Fluid Pressure, Density, Level, Velocity Or Humidity Patents (Class 307/118)
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Patent number: 11858276Abstract: An implementation of the present teachings includes a resistor structure for measuring a level of a print material such as a liquid metal print material within a reservoir of a printer such as a magnetohydrodynamic printer. The resistor structure includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are physically and electrically separated from each other. When positioned within the reservoir, the liquid metal physically contacts the first electrode and the second electrode. An electrical resistance between the first and second electrodes changes depending on the level of the print material within the reservoir. As the level of the print material decreases, the electrical resistance between the first electrode and the second electrode increases. The electrical resistance can be measured and used to determine a level of the print material within the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2020Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Additive Technologies, LLCInventors: Chu-heng Liu, Paul J. McConville, David L. Knierim
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Patent number: 11862908Abstract: A power plug device includes a first housing, a circuit board, a wire assembly and a second housing. The first housing includes an upper-housing body, a through hole and an inner cover. An accommodating portion is arranged in the upper-housing body, the through hole is formed on one side of the upper-housing body, the inner cover is installed in the accommodating portion, a receptive space is arranged in the inner cover, and the through hole interconnects with the receptive space. The wire assembly includes core wires, which passes through the through hole and the receptive space, so that the core wires are accommodated in the accommodating portion, and the receptive space is suitable for accommodating glue to secure the core wires and provides waterproof effect. In addition, dual-layered waterproof structure is used to make the first and second housing joining together having stronger waterproof effect.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2022Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: PHIHONG TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Chun-Feng Chang
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Patent number: 11814771Abstract: A washing machine is disclosed. A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a door for opening and closing a laundry inlet; a magnetic body included in the door; a processor; and a door lock switch module including a door lock key which moves in accordance with the opening and closing of the door so as to lock or unlock the door, a first switch electrically connected on the basis of movement of the door lock key to a locked position, and a second switch connected in series with the first switch and electrically connected in response to an approach of the magnetic body, wherein the processor receives a signal generated by connecting the first switch and the second switch, detects the locking of the door, and proceeds to perform the washing cycle process of the washing machine. Other embodiments are possible.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2018Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Jun-young Choi
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Patent number: 11700801Abstract: An Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) method/system for irrigating a field using a pump comprising an outlet supplying water to the field and an inlet connected to a water source is disclosed. The method/system comprises a sensor placed at a location in the field for sensing a water depth below a surface of the field and transmitting the water depth to a controller located remotely from the sensing location using a wireless connection. The controller enables the pump when the sensed water depth is below a threshold depth and disables the pump when the sensed water depth is above a threshold depth.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2022Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: RYNAN TECHNOLOGIES PTE. LTD.Inventors: My T. Nguyen, Cuong Q. Hong, Luong V. Truong, Toan Q. Tran, Trieu T. Le, Bien T. Mai, An Trinh, Thong A. Nguyen, Khang M. Duong
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Patent number: 11662266Abstract: A water heater includes a tank assembly that defines an insulation cavity between an inner storage tank and an outer jacket. The water heater includes a bottom pad that supports the tank assembly thereon. The bottom pad is disposed in a bottom pan. Gaskets are disposed between the bottom pad and the bottom pan of the water heater. The bottom pad and at least one of the gaskets include apertures that are configured to internally route a leak sensor assembly of the water heater from the bottom pan to a controller of the water heater through the insulation cavity while preventing a leak of insulation material from the insulation cavity to the bottom pan. The water heater also includes a mounting bracket that is coupled to the inner storage tank to securely hold and route a portion of the leak sensor assembly disposed in the insulation cavity to the controller.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2019Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Damian Weitherspoon, Jessie L. Dixon, Nahoko Maciulewicz, Shreya Gharia
