With Control Of Flow By A Condition Or Characteristic Of A Fluid Patents (Class 137/2)
  • Publication number: 20130020397
    Abstract: A system and method of controlling a ventilation system is provided based on a determination of local dew point and automatically activating an exhaust fan before condensate appears on structure and objects and ideally before visible condensation forms in the air of an enclosed area. Firmware in the control circuit detects the presence of hardware components 1 and operates a control circuit in one of a plurality of modes based on the detected hardware components that are coupled to the control circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: GTR Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Branham, Christopher Erickson
  • Publication number: 20130014955
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a method of limiting the amount of oil in a sea comprises: positioning a device for directing the flow of a fluid adjacent to a wellhead, wherein the device comprises: a first fluid passageway; a second fluid passageway; a third fluid passageway, wherein the first fluid passageway is operatively connected to the second and third fluid passageways; and a fluid director, wherein the fluid director is operatively connected to the first, second, and third fluid passageways, and wherein depending on at least one of the properties of a fluid, the fluid director directs the fluid to increasingly flow into the second or third fluid passageways. This embodiment is useful in limiting the amount of oil when a blowout has occurred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael L. FRIPP, Jason D. DYKSTRA
  • Publication number: 20130014826
    Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and corresponding method for concentrating analytes within a fluid flowing through a tube using acoustic radiation pressure. The apparatus includes a function generator that outputs a radio frequency electrical signal to a transducer that transforms the radio frequency electric signal to an acoustic signal and couples the acoustic signal to the tube. The acoustic signal is converted within the tube to acoustic pressure that concentrates the analytes within the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Gregory Kaduchak, Greg Goddard, Gary Salzman, Dipen Sinha, John C. Martin, Christopher Kwiatkowski, Steven Graves
  • Publication number: 20130008516
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for supplying natural gas to a sales line, the system comprising: an inlet connected to receive natural gas from a well; an outlet connected to discharge the natural gas to a sales line; piping between the inlet and the outlet; a moisture sensor on the piping for detection of a predetermined moisture level in the natural gas; a shutdown valve, on the piping, connected to close upon detection by the moisture sensor of a moisture level at or above the predetermined moisture level; an odorant addition unit on the piping; and a gas analyzer on the piping for tracking the volume and heating value of natural gas discharged through the outlet. A method of supplying natural gas to a sales line is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Greg Albert O'Hare
  • Publication number: 20130008517
    Abstract: Provided are a gas hydrate percentage measuring device and a method of controlling the same which are capable of measuring a gas hydrate percentage with high accuracy even if source gas exists dissolved in gas hydrate slurry or as gas bubble therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUI ENGINEERING & SHIPBUILDING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tetsuro Murayama
  • Publication number: 20130000737
    Abstract: The water hammerless opening device comprises an actuator operating type valve installed on the fluid passage, an electro-pneumatic conversion device to supply the 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa to the afore-mentioned actuator operating type valve, a vibration sensor removably fixed to the pipe passage on the upstream side of the actuator operating type valve, and a tuning box to which the vibration detecting signal Pr detected by the vibration sensor is inputted, through which the control signal Sc to control the step operating pressure Ps? of the afore-mentioned 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa is outputted to the electro-pneumatic conversion device, and with which the 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa, of the step operating pressure Ps? which makes the vibration detecting signal Pr nearly zero, is outputted from the electro-pneumatic conversion by adjusting the control signal Sc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicants: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Tadahiro OHMI, Kouji NISHINO, Masaaki NAGASE, Ryousuke DOHI, Nobukazu IKEDA, Ryutaro NISHIMURA
  • Publication number: 20130000736
    Abstract: An air flow control assembly, system, and method for controlling air flow to a server rack. An example air flow control assembly includes a retractable barrier configured to block the air flow, at least partially, from passing through a perforated floor tile to the server rack. The air flow control assembly also includes a barrier mount configured to secure the retractable barrier proximate the perforated floor tile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick A. Coico, David P. Graybill, Allan R. Hoeft, Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Roger R. Schmidt, Gerard V. Weber, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120325330
