Patents Issued in October 7, 2014
  • Patent number: 8850838
    Abstract: A commercial refrigeration system has a control system which distributes intelligence to increase granularity of the control and simplify wiring, assembly and installation. Compressors of the refrigeration system each have a bus compatible compressor safety and control module including a processor and sensors. All control and safety modules communicate over a single power and communications line with the controller, providing digital transmissions to the controller of measurements taken by the sensors. The information provided may include that the compressor is outside of a specific safety parameter, so that the controller knows not only that a safety parameter has been traversed, but exactly which one. The control and safety modules are capable of executing commands from the controller to cycle the compressors. The control and safety modules preferably contain sufficient intelligence to continue system operation upon failure of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Norman E. Street, Ted W. Sunderland, Charles D. Thomas, Doron Shapiro, Michael J. D'Anna
  • Patent number: 8850839
    Abstract: A refrigerator including support ribs provided on both side walls of storage chambers so as to support both sides of shelves, each of which includes a tempered glass panel on which food is placed, and stopper members provided at both sides of the lower surface of the tempered glass panel, each support rib including a front rib, a rear rib, and a latch groove provided between the front rib and the rear rib such that each stopper member is inserted into the latch groove, and inclination prevention ribs, each of which is provided above the rear rib and supports the upper surface of each shelf, thereby improving assembly efficiency and productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoung Sun Park, Sang Gyu Jung, Jong Hoon Oh, Sung Cheul Park, Young Kil Kim
  • Patent number: 8850840
    Abstract: A desiccant air conditioner includes an intake path that introduces air SA from outdoors to indoors, an exhaust path that exhausts air RA from indoors to outdoors, a desiccant rotor adapted to perform dehumidification by adsorbing moisture in air SA flowing through the intake path and regenerate dehumidifying capacity by releasing moisture into air RA flowing through the exhaust path, heating heat exchangers that heat air RA in the exhaust path, and a sensible heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between air RA flowing through the intake path and air SA flowing through the exhaust path, wherein two dehumidification regions, the first dehumidification region and the second dehumidification region, through which air in the intake path passes and two regeneration regions, the first regeneration region and the second regeneration region, through which the air RA in the exhaust path passes are alternately formed in the desiccant rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jiro Fukudome
  • Patent number: 8850841
    Abstract: A refrigerator including a refrigerating chamber formed at an upper portion of a refrigerator body and a freezing chamber formed at a lower portion of the refrigerator body, the refrigerator comprising an ice-making chamber partitioned from the refrigerating chamber by insulating walls, the ice-making chamber containing within it an icemaker and an ice storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ill-Shin Kim, Seon-Il Yu, Kun-Jun Seok, Yong-Chol Kwon
  • Patent number: 8850842
    Abstract: A refrigerator including a refrigerating chamber formed at an upper portion of a refrigerator body and a freezing chamber formed at a lower portion of the refrigerator body, the refrigerator comprising an ice-making chamber partitioned from the refrigerating chamber by insulating walls, the ice-making chamber containing within it an icemaker and an ice storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ill-Shin Kim, Seon-Il Yu, Kun-Jun Seok, Yong-Chol Kwon
  • Patent number: 8850843
    Abstract: A refrigerator including a refrigerating chamber formed at an upper portion of the refrigerator body and a freezing chamber formed at a lower portion of the refrigerator body, comprising an ice-making chamber partitioned from the refrigerating chamber by insulating walls, the ice-making chamber containing an icemaker for making ice and an ice storage for storing the ice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ill-Shin Kim, Seon-Il Yu, Kun-Jun Seok, Yong-Chol Kwon
  • Patent number: 8850844
    Abstract: A cool air supply structure of a storage receptacle for a refrigerator, which includes a main body having a storage space provided therein and a door for selectively opening or closing the storage space, the cool air supply structure, comprising: one or more receptacle casings detachably installed into the storage space and having a mounting space provided therein so that a storage receptacle is moved into or out of the mounting space; and a channel provided in each of the receptacle casings so that cool air flows in the channel, wherein food received in the storage receptacle is indirectly cooled by the cool air flowing in the channel. According to the present invention, the food received in the storage receptacle of a refrigerator can be kept fresh with a simple configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Byeong-Gyu Kang, Young-Woo Kim, Jong-Suk Yoon, Yoon-Seok Bang, Jong-Wook An, Sang-Ho Park