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Patent number: 11609041Abstract: An ice bath comprising a container, a refrigeration coil for causing liquid in the container to turn to ice, a pipe for carrying liquid to be cooled by the ice bath for dispense and a plurality of conductive probes for measuring ice thickness, wherein the conductive probes are provided between at least part of the refrigeration coil and the pipe for carrying liquid to be dispensed such that a first one of the conductive probes is provided closer to the refrigeration coil at least two other conductive probes, and thereby the at least two other conductive probes are provided closer to the piping than the first conductive probe, and wherein the second and third probes are equidistant from the refrigeration coil, the ice bath further comprising means for measuring the conductance between the first probe and the second probe, the first probe and the third probe, and the second probe and the third probe.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2018Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: WLI TRADING LIMITEDInventors: Jonathan Ben-David, Heung Soon Kim
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Patent number: 11578569Abstract: A system and method for controlling production fluid flow between an annular chamber extending between a casing disposed in a downhole bore and production tubing disposed in the casing. An electrically down hole control valve which includes a motor, a position sensor, a gearbox and a linear actuator coupled to the gearbox to convert rotational movement to an axial movement. The control valve further includes a connecting rod coupled to the linear actuator and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a gate that can translate in an axial direction to a plurality of continuously variable positions between a fully closed position and a fully open position. A plurality of such control valves can be disposed in respective openings formed in the production tubing, and a passage is formed in each valve for connecting the annular chamber and the production tubing interior.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2020Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Inventor: George Joel Rodger
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Patent number: 11204300Abstract: An in-line inspection tool for a pipeline comprises a body defining an axis, a sensor module coupled to the body, and a drive cup coupled to the body. The drive cup includes an outer surface with a plurality of axial channels, each of the axial channels including at least one bridge positioned therein that extends circumferentially across the channel.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2019Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: ENTEGRA LLPInventor: Paul Pirner
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Patent number: 11193358Abstract: A firing head assembly for use with a perforating gun is described. The firing head assembly includes a tubular housing, first and second pistons, and a compressible member arranged within a lumen of the tubular housing and positioned between the first and second pistons. According to an aspect, the assembly includes a plurality of upper locking arms and lower locking arms that engage with locking members formed in the tubular housing. The firing head assembly further includes upper and lower shear washers arranged at the second opening of the tubular body, in a sandwich type configuration with respect to the second piston. Pressures within the firing head assembly may be adjusted to activate the firing head assembly to either trigger an explosive reaction or to not trigger the explosive reaction.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2018Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: DynaEnergetics Europe GmbHInventor: Frank Haron Preiss
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Patent number: 11006668Abstract: An aerosol-generating system includes a liquid storage portion configured to hold a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode spaced from the first electrode, an aerosol-generator including one or more aerosol-generating elements and a control system. At least one of the aerosol-generating elements includes one of the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are arranged such that at least a portion of the liquid storage portion is between the first electrode and the second electrode. The control system is configured to measure an electrical quantity between the first electrode and the second electrode and determine the amount of liquid aerosol-forming substrate held in the liquid storage portion based on the measured electrical quantity information.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2017Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: Oleg Mironov, Ihar Nikolaevich Zinovik, Jerome Christian Courbat
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Patent number: 10996129Abstract: A telemetry system can be implemented in a pipeline where a smart pig is positioned. The smart pig can have a telemetry module that is configured to change from a first communication connection with a host to a second communication connection with the host in response to a detected pipeline condition. The first communication connection may be different than the second communication connections.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2018Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Quest Automated Services, LLCInventors: Hanz Da Silva, Edward Martell, Adam Cooper
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Patent number: 10871058Abstract: Processes and systems for injecting a fluid into a wellbore. In some examples, the process can include introducing a water-rich product separated from a hydrocarbon production fluid that can include one or more hydrocarbons and water into a fluid storage apparatus. The water-rich product from the fluid storage apparatus can be introduced into a subterranean housing that can include a pressurizing apparatus at least partially disposed therein. The subterranean housing can be at least partially disposed under a surface of the earth. The pressurizing apparatus can have an inlet located within the subterranean housing and below the surface of the earth. The water-rich product from the subterranean housing can be introduced into the inlet of the pressurizing apparatus. A pressurized water-rich product from an outlet of the pressurizing apparatus can be introduced into an injection well.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2019Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Inventor: Guy Morrison, III
