Which Includes A Temperature Responsive Element Patents (Class 324/441)
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Patent number: 12163171Abstract: A method for amplifying nucleic acids by a polymerase chain reaction in a reaction volume heated using electrical energy. In at least one of the passages of the amplification cycle of the polymerase chain reaction, the ratio of the electrical energy used in the denaturation step to heat the reaction volume to the size of the reaction volume is less than 20 Joule per milliliter. Further shown is a method of amplifying nucleic acids in a reaction volume by using a device that includes a reaction vessel and a heating means with at least one heating element in contact with the reaction volume where at least one heating element is conjugated to oligonucleotides. Also shown is a device for the amplification of nucleic acids in a reaction volume including a reaction vessel for receiving the reaction volume and a heating means consisting of at least one heating element contacting the reaction volume.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2017Date of Patent: December 10, 2024Assignee: HP Health Solutions Germany GmbHInventors: Federico Buersgens, Joachim Stehr, Lars Ullerich, Lidiya Osinkina, Eimantas Ruseckas
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Patent number: 11340098Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, containing a first sensor, designed and arranged for sensing a first measurement variable of a fluid, and a second sensor, designed and arranged for sensing a second measurement variable of the fluid, a first electrode assembly has a substrate and a first planar electrode overlying the substrate. A second electrode assembly has a second planar electrode. The first planar electrode and the second planar electrode are dielectrically spaced apart from each other. The first electrode assembly and the second electrode assembly form a first capacitor as the first sensor such that a first capacitance, formed by the first planar electrode and the second planar electrode, can be varied under the influence of a fluid and in accordance with a flow velocity of the fluid as the first measurement variable.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2020Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: Grohe AGInventor: Thilo Richard
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Patent number: 11275042Abstract: An electrode assembly for a conductivity meter or resistivity meter includes: an electrode main body; a test liquid intake flow path passing through the electrode main body; a pair of voltage electrodes which is respectively provided so that surfaces thereof are exposed to opposing inner wall surfaces forming the test liquid intake flow path; and a pair of current electrodes which is respectively provided so that surfaces thereof are exposed to each of the inner wall surfaces, and in this configuration, each of the pair of current electrodes contains a carbon-based material, and each of the surfaces of the pair of current electrodes exposed to the inner wall surfaces is in a strip shape.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2018Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: HORIBA Advanced Techno, Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuichi Ichinari, Riichiro Suzuki, Yugo Nishitani
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Patent number: 11112400Abstract: Examples herein provide a method. The method includes applying an electrical potential difference over a blood sample in a testing cassette of a microfluidic device, the cassette including a microfluidic channel through which the blood sample flows. The method includes measuring, over a duration of time, an electrical signal passing through the blood sample as the blood sample flows from a first end and coagulates at a second end of the microfluidic channel to obtain a measurement function as a function of time. The method also includes correlating the measurement function to a characteristic of the blood sample.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2016Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Shameed Sait M A, Rachel M. White, Chantelle Domingue, Manish Giri
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Patent number: 10808217Abstract: A system and method with increased sensitivity to microorganism growth. The system includes signal processing electronic circuit connected to a consumable or vessel through two or more electrodes that fully penetrate the vessel and are in contact with the fluid contents. The electronic circuit is configured to detect a component of the total impedance of the sample, specifically the “out-of-phase” or imaginary reactance component, which has a sensitive response to organism growth in a frequency-dependent manner. The system detects changes in both the composition of charged molecules in the liquid matrix and the number of microorganisms based on monitoring the sample for change in this parameter. This results in a 5-70% reduction in time-to-detection (TTD). The system and method detect organisms in a plurality of vessel shapes, volumes, and matrix (or media) formats. The electrodes are fully immersed in a continuous body of liquid sample.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2015Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: BECTON DICKINSON AND COMPANYInventors: Patrick Shawn Beaty, Michael A. Brasch, Suneil Hosmane, David Polley, Julie L. Rosales, Kerry Lynn Smith