  • Patent number: 8850845
    Abstract: A portable cooling unit comprising a magnetic spiral vapor pump that utilizes a magnetic pulse between two electromagnets and spiral drive slots to pull a piston back-and-forth 180-degrees and thereby alternately align compression slots on the piston's opposing ends with vapor suction ports and highly-compressed vapor discharge ports. Electromagnet use lowers the amount of battery power required for piston rotation. A condenser in a mounting pan under the pump achieves refrigerant condensation, while a fan blowing air through an evaporator positioned within a flexible hose causes cool air discharge through openings in the hose's terminal end fitting. The condenser utilizes surplus condensation from the evaporator to aid its vapor-to-liquid conversion, and batteries only provide power for the magnetic control module and fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: David Wayne Tucker
  • Patent number: 8850846
    Abstract: A self-cooling and self dispensing beverage container in the form of a keg which includes a heat exchange unit having a plurality of segments of compressed carbon disposed therein. A valve is secured to a tube attached to the REU housing for carbon dioxide to adsorbed and then desorbed by the carbon for cooling the beverage. A dispense gas canister is disposed within the container to automatically release carbon dioxide to maintain a pressure head within the container sufficient to assure dispensing of the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Joseph Company International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Sillince, David Cull
  • Patent number: 8850847
    Abstract: An air conditioner may include: a compressor; a condenser; an expander; a bypass pipe that bypasses the refrigerant discharged from the condenser to an inlet side of the compressor; a refrigerant heating apparatus that heats the refrigerant flowing in the bypass pipe; and a valve that controls the refrigerant flowing in the bypass pipe. The refrigerant heating apparatus may include: a refrigerant pipe in which the refrigerant flows; and a heating unit that is provided on an outer surface of the refrigerant pipe and has a carbon nanotube heating element that is heat-generated by itself by a supplied power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sanghun Lee
  • Patent number: 8850848
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (10) for sectioning histological samples, which encompasses a sectioning unit (18), a sample holder (14), and a drive unit (16) for moving the sample holder (14) relative to the sectioning unit (18) in order to section the sample (12). Also provided is a cooling unit (20), for cooling at least a sub-region of the sample holder (14), which encompasses a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a capillary tube (25) for delivering the liquefied refrigerant from the compressor (22) to the sample holder (14), and a return line (28) for returning the refrigerant from the sample holder (14) to the compressor (22). At least a sub-region (32) of the capillary tube (25) is embodied in a spiral shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Thiem, Christian Lorenz
  • Patent number: 8850849
    Abstract: A process for recovering ethane and heavier hydrocarbons from LNG and a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is divided into two portions. The first is supplied to a fractionation column as a first upper mid-column feed. The second portion is heated while condensing a portion of a column distillation stream, thereby producing a “lean” LNG stream and a reflux stream. The reflux stream is supplied as top column feed. The second portion of LNG feed is heated further and supplied to the column as a first lower mid-column feed. The gas stream is divided into two portions. The second is expanded, then both portions are cooled while vaporizing the lean LNG stream and heating another portion of the distillation stream. The colder first portion is supplied to the column as a second upper mid-column feed, and the second is supplied as a second lower mid-column feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Ortloff Engineers, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tony L. Martinez, John D. Wilkinson, Hank M. Hudson, Kyle T. Cuellar
  • Patent number: 8850850
