With Indicator, Register, Recorder, Alarm Or Inspection Means Patents (Class 137/551)
  • Patent number: 9631778
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining endpoint of a fluid supply vessel in which fluid flow is controlled through a flow passage disposed in an interior volume of the fluid supply vessel with a static flow restricting device and a selectively actuatable valve element upon establishing fluid flow. The endpoint determination can be employed to terminate fluid supply from the fluid supply vessel and/or to switch from a fluid-depleted supply vessel to a fresh vessel for continuity or renewal of fluid supply operation. The apparatus and method are suitable for use with fluid-utilizing apparatus such as ion implanters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph D. Sweeney, Anthony M. Avila, Michael J. Wodjenski, Joseph R. Despres, Thomas H. Baum
  • Patent number: 9630190
    Abstract: A multi-function water output device includes: a shell, a water ejection head and a core body connected to each other in the shell. On the core body is provided with a first valve hole, a second valve hole, and a third valve hole disposed in sequence along a water flow direction from rear to front. Rear end of the core body is provided with an outer interface, while inside the outer interface is provided with an inner interface. An inner cavity of the inner interface is in communication with a first water input port at bottom of a first valve hole. An upper portion of the first valve hole is provided with first water output port. In the first valve hole is provided with a first valve plug, controlling connection and disconnection of the first water input port and the first water output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: XIAMEN RUNNER INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xian-hai Lin, Xi-min Chen, Rong-gui Zhang
  • Patent number: 9595973
    Abstract: An atomic oscillator includes a pair of window units, a wall extending between the pair of window units and forming a first space in which alkali metal in a gas state is housed with the pair of window units, and a second space communicating with the first space and provided in a position with the wall between the first and second spaces and housing alkali metal in a liquid or solid state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Naoki Ishihara
  • Patent number: 9551432
    Abstract: A solenoid valve includes a housing, a valve actuation device, and a closing element, wherein the housing includes an interior space with a central axis, wherein the valve actuation device includes an actuator arranged in the interior space so as to be displaceable along the central axis, wherein the actuator is operatively connected to the closing element such that the solenoid valve is opened or closed by a displacement of the actuator along the central axis, wherein the actuator together with the housing delimit, in the interior space of the housing, a leakage chamber that can be filled with a fluid, e.g., a fuel, and wherein in the leakage chamber, at least one vortex generator is arranged on the housing and/or on the actuator, which vortex generator is configured to generate a fluid vortex in the leakage chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Matthias Bleeck, Bernd Gugel, Thomas Krueger, Andreas Muehlbauer
  • Patent number: 9528901
    Abstract: In a method or device for quantifying a leakage flow on a process control valve, an intact reference control valve is used to determine several reference flow values in advance by placing the reference control valve in several reference opening positions and measuring the respective reference flow value for each of the reference opening positions. When determining the respective reference flow value, a reference mechanical vibration acquired in an environment of the reference control valve is allocated to the respective reference flow value. An instantaneous mechanical vibration is determined on the process control valve when it is closed. The reference mechanical vibration coming closest to the determined instantaneous mechanical vibration is identified by an identity or approximation comparison. The leakage flow is equated with the reference flow value allocated to the identified reference mechanical vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSON AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Joerg Kiesbauer
  • Patent number: 9504225
    Abstract: A method comprises receiving a flow of milk at an inlet of a manifold. The inlet comprises a first end coupled to a hose that receives a flow of milk from a teat cup and a second end terminating in a chamber of the manifold. The manifold comprises one or more other inlets and a plurality of outlets. The plurality of outlets includes one or more milk collector outlets and one or more drain outlets. The method proceeds by causing the flow of milk to be directed to a corresponding milk collector outlet by causing a shut-off valve corresponding to the inlet to open, and by causing a drain valve corresponding to the inlet to close. The method concludes by causing the flow of milk to be directed to a corresponding drain outlet by causing the drain valve corresponding to the inlet to open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Technologies Holding Corp.