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Patent number: 10635228Abstract: A display device includes: a display panel configured to display an image at an active area; a touch screen panel overlapping the display panel at the active area, the touch screen panel comprising an input line and an output line; and an operational amplifier having an input electrode coupled to the input line and an output electrode coupled to the output line, wherein the display device is configured to measure a voltage at the output electrode of the operational amplifier for detecting a touch event at an intersection between the input line and the output line.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.Inventor: Nancy Rasti
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Patent number: 10620275Abstract: A number of variations may include products and methods for estimating the state of an energy system. At least one sensor may monitor a voltage and a current of the energy storage system. An electronic controller may be communicatively coupled with the energy storage system and may receive input from the sensor. A circuit may be representative of the energy storage system and may be appropriately defined in the electronic controller. The circuit may estimate a state of the energy storage system from a reading of the voltage and the current.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2016Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Mark W. Verbrugge, Charles W. Wampler, Bob R. Powell, Jr.
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Patent number: 10508942Abstract: In configurations in which a circuit element is connected in parallel with a resistor, it is difficult to detect a break in the two wires. A thermal flow meter includes a heating element and a temperature controlling bridge circuit that is formed of a plurality of resistors and controls the temperature of the heating element. The thermal flow meter includes: a circuit element connected in parallel with at least one resistor configuring the temperature controlling bridge circuit through two wires drawn from both ends of the resistor; a voltage detection circuit that detects that the magnitude of voltage produced between the two wires has become smaller than a first predetermined value; and a fault signal output circuit that, when it is detected at the voltage detection circuit that the. magnitude of the voltage has become smaller than the first predetermined value, outputs a signal indicating a fault.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2013Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventors: Masahiro Matsumoto, Hiroshi Nakano, Keiji Hanzawa, Satoshi Asano
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Patent number: 10302581Abstract: A foam sensor system includes a container bounding a compartment. A foam sensor assembly is mounted on the container and includes: a base being secured to the container; a foam contact being spaced apart from the base and disposed within the compartment of the container, at least a portion of the foam contact having a first diameter; and a transition member extending between the base and the foam contact with at least a portion of the transition member being openly exposed within the compartment of the container, at least a portion of the transition member having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter, the foam contact and transition member being connected together so that an electrical signal can pass therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2017Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Life Technologies CorporationInventors: Steven R. Kjar, Jeffery O. Brown, Jason O. Brown, Christopher D. Brau
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Patent number: 10277093Abstract: A power tool and a printed circuit board for use therewith. The power tool has an electric motor and a power source. The printed circuit board assembly has a main board having a conductive portion, a semiconductor power device, and a conductor attached to the conductive portion. The conductive portion electrically connects to the semiconductor power device and the conductor electrically connects to the conductive portion. When current is flowing through the printed circuit board, the heat and the voltage loss generated by the printed circuit board can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2016Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: NANJING CHERVON INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Dezhong Yang, Pingbo Shi, Jifeng Feng
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Patent number: 10154754Abstract: An apparatus for managing water levels in a boiler of a coffee machine is provided. The boiler is connected to a control circuit and includes a first probe arranged, in use, to measure a first water level and at least a second probe arranged to measure a second water level, or working level of the apparatus, higher than the first level. apparatus is arranged to supply steam or hot water through respective ducts connected to the boiler and controlled by respective valves. The first probe is configured for measuring a draining level of the boiler on the basis of draining commands generated by the control circuit and for automatically enabling water replacement in the boiler.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2014Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: RANCILIO GROUP S.P.A.Inventor: Carlo Carbonini