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling fluid delivery via a manually administrable medication container to a patient through a fluid delivery pathway are provided. The systems and methods described herein incorporate rules-based clinical decision support logic to drive a flow control valve within a flow pathway to determine whether the IV fluid connected to the input port is consistent with medical orders, accepted delivery protocols, and/or specific patient and patient histories. Related apparatus, systems, methods and articles are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen M. Prince, Walter John Bochenko
  • Patent number: 8337778
    Abstract: A microfluidic method and device for focusing and/or forming discontinuous sections of similar or dissimilar size in a fluid is provided. The device can be fabricated simply from readily-available, inexpensive material using simple techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignees: President and Fellows of Harvard College, The Governing Council of the Univ. of Toronto
    Inventors: Howard A. Stone, Shelley L. Anna, Nathalie Bontoux, Darren Roy Link, David A. Weitz, Irina Gitlin, Eugenia Kumacheva, Piotr Garstecki, Willow R. Diluzio, George M. Whitesides
  • Publication number: 20120318366
    Abstract: A method for isolating a leak in a closed-volume liquid system comprises circulating a fluid through a plurality of isolatable zones and a non-isolatable zone in a closed-volume liquid system, detecting a leak in the closed-volume liquid system, isolating all of the isolatable zones from the non-isolatable zone, sequentially detecting if the leak is present in the non-isolatable zone and each of isolatable zones, and taking corrective action after the leak is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Karl P. Henkel, Kurt J. Doughty, Daniel Uttberg, Eric A. Rohrbach, Terrance R. Snider
  • Publication number: 20120312383
    Abstract: A method for regulating a steam bypass valve is provided. The bypass valve is arranged in a steam line and the steam line includes a device for spraying water. The equation, t Rest , 0 = FB max m . W , SOLL - m . W , IST is used to determine when to close the steam bypass valve. The steam bypass value is closed when tRest,0 is smaller than a value ?t. An actual volume of water {dot over (m)}W,IST, a desired volume of water {dot over (m)}W,SOLL and a maximum water-volume deficiency FBmax are used in the equation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Stephan Minuth, Stefan Riemann, Klaus Rothe
  • Publication number: 20120305090
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a fluid flow rate in a fluid transport line of a medical device, including at least a first pump, at least a chamber for collecting the fluid, at least a sensor for providing a first value correlated to the amount of fluid in the chamber, and a control device configured for receiving a second value representative of the fluid flow rate through the first pump and for correlating the second value with the first value to obtain an accuracy check of the second value. A method for controlling a fluid flow rate in a fluid transport line of a medical device including pumping a fluid, collecting the fluid in a chamber, sensing a first value correlated to the amount of fluid in the chamber, and detecting and sending a second value representative of the fluid flow rate through the first pump to a control device, sending the first value to the control device and correlating the second value with the first value to obtain an accuracy check.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: GAMBRO LUNDIA AB
    Inventor: Bernard Bene
  • Publication number: 20120305120
    Abstract: A pressure-compensated accumulator bottle is provided. In one embodiment, the accumulator bottle includes a housing and an interior wall that generally define first, second, and third chambers within the housing. In this embodiment, a spring is disposed in the second chamber and configured to apply a biasing force on a first piston disposed within the first chamber. Further, in this embodiment, an additional piston is disposed within the third chamber and is configured to facilitate balancing of the pressure of a fluid disposed in the second chamber with the pressure of the external environment such that the magnitude of a second biasing force applied on the first piston by the pressure of the fluid depends at least in part on the pressure of the external environment. Hydraulic circuits and systems including a pressure-compensated accumulator bottle are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mac M. Kennedy, Scott D. Ward, Thomas M. Bell
  • Publication number: 20120298208