    Inventors: Henk Hofman, Peter Willem van der Sluis, Ype Groensma
  • Patent number: 9500113
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an exhaust system, and a plurality of active exhaust valves configured to modulate an exhaust flow through the exhaust system. A controller is configured to detect an ignition state of the vehicle, determine whether any of the plurality of active exhaust valves has malfunctioned, and, upon determining that all of the plurality of active exhaust valves were operating normally when the ignition state transitioned from a first on state to a first off state and that all of the plurality of active exhaust valves have malfunctioned when the ignition state transitions from the first off state to a second on state, enable normal operation of an engine of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Andrew M. Bucci
  • Patent number: 9498181
    Abstract: It is presented a sensor comprising a sensor plate (14), a base piece (15) and a first sensor membrane (7a) and a second sensor membrane (7b), each having a side of positive electrical polarity and a side of negative electrical polarity. Each one of the first sensor membrane and the second sensor membrane is mounted between the sensor plate and the base piece while allowing movement of the sensor plate in relation to the mounting piece. The first sensor membrane and the second sensor membrane are mounted such that their respective sides of positive electrical polarity face each other or face away from each other. A corresponding electronic stethoscope is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: COMPUTERIZED MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY IN SWEDEN AB
    Inventors: Aditya Heerah, Magnus Sörlander
  • Patent number: 9470335
    Abstract: Disclosed valves for drinking from a portable fluid container allow for manual actuation of the valve between an open configuration that permits fluid flow and a closed configuration that substantially prevents fluid flow. Disclosed valves comprise a valve housing having inner bore fluidly coupled to an inflow channel and an outflow channel that are angled with respect to one another, and a reciprocating valve member that is adjustably positioned partially within the bore to open and close the fluid flow pathway through the bore from the inflow channel to the outflow channel. The reciprocating valve member is shaped such that it can prevent fluid flow when fully inserted within the bore to a closed configuration, and can allow fluid flow when the valve member is retracted from this closed position by a relatively short distance to an open configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: TSI Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Matt Hoskins
  • Patent number: 9464745
    Abstract: An adapter for a cylindrical polyethylene comprises a tubular body section, a saddle-shaped flange connected at a first end to the tubular body section, and adapted to mate with an outer surface of the cylindrical tank, the saddle-shaped flange including a bolt hole pattern having a first spacing. A circular flange connected to a second end of the tubular body section, the circular flange having a bolt hole pattern having a second spacing, wherein the first bolt hole spacing is one half the second bolt hole spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventor: Steven Ireland
  • Patent number: 9416521
    Abstract: A sanitary fixture (8) having a connector assembly (14) for the connection to a single-lever mixing cartridge (15) including a pivotable connector piece (16) having a hose connector (20) on a base plate (9). The base plate (9) includes receptacles (10, 12) for a cold-water hose end piece (11) and a warm-water end piece (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Neoperl GmbH
    Inventor: Holger Schurle
  • Patent number: 9389218
    Abstract: A measuring device (10) includes an analysis unit (101) that holds a fluid pool (B) of blood or serum therein, an irradiation unit (105) that irradiates fluorescent substances contained in the fluid pool (B) with excitation light, and a light receiving unit (106) that receives fluorescence generated from the fluorescent substances. An amount of the fluorescent substances contained in the blood or the serum after artificial dialysis is estimated from the intensity of the fluorescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignees: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mikihiro Yamanaka, Keita Hara, Ryoji Nagai
  • Patent number: 9383224
    Abstract: A system comprising a data collector and a plurality of end consumers connected to and supplied with a utility by a utility distribution station. Each end consumer comprises a metering device arranged to meter the end consumer's consumption of the utility supplied by the distribution station. The metering device is arranged to report consumption data to the data collector using a high frequency ID, the high frequency ID being anonymous so that the consumption data reported by the metering device together with the high frequency ID is not able to be associated to a particular metering device and to report the consumption data to the data collector using a low frequency ID so that the consumption data reported by the metering device together with the low frequency ID is able to be attributed to a particular metering device. The data collector stores IDs and is arranged to only accept consumption data carrying a said stored ID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Costas Efthymiou, Georgios Kalogridis
  • Patent number: 9377110
