Patents Examined by Marrit Eyassu
  • Patent number: 10073001
    Abstract: A leak test arrangement (1) for testing a structural component (2) or a closed package/object (2?+21?, 2?*) with a wall to be tested for tightness, including: a test chamber (3) in which the structural component (2) or the package/the object (2?+21?, 2?) is arranged during the leak testing, a test gas space (4) which is formed on a first side of the wall of the structural component (2) and of the test chamber (3) or which corresponds to the interior of the package/of the object (2?, 2?*), a testing space (5) which is formed on a second side of the wall of the structural component (2) and of the test chamber (3) or is formed between the wall of the package/object (2?+21?, 2?*) and the test chamber (3), a test gas supply (6) for supplying compressed air (DL) and/or a test gas (TG) into the testing space (5), a test gas measuring arrangement (7) for measuring or detecting the test gas (TG) in the testing space (5) with a sensor system (72) and a testing space vacuum arrangement (51) for evacuating the testing sp
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Luedolph Management GmbH
    Inventors: Gerald Luedolph, Wolfgang Fuhrmann
  • Patent number: 10072961
    Abstract: Described is a method and system for a level measurement. An echo curve is analyzed, and both the level and the moisture content of the stored material is determined therefrom. The level measuring instrument works in such an energy-saving manner that it is sufficient to supply the instrument with power using a 4 . . . 20 mA two-wire conductor loop that is also used to transmit at least some of the measured values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: VEGA GRIESHABER KG
    Inventors: Karl Griessbaum, Josef Fehrenbach, Roland Welle
  • Patent number: 10067026
    Abstract: A method and apparatus can include: shutting off a gas line at a stop valve; disconnecting a utility meter from a house line; connecting the house line to an output end of a flow meter; connecting the utility meter to an input end of the flow meter; turning the gas line on at the stop valve; and determining: the gas line is leak free based on the flow meter showing no gas flow, and the gas line is leaking based on the flow meter showing a steady gas flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Inventors: John Albert Ritter, Joe Trinh, Anthony Alan Grunauer
  • Patent number: 10060842
    Abstract: A downhole viscosity sensor and related systems and methods are disclosed. The sensor includes a first fluid flow path including a turbine and a velocity sensor, a second fluid flow path including a second turbine and a second velocity sensor, a mechanical or electrical linkage linking the first turbine and second turbine to cause the turbines to rotate in unison. The sensor also includes a field generator, which may be a magnetic field or electric field generator. The first fluid flow path includes an open flow path for receiving a fluid from a formation and the second fluid flow path includes a closed flow path having a reference fluid that has a variable but known viscosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Michael McMillon, Robert Mitchell Neely
  • Patent number: 10054499
    Abstract: A system may include at least one engine bank including a plurality of fuel injectors. At least one exhaust temperature sensor is coupled to the engine bank(s). The exhaust temperature sensor(s) is configured to output at least one temperature signal regarding an exhaust temperature of the engine bank(s). A traction system is configured to output at least one electrical signal related to a power output of a vehicle. A control unit is coupled to the exhaust temperature sensor(s) and the traction system. The control unit is configured to receive the temperature signal(s) and the electrical signal(s). The control unit is configured to determine a mechanical and electrical health of the plurality of the fuel injectors by determining a temperature differential value of the temperature signal(s) and a power differential value related to the electrical signal(s), and analyzing a combination of the temperature differential value and the power differential value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Milan Palinda Karunaratne, Benedict George Lander
  • Patent number: 10046120
    Abstract: A device for detecting moisture for an arrangement for monitoring an access to a patient for a system by which, via a flexible line, a liquid is fed to a patient and/or a liquid is fed out from the patient, and in particular for monitoring the vascular access in extra-corporeal blood treatment and particularly for monitoring a central venous catheter for acute dialysis includes at least a portion which can be deformed into a sleeve and placed around the circumference of the flexible line or of a connecting system. The portion in sleeve form has fastening means for fixing it in place in the position in which it surrounds the flexible line or the connecting system. The portion in sleeve form allows the device to be fastened quickly and securely to a flexible line or a connecting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: John Heppe, Andrea Kraemer, Alexander Schroers, Andreas Wuepper
  • Patent number: 10041869