    Abstract: A programmable automated water flushing system (PAWFS) allows for two way communication and remote flushing unit management through a secure web access point or a secure interface in signal communication with a supervisory control and data acquisition system. The PAWFS is configurable to provide and log real time data. The PAWFS can be integrated with exterior water management devices. The PAWFS is configurable to cause flushing of water retention areas when disinfectant residual falls below selectable parameters. The PAWFS can be programmed to flush or clear liquids in accordance with at least one time-based function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Environmental Enhancement and Technologies, USA Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Moriz Taylor, Harold Thomas Mosley
  • Publication number: 20120298209
    Abstract: A system for reducing pressure drop associated with the turbulent flow of asphaltenic crude oil through a conduit. The crude oil has a high asphaltene content and/or a low API gravity. Such reduction in pressure drop is achieved by treating the asphaltenic crude oil with a high molecular weight drag reducing polymer that can have a solubility parameter within about 20 percent of the solubility parameter of the heavy crude oil. The drag reducing polymer can also comprise the residues of monomers having at least one heteroatom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Stuart N. Milligan, Ray L. Johnston, Timothy L. Burden, Wayne R. Dreher, Kenneth W. Smith, William F. Harris
  • Publication number: 20120298207
    Abstract: A method comprises transporting a first stream of a carrier gas to a delivery device that contains a solid precursor compound. The first stream of carrier gas is at a temperature greater than or equal to 20° C. The method further comprises transporting a second stream of the carrier gas to a point downstream of the delivery device. The first stream and the second stream are combined to form a third stream, such that the dewpoint of the vapor of the solid precursor compound in the third stream is lower than the ambient temperature. The flow direction of the first stream, the flow direction of the second stream and the flow direction of the third stream are unidirectional and are not opposed to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: ROHM AND HAAS ELECTRONIC MATERIALS LLC
    Inventors: Egbert Woelk, Ronald L. DiCarlo, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120291871
    Abstract: A gas line leakage monitor for beverage dispensing system is configured to prevent unintended environmental discharge of a beverage dispensing gas such as CO2. The monitor includes a gas inlet coupled to the source of gas and a gas outlet coupled to the dispensing portions of the system. The monitor includes a flow sensor detecting when gas is flowing through the monitor. The monitor includes a timer coupled to the flow sensor and tracking the amount of time that the flow sensor detects at least each episode of un-interrupted flow of gas through the monitor. The monitor includes a shut-off valve coupled to the timer for stopping the flow of gas through the monitor and to the system's dispensing portions when the timer indicates an episode of un-interrupted gas flow through the monitor meets a pre-set threshold. The monitor includes a manual reset for opening the shut-off valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: BEVTECH INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Daniel E. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20120288625
    Abstract: A gas supply apparatus including a raw material gas supply system supplying a raw material gas inside a raw material storage tank into the processing container by the carrier gas, the gas supply apparatus includes: a carrier gas passage introducing the carrier gas into the raw material storage tank, a raw material gas passage connecting the raw material storage tank and the processing container to supply the carrier gas and the raw material gas; a pressure control gas passage being connected to the raw material gas passage to supply the pressure control gas; and a valve control unit controlling an opening/closing valve to perform for starting a supply of the pressure control gas into the processing container and simultaneously starting supply of the raw material gas into the processing container from the raw material storage tank, and stopping the supply of the pressure control gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Haruhiko FURUYA, Hiromi SHIMA, Yusuke TACHINO
  • Patent number: 8306762
    Abstract: Systems and methods for analysis of data associated with fluid flow through a conduit and potential control of the fluid flow. In one embodiment, a method includes a data processing unit obtaining from a sensor a signal representing a series of measurements of a physical parameter associated with fluid flow through the conduit. The data processing unit performs singular spectral analysis of this signal and thereby identifies recurring, possibly non-sinusoidal patterns in the signal. The data processing unit may construct a second signal from some or all of the recurring patterns identified in the first signal. Alternatively, the data processing unit may identify recurring patterns in the signal which are indicative of corresponding conditions associated with the fluid flow through the conduit. The data processing unit may then initiate control functions responsive to the recurring patterns and associated conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: William Joshua Sonnier