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Patent number: 10512226Abstract: Crop-specific automated irrigation include environmental medium and management of nutrients. Operation of an irrigation apparatus can be regulated according to specific water demand of a crop. The water demand can be assessed by evaluating water content conditions of the environmental medium comprising the crop, medium characteristics, and/or nutrient delivery and transport characteristics at the medium. Regulation of operation of the irrigation apparatus can comprise control of one or more of water supply to the apparatus, positioning and/or movement of the irrigation apparatus, or configuration of sensing devices for collection of information suitable for such regulation.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2012Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: Earthtec Solutions LLCInventor: David Lankford
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Patent number: 10502857Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for measuring resistivity to be mounted on a downhole tool and comprising: a watertight body, a first electrode and a second electrode electrically insulated from the first electrode and surrounding the first electrode, arranged in the body at a proximal end of the device, an electrical connecting module arranged in the body and comprising a first contacting element electrically coupled to the first electrode and a second contacting element electrically coupled to the second electrode, surrounding the first contacting element, with interposition of an electrically insulating material between the first and second contacting element; wherein the electrical connecting module projects from the body at a distal end of the device so as to form an electrical interface.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2015Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: Didier Fouillou
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Patent number: 10451606Abstract: A bioelectrochemical sensor utilizing a nanoporous gold electrode. The bioelectrochemical sensor is suitable for measuring redox in biologic media while having increased resistance to biofouling as compared to conventional electrodes such as planar gold electrodes, due to greater exposed surface area of the three-dimentional ligature structure defining the nanopores. The nanopores have a pore size of 5-100 nm, preferably with an average pore size of less than 50 nm, and more preferably with an average pore size of less than 20 nm.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2014Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignees: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITYInventors: Rodney C. Daniels, Kevin R. Ward, Maryanne M. Collinson
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Patent number: 10416107Abstract: Systems and methods can be used for correcting for the presence of voids in a fluid when measuring the conductivity thereof. The conductivity of a fluid can be measured using a conductivity sensor. Capacitance electrodes can be used to measure the capacitance of the fluid. The measured capacitance affected by the fluid can be used in combination with the measured conductivity to determine a corrected conductivity value that compensates for possible voids in the fluid. Other parameters, such as the makeup or temperature of the fluid can be used in determining the corrected conductivity measurement. Some such systems include an annular housing and can be inserted or integrated into fluid flow systems so that fluid to be analyzed flows through an aperture defined by the annular housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2016Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Martin Ray Godfrey, Eugene Tokhtuev, Joseph Erickson
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Patent number: 10203261Abstract: A fluid measuring device includes a measuring head device having a measuring head with separated and electrically insulated electrodes and measuring head contacts each connected to a respective electrode. A measuring circuit includes terminal contacts each connected to a respective measuring head contact. The measuring circuit includes a current source for pulsed energizing of the measuring head connected to the terminal contacts. The measuring circuit includes an output circuit between the terminal contacts including a measuring capacitor and an evaluation circuit ascertaining state-of-charge information regarding the measuring capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2017Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: Volkswagen AktiengesellschaftInventor: Roland Kube
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Patent number: 10175189Abstract: A determination device for determining an improvement in water quality, capable of determining it in no time, is provided. The device has a first measuring device for measuring by AC terminal electric conductimetry a capacitance of a first capacitor formed between a pair of electrodes immersed in untreated water to be supplied to a water quality-improving apparatus; a second measuring device for measuring by AC terminal electric conductimetry a capacitance of a second capacitor formed between a pair of electrodes immersed in water discharged by the apparatus; and a processor for calculating a ratio (Y/X) of a capacitance Y to a capacitance X wherein the capacitance X is a capacitance of the first capacitor outputted by the first measuring device when an AC frequency is 100 Hz or less, and the capacitance Y is a capacitance of the second capacitor at the same frequency outputted by the second measuring device.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2016Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: TOSHIKOGYO CO., LTD.Inventors: Yasuo Tajiri, Mitsuo Ishikawa, Nobuyuki Kamiya
