Patents Examined by Michael J. Brock
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Patent number: 5419178Abstract: An exhaust-gas analyzer, particularly for emissions testing of motor-vehicle engines has a sampling tube into which a mixture of exhaust gas and ambient air is fed through gas lines. A gas feed pump is disposed downstream of the sampling tube with a flowmeter inserted in the air line feeding electrical signals to a computing unit. The unit computes instantaneous standard total flow rate, allowing for gas pressure and temperature.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1993Date of Patent: May 30, 1995Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Hans-Josef Decker, Horst Horn
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Patent number: 5419181Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting defects in a structure formed of a honeycomb matrix bonded to a support surface including providing a probe body including means defining a fluid passage forming a supply port to an exterior surface of the probe body; connecting a pressurized fluid source to the fluid passage at a location distal from the supply port; placing the supply port in close proximity to a cell of the honeycomb matrix; supplying fluid from the compressed fluid source to the cell via the fluid passage; and monitoring a fluid pressure produced at a portion of the honeycomb matrix adjacent to the supply port to detect disbonds between the honeycomb matrix and support surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 1994Date of Patent: May 30, 1995Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: George P. Egan, Karl L. Borneman, Douglas A. Jaeger
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Patent number: 5419188Abstract: A system for the inspection of a well borehole and the formation around the borehole. The system includes a sealed tubing at the lower end of which is mounted a fiberoptic telemetry module which receives various sensor modules for transmissions of sensed information to the surface. The modular telemetry link and sensor include fluid passageways through which fluid pumped from the surface down the sealed tubing may pass to create a region of optically clear and/or acoustically homogenous fluid in the borehole in the vicinity of the modular telemetry link and sensor. The passage of fluid through the passageways in the modular equipment may also serve to cool the circuits thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1991Date of Patent: May 30, 1995Assignee: Otis Engineering CorporationInventors: Robert A. Rademaker, John J. Goiffon
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Patent number: 5417106Abstract: A capillary rheometer apparatus includes a housing, a plunger, the housing having a reservoir for receiving the plunger in a polymer melt, and a mechanism for blocking flow of the melt out of the reservoir. A driving mechanism is included for driving the plunger longitudinally within the reservoir to move one end of the plunger in contact with the melt. A diaphragm, which is coupled to the one end of the plunger, deflects in response to melt pressure in the reservoir. A mechanism, responsive to diaphragm deflection, determines pressure of the melt. Another mechanism is included for determining the temperature of the melt and a further mechanism is included for indicating longitudinal movement of the plunger. From such determinations, the PVT characteristics and the apparent shear viscosity characteristics of the polymer melt can be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1994Date of Patent: May 23, 1995Assignee: Dynisco, Inc.Inventors: Christopher P. Grudzien, Jr., Robert Malloy, James F. Reilly
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Patent number: 5417105Abstract: A leak detection system (50) including a flow accelerator for directing and accelerating leaking gas toward a sampling probe (70). A probe input tube (72) is inserted into one end (62B) of a larger diameter adapter tube (60) to position the end of the tube (72) past a suction opening (62D). The other end (62A) of the adapter tube is positioned to receive leaking gas. A suction is applied to the suction opening, which tends to draw the leaking gas into the adapter tube end (62A). Some of the leaking gas is drawn into the suction opening, and some into the end of the sampling tube. The suction causes the leaking gas to be accelerated toward the sampling probe input port. The suction can be created by a venturi (66C) through which is passed a gas under pressure. The acceleration of the gas through the venturi creates the suction. The flow accelerator significantly reduces the time required to locate small gas leaks.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1994Date of Patent: May 23, 1995Assignee: Hughes Aircraft CompanyInventors: Erasmo Martinez, Steven E. Walmsley, Shu-Ming Chang
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Patent number: 5415033Abstract: An apparatus for detection of leaks in pressurized pipelines which utilizes a large pressure vessel and a small measurement vessel. The measurement vessel magnifies level changes during leak detection tests. The apparatus is connected to a pipeline through the measurement vessel. The entire system can be filled with liquid from the pipeline by opening a valve between the measurement and pressure vessels. Leak detection tests are conducted by measuring changes in volume with the measurement vessel over time while the pressure over the liquid in the pressure vessel and measurement vessel is maintained approximately constant. During tests, liquid communication between the measurement vessel and pressure vessel is prevented by closing the valve between them, but vapor communication between the vessels is permitted.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1993Date of Patent: May 16, 1995Assignee: Vista Research, Inc.Inventors: Joseph W. Maresca, Jr., James W. Starr, Christopher Wilson, Richard F. Wise
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Patent number: 5415030Abstract: A method for evaluating formations and bit conditions is presented. The present invention processes signals indicative of downhole weight on bit (WOB), downhole torque (TOR), rate of penetration (ROP) and bit rotations (RPM), while taking into account bit geometry to provide a plurality of well logs and to optimize the drilling process. Drilling operations are monitored and adjusted in response to these processed signals and logs. The processed signals may include the following signals: drilling response, differential pressure, pore pressure, porosity, porosity compensated for formation effects, drilling alert, bit wear factor, abnormal torque, and bearing wear. The logs may include a drilling response log, a differential pressure log, a porosity log, a porosity log compensated for formation effects, a drilling alert log, a wear factor log, a torque analysis log and a bearing wear log.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1994Date of Patent: May 16, 1995Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Pushkar N. Jogi, William A. Zoeller