  • Publication number: 20120273050
    Abstract: An automatic shutoff drain remains open to allow the flow of aqueous liquids, but automatically closes if a non-aqueous liquid enters. The drain has four primary components: (1) a conduit having an inlet and an inner orifice; (2) a closing member having an open position that is spaced apart from the orifice to allow the flow of liquid through the conduit and having a closed position that seals the orifice to prevent the flow of liquid through the conduit; (3) a fusible link made from a material that remains intact when immersed in water and that degrades when immersed in a non-aqueous liquid; and (4) a mechanism that restrains the closing member in the open position when the fusible link is intact and allows the closing member to move to the closed position when the fusible link degrades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: K&N Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Kent A. Metzger, Neil E. Bowsher
  • Publication number: 20120273051
    Abstract: An arrangement is provided for de-icing pipeline connections of an aircraft, which are connected to all fresh air outlets of an air conditioner, whose construction includes, but is not limited to the functions of multiple turbines and heat exchangers, having a first pipeline, which is connected to a first turbine, and a second pipeline, which is connected to a second turbine, the two pipelines, which are each connected downstream from the two turbines and to which process air is fed at the turbine outlets, being connected at the pipe ends and being continued using a third pipeline. The arrangement is characterized in that a first hot air source is fed hot fresh air from a bleed air system of the aircraft and is connected at its outlet to a fourth pipeline, into which temperature-reduced fresh air is fed from the hot air source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: AIRBUS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Juergen KELNHOFER, Dariusz KRAKOWSKI, Jose-Javier FRANCISCO-PALOMARES
  • Publication number: 20120271614
    Abstract: A process for controlling the composition of an xBOB so that the xBOB will yield an oxygenate-containing gasoline which precisely meets desired specifications when mixed with the desired amount of oxygenate. The process involves blending a plurality of blendstocks to produce an xBOB, withdrawing a sample of the xBOB, obtaining spectroscopic measurements for the sample, applying mathematical models that were based on correlation of xBOB spectra to associated oxygenate-containing gasoline properties, to predict laboratory analysis results for oxygenate-containing gasoline properties, and using the analysis results to control and optimize the blending process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: David W. Carpenter, David S. Seiver, James W. Holbert, Yi-Ming Chen, Christopher J. LaFrancois
  • Publication number: 20120260996
    Abstract: An arrangement and method for generating or depositing a stream of m>1 fluid segments, respectively separated by an intermediary medium which does not mix with the fluid segments. The arrangement includes a molded body having a channel for conducting the fluid stream, from which n?m first access lines and n second access lines branch off. The first and second access lines are configured so to be inserted into n wells. The lengths of the first access lines differ from the lengths of the second access lines, and respectively one first valve is arranged in the channel, between the branching location for each second access line and the branching location for each associated first access line, and wherein respectively a second valve is arranged in each second access line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: KARLSRUHER INSTITUT FUER
    Inventors: Bastian Rapp, André Schumacher
  • Patent number: 8290629
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for airflow management in a data center. The data center includes network elements, sensors, and heating, cooling and ventilation (HVAC) equipment. The sensors measure climate conditions in the data center and provide an airflow management system with measurements that are utilized to determine which areas in the data center violate data center temperature thresholds and require more air capacity. The airflow management system increases the airflow to areas that contribute to the violation by controlling HVAC equipment to increase air movement or by selecting other areas in the data center or external to the data center that have excess capacity and routing the excess capacity to the areas that contribute to the violation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Christopher Joseph Mateski, David Wayne Haney, Andrew Lee Davey
  • Publication number: 20120247567
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for temporarily interrupting an extracorporeal treatment of blood of a patient by use of a blood treatment apparatus. The method comprises activating or controlling a control device provided and configured to bring the blood treatment apparatus into a state in which the blood treatment session of the patient can be interrupted with the intention to continue the blood treatment session. The present invention further relates to a control device, a blood treatment apparatus, a digital storage means, a computer program product as well as a computer program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Herrmann, Sabine Kipp, Christine Nachbaur-Sturm, Thomas Pusinelli, Martin Gruendken, Georg Verch