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Patent number: 9347902Abstract: A tester for measuring insulating properties of cross-linked polyethylene, the tester including: a housing including a control panel; a high voltage chamber including an insulating cover, a fixed frame, an insulating oil cup, a high voltage electrode, a ground electrode, and a temperature control device; and a test circuit including a high voltage power supply, a voltmeter, a timer, an overcurrent protection device, and a digital thermometer. The high voltage chamber and the test circuit are arranged inside the housing. The control panel is arranged on the housing. The insulating cover is disposed on the high voltage chamber. The fixed frame is disposed inside the high voltage chamber. The insulating oil cup is mounted on the fixed frame. The high voltage electrode and the ground electrode are disposed oppositely inside the insulating oil cup. The temperature control device is disposed beneath the insulating oil cup.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignees: Tianjin Electric Power Corporation, State Grid Corporation of ChinaInventors: Xiaohui Zhu, Zhengzheng Meng, Fengzheng Zhou
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Patent number: 8975901Abstract: Measurement devices, systems, and methods to measure a high field conductivity of a fluid are provided herein. The measurement device includes a fluid cell, a pair of electrodes, a voltage switch, and a measurement unit. The fluid cell is on an inclined plane to receive the fluid. The pair of electrodes are connected to the fluid cell. The pair of electrodes are spaced apart from one another to receive the fluid therebetween and positioned parallel to one another to pass an electrical current therethrough. The power unit provides a high voltage power supply to one electrode of the pair of electrodes. The measurement unit measures the electrical current that passes between the pair of electrodes through the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Henryk Birecki, Omer Gila, Michael H Lee, William D Holland
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Patent number: 8847601Abstract: A method of determining the maximum temperature undergone by a specimen of sedimentary rock during natural heating over a geological process, within the range from 60° C. to 230° C. approximately. The method includes analysis at very low temperature, down to a few kelvin, for example down to 10 kelvin, of the magnetic transitions intended to characterize an iron oxide and an iron sulfide that are formed or destroyed in the specimen by the geological heating of the sediment; and determination of the maximum temperature undergone by the specimen, using a calibration obtained by measuring the same magnetic parameters on the same sediment or on other sediments of the same nature, heated beforehand in the laboratory to known temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2009Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Inventors: Jean Pierre Pozzi, Charles Aubourg
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Patent number: 8705245Abstract: A sensor device has a ceramic carrier substrate. At least two conductor tracks are arranged on the carrier substrate. The sensor device has at least one ceramic component that is in the form of a chip and is connected to the conductor tracks in an electrically conductive manner. The at least one ceramic component is mechanically connected to the conductor tracks by means of a screen printing paste which has been burnt in.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2011Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: EPCOS AGInventors: Gerald Kloiber, Heinz Strallhofer, Norbert Freiberger
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Patent number: 8581533Abstract: A controller controls switching of IGBT devices of an inverter according to the desired output of the permanent magnet motor. The controller includes: a magnet temperature detection device that detects the magnet temperature of the permanent magnet motor based on the output of a temperature sensor; a setting device that sets a threshold value of the magnet temperature corresponding to the desired output of the permanent magnet motor, based on a predetermined relation between the output from the permanent magnet motor and a critical temperature, up to which demagnetization in the permanent magnet motor is not caused; and a carrier frequency control device that, when the magnet temperature detected by the magnet temperature detection device exceeds the threshold value, changes the carrier frequency, at which the IGBT devices are switched, such that a ripple current superimposed on a motor current that flows through the permanent magnet motor is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2009Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuhito Hayashi, Masayoshi Suhama
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Patent number: 8555928Abstract: An adapter cap for the parallelepiped distributor section of a liquid treatment arrangement, which is provided with a flattened section in a corner area, on which the adapter cap can be placed, wherein the adapter cap has a base with a passage for a liquid, which corresponds to the passage for the liquid in the flattened section, and a pipe line connection. The pipe line connection comprises a universal connector, and a receptacle for a temperature sensor, which has been totally embedded into the receptacle by a casting compound, is provided in a base section of the adapter cap, where a connecting cable with an electrical plug connector leading away from the base section is provided, by which the temperature sensor is connectable to a temperature regulating arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2006Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Inventors: Philipp Pustelnik, Thomas Euler-Rolle