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Patent number: 10086618Abstract: A device for measuring the level in a reservoir of an inkjet printer, comprising: an electrode, which has a first end and an second end, and which is covered from the first end up to an intermediate level between the first end and the second end, with an electrically insulating coating, where the electrode has capacitive behavior for a level of liquid between the first end and the intermediate level, and resistive behavior beyond this, circuit for measuring a signal which is characteristic of capacitive behavior of the device, for a liquid level between the first end and the intermediate level, and for identifying resistive behavior of the device for a level of the liquid above the intermediate level, circuit for estimating or calculating, from the characteristic signal, a height of the liquid contained in the reservoir, for a liquid level between the first end and the intermediate level.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2016Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: DOVER EUROPE SARLInventor: Jannick Michallon
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Patent number: 9982775Abstract: Ground wires are shared between a drive-side pulley solenoid valve and a driven-side pulley solenoid valve. Therefore, when a disconnection or short circuit occurs in the shared portion, a drive-side pulley and a driven-side pulley show substantially the same behavior. As a result, changes in the speed ratio ?cvt of a continuously variable transmission are suppressed and changes in vehicle behavior are also suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the degradation of drivability during the failure of the solenoid valves involved in power transmission.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2015Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takafumi Inagaki, Yoshinobu Soga, Shuji Moriyama, Yoshihiro Mizuno, Hiromitsu Nitani
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Patent number: 9897562Abstract: A dryness sensing circuit and a dryness sensing method are provided. The dryness sensing circuit and the dryness sensing method set a time constant of a resistor and capacitor short for liquidity of dryness determination algorithm and minimize a noise effect of a power supply.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2015Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Hoonbong Lee, Junghun Kim
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Patent number: 9850753Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may include a signal integrity monitor that senses the signal transmitted between a surface device and a downhole device. The signal integrity monitor is adapted to disconnect power from the communication system if a fault in the communication line is detected.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventor: Richard Graham Payne
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Patent number: 9831661Abstract: An electronic device comprising a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), a battery for supplying power to the PCB and at least one moisture detection sheet mounted on the PCB and the PCB shuts off power from the battery in response to detected electrical current conduction via the at least one moisture detection sheet.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2014Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Myung-Kyoon Chung
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Patent number: 9800047Abstract: A supply module for insertion into a module chain of functional modules mounted side by side along a concatenation axis and electrically connected to one another in a Z-linkage includes a first coupling surface having a plurality of electric input terminals, and a second coupling surface having a plurality of electric output terminals, wherein a specifiable assignment of the input terminals to the output terminals is provided, and wherein at least one input terminal is designed as a supply input for feeding in a supply voltage from an upstream functional module and at least one output terminal is designed as a supply output for transferring the supply voltage to a downstream functional module. An additional input for feeding in an additional supply voltage and an output terminal are provided for transferring the additional supply voltage to at least one functional module arranged downstream along the concatenation axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2011Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: FESTO AG & CO. KGInventor: Ralf Forcht
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Patent number: 9637202Abstract: A system and method that controls the evacuation of fluid from a sea vessel and configured to prevent turning off the bilge pump during periods of water sloshing. The invention provides a control unit that is adaptable to any size vessel or bilge pump based on a learned experience gained by sensory information.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2013Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Inventors: James Russick, Michael Russick
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Patent number: 9606077Abstract: A foam sensor system includes a flexible bag comprised of a polymeric material and bounding a compartment. A foam sensor assembly is mounted on the flexible bag and includes a foam contact disposed within the compartment of the flexible bag. A ground assembly is mounted on the flexible bag and includes a ground contact disposed within the compartment of the flexible bag, the foam sensor assembly and the ground assembly being configured so that an electrical potential can be applied between the foam contact and the ground contact.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Life Technologies CorporationInventors: Steven R. Kjar, Jeffery O. Brown, Jason D. Brown, Christopher D. Brau
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Patent number: 9369556Abstract: A portable electronic device including a housing, a button assembly, a locking unit, a processing unit and a sensing unit is provided. The button assembly is disposed at an opening of the housing and includes a button, an elastomer and a switch. The button is movably disposed at the opening and configured to trigger the switch when an external force is applied. The elastomer is disposed between the button and the housing and forms a waterproof seal between the button and the housing. The locking unit is enabled to keep the button on a fixed position against the elastomer when the processing unit determines that a detection signal generated by the sensing unit is over a threshold. The locking unit is disabled when the processing unit determines that the detection signal is not over the threshold. A protection method for a portable electronic device is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2015Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: HTC CorporationInventors: Kuei-Cheng Wang, Chia-Hung Lin, Ming-Fu Tsai