    Abstract: Fluid control valves having an adjustable valve stem and piston assembly are described herein. An example fluid control valve includes a piston to control a flow of fluid through a valve body, a bonnet having a threaded bore and a housing to be removably disposed within and threadably coupled to the bonnet. The housing includes a first portion to be disposed in the bonnet, a roller assembly to be pivotally mounted to the first portion, the roller assembly to engage the piston to control a position of the piston. The housing including a second portion with a threaded outer surface to couple to the threaded bore of the bonnet. A valve stem is to move through the housing to control the movement of the roller assembly and the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Richard James Anagnos, Paul A. Day, Ernest Souliere
  • Patent number: 9303786
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to an autonomous controllable valve system for providing turbulent flow to a cleaning solution during a valve-cleaning operation, the valve system includes a valve and a valve controller, the valve has an MR sensor array arranged to receive a magnetic field from a magnet coupled to the valve stem, the MR sensor array generating signals indicative of a valve stem position, the valve controller receiving the position signals and generating a control signal for a valve actuator to move the valve stem to a cleaning position between a closed position and a maximal-open position. The cleaning position may be less than twenty percent of a distance between the closed position and the maximal open position. In an illustrative embodiment, the cleaning position may be predetermined to cause a turbulent flow of the cleaning solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Christophe Le Moing, Andy Mark Nicol, Pascal Schweizer, Kenneth Allan
  • Patent number: 9303785
    Abstract: An automatic detecting and repairing wisdom valve apparatus includes a valve having a valve sheet; a valve switch connected to the valve sheet through a stem; a driver connected the valve switch; a position detector for detecting positions of the valve sheet with respect to time; a near field controller connected to the driver and the position detector and has a logic unit and a comparator; the logic unit storing rules for determining valve state; a far end control unit for receiving data about the valve; the far end control unit being monitored by monitoring members; and a fault elimination unit; the fault elimination unit storing rules for eliminating of faults about the valve automatically or reporting the faults to the far end monitoring members to do necessary actions. The comparator compares the position-time track of the valve sheet with the standard track the state of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: JDV CONTROL VALVES CO., LTD
    Inventor: Yi-Ming Fan
  • Patent number: 9273799
    Abstract: A device that can be attached to the outlet of a gas cylinder, which can monitor the amount of gas in the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Zachary Fowler, Stephan Gamard, Murat Gunay, Paul Oetinger
  • Patent number: 9249639
    Abstract: A well drilling sub has a body with a threaded upper end for connection into a drill pipe string and a threaded lower end for connection and rotation with an earth boring bit. An axial passage in the body conveys drilling fluid to an outlet in the earth boring bit. Diverting nozzles in the body are in fluid communication with the axial passage. Each nozzle diverts and discharges a portion of the drilling fluid being pumped down the axial passage. Each diverting nozzle has a nozzle axis that points upward and outward and also at a oblique angle. The oblique angle lags a radial plane considering a direction of rotation of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Rite Increaser, LLC
    Inventor: E. Edward Rankin
  • Patent number: 9227738
    Abstract: A system and method to diagnosis an actuator of a flight control system. The system and method includes interfacing a diagnostic computer to the flight control system, commanding movement of an actuator with the diagnostic computer via the flight control system, measuring performance of the actuator via the diagnostic computer, and comparing the measured performance of the actuator with allowable performance values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Wittmaak, Jr., Jayme Gonzalez, Charles Eric Covington, Carlos Fenny
  • Patent number: 9194791
    Abstract: A system for determining a hydraulic seal coefficient of friction of a hydraulic cylinder includes a force sensor to provide a force signal indicative of a force of the cylinder. A controller is configured to receive a plurality of first force signals at a first load and determine a first friction force and receive a plurality of second force signals at a second load and determine a second friction force. A hydraulic seal coefficient of friction is determined based at least in part upon the first friction force and the second friction force. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Faivre, Yongliang Zhu, Drew A. Fehr
  • Patent number: 9194773
    Abstract: A sampling and blockage removal tool for mounting at a drain point of a pipeline or vessel isolation has a body, a connection valve mounted on the body and having a threaded fitting for threadably engaging in a threaded opening provided in the isolation valve of a pipeline and for securing the tool in fluid communication with the isolation valve, and a sampling tube extendable into the body. The tube is formed as hollow rod having an outer thread. A hand wheel is rotatably secured to the body without a possibility of longitudinal displacement relative thereto and has an inner thread cooperating with the outer thread of the sampling tube for longitudinally displacing the tube in opposite directions. At an end of the sampling tube remote from the body a valve structure is provided for controlling fluid flow through the sampling tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Nasser Hassan Mohammed Al Najrani
  • Patent number: 9162806
