Patents by Inventor William A. Von Drasek
William A. Von Drasek has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11976955Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for determining a fluid level of and the amount of fluid remaining in a container. A portable measuring device can include a housing, a sensor, and a measurement system. The sensor can be supported by the housing and can detect a fluid level of the container. The measurement system can be configured to receive information including a measurement of the container, to determine an amount of fluid in the container based on a measurement of the container and a detected fluid level of the container, and to output the amount of fluid in the container and geometric information of the container. A method can include supplying such a device, placing the device proximal to or in abutment with and moving the device along an outer surface of the container, providing a signal to a user, and outputting the amount of fluid in a container.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2019Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Ashish Agarwal, Brandon M. Davis, William Von Drasek, Divigar Lakshmanan
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Patent number: 11953445Abstract: Systems for and methods of monitoring and analyzing deposit in an industrial water system are provided. The methods comprise heating a substrate while the substrate contacts industrial water in the industrial water system to form deposit on the substrate. A series of digital images of the substrate while the substrate contacts the industrial water in the industrial water system is created. A region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is defined. A deposit feature in the region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is identified. The deposit feature in the region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is analyzed to determine a deposit trend of the substrate in the industrial water system. Generally, the systems are configured so as to be capable of carrying out one or more of the methods.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2022Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventor: William A. Von Drasek
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Patent number: 11946841Abstract: A method of analyzing a substrate contacting a fluid present in an industrial system is provided. The method comprises creating a series of digital images of the substrate while contacting the fluid present in the industrial system. A region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is defined. A corrosion feature in the region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is identified. The corrosion feature in the region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is analyzed to determine a corrosion trend of the industrial system. In certain embodiments of the method, the fluid is industrial water, and the industrial system is an industrial water system.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2022Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: William A. Von Drasek, Xuejun Wang
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Patent number: 11662314Abstract: The disclosed systems and method utilize the autofluorescence, optic imaging, and heat transfer resistance technologies to monitor the same simulated surface area for deposits. The systems and methods may provide continuous monitoring, detection, characterization and quantification of deposits. Utilizing this information, an associated control system may initiate alarms, initiate a chemical treatment operation, and adjust corresponding chemical treatment and preventive protocols to minimize and/or eradicate the issue.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2020Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Kun Xiong, Xuejun Wang, William A. Von Drasek, Brandon Davis
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Publication number: 20230048064Abstract: A method of analyzing a substrate contacting a fluid present in an industrial system is provided. The method comprises creating a series of digital images of the substrate while contacting the fluid present in the industrial system. A region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is defined. A corrosion feature in the region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is identified. The corrosion feature in the region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is analyzed to determine a corrosion trend of the industrial system. In certain embodiments of the method, the fluid is industrial water, and the industrial system is an industrial water system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2022Publication date: February 16, 2023Inventors: William A. Von Drasek, Xuejun Wang
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Publication number: 20230029668Abstract: Systems for and methods of monitoring and analyzing deposit in an industrial water system are provided. The methods comprise heating a substrate while the substrate contacts industrial water in the industrial water system to form deposit on the substrate. A series of digital images of the substrate while the substrate contacts the industrial water in the industrial water system is created. A region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is defined. A deposit feature in the region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is identified. The deposit feature in the region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is analyzed to determine a deposit trend of the substrate in the industrial water system. Generally, the systems are configured so as to be capable of carrying out one or more of the methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2022Publication date: February 2, 2023Inventor: William A. Von Drasek
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Publication number: 20220335371Abstract: A chemical product consumption monitoring device using force sensors integrated into a sealed sensor housing for retrofit installation on liquid or solid product chemical feeding systems used in water treatment. The sensor design is flexible and can be used with products having different form factors such as discs, bottles, pellets, or pails. The sensor is used to monitor the product consumption rate based on weight or percentage for inventory management by forecasting replenishment scheduling and provide a process for automatic ordering. By combining the product consumption measurement with other sensor data from the dispenser, chemical delivery system, or process, allows tracking dispenser performance and alarming if malfunctioning. Additionally, using data from different sources provides remote visibility for scheduling maintenance and troubleshooting.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2022Publication date: October 20, 2022Inventor: William Von Drasek