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Patent number: 9302565Abstract: An exemplary vehicle is disclosed having a compressible fluid system including at least one sensor configured to determine a fluid pressure present within the compressible fluid system, and a circulator configured to circulate air in the engine compartment. The vehicle is configured to activate the circulator in response to a decrease in the fluid pressure, and in some approaches may also open a grill shutter or other fluid passage into the engine compartment. Exemplary methods may include providing a circulator configured to selectively circulate airflow, e.g., into an engine compartment of a vehicle, and detecting a fluid pressure decrease within a compressible fluid system in the engine compartment. The circulator may be activated to circulate air in the engine compartment in response to at least the detected fluid pressure decrease.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: William S. Johnston, Manfred Koberstein, Steven L. Lambert
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Patent number: 9212965Abstract: Disclosed herein are a leak detection device and a remote monitoring system using the same. In accordance with the present invention, locations where multiple leaks have occurred can be accurately determined by connecting a plurality of leak sensing films in series using a plurality of slave controllers having connectors, detecting a leak occurring between the slave controllers, and sending the detected leak to a master controller at a remote place. Furthermore, the present invention provides a remote monitoring system capable of checking whether a leak has occurred or not at a remote place using an apparatus for controlling the leak sensing films.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignees: YUMIN SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Hong Geun Yu
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Patent number: 9095677Abstract: A safety system for a breathing apparatus for delivery of an anesthetic agent having an anesthetic agent vaporizer having a reservoir for containing a liquid anesthetic agent has a reservoir for containing a liquid medical agent, a port for filling the reservoir with the liquid anesthetic agent, and a sensor device for sensing a filling action of the port. A change of position of a lid covering the port can be detected, or insertion of a fill vessel into the port can be detected. Thus safety of the equipment is improved by being able to de-pressurize the reservoir before opening a filling valve for communication of the port with the interior of the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2007Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: Maquet Critical Care ABInventor: Lars Danielsen
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Patent number: 9093835Abstract: The described embodiments relate generally to portable computing devices such as notebook computers and more particularly to failsafe mechanisms designed to prevent electrical shorts in the event that a portable computing device comes in contact with a liquid. A plurality of liquid sensors can be positioned within a computing device and electrically coupled to a controller. The controller can respond to varying amounts of liquid by immediately decoupling the system electronics from the power supply, performing a controlled shut-down of the computing device, or taking no action. In some embodiments, the controller can also limit the ability of a user to reactivate the computing device following a spill until any remaining liquids are removed from the computing device.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2013Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Daniel Goodman, Paul Lazarescu
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Patent number: 8910654Abstract: A system for preventing flooding caused by blockages in the drain lines of appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and the like included a sealed connection between a washing machine drain line and the sewer line drain, further including a washing machine drain line inlet attachment to a housing, the inlet line connecting to the sewer drain line and to a sealed vent pipe connected to the sewer line drain above the inlet attachment, and including a C-shaped loop in fluid communication with the sewer drain line and containing a float actuated control valve adapted to cut off power to the washing machine upon actuation; a kit containing components of the system and methods of installing the system and kit.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2012Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Inventor: R. Kevin Dawes
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Publication number: 20140319931Abstract: A fluid level detection device comprising an elongated shaft having a plurality of sensors and associated switches on a distal end thereof. The distal end of the shaft extends into a liquid reservoir with the switches configured to detect multiple predetermined fluid levels. The first fluid level detected is a warning level indicating that the level of fluid in the reservoir is low and results in a warning indication. The second fluid level detected is for a shutoff threshold that results in shutdown of the device using the fluid in the reservoir and a shutdown indicator.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: RELIABLE PUMP STOP, INC.Inventor: Matthew D. Kouri, Sr.