  • Publication number: 20120241013
    Abstract: Microfluidic systems and methods including those that provide control of fluid flow are provided. Such systems and methods can be used, for example, to control pressure-driven flow based on the influence of channel geometry and the viscosity of one or more fluids inside the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: OPKO Diagnostics, LLC
    Inventors: Vincent Linder, David Steinmiller
  • Patent number: 8271210
    Abstract: An in-situ gas flow measurement controller measures the temperature and rate of pressure drop upstream from a flow control device (FCD). The controller samples the pressure and temperature data and applies the equivalent of a decimating filter to the data to produce filtered data at a slower sampling rate. The controller derives timestamps by counting ticks from the sampling clock of the A/D converter that is sampling the pressure at regular intervals to ensure the timestamps associated with the pressure samples are accurate and do not contain jitter that is associated with software clocks. The controller additionally normalizes the temperature reading to account for power supply fluctuations, filters out noise from the pressure and temperature readings, and excludes data during periods of instability. It calculates the gas flow rate accounting for possible non-linearities in the pressure measurements, and provides the computed gas flow measurement via one of many possible interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Pivotal Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Sherk Chung, James MacAllen Chalmers, Jialing Chen, Yi Wang, Paul Tran, Sophia Leonidovna Shtilman, Joseph R. Monkowski
  • Patent number: 8271211
    Abstract: An in-situ gas flow measurement controller measures the temperature and rate of pressure drop upstream from a flow control device (FCD). The controller samples the pressure and temperature data and applies the equivalent of a decimating filter to the data to produce filtered data at a slower sampling rate. The controller derives timestamps by counting ticks from the sampling clock of the A/D converter that is sampling the pressure at regular intervals to ensure the timestamps associated with the pressure samples are accurate and do not contain jitter that is associated with software clocks. The controller additionally normalizes the temperature reading to account for power supply fluctuations, filters out noise from the pressure and temperature readings, and excludes data during periods of instability. It calculates the gas flow rate accounting for possible non-linearities in the pressure measurements, and provides the computed gas flow measurement via one of many possible interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Pivotal Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Sherk Chung, James MacAllen Chalmers, Jialing Chen, Yi Wang, Paul Tran, Sophia Leonidovna Shtilman, Joseph R. Monkowski
  • Publication number: 20120227821
    Abstract: Shower water usage indicator apparatus comprises a shower head, a shower base for receiving shower water discharged from the shower head, a waste shower water outlet element for receiving runoff waste shower water from the shower base and for discharging to a drain, a controller for controlling water flow to the shower head and/or water flow from the waste shower water outlet element, a water flow rate detector for outputting a flow rate signal to the controller based on a detected water flow rate, and a water usage display element which is spaced from the water flow rate detector. A water usage indication is displayable on the water usage display element based on an output of the water flow rate detector. A data storage element stores usage data when showering, a representation of usage history based on the stored usage data being displayable on the water usage display element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: DLP LIMITED
    Inventor: Robert William STIMPSON
  • Patent number: 8265794
    Abstract: A method associated with a valve controller configured to capture dynamic process conditions for monitoring, diagnosing and maintaining a valve assembly through knowledge-based valve performance criteria. The method includes determining the open and closed positions of a process valve. Measuring the peak torque value required by an actuator to open and close the process valve. Measuring the supply and exhaust pressure required by an actuator to open and close the valve. Determining a deviation zone associated with the peak torque value to open the valve where an alarm is triggered when the torque value falls outside the deviation zone. Creating the dynamic baseline over Nth process cycles when the valve is installed in-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Westlock Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Leo Minervini, Daniel W. Mrozinski
  • Patent number: 8265795