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to wear measurement. A system according to one embodiment includes a transport mechanism for running a tape across a wear structure and a measuring device for optically measuring an extent of wear of the wear structure by directly optically detecting a back of the tape. A method according to one embodiment includes positioning a tape across a wear structure and optically determining a first position of a back of the tape by directly optically detecting the back of the tape. The tape is rim across the wear structure for a period of time, and a second position of the back of the tape is optically determined by directly optically detecting the back of the tape after the period of time. A difference between the first and second positions is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert G. Biskeborn, Jason Liang
  • Patent number: 10031057
    Abstract: A rotational rheometer for measuring powdery or granular materials has a measuring container for receiving the product to be measured and a cover for the measuring container. A measuring body is held by a measuring shaft. The measuring body and the container are rotatable relative to one another. The measuring shaft is guided through the cover with low friction, or without contact altogether. An evaluation unit is arranged outside the measurement container to evaluate the measured values received by the measuring shaft. To seal the bearing gap or the passage of the measuring shaft in or through the cover in the measuring container, both a fluid seal with a sealing fluid inlet and at least a geometric seal cooperating with the fluid seal are provided as a powder barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Anton Paar GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Romirer, Denis Schuetz, Matthias Narnhofer, Andreas Flecker
  • Patent number: 10024755
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for determining an integrity of a sample chamber. In certain embodiments, formation fluid is collected from a subterranean formation within a sample chamber disposed in a downhole tool, the downhole tool is withdrawn from a wellbore, an estimated surface pressure of the collected formation fluid is determined, the estimated surface pressure of the collected formation fluid is compared with an actual surface pressure of the sample chamber, and the integrity of the sample chamber is determined based on the comparison of the estimated surface pressure and the actual surface pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Youxiang Zuo, Vinay K. Mishra, Hadrien Dumont, Adriaan Gisolf, Christopher Babin, Cosan Ayan, Beatriz E. Barbosa
  • Patent number: 10018308
    Abstract: An expansion tank which comprises a tank having a predetermined volume capacity; an expandable elastomeric bladder in the tank, partitioning tank volume into a liquid-containing portion for holding liquid and a gas-containing portion for holding a gas under a pressure that defines a normal pressurized gas volume when the liquid-containing portion holds a predetermined liquid volume; and a proximity sensor mounted to the tank at the gas-containing portion thereof and adapted to emit an alarm signal when volume of the gas-containing portion is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Wessels Company
    Inventor: James Fuller
  • Patent number: 10012611
    Abstract: A gas sensor element (120) configured as a laminate of an oxygen pump cell (135) and an oxygen concentration detection cell (150) with a spacer (145) sandwiched therebetween. The spacer (145) has a gas detecting chamber (145c) formed therein and electrodes (138) and (152) of the cells (135) and (150), respectively, facing the chamber (145c). A leakage section (148) is faces the gas detecting chamber (145c) (measuring chamber).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Okazaki, Yuta Oishi, Seiji Oya
  • Patent number: 10001398
    Abstract: A fill-level measuring device for determining the fill level of a process medium in a container by means of a travel-time method. The fill-level measuring device is distinguished by features including that the fill-level measuring device has structure for determining the dielectric constant of a second medium, which is located between the measuring device and the process medium. The structure for determining the dielectric constant comprises at least one waveguide for a high-frequency measuring signal, wherein such waveguide is filled at least sectionally with a dielectric and embodied and arrangeable in such a manner that the dielectric forms with the second medium an interface, at which a significant fraction of the measuring signal supplied to the second medium via the waveguide is reflected. Furthermore, an apparatus for determining the dielectric constant and a system of such an apparatus and a fill-level measuring device are proposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: ENDRESS + HAUSER GMBH + CO. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Blodt, Peter Klofer
  • Patent number: 9995615
    Abstract: The invention is a hydrogen generator with a fuel gauge and a method of fuel gauging. The hydrogen generator includes a replaceable fuel unit, containing a hydrogen-containing material (fuel) that can release hydrogen gas when heated and whose thermal conductivity is related to a quantity of releasable hydrogen contained therein, and a fuel gauge including a heat source and a temperature sensor adjacent to the fuel unit and a controller for determining a fuel level value based on a measured temperature. The temperature is measured at a pre-established time after activating the heat source, and the measured temperature is compared to a predetermined relationship between the measured temperature and a releasable hydrogen content in the fuel at the pre-established time. An output signal is provided (e.g., to a visible display, an audible signal or a controller).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: INTELLIGENT ENERGY INC.