    Abstract: To produce a meniscus lens from synthetic quartz glass for use in a microlithography apparatus, which lens has a first optical surface (7) and a second optical surface (8) with the same direction of curvature as the first optical surface (7), SiO2 particles are formed by oxidation or flame hydrolysis of a silicon-containing starting compound and deposited layer by layer on a substrate to form a cylindrical SiO2 blank which contains layers with a surface normal extending in the direction of growth. To allow such layers, which have however the least possible adverse effect on optical or mechanical properties, it is proposed according to the invention that the blank is plastically worked in a hot forming process under the effect of a deforming force to form a preform (6), which has at least the first curved surface (7) and in which the layers are curved in the direction of curvature, and that the meniscus lens is obtained from the preform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Heraeus Quarzglas GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Stefan Hengster
  • Patent number: 8850851
    Abstract: A reactive-ceramming process for making YPO4 ceramics involving the reaction between a YP-glass and a Y-source material. The invention can be used to synthesize, inter alia, phase-pure YPO4 ceramic material 5 at a relatively low temperature in a relatively short period of time and at a low cost. Invention can be used to make large piece of YPO4 blocks suitable for, e.g., an isopipe in a fusion down-draw process for making large-size glass sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Lisa Ann Lamberson, Robert Michael Morena
  • Patent number: 8850852
    Abstract: A method for processing a coated glass substrate may include a high-temperature activation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: First Solar, Inc
    Inventors: Daniel Burgard, Joshua Conley, James Hinkle, Stephen Murphy, Thomas Truman
  • Patent number: 8850853
    Abstract: A knitting machine comprising a needle holder, which supports a plurality of needles which can be actuated with an alternating motion along their axis and means for guiding the needles on the needle holder which comprise channels for forming knitting which are defined proximate to the end of the needle holder and sliding channels which are defined on the needle holder in a region that is spaced from the end of the needle holder, each one of the channels for forming knitting being engageable by a needle and defining with its inlet, which is directed toward the outside of the needle holder, resting contact regions for the knitting during the retracting motion of the needles, the number of the sliding channels being smaller than the number of the channels for forming knitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Santoni S.p.A.
    Inventors: Ettore Lonati, Fausto Lonati, Tiberio Lonati
  • Patent number: 8850854
    Abstract: A knitted fabric is designed and adapted to fit box springs of varying size. The knitted fabric includes four panels that each includes three layers—a middle layer, a top layer and bottom layer. The knitted fabric is elastic and stretches to fit over the box spring. The four panel construction provides a large opening on the top of the box spring, which allows the knitted fabric to be removed from the box spring without removal of the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Tipping Point Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Andrew T. Morgan, Donna L. Melvin
  • Patent number: 8850855
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry treating apparatus, including a cabinet having a main space selectively in communication with an outside of the laundry treating apparatus with a door for holding laundry, a steam generator provided to the cabinet for supplying steam to the main space, and at least one steam outlet in the cabinet for selective supply of the steam from the steam generator to an outside of the laundry treating apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Young Soo Kim, Seong Hae Jeong
  • Patent number: 8850856
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided herein. The apparatus includes, a clothes basket rotatable about an axis, a motor coupled to the clothes basket, an additive tank, a Venturi component comprising a hole connecting to a water inlet, a hole connecting to the additive tank, and a hole connecting to the clothes basket, a first valve, a second valve, and a processor coupled to the first valve and the second valve, the processor being operative to carry out a dispensing phase of the apparatus, wherein the dispensing phase comprises dispensing additive to the clothes basket, and carry out a self-cleaning phase of the apparatus, wherein the self-cleaning phase comprises washing the additive tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Alexander Leibman, Alaknanda Acharya, David Scott Dunn, Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Aaron Lee Welch
  • Patent number: 8850857
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for a detacher for a security device are disclosed. The detacher (180c) includes a magnet (1820) that can be moved relative to a housing (1810) by a motor (1830). Magnet and motor are mounted inside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbH
    Inventors: Franklin H. Valade, Jr., Thomas G. Riley, Firas H. Faham, Gilbert Fernandez
  • Patent number: 8850858