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Patent number: 11465916Abstract: Systems for and methods of monitoring and analyzing deposit in an industrial water system are provided. The methods comprise heating a substrate while the substrate contacts industrial water in the industrial water system to form deposit on the substrate. A series of digital images of the substrate while the substrate contacts the industrial water in the industrial water system is created. A region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is defined. A deposit feature in the region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is identified. The deposit feature in the region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is analyzed to determine a deposit trend of the substrate in the industrial water system. Generally, the systems are configured so as to be capable of carrying out one or more of the methods.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2020Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventor: William A. Von Drasek
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Patent number: 11467072Abstract: A method of analyzing a substrate contacting a fluid present in an industrial system is provided. The method comprises creating a series of digital images of the substrate while contacting the fluid present in the industrial system. A region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is defined. A corrosion feature in the region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is identified. The corrosion feature in the region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is analyzed to determine a corrosion trend of the industrial system. In certain embodiments of the method, the fluid is industrial water, and the industrial system is an industrial water system.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2020Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: William A. Von Drasek, Xuejun Wang
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Publication number: 20220260979Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for tracking data associated with a creping process. The techniques include measuring process data, wherein the process data includes vibration data, and wherein measuring process data includes measuring vibration data of a creping blade using one or more vibration sensors. The techniques further include assigning a score for the process data, including assigning a vibration score for the vibration data. The techniques also include generating an index score based on the score for the process data and the vibration score for the vibration data.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2022Publication date: August 18, 2022Inventors: William A. Von Drasek, Gary Samuel Furman, JR.
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Publication number: 20220251781Abstract: A method of treating brown stock in a brown stock washing process is provided. The method includes measuring a refractive index of a brown stock; and dosing an additive to the brown stock according to at least the refractive index of the brown stock. A system for controlling dosing of an additive to a brown stock washing process is also provided. The system includes a refractive index measurement device; a controller configured to receive data provided by the refractive index measurement device and transform the data into additive addition output instructions; and an additive delivery unit configured to receive and execute the additive addition output instructions from the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2022Publication date: August 11, 2022Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.Inventors: William Von Drasek, Prasad Y. Duggirala, Dorota Smoron, Christopher Powers, David Sirois, Khaled Zouaoui, Michael Kjerulf
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Publication number: 20210403343Abstract: The present disclosure relates to recycling automotive phosphate rinse water. An apparatus and method is disclosed for treating process water containing phosphate. The apparatus may include a process water line. The process water line may be in fluid communication with a sample process water line. The sample process water line may be in fluid communication with a dilution line. The sample process water line, the dilution line, and a phosphate analyzer may be in fluid communication with a diluted process water line. The apparatus may also include a chemical additive feed line in fluid communication with the process water line downstream from the sample process water line.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2021Publication date: December 30, 2021Applicant: ECOLAB USA Inc.Inventors: Daniel M. Williams, Tony Veljan Mackovski, Bruce Tait, Joseph Peter Miknevich, Alex Michael Bogda, Aarthi Narayanan, William A. Von Drasek
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Patent number: 11136246Abstract: The present disclosure relates to recycling automotive phosphate rinse water. An apparatus and method is disclosed for treating process water containing phosphate. The apparatus may include a process water line. The process water line may be in fluid communication with a sample process water line. The sample process water line may be in fluid communication with a dilution line. The sample process water line, the dilution line, and a phosphate analyzer may be in fluid communication with a diluted process water line. The apparatus may also include a chemical additive feed line in fluid communication with the process water line downstream from the sample process water line.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2018Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Daniel M. Williams, Tony Veljan Mackovski, Bruce Tait, Joseph Peter Miknevich, Alex Michael Bogda, Aarthi Narayanan, William A. Von Drasek
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Patent number: 11041271Abstract: Vibration sensors can be used in paper making systems and methods to determine various aspects of the paper making operation. Vibration sensors, for example, positioned on cleaning blades configured to clean various deposits off of rollers in a paper making system can output vibration data that can be indicative of the vibration of the blade. The vibration data can be analyzed in order to characterize the cause of the vibration and/or the location of the vibration within a paper making system. If the vibration data satisfies a predetermined condition, a corrective action can be initiated. Different corrective actions can be initiated based on the characterized cause and/or location of the vibration in order to effectively improve the operation of the system while minimizing costly system shut downs and major maintenance.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2018Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Dominic Luneau, Fouad M. Moukannas, Gary S. Furman, David I. Weinstein, William Von Drasek