    Abstract: The system and method discloses a cleanable connector system for a Bag-In-Box (“BIB”) type package having a valve arrangement that prevents the mixing of product within the bag and in the line. Various embodiments provide a connector system including a valve arrangement having a line-side valve and a bag-side valve, wherein the valve arrangement allows connection to a bag and to a line-side connector while preventing the product within the bag and in the line from mixing. The system improves the user experience by only requiring a relatively weak connection force between the line-side valve and the bag-side valve. The system and method improves the shelf life of products within the bag and reduces the risk of contamination of the bag, the line, and the product within the bag by minimizing the risk of introducing biological and other foreign material into the system when connecting the bag and the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Michael Fishel, Ian Darby, Chris Bowers
  • Patent number: 9092019
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for analyzing effects of friction on process control devices are disclosed herein. An example method includes determining a value corresponding to friction of an actuator and a process control device to be operated by the actuator, and determining a value indicative of an effect of the friction on operation of the process control device via the actuator based on the value corresponding to the friction and a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventor: Shawn William Anderson
  • Patent number: 9085399
    Abstract: A system and method for connecting a fluid within a product container such as a bag to a product dispenser. The system and method, more particularly, discloses a cleanable connector system for a Bag-In-Box (“BIB”) type package having a valve arrangement that prevents the mixing of product within the bag and in the line. Various embodiments provide a connector system including a valve arrangement having a line-side valve and a bag-side valve, wherein the valve arrangement allows connection to a bag and to a line-side connector while preventing the product within the bag and in the line from mixing. The system and method improves the shelf life of products contained within the bag and reduces the risk of contamination of the bag, the line, and the product contained within the bag by minimizing the risk of introducing biological and other foreign material into the system when connecting the bag and the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Michael Fishel, Ian Darby, Chris Bowers
  • Patent number: 9080924
    Abstract: Equipment and methodology are provided for performing seat leakage detection on a valve assembly including at least two valves to be tested, wherein, while both of the valve assembly valves remain closed, at least a first shut off valve of a plurality of shut off valves is closed to enable flow of fluid through manifold passages of a plurality of manifold passages to test the first valve of the valve assembly valves and, subsequently, at least another shut off valve of the plurality of shut off valves is closed to enable flow of fluid through manifold passage of the plurality of manifold passages to test the second valve of the valve assembly valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Welker, Brian Zabel, Gregory Todd Filkovski
  • Patent number: 9032781
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for a gate valve including a body, a stem, and a sensing bore. A subassembly includes a body, a stem, and a sensing bore; a bonnet contacting the body; and at least one of a vein and a plug in the sensing bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Leo W. Fleury, Normand James Roy, James Ola Williams, Kenneth A. Clark
  • Publication number: 20150129060
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a universal capacitance-type touch inductive switch assembly for a faucet, comprising: an adjustable locking component, which is formed by a conductive metallic material and is locked to a faucet spout; a control circuit board, which is provided with a capacitance-type touch unit, wherein touch electrodes of said capacitance-type touch unit are connected with said adjustable locking component through a touch circuit; a solenoid valve, which is arranged in a water supply line of the faucet, wherein said control circuit board controls opening and closing of said solenoid valve according to a touch signal from the capacitance-type touch unit; and a power supply module, which supplies power to said control circuit board and said solenoid valve. The switch assembly of the present invention can be installed in a manner compatible with all existing metal faucets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: ZHUHAI EDISON ECOTECH CORPORATION CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yuanhong YANG
  • Patent number: 9021867
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for a gate valve including a body and a sensing bore. A subassembly includes a body with a sensing bore; a bonnet contacting the body; and at least one of a vein and a plug in the sensing bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Leo W. Fleury, Normand James Roy, James Ola Williams, Kenneth A. Clark
  • Publication number: 20150114474
    Abstract: A method for regulating water output from a faucet is presented. The method includes receiving an input at a plurality of sensors, transmitting a signal to a control unit in response to receiving the input, controlling, via the control unit, at least a temperature or volume of water in response to the signal received at the plurality of sensors, outputting the water via a water output device, and outputting, via a display module, a visual indicator for at least the temperature or the volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Ralph BEDOLLA, Maria BLOCK, Chun-Hui YEH
  • Publication number: 20150107683