    Abstract: A lock subassembly for a padlock includes a housing, a locking element, and a locking mechanism. The housing defines an internal cavity and at least one shackle bore isolated from the internal cavity. The locking element is disposed in a first portion of the internal cavity and extends beyond an upper surface of the housing. The locking element is movable between a locked position for interlocking engagement with a shackle and an unlocked position for releasing the shackle. The locking mechanism is disposed in a second portion of the internal cavity and is operable between a locking condition securing the locking element in the locked position and an unlocking condition permitting movement of the locking element to the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventor: Zachery T. Nave
  • Patent number: 8850859
    Abstract: Anti-theft lockset is disclosed. Lock column and frame body are arranged in lock core. Outer side of lock column is matched with a long slot on the inner wall of lock shell. Inner side of lock column is provided with a crown pillar, and lock core is provided with a sliding chute for causing lock column to slide and a first through hole for causing frame body to move. Crown pillar is contacted with a first lock ball. Lock core is internally provided with lock ball holes matched with first and second lock balls. One end of the second lock ball is contacted with the frame body. The lock core is provided with a containing slot for causing the first lock ball and a locking plate to move up and down. The containing slot is communicated with a key hole. The locking plate is provided with a second through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventors: Le-Qun Xu, Chieh Wang
  • Patent number: 8850860
    Abstract: Provided is a method of controlling operation of a tandem rolling mill which enables large reduction rolling in the latter-stage stand of the tandem rolling mill necessary for manufacturing fine-grained steel, and so on. The method comprises: a step of determining a first exit-side sheet thickness in rolling a constant portion of a material to be rolled; and a step of determining a second exit-side sheet thickness in rolling a front end portion of the material, such that a pre-tightening load becomes a set value or less; the material is rolled into the second exit-side sheet thickness, until the front end portion is fed into the stands; the constant portion is rolled by the stand given a pre-tightening load into the first exit-side sheet thickness; and the second exit-side sheet thicknesses of the stands given the pre-tightening load are made larger than the first exit-side sheet thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignees: Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation, Mitsubishi-Hitachi Metals Machinery, Inc.
    Inventors: Daisuke Nikkuni, Suguhiro Fukushima, Yoshiro Washikita, Tetsuo Kajihara, Kenji Horii, Taro Sato
  • Patent number: 8850861
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a circular cylindrical body (10) comprising a workable mass, having at least one helical internal cavity extending in the interior of the body. The body (10) is initially produced with a straight internal recess, for example by means of extrusion. Afterwards the body is cut to a defined length. The body (10) that has been cut to length is then subjected to a rolling process by means of a friction surface arrangement (23) while being supported over the entire length thereof on a support means (16). The rolling process takes place in multiple steps, wherein a rolling movement using a first axis of rotation (25) is performed in a first step, and a rolling movement using a second axis of rotation (26) that is different from the first axis of rotation is used in a second step. The invention also relates to an apparatus for performing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Arno Friedrichs
  • Patent number: 8850862
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for rolling a substantially planar electric wire by more than one turn into a spiral shape. The apparatus includes an inner pressing member having an outer surface, an intermediate pressing member having radially inner and outer surfaces, and an outer pressing member having an inner surface. The inner and intermediate pressing members together press a first part of the electric wire between the outer surface of the inner pressing member and the inner surface of the intermediate pressing member, thereby plastically deforming the first part to extend along the outer surface of the inner pressing member. The intermediate and outer pressing members together press a second part of the electric wire between the outer surface of the intermediate pressing member and the inner surface of the outer pressing member, thereby plastically deforming the second part to extend along the outer surface of the intermediate pressing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Akito Akimoto, Noboru Taniguchi, Atsuo Ishizuka, Seiji Tachibana, Masaomi Dobashi, Mitsuyuki Hayashi, Takeshi Kurosawa
  • Patent number: 8850863