    Inventor: Jason L. Stimits
  • Patent number: 9983161
    Abstract: Provided are sensors for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample fluid. In certain embodiments, the sensors include conductive particles and exhibit improved uniformity of distribution of one or more sensing chemistry components, increased effective working electrode surface area, and/or reduced entry of interfering components into a sample chamber of the sensor. Methods of using and manufacturing the sensors are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Feldman, Zenghe Liu, Tianmei Ouyang, Suyue Qian
  • Patent number: 9972224
    Abstract: Disclosed are fibers which contains identification fibers. The identification fibers can contain a plurality of distinct features, or taggants, which vary among the fibers and/or along the length of the identification fibers of the fibers, a fiber band, or. The disclosed embodiments also relate to the method for making and characterizing the fibers. Characterization of the fibers can include identifying distinct features, combinations of distinct features, and number of fibers with various combinations of distinct features to supply chain information. The supply chain information can be used to track the fibers, fiber band, or yarn from manufacturing through intermediaries, conversion to final product, and/or the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Larry Wayne Renfro, Andrew Ervin McLeod, Humberto Collazo, Ernest Phillip Smith
  • Patent number: 9958312
    Abstract: A liquid level gauge for determining the level or volume of liquid within a tank includes a mounting head adapted for connection to the tank, a gauge assembly connected to one side of the mounting head, and an elongate sensing probe assembly extending into the tank. The gauge assembly includes a rotatable gauge plate with a scale located thereon and a rotatable indicator that moves across the scale in response to a change in liquid level. The gauge plate is weighted for rotation toward a gravitational force vector for orientation with an upper surface of the liquid in the tank independent of tank tilt. The sensing probe includes a float rod with an integral coil spring hinge to facilitate installation of the gauge within the tank. A counterweight is adjustable along the float rod to fine-tune float weight or buoyancy for a particular gauge configuration and liquid type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Texas LFP, LLC
    Inventors: Herbert G. Ross, Jr., John Gordon Storace
  • Patent number: 9960062
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for collecting data related to effluent emitted from tools in semiconductor fabrication facilities using one or more sensors to take continuous real-time samples of the effluent to indicate one or more properties and characteristics of effluent, and based at least in part on the properties and characteristics indicated in the samples taken by at least one or more sensors, determining the proper processing, recyclability, and treatment of the effluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: PEEK PROCESS INSIGHTS, INC.
    Inventor: Benjamin R. Peek
  • Patent number: 9958371
    Abstract: A method and system of measuring the size distribution of particles within dilute colloids, for example, through variation of the minimum detected size of aerosolized colloid particles. The method of determining the size distribution of particles in a fluid, involves forming a stream of aerosol droplets of the fluid, the droplets containing particles and dissolved material, evaporating the droplets to generate particles, and measuring the concentration of particles by varying a detection threshold. A system or apparatus for determining the size distribution of particles in a fluid, includes a droplet former for forming a stream of aerosol droplets of the fluid, the droplets containing particles and dissolved material, and a condensation particle detector for evaporating the droplets to generate particles and for measuring the concentration of particles, the condensation particle detector having a variable detection threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Fluid Measurement Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Blackford, Derek Oberreit, Donald C. Grant, Gary Van Schooneveld, Mark R. Litchy
  • Patent number: 9952130
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a field of display technology, in particular, to a jig for dropping ball test. The jig for dropping ball test comprises a fixing device and a dropping ball device. The fixing device comprises a plurality of adjusting rods for fixing a sample to be tested, a test region corresponding to the shape of the sample to be tested is enclosed by the plurality of adjusting rods. The dropping ball device is used to drop a ball towards the sample to be tested. The fixing device of the jig can be adjusted in its size according to the size of a sample to be tested, so that the dropping ball test can be carried out for different samples, which is easy to operate and reduces manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., HEFEI XINSHENG OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Qingpu Wang, Ming Hu, Taofeng Xie
  • 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