    Abstract: A method of reducing leakage from a pipeline includes the steps of: pumping fluid through a pipeline using at least one pump, the at least one pump comprising a reversible, positive displacement fluid pump; detecting a leak in the pipeline downstream of the pump; reversing the at least one pump to draw fluid out of a downstream section of the pipeline; and redirecting the fluid being drawn from the pipeline into a storage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Pradeep Dass
  • Publication number: 20150107703
    Abstract: A flow control valve has a case defining an inlet and an outlet and a valve body capable of reciprocating in the case. The case has a measuring hole portion therein. The measuring hole portion has a plurality of projections inwardly protruding in the redial direction and a plurality of recesses outwardly depressing in the radial direction such that the projections and the recesses are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction. The valve body has a measurement shaft that has a basal end portion having larger diameter than its tip end portion. The measurement shaft of the valve body is inserted into the measuring hole portion. The measurement shaft is configured to move in the in the reciprocating direction in order to measure the flow rate of fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet through a space between the measuring hole portion of the case and the measurement shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Shigeki Yamada
  • Patent number: 9010360
    Abstract: A flow valve assembly includes a valve operable between an open position and a closed position and a controller operatively coupled to the valve to operate the valve between the open position and the closed position. A mechanically or electrically operated assembly is provided to determine an amount of fluid flow through the valve when the valve is in the open position. A mechanically or electrically operated mechanism moves the valve from the open position to the closed position when the amount of fluid flow exceeds a predetermined value. A method of operating the valve is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: John Older, Bakhtier Farouk, La'Shell Jones, Jared Kern, Matthew Scholl
  • Publication number: 20150101675
    Abstract: A reductant storage and dosing system which uses at least one canister containing a supply of reductant to supply, via a delivery line, an exhaust gas after-treatment system having an injector is disclosed. A controller may be used to meter the flow of the reductant through the delivery line to the injector, while a status indicator indicates a status of the connection—i.e., connected or disconnected. In an embodiment, the status indicator provides a visual signal or indication, such as an LED or series of LEDs, an audible signal, such as a beep, click or buzz, or both. Iternatively, the status indicator may be an analog or digital gauge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Kelso, Jason B. Arriage, Adam C. Lack, Gregory A. Griffin, Timothy Taekhoon Yoon
  • Publication number: 20150101689
    Abstract: A vapor purge system having a tank isolation valve and a canister vent valve, where each valve includes a latching mechanism for maintaining the valves in an open position, and a diagnostic test is performed on the purge system to prove that each of the valves are functioning correctly. Using latching valves in these applications reduces electricity draw from the battery and reduces electrical interference with integrated pressure sensors. The fuel tank is sealed by the tank isolation valve between the fuel tank and a vapor storage canister, and the canister vent valve provides sealing between the canister and the atmosphere, and controls venting of the canister. The diagnostic test is performed using the tank isolation valve and the canister vent valve under different operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: David William Balsdon, Brian Gordon Woods
  • Publication number: 20150101690
    Abstract: A port relay board for a machine is disclosed. The machine includes an operator station that includes a primary display station and a plurality of sub-systems that includes one or more fluid reservoirs. The port relay board includes a plurality of ports and a feedback interface. The plurality of ports corresponds to the plurality of sub-systems and is being structured to allow delivery of the fluids to the one or more fluid reservoirs. The feedback interface is disposed in proximity of the plurality of ports and is in communication with the primary display station. The feedback interface is configured to provide fluid level information of the one or more fluid reservoirs of the plurality of sub-systems, which is based on a communication with the primary display station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Global Mining HMS GmbH
    Inventor: Marcus U. Bähtz
  • Publication number: 20150101669
    Abstract: A refrigerator appliance and a method for monitoring a water filter assembly within the same are provided. The method includes monitoring signal communication between an RFID tag of the water filter assembly and an RFID reader of the refrigerator appliance and terminating a flow of water to the water filter assembly if the signal communication between the RFID tag of the water filter assembly and the RFID reader of the refrigerator appliance is lost or disrupted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew Reinhard Krause, Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, Jonathan Charles Crosby, Tyler James Doering
  • Patent number: 9004100