    Abstract: There is provided an aluminum-alloy material having sufficient electric conductivity and tensile strength as a wiring material and excellent in wire-drawing property, and an electric wire or cable using the same. An electric wire or cable includes an aluminum-alloy strand formed of an aluminum-alloy including Fe: 0.1% by mass or more to less than 1.0% by mass, Zr: 0 to 0.08% by mass, Si: 0.02 to 2.8% by mass, at least one of Cu: 0.05 to 0.63% by mass and Mg: 0.04 to 0.45% by mass, and the remainder being aluminum and unavoidable impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Ishibashi, Kazumi Mochizuki, Yasunobu Kondo
  • Patent number: 8850864
    Abstract: This aims to provide a press process for drawing a plate material into a predetermined shape. This press process performs a first unwrinkling treatment and a second unwrinkling treatment sequentially for unwrinkling the material. Between these first and second unwrinkling treatments, an introduction for deforming the material is made so that the portion of the material on the side to be subjected to the second unwrinkling treatment may be positioned on the side of a drawing direction with respect to the portion subjected to the first unwrinkling treatment. This first unwrinkling treatment is made on such a portion to be unwrinkled in the material as is located on the side of a larger drawing depth for the predetermined shape. On the other hand, the second unwrinkling treatment is made on such a portion to be unwrinkled as is located on the side of a smaller drawing depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masao Kubo
  • Patent number: 8850865
    Abstract: A die cushion device includes a cushion pad, a support section, a servomotor, and a shock absorber device. The support section supports the cushion pad. The servomotor raises and lowers the support section for raising and lowering the cushion pad. The shock absorber device includes a damping section and relieves shock between the cushion pad and the support section. The damping section generates reaction force in accordance with the relative speed of the cushion pad with respect to the support section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignees: Komatsu Ltd., Komatsu Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Takuji Miyasaka, Hirohide Sato, Shigeo Morimoto, Hiroyuki Ito, Takeo Arikabe, Shyoji Watanabe, Shigenori Nagashima
  • Patent number: 8850866
    Abstract: In order to functionally test a leak detector (20) that comprises a partial pressure sensor (21), a testing device (30) having a variable volume (33) is connected to the leak detector. Said testing device can be a syringe. By changing the volume (33), the partial pressure of the test gas contained in the ambient air is changed. A test is carried out to check whether the leak detector (20) indicates the change. According to the invention, a vacuum pumping device having mechanical vacuum pumps is not required. The method is suitable for testing vacuum systems that contain a vacuum pumping device that is used in the leak test to generate a required vacuum. The service technician can perform the functional test of the leak detector (20) separately from the system and the vacuum pumping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Inficon GmbH
    Inventor: Randolf Rolff
  • Patent number: 8850867
    Abstract: A photoacoustic sensor, containing a resonance body, which at least partially delimits a space for receiving molecules to be detected, and a device for detecting an oscillation of the resonance body, including a device for optically detecting the location of at least one partial surface of the resonance body. A method for the photoacoustic detection of molecules in the gas phase and to a method for producing an optically integrated photoacoustic sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schade, Michael Köhring, Tobias Schossig
  • Patent number: 8850868
    Abstract: A tamper detector is provided for safeguarding a radiological source that is moved into and out of a storage location through an access porthole for storage and use. The radiological source is presumed to have an associated shipping container approved by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for transporting the radiological source. The tamper detector typically includes a network of sealed tubing that spans at least a portion of the access porthole. There is an opening in the network of sealed tubing that is large enough for passage therethrough of the radiological source and small enough to prevent passage therethrough of the associated shipping cask. Generally a gas source connector is provided for establishing a gas pressure in the network of sealed tubing, and a pressure drop sensor is provided for detecting a drop in the gas pressure below a preset value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Technical Services Y-12, LLC
    Inventor: Fariborz M. Bzorgi
  • Patent number: 8850869
    Abstract: A sensor element for a sensor or measuring device for measuring fluids, with a housing, the interior of which is sealed toward the outside and through which the fluid to measured can flow, and with at least one electrode arrangement in the housing interior, the electrode arrangement having at least one electrode and forming at least one measuring path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: BC Tech Holding AG