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Publication number: 20140312713Abstract: A switch for a marine seismic sensor. The switch includes a bellows having a closed end, a side portion and an open end, wherein the side portion connects the closed end to the open end, the closed end includes a conductive surface, and the side portion acts as a spring; a base plug that includes first input and first output contacts on a first side and second input and second output contacts on an opposite side; and a plug located in the open end of the bellows and configured to form a chamber, inside which the second input contact and the second output contact are provided. The conductive surface short-circuits the second input contact and the second output contact when a pressure larger than a predetermined pressure (P) acts on the conductive surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2013Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: SERCEL, INC.Inventor: Paul WENTZLER
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Publication number: 20140306550Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a two lead electronic switch adapted to replace a mechanical switch. In one embodiment, a device is provided that includes a sensor and an electronic circuit having a voltage limiting circuit. The electronic circuit is configured to deactivate/activate the voltage limiting circuit to operate the electronic circuit in a first/second state in response to determining that an output of the sensor is less/more than a threshold voltage. The circuit includes first and second terminals configured to receive a switch voltage used to provide power for the device. The device sets the switch voltage to a first voltage level operative to power the electronic circuit and the sensor while the electronic circuit is operating in the first state and to a second voltage level operative to power the electronic circuit and the sensor while the electronic circuit is operating in the second state.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2014Publication date: October 16, 2014Inventor: Wolf S. Landmann
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Patent number: 8862276Abstract: A method for the automatic irrigation of plants, wherein the temporal progression of soil moisture is determined from measured soil moisture values, and said progression is used for the calculation of an optimized irrigation time duration, such that both water excess in the soil and soil drying are avoided as much as possible. Preferably, the time duration of irrigation is constantly evaluated and optimized using comparisons of measured values with prespecified moisture- and dryness threshold values (GWmoist, GWdry), and automatically adjusted to changing environmental conditions and/or plant requirements.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2009Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Plantcare AGInventors: Walter Schmidt, Yucel Toprak
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Publication number: 20140203665Abstract: The described embodiments relate generally to portable computing devices such as notebook computers and more particularly to failsafe mechanisms designed to prevent electrical shorts in the event that a portable computing device comes in contact with a liquid. A plurality of liquid sensors can be positioned within a computing device and electrically coupled to a controller. The controller can respond to varying amounts of liquid by immediately decoupling the system electronics from the power supply, performing a controlled shut-down of the computing device, or taking no action. In some embodiments, the controller can also limit the ability of a user to reactivate the computing device following a spill until any remaining liquids are removed from the computing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2013Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Daniel GOODMAN, Paul Lazarescu
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Patent number: 8779632Abstract: A solar module includes a plurality of serially connected photovoltaic solar cells and current connections configured to provide solar current generated by the photovoltaic solar cells and configured for connecting the solar module to at least one additional solar module. A mechanical switching contact is connected in parallel with the serially connected solar cells and a pressure actuator is connected to the switching contact. The pressure actuator is configured so as to open the switching contact against the action of a spring element in response to a control pressure above a predetermined threshold and so as to allow closure of the switching contact by action of the spring element in response to a control pressure below the predetermined threshold. The pressure actuator is connected to a control connection for coupling to a control pressure line.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Eaton Industries GmbHInventor: Thomas Freyermuth
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Publication number: 20140103740Abstract: The present invention provides a power shutdown apparatus for preventing overheating of a hot beverage machine, comprising a tubular section protruding upward from a bottom of a water tank of the beverage machine and penetrating in top-down manner, a floating pipe inside the tubular section, a magnet within the floating pipe, a limiter attached to an upper opening of the tubular section without covering the tubular section to allow water to be poured in; a sensor at the bottom portion of the tank and adjacent to a sinking portion of the floating pipe; and wherein the floating pipe inside the tubular section sinks correspondingly with a lower water level of the water in the tank to drive the magnet inside the floating pipe to activate the sensor on one side thereof such that power of the heating device of the tank is shut down to prevent overheating of the machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2012Publication date: April 17, 2014Inventor: Yu-Yuan Lin