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Patent number: 5415037Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the temperature in a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus is lowered into a wellbore to a desired depth and logged over a selected interval. At least one first heat flux and temperature sensor contacts the wellbore wall. At least one second heat flux and temperature sensor is maintained in contact with the drilling fluid. Comparison of sensor responses provides an accurate determination of the wellbore wall temperature, and a determination of the quality of sensor-wellbore wall contact.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1992Date of Patent: May 16, 1995Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology CompanyInventors: Suzanne Griston, John Crowe, Barry A. Reik
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Patent number: 5415025Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous emissions monitoring system for exhaust gas emissions containing HCl comprising a sampling subsystem with a sample probe in the effluent to collect effluent samples that are transmitted through heated conduits through one or more filters and pumps to a mass spectrometer. The sampling subsystem is maintained at a temperature no less than about 190.degree. C. and the flow rate through the-system is greater than about 10 liters per minute. The process for continuous monitoring of exhaust emissions containing HCl extracts an exhaust gas sample and maintains the temperature and physical state of the exhaust gas throughout transport of the sample from the exhaust effluent to a mass spectrometer.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1994Date of Patent: May 16, 1995Assignee: Marine Shale Processors, Inc.Inventors: Candace D. Bartman, James H. Renfroe, Jr., Henry L. Robards, Jr., Erin M. Connolly
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Patent number: 5412978Abstract: A leakage test apparatus and method whereby a test part may be tested for leaks using either a dynamic flow method or a pressure decay method. The apparatus includes an air supply and first, second and third conduits arranged in parallel with each other and extending from a first manifold pipe connected to the air supply to a second manifold pipe connected to the test part. The first conduit is adapted to fill the part with air from the air supply at a high flow rate, the second conduit includes a flow restriction orifice and is adapted to fill the part at an intermediate flow rate less than the high flow rate of the first conduit and the third conduit includes a flow meter adapted to measure flow from the first manifold pipe to the second manifold pipe during flow through the first conduit in a fill mode of operation and is further adapted to measure flow from the first to the second manifold pipe during flow through the second conduit in a stabilize mode of operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1993Date of Patent: May 9, 1995Assignee: Phase 1 Instruments, Inc.Inventors: George R. Boone, Max E. Weitz
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Patent number: 5410906Abstract: There is disclosed a method for determining damping coefficients, the met including the steps of providing a damper assembly including a bar of known parameters, and a viscous damper, wherein a first end of the bar is disposed in the viscous damper while the second end of the bar is free, applying a known force to the second end of the bar in a direction toward the first end of the bar, measuring the response function of the assembly, comprising the ratio of the bar acceleration to the applied force, determining the eigenvalues of the response function, and from the eigenvalues computing the damping coefficient of the damper assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1993Date of Patent: May 2, 1995Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Stephen A. Austin, Andrew J. Hull, David A. Hurdis, Kent D. Kasper
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Patent number: 5408864Abstract: A method of analyzing the characteristics of an adsorbent is provided. The method uses a sample chamber of known volume and known temperature with an adsorbent to be analyzed. An adsorptive gas which comprises at least 80 percent of a component gas and less than 20 percent of a carrier gas, at a temperature higher than its boiling point at environmental atmospheric pressure is introduced into the sample chamber. The pressure of the adsorptive gas is measured. The quantity of the adsorptive gas adsorbed by the adsorbent, at the measured pressure is determined. And, a relative pressure in the sample chamber and the quantity of the adsorptive gas adsorbed by the adsorbent at the relative pressure is correlated.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1993Date of Patent: April 25, 1995Assignee: Coulter CorporationInventor: Richard A. Wenman
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Patent number: 5408878Abstract: A device for the measurement of acceleration by piezo-electric transducers. The device comprises a carrier 14 and 16 with a principal axis parallel to the direction of acceleration measurement, a seismic mass 20 and 22 retained to be movable relative to the carrier and piezo-electric elements 12 and 12' coupled therewith for excitation and co-operating in pairs, wherein the arrangement is such that pyro-electric effects compensate for each other. According to the invention, the carrier has a transverse member 16 which extends transversely to the principal axis and the piezo-electric elements acted on by compression excitation are installed on sides thereof, which are opposite with respect to the direction of the principal axis, between this and the seismic mass 20 and 22. There is thus achieved, apart from the temperature independence, a large insensitivity to base expansion as well as to any accelerations of kind and direction other than linear and parallel to the principal axis.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1991Date of Patent: April 25, 1995Assignee: Pruftechnik Dieter Busch AGInventor: Heinrich Lysen