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Patent number: 8493184Abstract: System for remote measuring a physical variable comprising an RF transceiver arranged for transmitting an RF signal and for receiving a reflection signal derived from the transmitted signal. An RF transponder comprises a dielectric material having a dielectric property which is dependent on the physical variable according to a first function. The dielectric material is exposed to the physical variable to be measured. The transponder is arranged to receive the signal transmitted by the transceiver and to reflect a reflection signal, or the second and/or higher harmonics of it, which is dependent on the actual dielectric property. Processing means are provided for comparing the signal transmitted by the transceiver and the reflection signal received from the transponder and for converting the comparison result, e.g. the phase shift, into a value which is representative for the physical variable to be measured. The transponder may be e.g. a patch antenna.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2008Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNOInventor: Johannes Adrianus Cornelis Theeuwes
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Publication number: 20130130069Abstract: A polymer that combines high ionic conductivity with the structural properties required for Li electrode stability is useful as a solid phase electrolyte for high energy density, high cycle life batteries that do not suffer from failures due to side reactions and dendrite growth on the Li electrodes, and other potential applications. The polymer electrolyte includes a linear block copolymer having a conductive linear polymer block with a molecular weight of at least 5000 Daltons, a structural linear polymer block with an elastic modulus in excess of 1×107 Pa and an ionic conductivity of at least 1×10?5 Scm?1. The electrolyte is made under dry conditions to achieve the noted characteristics. In another aspect, the electrolyte exhibits a conductivity drop when the temperature of electrolyte increases over a threshold temperature, thereby providing a shutoff mechanism for preventing thermal runaway in lithium battery cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2012Publication date: May 23, 2013Inventors: Scott Mullin, Ashoutosh Panday, Nitash Pervez Balsara, Mohit Singh, Hany Basam Eitouni, Enrique Daniel Gomez
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Patent number: 8368411Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the determination of diffusion coefficients and/or exchange coefficient of a material having electronic and ionic conductivity. The material is permeable to at least one gas. It is the object of the invention to provide a cost-effective, accurate method for the determination of the diffusion coefficient and of the surface exchange coefficient which can be carried out in a short time and can thus be used for a screening of materials, in particular for application in the field of permeation membranes. The procedure is followed in accordance with the invention such that a sample of the material is arranged in a measurement chamber and has an electric current passed through it for a determination of the electric resistance. In this respect, a gas mixture in which the respective gas is contained is conducted through the measurement chamber as a gas flow and the partial pressure of the respective gas in the gas mixture is changed periodically at regular intervals.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2008Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung E.VInventors: Mihails Kusnezoff, Steffen Ziesche, Anne Paepke
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Patent number: 8350571Abstract: An electronic salt meter including a sensor rod, salt meter body and receiving components to measure a temperature and salinity. The electronic salt meter includes a first and sensor electrode and a temperature sensor to detect a temperature of the measurement object. A measurement monitoring unit detects whether the first and second sensor electrodes are electrically connected to each other. A salinity measurement unit applies an AC power to the first and second sensor electrodes to measure salinity of the measurement object. A temperature measurement unit applies a power to the temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the measurement object. A thermal equilibrium detection unit stores the temperature value previously measured, and when the temperature variation is less than a predetermined threshold, it is determined as a thermal equilibrium state. A room-temperature salinity conversion unit converts the salinity value into a salinity value at room temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Inventor: Yun-Ho Son
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Patent number: 8340928Abstract: A capacitive sensor in its simplest form has three identical plated spatial electrodes, which are positioned equally spaced apart, in order, alignment and parallel with each other. The first and third electrodes are the outer electrodes and connected in parallel by a first lead wire serving as a first electrical pole to be a group of the integrated electrodes. The second electrode is the middle electrode and connected by a second lead wire serving as a second electrical pole. The sensor is applied with an alternating current (AC) excitation signal from an AC device. The present invention method includes application of referencing and sensing capacitive sensors to obtain a measured temperature compensated electrical property of the oil to thereby obtain a measured remaining usage so as to a predicted remaining usage of the oil.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Inventor: Yizhong Sun