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pump assembly (5) for a supply unit, in particular a tank container (1), comprising: a pump line (51; 51r, l) for conveying a liquid medium between a container (3) and a removal connection, a pump (55) arranged in the pump line (51), and a feed connection (58), which is connected to the pump line (51) via two connecting lines (57). Here the pump (55) acts between the two connecting points (57a) of the connecting lines (57) in the pump line (51). The medium can therefore be delivered as desired directly by the pump (55) between the feed connection (58) and the container (3), between the container (3) and the removal connection (52), or between the feed connection (58) and the removal connection (52). The invention further relates to a fuel supply unit having a pump assembly (5) according to the invention and a container (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: WEW Westerwalder Eisenwerk GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Metz, Thomas Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8991420
    Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a valve includes a housing having an axis, a valve end, a cap end, and a cylindrical sidewall defining an inner diameter surface of the housing. A cap is connected to the cap end of the housing. An inlet is located in one of the cap and the housing. A plate is positioned within the housing, the plate having an outer diameter that slidingly engages the inner diameter surface of the housing. The plate moves between an extended position and a retracted position in response to pressure media from the inlet. A down stop is in contact with the plate. A seal nut has a first end in engagement with the down stop. The seal nut has a second end with an end surface, the end surface being spaced apart from the cap when the plate is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LP
    Inventors: Keith M. Adams, Lloyd R. Cheatham
  • Publication number: 20150068623
    Abstract: The invention relates to a removal system for a portable container and comprises an immersion pipe that is mounted in a bung unit that is held in an opening of the container. Furthermore, the removal system includes an extraction head that can be fastened to the immersion pipe. A switch that generates a switching signal whose switching states indicate whether the extraction head is fastened in a target position on the immersion pipe or not is provided in or on the extraction head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Andreas Szeteli
  • Publication number: 20150059888
    Abstract: A water service supply assembly includes a water supply line with a stop valve. A lid is supported relative to the stop valve. A first switch is adapted to detect movement of the lid and a second switch is adapted to detect if a body is moved relative to the stop valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Harold Edmund Mosley
  • Publication number: 20150059887
    Abstract: There is provided a water leakage detection device including a water leakage detection unit which is configured to detect water leakage, a water leakage detection circuit unit which is configured to be driven by a DC voltage from a DC power source and apply an AC voltage for detecting water leakage to the water leakage detection unit, and is configured to determine whether water is leaking based on a detection signal of the water leakage detection unit. The water leakage detection unit includes an insulating transformer having a primary side and a secondary side, the second side being connected to the water leakage detection unit, and a water leakage detection determining unit which is connected to the primary side of the insulating transformer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Shigemi MASUDA, Toshikazu KOSHIBA
  • Publication number: 20150059886
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for detecting and monitoring cavitation inside a flow control device, such as a control valve, includes an acoustic emission sensor coupled to the flow control device in a manner to acquire acoustic signals caused by cavitation. A processor receives acoustic information from the acoustic emission sensor. The processor selectively identifies cavitation events from the acoustic information that meet certain predefined criteria. Cavitation levels are monitored based on at least one of a rate of cavitation events and intensity of individual cavitation events. The cavitation levels may be used to identify the presence of cavitation in the flow control device, to track accumulated cavitation in the flow control device, and/or to identify significant changes in the cavitation levels over time. This information may be used to reduce cavitation, estimate repair and maintenance, and/or monitor performance of the flow control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: Shawn W. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20150040987
    Abstract: An intravenous (IV) set system comprising a primary IV set defining a primary flow line of the IV set system. The primary flow line can include multiple access points along its length and feeds to a merging fluid pathway proximate to the distal terminus of the primary IV set. At least one secondary IV set with corresponding flow lines can be separably joined to the primary IV set to cause the secondary flow lines to be in fluid communication with the primary flow line. At least one of the IV sets can have a unique set of uniform marking indicia to facilitate rapid identification of the IV sets from other IV sets within the IV set system. Such marked and identified primary and/or secondary IV sets can be allocated to specific medical functions and/or can be for use by specific medical personnel to thereby minimize risk of error in administration of an IV to a patient. The IV set system can further comprise a merging fluid pathway about a primary IV set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Lucas Reichert, Edwin T. Bulloch, Anthony Clark Harward
  • Publication number: 20150040997