    Inventor: Helmut Hartl
  • Patent number: 8850870
    Abstract: A pressure transmitting device detects, through a pressure guiding tube, a pressure of a liquid, slurry, gas, or the like to be measured, wherein there are fluctuations in the pressure; where the pressure guiding tube blockage diagnosing device comprises: a rising/falling frequency detecting portion for segmenting into a plurality of continuous intervals a time series of pressure values detected by the pressure transmitting device, and for detecting, in each time interval, the rising/falling frequency of the fluctuations; and an evaluating portion for evaluating the state of blockage of the pressure guiding tube through comparing, to a specific threshold value, the rising/falling frequency of the fluctuations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Azbil Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Tabaru, Masato Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8850871
    Abstract: Fluid leaks are identified and located by successively monitoring changes in fluid flow and sound velocities of fluid at a plurality of locations in the pipe with flow meters, such as with ultrasonic flow meters. Preferably the successive monitoring sampling rates are sufficiently high to measure instantaneous velocity changes. A controller coupled to the meters associates changes in monitored fluid flow and sound velocities in two locations along the pipe with a leak event occurring between those locations. The controller identifies the association event at each location and correlates pipe leak location based at least in part on difference in time between the respective location events. The system and method may be used in liquid and gas pipeline transmission systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Robert Schaefer, Dennis J. Diorio, James M. Doorhy
  • Patent number: 8850872
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a leak in a conduit line includes a housing in fluid communication with the line, a valve including a valve seat and a valve element movable relative to the seat between opened and closed positions, a bypass line around the valve, a flow detector coupled to the bypass line for detecting fluid flow therethrough, and a mechanism configured to urge the valve element toward the closed position and to maintain the valve element in the closed position until a threshold pressure drop is reached. The mechanism may operate on the principle of magnetism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: OPW Fuel Management Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian F. Jarvie
  • Patent number: 8850873
    Abstract: A first determiner determines whether a pressure in a fuel tank is within a predetermined range when an ignition switch of an engine is on. A second determiner determines whether a valve allows or prohibits a communication between the fuel tank and a switch valve, when the first determiner determines that the pressure in the fuel tank is within the predetermined range. A control unit controls a pressure controlling portion based on a determination result of the first determiner and a determination result of the second determiner. A leak determiner determines whether the fuel tank has a leak of evaporated fuel based on a signal output from a first detector detecting a pressure in a detection passage and a signal output from a second detector detecting a pressure in the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Itoh, Mitsuyuki Kobayashi, Shinji Sugihara
  • Patent number: 8850874
    Abstract: An in-line viscometer (70) with a coupling magnet (42) installed into a bob (44) and a drive magnet (24) installed onto a magnet holder (52). Coupling magnet (42) forms a magnetic coupling with drive magnet (24). Bob (44) is positioned inside a main body (50) and is submerged in the flow of sample fluid (56). A motor (10) rotates a magnet holder (52) to which the drive magnets (24) are attached. The magnetic coupling between the coupling magnet (42) and the drive magnet (24) causes the bob (44) to rotate while submerged in sample fluid (56). The energy necessary for the motor (10) to turn the magnet holder (52) while the bob (44) is submerged in the sample fluid (56) provides a means to measure the viscosity of the sample fluid (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Hongfeng Bi
  • Patent number: 8850875
    Abstract: The dispersibility of soot in a lubricant formulation containing a dispersant is evaluated by (a) preparing a dispersion of carbon black in the lubricant formulation; (b) depositing a sample of the dispersed carbon black from step (a) onto a planar chromatography medium; (c) subjecting the sample of (b) to chromatographic conditions and (d) evaluating the extent of migration of the carbon black by comparing the density of darkening due to carbon black at pre-defined locations along the chromatography medium. The liquid mobile chromatography phase comprises a mixture of a liquid non-aromatic hydrocarbon portion having viscosity and boiling point less than that of an oil of lubricating viscosity; and an oil component comprising an oil of lubricating viscosity and the dispersant or dispersants that are also contained within the lubricant formulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventors: Mitchell Gentile, Matthew D. Gieselman, Matthew Henley