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Patent number: 8326555Abstract: A system and related method are provided for measuring conductivity/resistivity of water having high purity, including a temperature sensor and a conductivity/resistivity sensor exposed to a water source. The system further includes a computing assembly configured to receive measurement signals from the sensors and to determine change in resistivity over a change in temperature (a collected R/T slope) from the collected temperature measurements and the collected resistivity measurements. The system compares the collected R/T slope to a standardized R/T slope at a temperature value corresponding to a midpoint temperature of the temperature measurements over the prescribed time interval. Based on the comparing, the system provides providing a compensated measurement for resistivity or conductivity of the water source. As a result, the system can calibrate the sensor continually during use, in real time, resulting in highly improved accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2010Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Georg Fischer Signet LLCInventor: John W. Morgan
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Patent number: 8237444Abstract: An apparatus for investigating a geological formation surrounding a borehole including a logging tool moveable through the borehole, an electromagnetic probe 1 including a pad 2 mounted on the logging tool for engagement with the borehole by a wall-engaging face of the pad, at least one transmitting antenna TxA, TxB mounted in the wall-engaging face, and a plurality of spaced receiving antennas RxA, RxB mounted in the wall-engaging face spaced in relation to the transmitting antenna TxA, TxB. At least one of the antennas RxA, RxB, TxA, TxB is an open-ended antenna forming a substantially pure electric dipole normal to the pad face and wherein the first transmitting antenna of the at least one pair of transmitting antennas is positioned above the plurality of spaced receiving antennas and the second transmitting antenna of the at least one pair of transmitting antennas is positioned below the plurality of spaced receiving antennas.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Matthieu Simon
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Patent number: 8148994Abstract: A control unit (16) of a replacement determination device charges one or more battery modules (10) as determination targets, and measures the voltage change value of the battery module (10) in a predetermined period of time from the time of stoppage of charge by using a voltage measuring device (14). If the voltage change value becomes equal to or more than a reference voltage change value consecutively a predetermined number of times which is equal to or more than one, the control unit determines that the battery module (10) needs to be replaced.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2007Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone CorporationInventors: Akira Yamashita, Takahisa Shodai, Akihiro Miyasaka, Riichi Kitano
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Publication number: 20110140704Abstract: An electronic salt meter including a sensor rod, salt meter body and receiving components to measure a temperature and salinity. The electronic salt meter includes a first and sensor electrode and a temperature sensor to detect a temperature of the measurement object. A measurement monitoring unit detects whether the first and second sensor electrodes are electrically connected to each other. A salinity measurement unit applies an AC power to the first and second sensor electrodes to measure salinity of the measurement object. A temperature measurement unit applies a power to the temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the measurement object. A thermal equilibrium detection unit stores the temperature value previously measured, and when the temperature variation is less than a predetermined threshold, it is determined as a thermal equilibrium state. A room-temperature salinity conversion unit converts the salinity value into a salinity value at room temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Inventor: Yun-Ho Son
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Patent number: 7927010Abstract: Disposable, pre-sterilized, and pre-calibrated, pre-validated conductivity sensors are provided. These sensors are designed to store sensor-specific information, such as calibration and production information, in a non-volatile memory chip on the sensor. The sensors are calibrated using 0.100 molar potassium chloride (KCl) solutions at 25 degrees Celsius. These sensors may be utilize with in-line systems, closed fluid circuits, bioprocessing systems, or systems which require an aseptic environment while avoiding or reducing cleaning procedures and quality assurance variances.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2007Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: SenCal, LLCInventors: Karl G. Schick, David Uhen
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Patent number: 7884614Abstract: This invention relates to a device of electrodes for measuring water content in foundry sand, an apparatus for measuring water content in foundry sand, and a method and an apparatus for supplying water to a sand mixer. When the prior art device for measuring water content in the foundry sand is disposed in it, the size or shape of the device of the electrodes is limited.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2005Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Sintokogio, Ltd.Inventors: Hisashi Harada, Tadashi Nishida, Kozo Sugita