    Abstract: A sensor assembly for controlling a solenoid valve, the solenoid valve controlling the flow of water through a faucet, is described. The sensor assembly includes a head including a bottom portion configured to be supported by a wall and a top portion. The sensor assembly also includes a proximity sensor including a transmitter and receiver. The transmitter projects a beam into a detection zone. The sensor assembly also includes processing electronics configured to cause the solenoid valve to open in response to a receiver detecting a reflection from an object in the detection zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Joseph Blake, Perry Erickson, John Esche, Steve Radder, Ross Ristow, Joseph Stauber
  • Publication number: 20150041000
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system that can detect leaks that occur in seals, and in one example, to seals found in a valve. In one embodiment, the system utilizes sensors that measure fluid properties of a sample volume proximate to the seal. The system can compare data from these measurements with data from a sample of a reference fluid (e.g., ambient air) to indicate the presence of working fluid in the sample volume. This result may indicate problems with the seal, e.g., degradation of the seal that is meant to prohibit the working fluid from migrating out of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Randall Smart, Edward James Nieters, Frederick Wilson Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20150027546
    Abstract: An adhesive melter and a method for operating the melter enables predictive maintenance of an exhaust air filter used to remove pressurized air flow that delivers solid adhesive particulate from a fill system into the melter. To this end, the fill system repeatedly actuates to refill a receiving space, and a controller monitors a duration of each fill system cycle. When changes in a calculated average duration of a plurality of fill system cycles exceed a maintenance threshold, an alert is emitted at a user interface to prompt maintenance or replacement of the exhaust air filter before a complete shutdown of the fill system is caused by clogging of the exhaust air filter. Consequently, unplanned downtimes caused by clogged exhaust air filters in the adhesive melter can be minimized, regardless of any variable conditions occurring at the melter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Bondeson, Justin A. Clark
  • Publication number: 20150027548
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a liquid management system. The system and method include a primary fill pump and a secondary fill pump, a primary drain pump and a secondary drain pump. The system and method also include a level sensor for monitoring a liquid level in a reservoir. A controller is programmed to monitor the liquid level in the reservoir such that the controller will operate the primary fill pump and the primary drain pump to control the liquid level in the reservoir in a predetermined manner. The controller is further programmed to operate the secondary fill pump and the secondary drain pump to control the liquid level in the predetermined manner in the event of a failure of the primary fill pump or the primary drain pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: David Moriarty
  • Patent number: 8936039
    Abstract: A communication apparatus, an air conditioning system having the same, and a communication method for the air conditioning system using a refrigerant pipe are provided. The refrigerant pipe may be used as a transmission line to allow communications between an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, and a low frequency band signal and a core having an inductance value appropriate for the characteristic of a pipe communication frequency may be used to perform the pipe communication, which allows communications between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit without a separate communication line, resulting in minimizing noise interruption and affection of surge, and avoiding signal strength attenuation and signal radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Juntae Kim, Sangchul Youn, Seunghwan Jung
  • Publication number: 20150014185
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge (790) for processing a fluid comprising (i)a pre-treatment fluidic system with an inlet (710) via which the fluid can be supplied and at least one primary processing chamber (712) in which said fluid can be processed; (ii) a post-treatment fluidic system with at least one secondary processing chamber (755) in which fluid can be processed; (iii) a fluid-treatment element (701) that is permeable to at least a part oft he fluid and that couples the post-treatment fluidic system to the pre-treatment fluidic system. The fluid-treatment element may particularly be a filter material (701) integrated into at least one foil (702, 703, 704).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Jacobus Hermanus Maria Neijzen, Toon Hendrik Evers
  • Publication number: 20140374090
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for opening and closing an automatic valve installed in the discharge line of an oil well, characterized by the installation and setup of the apparatus which controls an automatic valve, which is installed in the discharge line of the casing pipes of an oil well. In said oil well a progressive cavity pump system (PCP) has been installed, which pumps the hydrocarbon to the storage tank through the production pipe, said system maintaining the level of hydrocarbon inside the well for improved production. The apparatus to be installed in the oil well consists of three pressure transmitters, which are placed in the discharge lines of the production pipes, casing pipes and in the discharge line going into the storage tank near the well. In addition, in the storage tank, a radar-type level transmitter is installed to keep monitoring the production from the oil well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Vicente Gonzalez Davila