    Abstract: To improve PI performance of a mass flow controller, the mass flow controller changes a proportional coefficient, an integral coefficient, and a derivative coefficient used for PID operation in a stable state based on at least two out of a primary pressure, a time change amount of the primary pressure, and a flow rate set value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Horiba STEC, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akito Takahashi, Yukimasa Furukawa, Yuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8265888
    Abstract: An in-situ gas flow measurement controller measures the temperature and rate of pressure drop upstream from a flow control device (FCD). The controller samples the pressure and temperature data and applies the equivalent of a decimating filter to the data to produce filtered data at a slower sampling rate. The controller derives timestamps by counting ticks from the sampling clock of the A/D converter that is sampling the pressure at regular intervals to ensure the timestamps associated with the pressure samples are accurate and do not contain jitter that is associated with software clocks. The controller additionally normalizes the temperature reading to account for power supply fluctuations, filters out noise from the pressure and temperature readings, and excludes data during periods of instability. It calculates the gas flow rate accounting for possible non-linearities in the pressure measurements, and provides the computed gas flow measurement via one of many possible interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Pivotal Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Sherk Chung, James MacAllen Chalmers, Jialing Chen, Yi Wang, Paul Tran, Sophia Leonidovna Shtilman, Joseph R. Monkowski
  • Patent number: 8261776
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for predicting internal sound pressure within a flow passage, by measuring a vibration velocity response of a wall of the flow passage, for example, using accelerometers. A radiation model may then be used for predicting externally radiated sound pressure to provide feedback to control a process control system. Methods and systems are also provided for predicting externally radiated sound pressure based on internally-mounted pressure transducer sensor data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: Frederick W. Catron
  • Publication number: 20120217197
    Abstract: End-of-life apparatus for use in water purification cartridges are disclosed. The apparatus includes a water-disintegrable tablet configured to disintegrate a predetermined amount after contacting a predetermined volume of water flow. The tablet prevents the stoppage of water until the tablet has been contacted by the predetermined amount of water. The various end-of-life apparatus use different means to stop the water flow when the tablet has disintegrated a predetermined amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: HALOSOURCE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael A. Bridges, Alexander Lapidus, Marcus Alan Latham, James R. Scott, Everett J. Nichols, Jeffrey F. Williams, Patricia Bottari
  • Publication number: 20120216875
    Abstract: Methods and systems for producing, trading, transporting, and storing commodities are disclosed. More specifically, methods and systems for producing, trading, transporting, and storing large quantities of water having specific characteristics are provided. Methods for transferring title and trading commodities in the form of water are disclosed. Various transport systems are disclosed, including devices and methods for utilizing preexisting vessels to carry different liquid cargoes which should not contact one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Allen Szydlowski, Ian Szydlowski, Mickey Fouts
  • Publication number: 20120211086
    Abstract: A method of controlling water supply by a sensitive faucet capable of automatically adjusting a detected distance comprises steps of: (A) automatically adjusting a detected distance which uses a transmitting unit to emit a pulse to a background, detects a reflection value of the pulse and adjusts the pulse width via a controlling unit; (B) defining a background value which emits the pulse to the background and detects the reflected pulse for setting the reflection value as a background value; and (C) determining a user state which periodically emits the pulse, detects the reflected pulse and determines a user state according to the reflection value for the controlling unit to control a faucet unit open to supply water. Accordingly, the sensitive faucet automatically adjusts a detected distance, for saving water and electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Su Huang
  • Publication number: 20120204964
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of controlling environmental conditions within a fluidic system, where such environmental conditions can affect the operation of the system in its desired function, and fluidic channels, devices, and systems that are used in practicing these methods. Such methods are generally directed to environmental control fluids, the movement of such fluids through these systems, and the interaction of these fluids with other components of the system, e.g., other fluids or solid components of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Wallace Parce, Yung-mae M. Yao, Donald J. Morrissey, JR.