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Patent number: 7872448Abstract: A power supply system for portable equipment has a lithium-ion secondary battery as a power supply, a temperature detection portion for detecting a temperature of the power supply, a voltage detection portion for detecting a voltage of the power supply, a memory portion, and a forced discharge portion. The memory portion stores a control operating temperature, a control operating voltage and a control termination voltage. The forced discharge portion recognizes an abnormality of the power supply when the temperature of the power supply is at least the control operating temperature and the voltage of the power supply is at least the control operating voltage. Then, the forced discharge portion electrifies the notification portion and makes it inform a message indicating that the abnormality is being avoided. The forced discharge portion forcedly discharges the power supply until the voltage of the power supply reaches the control termination voltage.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2005Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Akihiro Taniguchi, Toshihiko Ichinose
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Patent number: 7857506Abstract: Disposable, pre-sterilized, and pre-calibrated, pre-validated conductivity sensors are provided. These sensors are designed to store sensor-specific information, such as calibration and production information, in a non-volatile memory chip on the sensor. The sensors are calibrated using 0.100 molar potassium chloride (KCl) solutions at 25 degrees Celsius. These sensors may be utilize with in-line systems, closed fluid circuits, bioprocessing systems, or systems which require an aseptic environment while avoiding or reducing cleaning procedures and quality assurance variances.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2005Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: SenCal LLCInventors: Karl G. Schick, David Uhen
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Patent number: 7788047Abstract: Disposable, pre-sterilized, and pre-calibrated, pre-validated conductivity sensors are provided. These sensors are designed to store sensor-specific information, such as calibration and production information, in a non-volatile memory chip on the sensor on in a barcode printed on the sensor. The sensors are calibrated using 0.100 molar potassium chloride (KCl) solutions at 25 degrees Celsius. These sensors may be utilize with in-line systems, closed fluid circuits, bioprocessing systems, or systems which require an aseptic environment while avoiding or reducing cleaning procedures and quality assurance variances.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: SenCal LLCInventors: Karl G. Schick, David Uhen
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Patent number: 7729870Abstract: Methods for detecting oil conditions including a top level of an oil in an oil system which is reduced to a top level of a predetermined threshold amount of the oil, a normal oil deterioration which occurs in the absence of water having a confirmed actual remaining usage of the oil, and an abnormal oil deterioration which occurs in the presence of water. The methods include a first preferred embodiment which applies reference and sensing capacitors to obtain a measured temperature compensated electrical property of the oil. From which a quantitatively measured remaining usage is obtained so as to a predicted one for the oil. Therefore, the respective top oil level, or the normal or the abnormal oil deterioration can be concluded according to the measured remaining usage which is respectively larger than, or similar to, or less than the predicted one for the oil. A second preferred embodiment only includes the sensing capacitor for obtaining the measured temperature compensated electrical property of the oil.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Inventor: Yizhong Sun
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Patent number: 7694538Abstract: A system and method of determining the temperature of a rotating electromagnetic machine, such as an electric motor or generator. A temperature calibration parameter is calculated based on the temperature of an object situated close to the motor, such as a motor drive connected to the motor, and a first resistance value of the winding. In exemplary embodiments, the motor drive and first resistance value are determined only after the motor has been idle for some predetermined time period. Once the calibration parameter is calculated, the processor uses it along with subsequent resistance measurements to calculate the temperature of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2005Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventors: J Stephen Thorn, Bret S Clark, Joseph G Marcinkiewicz, Vinod Sadasivam, Darko Marcetic, Gregory M Levine
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Patent number: 7323887Abstract: A contacting-type conductivity sensor includes a plurality of electrodes disposed on a distal surface of a substrate. The substrate includes a plurality of vias through which electrical interconnection to the electrodes is accomplished. The conductivity sensor can employ two or four electrodes and may have a temperature sensitive element disposed on the distal surface. The electrodes may be patterned or otherwise deposited using semiconductor processing techniques.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2006Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Rosemount Analytical Inc.Inventor: Chang-Dong Feng
