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring hydraulic flow quantities and leaks in a specimen, including a measuring section to which the specimen is coupled and a capacitive sensor disposed in the measuring section. The measuring section can be acted upon both by at least one measurement medium and by at least one pressure medium. For generating a pressure acting on the measurement medium an inlet/outlet for the measurement medium is embodied on a side of the measuring section remote from the specimen, and an inlet/outlet for the pressure medium is disposed directly on the measuring section, on a side of the measuring section toward the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Eberhard Schoeffel, Klaus Kropf, Josef Ernst, Josef Seidel
  • Patent number: 6058764
    Abstract: A reliable analytical apparatus is provided which can produce a highly reliable analytical Value on the basis of data entered during manual sample preparation which can be easily traced and used in editing of the analytical result of the analyzer because they are stored in association with the results of measurements by the analyzer. The analytical apparatus has an input device for inputting sample preparation procedures through the display screen, and various computations based on weighed quantities, constant dilution volume and so on entered during the manual preparation, which are automatically executed so as to eliminate human error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Yamada, Kiyotoshi Mori, Masato Fukuda
  • Patent number: 6055848
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for measuring air quality. The device includes at least one sensor with a sensor resistance which is converted via signal processing into an output signal, the gas sensing or air content sensing device having its sensor(s) with electrical resistance that is a function of the air quality, such sensors being connected in an astable flipflop circuit arrangement with a first feedback resistor, a second feedback resistor, a capacitor and a comparator--where the first resistor is coupled between the inverting input and output of the comparator, and the second resistor is coupled between the noninverted input and the output of the comparator, and the sensor(s) is/are coupled between a reference potential and the noninverting input of the comparator. The output signal has a period which is related to the sensor resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Weigold
  • Patent number: 6053030
    Abstract: The present invention is an instrument identification system and method for a confined space gas detector used to assure user safety conditions or to collect gas concentration and gas type data at a multitude of known predetermined locations. The system consists of information buttons with touch sensor contacts used for transferring ID type data comprising small stainless steel canisters containing computer memory programmed to store data pertaining to individuals and locations. The system further comprises a receptacle connector with electrical contacts coupled to a confined space gas detector for transferring information from the information buttons, where the gas detector, receptacle and receptacle contacts are contained within a portable integral housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Bacou USA Safety, Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Whynall, Rui Costa, Stanley Michnowicz, Christopher Boone, Michael Pawlyk
  • Patent number: 6050131
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for verifying positive inflation of an inflatable element include electrical switches or sensors adapted to be actuated when sufficient element to borehole wall contact is achieved. The device may be a micro switch similar to that used in a calculator button, proximity switch or may employ a spear type arrangement wherein a spear is connected to one lead and is isolated from the other lead by insulation and wherein the spear is forced radially inwardly by the radially outwardly expansion of the cover on the element against the borehole wall. Upon piercing the insulation, the spear will have connected first and second leads that such connection being detectable via hard wire to the surface and electrical continuity whereby downhole electronics or intelligence whereby a downhole signal generator using any type of telemetry to communicate uphole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Darrin L. Willauer
  • Patent number: 6050134
    Abstract: A leak detection system determines whether a container has a leak or an aperture by attempting to draw a vacuum in the container and determining whether a vacuum has been created in the container. If a vacuum can be created in a container, this indicates that the container has a leak. Conversely if a vacuum cannot be created in the container, this indicates that the container does not have a leak.The leak detection system preferably includes a conveyor system for moving a container and a sensor for sensing the pressure in the interior of the container through an opening in the top of the container. While the sensor is sensing the pressure in the interior of the container, a vacuum pump pulls air from the region around the exterior of the container. If the container has an aperture, a vacuum will be created in the container and will be noted by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Edward J. Strand
  • Patent number: 6041645
    Abstract: A system for detecting fugitive emissions including emissions from valves and bolted flange connections. The system includes (1) enclosures for valves and pipe flange connections, and (2) an indicating cartridge (detector/signaler) in communication with said enclosures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Fugitive Emissions Detection Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick A. Lawson, Michael S. Kelly
  • Patent number: 6035701