  • Patent number: 8241034
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a control valve for regulating fuel flow. The apparatus can include a burner and a valve assembly. In some embodiments, the valve assembly includes a housing, which can define a first fuel input for receiving a first fuel from a first fuel source and a second fuel input for receiving a second fuel from a second fuel source. The housing can define a first fuel output for directing fuel toward the control valve, and can define a third fuel input for receiving a portion of either the first fuel or the second fuel from the control valve. The housing can define a first egress flow path and a second egress flow path, each for directing fuel to the burner. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a valve body configured to selectively permit fluid communication between the first and second inputs and the output and between the third input and the egress flow paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Appliances Inc.
    Inventor: David Deng
  • Publication number: 20120192954
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided facilitating control of material flow. A valve comprises a rotating disc, wherein the rotating disc further comprises at least one hole and one closure surface to facilitate opening and closing a material flow path. In an open state a hole is positioned in the flow path, in a closed state a closure surface is placed in the flow path. Further, sacrificial components are included in the valve to reduce the effects of wear. Furthermore, wear of the sacrificial components can be determined without having to disassemble the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: RED LION BIO-ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventor: Roger Jorgenson
  • Publication number: 20120192955
    Abstract: An air conditioning controller includes a supply air temperature controller controlling a temperature of supply air provided to an air conditioner so a supply air temperature measurement value matches a supply air temperature setting value; a total air volume device measuring/calculating a total supply air volume value that is the total of the air volumes to each individual variable air volume unit; a supply air volume controller controlling an air volume of supply air to the air conditioner, depending on the total air volume value; an air volume insufficiency evaluator evaluating if the air volume is insufficient by comparing the total air volume value to a total air volume lower limit value; and a supply air temperature setter changing the supply air temperature setting value in a direction that the variable air volume unit increase the air volume, when there is an evaluation that the air volume is insufficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: YAMATAKE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryouta Dazai
  • Publication number: 20120186657
    Abstract: Examples are generally described that are related to a control valve. Some example devices may include a control valve having a piezoelectric actuator substantially immersed in a fluid and further having a sealing mechanism configured to be in a closed position and an open position. The piezoelectric actuator may be configured to distort in response to an applied voltage causing the sealing mechanism to open and allow fluid to flow therethrough. In response to removing the applied voltage, the piezoelectric actuator returns to an undistorted position causing the sealing mechanism to close and prevent fluid from flowing therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Rosenthal, Thomas Lohkamp, Robert Haines
  • Publication number: 20120180873
    Abstract: A pressure control valve replication method in a gas turbine can include controlling a fuel flow to a combustion system through a gas control valve, wherein the fuel flow experiences fuel flow changes, adjusting the fuel flow through the gas control valve in response to fuel flow changes in the gas turbine and in response to pressure fluctuations in the gas turbine fuel, replicating a speed ratio valve to control pressure of the fuel flow to the gas control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: William Forrester Seely
  • Publication number: 20120167992
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve for cryogenic service includes: a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a nozzle disposed within the fluid inlet, said nozzle having a nozzle groove radially formed on an exterior cylindrical surface of the nozzle and an outwardly disposed ledge having a lower ledge surface comprising a portion of an exterior surface of the nozzle groove and an upper ledge surface comprising a seat; a substantially cylindrical closure disc with a lower portion including a groove formed on an exterior radial surface of the cylindrical body, an outwardly disposed lip having an upper surface comprising a portion of an interior surface of the groove, said lip of the closure disc having a lower closure surface. The lip of the closure disc being adapted to deflect downward and inward in response to a cryogenic thermal gradient applied across the lip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Rajesh Krithivasan
  • Patent number: 8205629