  • Patent number: 8850876
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring engine oil temperatures to detect higher than normal oil temperatures are provided. The system comprises a plurality of sensors for obtaining input signals from the operating engine for a predetermined set of engine conditions. At least one of the plurality of sensors includes an oil temperature sensor for measuring an engine oil temperature. The system also includes an engine control unit (ECU) where a plurality of predetermined limit values corresponding to at least one predetermined set of engine operating conditions is stored. The engine control unit is configured to select a predetermined limit value corresponding to a measured set of engine operating conditions, to calculate a maintenance limit value using the selected predetermined limit value, and to compare the measured oil temperature with the maintenance limit value. An output unit outputs a predetermined output depending on the result of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Ertz, Mike Baron, Anthony Restivo
  • Patent number: 8850877
    Abstract: In a reforming driving mode, while the EGR valve is opened to recirculate a part of exhaust gas into the intake pipe, a reforming-fuel injector injects a reforming-fuel into an exhaust gas flowing through an EGR pipe. The injected reforming-fuel is vaporized and flows into the fuel-reforming catalyst. The fuel-reforming catalyst reforms the fuel in the exhaust gas into the fuel having high combustibility. In the reforming driving mode, the computer determines whether an air-fuel ratio within the normal range. Based on this result, the computer determines whether the reforming-fuel injector has a malfunction. When the reforming-fuel injector has a malfunction, a fail-safe processing is conducted to prohibit the reforming-fuel injector from injecting the reforming-fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Inuzuka, Makoto Miwa
  • Patent number: 8850878
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a turbocharger. In one example, a method includes receiving a signal indicative of a monitored pressure of a pressurized oil supply of a turbocharger or other turbomachine. The method further includes determining whether a high frequency component of the signal meets one or more designated criteria, and, if the high frequency component of the pressure meets the one or more designated criteria, generating a first control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Paul Lloyd Flynn, Bret Dwayne Worden, Matthew John Malone, Milan Karunaratne
  • Patent number: 8850879
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a body that includes a sample port through which a sample fluid can be drawn into the downhole tool and a sample channel passing through the body in fluid communication with the sample port and through which the sample fluid travels. The sample channel includes a sample chamber having an inlet and an outlet located along the sample channel, the sample chamber including three cylindrical chambers including a middle resonator cavity surrounded by two outer resonator cavities, one of the two outer resonator cavities including a sensor inlet for receiving a sensor and allowing it to fluidly contact the sample fluid as it travels through the sample channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Dwight W. Swett
  • Patent number: 8850880
    Abstract: A valve that can be actuated by a position controller via a drive, wherein the position controller has a housing and is fastened to the valve by the housing. A first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor are attached on or in the housing. As a result of the position of both sensors, the temperature measured using the first temperature sensor is more readily influenced by the valve and the temperature registered by the second temperature sensor is more readily influenced by the environment. If a gas leak occurs in the valve, a temperature difference occurs that is evaluated for diagnosis of a leak. The diagnostic system is particularly easy to minor implement with minimal effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Alf Püttmer
  • Patent number: 8850881
    Abstract: The present invention is a non-intrusive method to determine the fluid level in a vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the vessel is a delayed coker drum in a refinery. Waves are generated in the vessel from an outside source. For wall vibration generated in the frequency range of 1-20,000 Hz, accelerometers on the exterior wall of the vessel measures the frequency of the vibration modes of the vessel. The fluid level can be related to the frequency of the vibration mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Company