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Patent number: 5408867Abstract: A method for ultrasonic leak location includes showing ultrasound levels measured at various measuring locations along a measuring segment in a bar diagram. An intersection of two straight lines in the bar diagram is ascertained to identify a leakage position. At least an individual ultrasound pickup is calibrated with respect to its amplification factor and/or its location error. An apparatus for ultrasonic leak location includes a number of ultrasound pickups being disposed along a measuring segment. Amplifiers and components forming an effective value connect outputs of the ultrasound pickups to a data processing system. The data processing system calibrates an individual ultrasound pickup with respect to its amplification factor and/or its location coordinate.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1993Date of Patent: April 25, 1995Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Ulrich Kunze, Walter Knoblach, Gunther Schulze
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Patent number: 5408869Abstract: The present invention is a gauge and method for characterizing the surface venting of rollers. The gauge includes a smooth pliable saddle with a pick-up head positioned at a mid-point of the saddle. The pick-up head includes an opening which faces the outer surface of a roller when the saddle is draped over the roller. The roller's venting characteristics are determined by applying a vacuum to the pick-up head and measuring the equilibrium flow rate between the saddle and the outer surface of the roller.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1993Date of Patent: April 25, 1995Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Timothy D. Allen, Edward R. Schickler, T. Tajuddin
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Patent number: 5406830Abstract: An apparatus and a method provide a particle monitor mounted in an exhaust line of a loadlock chamber. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a particle monitor and a particle filter mounted down stream from the particle monitor away from the loadlock chamber. In one embodiment, the particle filter can be implemented by a wire-mesh screen, or a perforated stainless steel screen. The particle filter can be mounted in a centering ring of a standard vacuum connection which comprises two flanges, a centering ring, and an O-ring held together by a clamp.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1993Date of Patent: April 18, 1995Assignee: High Yield TechnologyInventors: Peter G. Borden, Martin D. Elzingre
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Patent number: 5406831Abstract: An instrument for the measurement of vacuum within sealed packets 12, the packets 12 having a wall 14 that it can be deformed by the application of an external dynamic vacuum to an area thereof. The instrument has a detector head 18 for placement against the deformable wall 14 of the packet to apply the vacuum in a controlled manner to accomplish a limited deformation or lift of the wall 14, with this deformation or lift monitored by the application of light as via a bifurcated light pipe 20. Retro-reflected light through the light pipe is monitored with a photo detector 26. A change (e.g., a decrease) of retro-reflected light signals the wall movement such that the value of the dynamic vacuum applied through the head be to achieve this initiation of movement is equal to the vacuum within the packet 12. In a preferred embodiment a vacuum plate 44 is placed beneath the packet 12 to ensure that no deformation occurs on the reverse surface 16 of the packet.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1993Date of Patent: April 18, 1995Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas G. Kollie, Louis H. Thacker, H. Alan Fine
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Patent number: 5404748Abstract: Risk of hydrodynamic pressure noise interference with a valve leakage test conducted upon a plurality of valves within a pump assembly is minimized. A pressure sensor within the pump assembly produces a signal indicative of hydrodynamic pressure in fluid distal of an outlet valve of the pump. The signal produced by the pressure sensor is input to a microcontroller that controls the pump assembly. Prior to conducting the valve leakage test, the hydrodynamic pressure level of the fluid is sampled at a frequency that is at least twice that of the hydrodynamic noise. The microcontroller determines if a maximum of the samples of the hydrodynamic pressure level taken during a data interval is above a predetermined threshold. If so, the valve leakage test is suppressed until the maximum pressure level is below the predetermined threshold during a successive data interval.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1993Date of Patent: April 11, 1995Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Walter L. Jimison, Craig S. Barker, Marc R. Bunyard
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Patent number: 5404746Abstract: A post depressurization device (30) for providing an indication of the pressure that existed within a fluid filled pressure vessel (22) just prior to depressurization of the pressure vessel, having a housing (102) and a piston (130) for temporality sealing an open end of the housing and outwardly movable in response to a pressure differential not less then a predetermined level generated subsequent to the depressurization of the pressure vessel. The piston and the housing cooperating to define a pressure storage cavity (156). The housing including a valve (122) for permitting the fluid within the pressure vessel to enter the pressure cavity and stabilize at a level substantially equal to the pressure level within the pressure vessel and for inhibiting a rapid decrease in the pressure within the pressure cavity immediately subsequent to depressurization of the pressure vessel.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1994Date of Patent: April 11, 1995Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.Inventor: Klaus Ocker
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Patent number: 5402665Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring gaseous oxygen concentration that includes an oxygen sensor for providing an electrical sensor signal that varies as a function of oxygen concentration at the sensor. Processor circuitry compares oxygen concentration indicated by the sensor signal to at least one threshold level, and indicates when such oxygen concentration at the sensor departs from such threshold concentration level. The apparatus is calibrated by exposing the sensor to a calibration gas having an oxygen concentration equal to the desired threshold concentration level, and storing in the processor circuitry electrical indicia indicative of operating characteristics of the sensor at such threshold oxygen concentration level.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1993Date of Patent: April 4, 1995Inventors: Russell F. Hart, Tuan Q. Cao