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Patent number: 7230430Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a method and apparatus for testing electrochemical cells which is faster and more cost-effective than current testing methods. Accordingly, the invention provides a method for testing electrochemical cells, particularly batteries for medical applications, such as for implantable devices for pacemakers, defibrillators, etc., comprising the steps of: surrounding at least one electrochemical cell with a vacuum with a pressure range of 0 to 0.001 Torr and measuring energy emitted from the electrochemical cell.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Greatbatch, Inc.Inventor: Donald F. Kaiser
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Patent number: 6967489Abstract: Methods and systems for effecting a parameter and detecting a parameter using two electric signal in a conductive path are described.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2004Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Carlton F. Brooks, Morten Juel Jensen, Seth Stern
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Patent number: 6884356Abstract: Methods and apparatus (50) are disclosed for accurately measuring low concentrations of boron in deionized water utilizing the chemical reaction of boric acid with a polyol by injecting very small plugs of concentrated polyol into streams of boron containing and non-boron containing water samples to produce an ionized acids product, and then measuring the conductivity difference (delta conductivity), corrected for interfering or extraneous factors which can effect conductivity, between such boron containing and non-boron containing samples using a conductivity and temperature detector (23).Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2001Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Sievers Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Paul P. Kosenka, Kevin J. O'Neill, Richard D. Godec
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Patent number: 6750661Abstract: Methods and systems for effecting a parameter and detecting a parameter using two electric signal in a conductive path are described.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Carlton F. Brooks, Morten Juel Jensen, Seth Stern
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Publication number: 20030173971Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a storage battery is provided that generates a temperature at which the battery will fail to meet performance criteria. The use of a temperature-based system to rate battery performance provides a clearer understanding to those not skilled in the art of battery testing. The critical failure temperature is obtained using the battery parameters of open circuit voltage, temperature and a dynamic parameter such as conductance or resistance.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2003Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventors: Kevin I. Bertness, J. David Vonderhaar, Dennis V. Brown, James K. Klang
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Patent number: 6577134Abstract: Liquid conductivity and temperature are measured in respective sensitivity fields that are collocated—i. e., in volumes that nearly match by mathematical, geometrical, or functional criteria. Collocation is as distinct from mere adjacency or proximity; and is with respect to measurement volumes, not measuring hardware. Preferably pressure too is measured with sensitivity very generally collocated to the conductivity and temperature sensitivity. Preferably, respective temporal/spatial bandwidths of the two (or three) sensors are matched. Preferably the pressure sensor is a MEMS transducer, the conductivity sensor is a four-terminal device, the thermometer is a thermistor encapsulated in a silkscreened glass wall, and circuits (1) compensate for time lag between conductivity and temperature measurement, (2) remove artifacts due to detritus in or near either sensor, and (3) derive secondary parameters of the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Areté AssociatesInventors: Guy J. Farruggia, Allan B. Fraser
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Publication number: 20030094953Abstract: Methods and systems for effecting a parameter and detecting a parameter using two electric signal in a conductive path are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2002Publication date: May 22, 2003Applicant: Caliper Technologies Corp.Inventors: Carlton F. Brooks, Morten Juel Jensen, Seth Stern
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Method, system and device for producing signals from a substance biological and/or chemical activity
Patent number: 6541978Abstract: The invention concerns a method, a system and a device for producing, from a substance, electric signals characteristic of the biological activity of an active element contained in the substance. The method consists in: placing the substance in a zone subjected to a specific electric, magnetic and/or electromagnetic excitation field. The method further includes a step which consists in transforming the fields resulting form the interaction between the specific excitation filed and the substance, into signals, in particular electric signals, using a first transducer receiving the resulting fields.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: DigibioInventors: Jacques Benveniste, Didier Guillonnet -
Patent number: 6504358Abstract: In order to detect a motor temperature during operation of a motor without using any sensors, the motor temperature is determined when the motor is switched on by measuring a current and a voltage at the time when the motor is switched on. The motor temperature can be determined by relationships by determining the real element of the motor impedance from the current and voltage signals, and comparing the values when the motor is stationary and values which have been obtained at a known temperature. The determination can be carried out in analog or digital form, with a computer being used in the latter case.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2000Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Reinhard Maier, Paul Fröhlich