    Abstract: The present invention integrates an inverse modeling technique and a field measurement system. The system uses inexpensive and non-hazardous gaseous tracers injected inside the contained volume of a barrier to quantify the location and size of any leaks in the barrier. The vapor sampling point installation, which allows the collection of soil gas samples from multiple points around the barrier installation, can be accomplished with conventional drilling or direct push techniques. The system uses a field-proven soil gas analyzer, incorporated in a sampling system capable of monitoring many sample points with relatively high time resolution. A rigorous inverse modeling technology is integrated with the data system for real time analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventors: William E. Lowry, Sandra Dalvit Dunn, Robert Walsh, Daniel Merewether, Desario V. Rao
  • Patent number: 6035703
    Abstract: An adapter for an orbiting object viscometer that extends the practical measurement range of such viscometer type to lower viscosity fluids and improves the measurement accuracy. A baffle means disposed in the test fluid reduces whirlpooling, which occurs in low useful viscosity fluids, to extend the viscosity measurement range to lower viscosity fluids. A temperature sensor disposed in the test fluid increases the accuracy of the viscosity measurements by providing more accurate fluid temperature to the processor calculating the viscosity. The advantages of the orbiting object viscometer such as rapid viscosity measurements and the ability to measure the viscosity of hazardous or corrosive fluids are maintained through the design of the adapter providing support for a single vane baffle or compound vane baffle immersed into the fluid, which adaptor is designed and mounted to ensure that the baffle carefully avoids the path of the orbiting object within same fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Albert C. Abnett
  • Patent number: 6032513
    Abstract: An trace analyzer apparatus and method useful in semiconductor processing for measuring trace impurities in gases and liquids comprising a gas chromatograph serving to replace a bulk gas in a composition of bulk gas including contaminants in a bulk gas stream with a carrier gas having a higher ionization potential than that of said contaminants, where such gas chromatograph is connected to a hollow electrode (14) for initiating ionization of said contaminants by electrical discharge, where such electrode is electrically isolated from a source housing (44) and adjacent to a skimmer plate (16) that ionizes trace contaminants that are measured using a mass spectrometer, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Russell A. Chorush, Jeremiah D. Hogan, Deepta Varadarajan
  • Patent number: 6032514
    Abstract: A engine exhaust gas measuring sensor having a sealing device and having a sleeve suitable for connection to a housing including a sealing element which is arranged at an end of sleeve facing away from the housing so that a reference air chamber is formed within the sleeve. The sealing element also has at least one opening extending longitudinally and at least one oblong contact which penetrates the opening and serves the purpose of establishing an electrical bond with a sensor element of the lambda probe. A glass seal is placed within the opening for the purpose of sealing and insulation. The glass seal encloses a longitudinal section of the contact located within the opening in the form of a jacket. The sealing element and the sleeve are made of metal. A method for making such an engine exhaust gas sensor includes the steps of introducing solder glass in a sealing element opening, heating the solder glass so that it becomes fluid and cooling the glass so that is solidifies or sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Weyl, Udo Jauernig
  • Patent number: 6029503
    Abstract: Providing an apparatus for detecting gas leakage from the periphery of a cylinder valve or the like of a plurality of gas cylinders, non-manually in a short time without failure, in place of manual detection.The apparatus for detecting gas leakage from a plurality of gas cylinders is characterized in that the apparatus is constructed such that one end of each of flexible hoses (2) is connected to each cap (1) put on a plurality of gas cylinders, the other end of each of flexible hoses is connected to one of the faces of an assembly panel (3), another flexible hose (4) is led out of the other face of the assembly panel and connected to a detector (6), a gas aspirator (5) for sucking gas from the cap, is connected upstream or downstream of the detector (6), and these apparatuses are controlled by a controller (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Air Liquide Japan, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kanji Sumioki
  • Patent number: 6029504
    Abstract: A tube loading apparatus and method for tensile strength and leak testing an elongated, hollow tube such as a steam generator heat transfer tube of a steam generator plant. The apparatus may be used to determine the axial or compressive load placed on a hollow tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: ABB Combustion Engineering Nuclear Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Edward House, Alan Brian Goulet
  • Patent number: 6029505
    Abstract: A device for providing access to the interstitial region between an inner pipe and an outer pipe which coaxially define the region. The inner pipe has at least one terminal end extending from the outer pipe to leave a portion of the outer wall of the inner pipe exposed to thereby expose the interstitial region. A boot is provided for defining a chamber with a larger end snugly fitting the outer pipe and a small end snugly fitting on the exposed outer wall of the inner pipe. The boot has an access port communicating with the interior of the chamber to provide access to the interstitial region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 6029500
    Abstract: A hydrogen sensor including a piezoelectric device with a hydrogen-interactive metal film that reversibly interacts with hydrogen to provide a correspondingly altered frequency response characteristic, relative to the frequency response in the absence of hydrogen. The piezoelectric device may be for example a quartz microbalance or a surface acoustic wave device, having a thin film (e.g., 10-100,000 Angstroms thickness) coating thereon of a hydrogen-interactive metal such as palladium, platinum, nickel or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn M. Tom