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Publication number: 20140015342Abstract: A liquid level switch is provided having a first elongated substrate having one, two or three or more pairs of elongated electrical conductors thereon, a second elongated substrate having one two or three or more electrically conductive areas thereon, each electrically conductive area being positioned over an associated pair of electrical conductors positioned on the first elongated non-electrically conductive substrate for enabling electrical bridging contact between conductors of the pairs of electrical conductors, and a substrate coupler is provided for coupling the first and second non-electrically conductive substrates together for providing separation of the non-electrically conductive substrates in the absence of hydrostatic pressure thereon, and for causing contact between the first and second non-electrically conductive substrates in the presence of hydrostatic pressure thereon, producing the electrical bridging contact between pairs of conductors on the first non-electrically conductive substrate, iType: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2012Publication date: January 16, 2014Inventor: Christopher J. Milone
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Publication number: 20130140912Abstract: A switch for a bilge pump of a boat includes a pair of probes for providing a probe signal indicating the presence of fluid at the probes, a current sensor for providing a sensor signal indicating electric current of the pump; and a controller programmed to energize the pump when a threshold level of the probe signal indicates the presence of fluid and to de-energize the pump when a threshold level of the sensor signal indicates that the pump is not pumping fluid. The controller can also be programmed to dynamically change the threshold level of the probe signal based on a prior probe signal that indicates changing probe conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Inventor: David B. Nirenberg
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Publication number: 20130095405Abstract: A fuel cell system includes an accumulated current value measuring unit. The accumulated current value measuring unit measures an accumulated current value by time integration of current output from the fuel cell in a period during which oxygen is produced by water-splitting reaction in an anode of a negative voltage cell. A control unit uses a first correlation between the accumulated current value in the oxygen generation period and an oxygen consumption rate in the anode and a second correlation between a current density of the fuel cell in the oxygen generation period and an oxygen production rate in the anode to obtain a current density at or below which the amount of oxygen in the anode may be reduced, and causes the fuel cell to output electric power at a current density lower than the obtained current density.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Inventors: Shuya Kawahara, Manabu Kato
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Publication number: 20130088094Abstract: An apparatus performs a power control method for a portable terminal. The power control method includes measuring humidity around the portable terminal using a humidity sensor, and determining whether a flooding condition occurs based on the measured humidity. The method also includes turning off power of the portable terminal by releasing a connection with a battery that supplies power to the portable terminal when it is determined that the flooding condition occurs.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Min-Chull Paik
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Patent number: 8412387Abstract: A smart device is discussed, which is connected to a smart grid to perform a power saving function. According to an embodiment, the smart device includes a power information receiving unit configured to receive power information through the smart grid network; a power saving control unit configured to perform the power saving function for at least one apparatus based on the power information in a power saving mode; at least one mode switching unit configured to switch from the power saving mode to a manual mode according to a user command; and a manual mode operational time determining unit configured to determine a manual mode operational time for operating the at least one apparatus in the manual mode, the at least one mode switching unit further configured to switch from the manual mode back to the power saving mode, automatically, when the manual mode operational time expires.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jong Soo Park, Jong Hwa Song, Woo Hyun Paik
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Patent number: 8238110Abstract: The invention concerns an anti-interference advice for a housing (1) including at least two electrically conductive terminals (32, 33) distinctly positioned on an electronic card (30) and connected to processing means, a protective circuit (45) positioned relative to the two electrically conductive terminals (32, 33) in such a manner as to close the electrical circuit during the normal utilization position of the housing (1), the protective circuit (45), including means adapted for opening the electrical circuit closed in response to a deterioration in the protective circuit (45).Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2007Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Ingenico FranceInventors: Eric Bonnet, Gary Didier, Lilian Vassy