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Publication number: 20210123865Abstract: The disclosed systems and method utilize the autofluorescence, optic imaging, and heat transfer resistance technologies to monitor the same simulated surface area for deposits. The systems and methods may provide continuous monitoring, detection, characterization and quantification of deposits. Utilizing this information, an associated control system may initiate alarms, initiate a chemical treatment operation, and adjust corresponding chemical treatment and preventive protocols to minimize and/or eradicate the issue.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2020Publication date: April 29, 2021Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Kun Xiong, Xuejun Wang, William A. Von Drasek, Brandon Davis
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Patent number: 10765999Abstract: A method for controlling treatment of an industrial water system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing an apparatus for controlling delivery of at least one treatment chemical, the apparatus comprising at least one sensor and an electronic input/output device carrying out a protocol; measuring a parameter of the industrial water system using the at least one sensor; relaying the measured parameter to the electronic device; adjusting the protocol based on the measured parameter; delivering a concentrated treatment chemical into a stream of the industrial water system according to the adjusted protocol, the concentrated treatment chemical comprising an active ingredient, the active ingredient traced as necessary, the active ingredient having a concentration; repeating the measuring, the adjusting, and the delivering; and optionally repeating the steps for n-number of parameters, n-number of active ingredients, and/or n-number of concentrated treatment chemicals.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2017Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Narasimha M. Rao, Steven R. Hatch, William A. Von Drasek
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Publication number: 20200207639Abstract: Systems for and methods of monitoring and analyzing deposit in an industrial water system are provided. The methods comprise heating a substrate while the substrate contacts industrial water in the industrial water system to form deposit on the substrate. A series of digital images of the substrate while the substrate contacts the industrial water in the industrial water system is created. A region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is defined. A deposit feature in the region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is identified. The deposit feature in the region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is analyzed to determine a deposit trend of the substrate in the industrial water system. Generally, the systems are configured so as to be capable of carrying out one or more of the methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2020Publication date: July 2, 2020Inventor: William A. Von Drasek
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Publication number: 20200209122Abstract: A method of analyzing a substrate contacting a fluid present in an industrial system is provided. The method comprises creating a series of digital images of the substrate while contacting the fluid present in the industrial system. A region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is defined. A corrosion feature in the region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is identified. The corrosion feature in the region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is analyzed to determine a corrosion trend of the industrial system. In certain embodiments of the method, the fluid is industrial water, and the industrial system is an industrial water system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2020Publication date: July 2, 2020Inventors: William A. Von Drasek, Xuejun Wang
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Patent number: 10604896Abstract: The invention embodies the application of different combinations of the monitoring and data processing aspects as a means to develop an early warning chatter alarming system. Configuring an early warning chatter alarming system can be as simple as using n? alarm settings to develop an alarming strategy from different trend conditions such as overall RMS, selected vibration frequencies, slope analysis, and wavelet analysis. A higher level of alarming is provided by using a time integrated approach to account for both intensity of the alarm variable and duration. Combining these different aspects with a predictive model incorporates process-operating conditions to enhance the alarming sensitivity for earlier detection and reduce false positives. Finally, combining the different alarming aspects with a rule-based decision making approach such as fuzzy logic allows alarming based on qualitative analysis of different data streams.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2016Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: William A. Von Drasek, Gary S. Furman, Jr., Sammy L. Archer
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Publication number: 20200096377Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for determining a fluid level of and the amount of fluid remaining in a container. A portable measuring device can include a housing, a sensor, and a measurement system. The sensor can be supported by the housing and can detect a fluid level of the container. The measurement system can be configured to receive information including a measurement of the container, to determine an amount of fluid in the container based on a measurement of the container and a detected fluid level of the container, and to output the amount of fluid in the container and geometric information of the container. A method can include supplying such a device, placing the device proximal to or in abutment with and moving the device along an outer surface of the container, providing a signal to a user, and outputting the amount of fluid in a container.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2019Publication date: March 26, 2020Inventors: Ashish Agarwal, Brandon M. Davis, William Von Drasek, Divigar Lakshmanan