    Inventors: Limin Song, Julio D. Lobo, Jormarie Bitar, Mark M. Disko
  • Patent number: 8850882
    Abstract: The present invention is a non-intrusive method to determine the fluid level in a vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the vessel is a delayed coker drum in a refinery. Waves are generated in the vessel from an outside source. For wall vibration generated in the frequency range of 1-20,000 Hz, accelerometers on the exterior wall of the vessel measures the attenuation of the vibration modes of the vessel. The fluid level can related to the attenuation of the vibration mode. For wall vibration generated in the ultrasonic range, the wave traveling in the vessel wall are guided waves. The guided wave will leak energy into the fluid inside the vessel and will attenuate depending on the fluid level. Ultrasonic receivers on the outside of the vessel measure the attenuation. The fluid level can be related attenuation of the ultrasonic waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Jianmin Qu, Laurence J. Jacobs, Limin Song, Jormarie Bitar, Mark M. Disko
  • Patent number: 8850883
    Abstract: A transducer for use in a fluid detector for determining a presence of a fluid within a container, the transducer comprising a piezoelectric element that outputs an ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal, characterized in that said transducer further comprises, a lens with an upper portion, a lower portion, and a focal point, the upper portion including a curved surface with convex side. The piezoelectric element is coupled to the upper portion of the lens so that, when the lens is disposed adjacent an outer surface of a wall of the container such that the lens is intermediate the piezoelectric element and the wall, the lens focuses the ultrasonic signal toward the focal point of the lens and on the inner surface of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Gems Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Dockendorff, Kevin B. Downs, Bryan M. LaBarge, George K. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8850884
    Abstract: Provided are a liquid tank capable of reducing an influence of disturbance on measurement results and measuring accurate volume, and a fuel cell using the same. One face of a liquid container section is structured by a detector in which a first board to a fourth board each configured of a printed board are stacked in order. A pair of detection electrodes 12A and 12B are provided on a front face of the first board, and this pair of detection electrodes 12A and 12B are allowed to contact directly or indirectly to a liquid fuel inside the liquid container section to detect a stray capacitance. A back face side of the first board is disposed with the second board having a shielding electrode 22. Even when a hand or the like is brought close to the detector, the detection electrodes 12A and 12B are prevented from sensing the stray capacitance generated as a result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Jusuke Shimura
  • Patent number: 8850885
    Abstract: A water air-bubble fragment recovery test apparatus that facilitates accurate assessment of fragmentation characteristics and lethality that are normally detonated in air. An airtight, waterproof plastic container encloses a test warhead; the plastic container may then also be filled with a gas or just with air. The container is then embedded in a water-gas-bubble mixture found in a water tank, for the warhead to be detonated therein, and the fragments to then be later recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Vladimir M. Gold
  • Patent number: 8850886
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanic microsensor (MEMS) comprising drive elements which are moved linearly in an x-y plane and disposed on a substrate to determine at least two, preferably three, components of the yaw rate vector of a substrate, wherein two groups of drive elements are driven in directions running essentially at right angles to each other. The MEMS according to the invention is characterized in that the drive elements, which are moved at right angles to each other, are connected to one another to synchronize the movements via a coupling device that is rotatably mounted on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Volker Kempe
  • Patent number: 8850887
    Abstract: A detection circuit includes a synchronous detection circuit (synchronous detection section) that synchronously detects a signal that includes a detection signal of a vibrator (an output signal of an amplifier), a switched capacitor filter (SCF) circuit that filters a signal that has been synchronously detected by the synchronous detection circuit (an output signal of a programmable gain amplifier), and an output buffer that buffers and outputs a signal that has been filtered by the SCF circuit, the gain of the SCF circuit being larger than 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignees: Seiko Epson Corporation, Seiko NPC Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinao Yanagisawa, Masahiro Oshio, Takayuki Kikuchi, Toshihiro Nishida, Masayuki Takahashi