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that solve the problem of accurate measurement of gas flow so that the delivery of gases in semiconductor processing may be performed with greater confidence and accuracy by performing real-time characterization of a lead-line for mass flow controller (MFC) flow verification are provided. In one embodiment a mass flow verifier (MFV) provides rate of rise information to a controller via a digital interface without correcting for lead-line influences. After receiving the rate of rise data, the tool host computer computes a gas mass correction factor in real-time based on at least one of the following: MFC temperature sensor data, lead-line temperature sensor data, lead-line pressure transducer data, and lead-line volume. The rate of rise data and gas mass correction factor are used to compute accurate mass flow. The accurate mass flow information may be used to calibrate the MFC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Mariusch Gregor, John W. Lane
  • Publication number: 20120152367
    Abstract: A valve arrangement is provided, (1) comprising: a valve (2) for controlling a flow of heating or cooling fluid through a heat exchanger, an actuator (12) for actuating said valve (2), control means (15) for controlling said actuator (12), a first temperature sensor (18) connected to said control means (15), a thermal resistance between the first temperature sensor (18) and the valve (2) being greater than a thermal resistance between the second temperature sensor (19) and the valve (2). It is intended to improve control of the valve. To this end the first temperature sensor (18) and the second temperature sensor (19) are part of detector means detecting a closing condition of the valve (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: DANFOSS A/S
    Inventors: Peter Gammeljord Nielsen, Lars Munch, Niels Gregersen, Bjarne Frederiksen
  • Publication number: 20120158321
    Abstract: Technologies are described herein for wirelessly measuring liquid quantity in an enclosure. According to various aspects, an incident electromagnetic wave is transmitted within a conductive enclosure. One or more rebound electromagnetic waves that correspond to the incident electromagnetic wave are received. Using the rebound electromagnetic waves, a transfer function of the rebound electromagnetic waves is measured and a quantity of liquid stored in the enclosure is calculated based on the measured transfer function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Jason P. Bommer, James P. Irwin, Andrew M. Robb, Wayne Cooper, Dennis M. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20120145250
    Abstract: The invention proposes a sanitary valve device in which a temperature limiting valve is used to protect a user from water that is too cold. The valve device is designed such that when a water outlet, for example a shower, is switched on, the water is first passed through a first water duct containing the temperature limiting valve, in which duct the temperature limiting valve permits the passage of water below a limit temperature, but blocks it off when above the limit temperature. The fact that either no water or a heavily reduced quantity of water is discharged from the outlet of the sanitary fitting indicates to the user that the cold water has flowed away. He can now operate the changeover valve to directly draw hot water, the temperature limiting valve now being switched off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: Hansgrohe AG
    Inventors: Bernd Werner, Hubert Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20120145195
    Abstract: A method of operating a dishwasher having a wash tub and a reuse tank for storing liquid for subsequent reuse, wherein the condition of the water in the reuse tank may be monitored and/or acted upon to limit the likelihood of undesired effects associated with the growth of micro-organisms in the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: JOSEF A. BUSER, KRISTOPHER L. DELGADO, ELLIOTT V. STOWE
  • Patent number: 8196596
    Abstract: A method for tracking a pollution source in process water is presented. Firstly, variation curves of drain water drained from different rinsing tanks are respectively obtained, and a water quality concentration of the drain water drained to a buffer tank is detected, so as to output a water quality variation curve. Then, an analytical comparison is performed on each drain water amount variation curve and the water quality variation curve within a same time interval, so as to output an analytical result of each flow of drain water in a range exceeding a predetermined water quality standard. In this manner, the drain water that exceeds the predetermined water quality standard can be tracked in real-time according to the analytical result, thereby quickly improving the process for discharging the drain water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chien-Hung Chen, Ching-Yi Hsu, Chen-Hua Chu, Meng-Chun Huang
  • Publication number: 20120138156
    Abstract: An automated liquid collection workstation is provided. The workstation includes a processor, a peristaltic pump, a valve actuator, and an algorithm. The peristaltic pump and the valve actuator are in electrical communication with the processor. The valve actuator can move a plurality of valves, when disposed therein, among an off position, a flush position, and a collection position. The algorithm is resident on the processor and is configured to: move all of the valves to the off position and place the pump in an off state when no sampling or flushing is required, move all of the valves to the flush position and place the pump in an on state for a predetermined flush time period when flushing is required, and move a respective one of the valves to the collection position, move any of the valves upstream of the respective valve to the flush position, and place the pump to the on state for a predetermined collection time period when collection is required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Alfa Wassermann, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Hofman, Cleem Diemers