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Publication number: 20120158188Abstract: A non-polarized electronic condensate overflow switch uses microprocessor-controlled low-resistance MOSFETs to connect and disconnect power to an HVAC system. The condensate overflow switch derives operational power directly from an AC main and does not need an external power supply or a separate, reference ground line, and therefore does not require configuration in a particular polarity. The microprocessor controls the turning on and off of the power MOSFETs as needed when condensate overflow is detected and also provides more efficient sensing of condensate overflow and other operations, thus minimizing the power needed by the condensate overflow switch. Such a non-polarized electronic condensate overflow switch may be installed within a drain pan, in line with an outlet of the drain pan, or at a remote location away from the drain pan.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: RECTORSEAL CORPORATIONInventor: Sridhar MADALA
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Patent number: 8194368Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a cover assembly is coupled to the housing. The cover assembly includes at least one set of receptacle openings disposed on either side of a central portion of the cover assembly in communication with a portion of the plurality of receptacle terminals. A fault detection circuit is configured to provide a fault detection output in response to detecting a fault condition. A circuit interrupter is coupled between the plurality of line terminals and the plurality of load terminals. A light assembly is coupled to the plurality of line terminals or the plurality of load terminals. The light assembly has a light transmission region disposed in the central portion and occupying a substantial portion of a width of the cover assembly. The light assembly is selectively driven from a deenergized state to a light emitting state in response to a predetermined stimulus.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2011Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.Inventors: Richard Weeks, Jeffrey C. Richards, Gary O. Wilson, Gerald R. Savicki, Jr., David A. Finlay, Sr.
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Patent number: 8125108Abstract: A control part for causing transmission of a remote control signal from a transmission part according to a resistance of a pressure-sensitive conductive contact part causes periodic transmission of a repetition signal, when the resistance of the pressure-sensitive conductive contact part is kept constant. Thus, when an operating body is continuously held down with a constant force and the resistance of the pressure-sensitive conductive contact part is kept constant, the control part causes periodic transmission of the repetition signal having a smaller number of pulses, at predetermined intervals. With such an operation, a remote control transmitter capable of reducing power consumption is provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Tsutomu Yamagiwa
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Publication number: 20110278954Abstract: An electronic apparatus for conditionally power supplying is provided. In the electronic apparatus, an external connection port is embedded on a surface of a case for electrically connecting to an external device, and includes plural exposed terminals including one power pin. First and second detection electrodes are disposed on the surface of the case and normally maintain in broken-circuit. When the first and the second detection electrodes are in a wetting condition, the first and the second detection electrodes are in short-circuit. A switch is electrically connected to a power module and the power pin. A control module detects that the first and the second detection electrodes are in short-circuit or in broken-circuit, and drives the switch to make the power module output power to the power pin when the first detection electrode and the second detection electrode are in broken-circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: GETAC TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: Yun-Hsien Lee
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Publication number: 20100059283Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a radiation source to output radiation after power is supplied. The apparatus also includes a power source to supply power. The apparatus includes an ambient-activated switch electrically coupled between the radiation source and the power source. The ambient-activated switch is to switch to an open position while a value for an ambient characteristic for the ambient-activated switch is at an ambient level for a surface of the Earth. The ambient-activated switch is to switch to a closed position while the value for the ambient characteristic for the ambient-activated switch is at a downhole ambient level, wherein the ambient-activated switch is to electrically couple the power source to the radiation source while in the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2007Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: HALLIBURTION ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Daniel F. Dorffer, Donald L. Crawford