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Patent number: 6489774Abstract: A miniaturized ion analysis system with a contactless conductivity detection means is described for use in liquid phase sample analysis and detection. The device is formed by microfabrication of microstructures in novel support substrates. The detection means can be fabricated directly in the support body at the point of detection or other locations on the device or, alternatively, may be formed as part of a modular structure that is insertable into the device at the point of detection. In addition, a method is provided for analyzing ionic species present in a sample using the miniaturized ion analysis device. The invention herein is used for the analysis of ionic solutes in the liquid phase.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1999Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Tom A van de Goor, Patrick Kaltenbach
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Publication number: 20020167322Abstract: A thin film integrated conductivity sensor is formed on a suitable surface for measuring the electrical conductivity of a liquid. The surface is preferably an insulator, but may be conducting, if the electrodes are on an insulating surface. A preferred embodiment insulates the electrodes by use of a dielectric layer that is deposited on top of a silicon wafer substrate. A sensor tip is integrated on the top surface of the substrate. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate is fabricated into a sensor shape with a small sharp tip at one end and an opposite larger end for accommodating electrode pads. The larger end might also be used for integration of measurement circuits or accommodating bonding pads. In a preferred embodiment, the tip also accommodates an integrated temperature sensor to enable local temperature measurements.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2001Publication date: November 14, 2002Inventors: Dongming He, Mark A. Shannon
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Publication number: 20020163339Abstract: A battery-monitoring system in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes one or more cell sensors modules linked to a battery sensor module via a data interface. In turn, the one or more battery sensor modules may be linked to an alarm interface. Each cell sensor module includes one or more sensors that monitor physical parameters, such as cell voltage and temperature, related to the corresponding cell. Each battery sensor module monitors physical parameters, such as battery voltage, discharge current, and temperature related to the battery. The battery sensor module also gather cell monitoring information from the plurality of cell sensor modules. Various battery monitor-related analytical, control, and reporting functions may be performed by the various modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2002Publication date: November 7, 2002Inventors: Daniel D. Friel, Louis Hruska
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Publication number: 20020135377Abstract: Liquid conductivity and temperature are measured in respective sensitivity fields that are collocated—i. e., in volumes that nearly match by mathematical, geometrical, or functional criteria. Collocation is as distinct from mere adjacency or proximity; and is with respect to measurement volumes, not measuring hardware. Preferably pressure too is measured with sensitivity very generally collocated to the conductivity and temperature sensitivity. Preferably, respective temporal/spatial bandwidths of the two (or three) sensors are matched. Preferably the pressure sensor is a MEMS transducer, the conductivity sensor is a four-terminal device, the thermometer is a thermistor encapsulated in a silkscreened glass wall, and circuits (1) compensate for time lag between conductivity and temperature measurement, (2) remove artifacts due to detritus in or near either sensor, and (3) derive secondary parameters of the liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2001Publication date: September 26, 2002Applicant: Arete AssociatesInventors: Guy J. Farruggia, Allan B. Fraser
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Patent number: 6433560Abstract: A combination fluid condition monitor and fluid level sensor having an excitation electrode divided into two segments disposed closely spaced and parallel to current sensing electrode. For the fluid condition monitoring mode function both segments of the excitation electrode are commonly excited sequentially at high and low frequencies and the currents sensed in the sensing electrode employed to compute the difference in impedance for determining the fluid condition. For the level sensing mode function a mode switching circuit grounds one of the excitation electrode segments and excites the other then grounds the other segment and excites the one segment and the resultant currents ratioed to determine the amount of electrode immersed in fluid and hence the fluid level.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: James E. Hansen, Edward F. Buck, Lian Q. Zou, Victor E. Shtaida, Peter J. McGinnis, Birger Pahl
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Publication number: 20020097054Abstract: In a method and arrangement for determining a requirement to replace a component in a device, the measurement of a first parameter that has an unbeneficial influence on the consumption or the service life of the component is replaced by the measurement of at least two parameters that represent the first parameter and whose changes allow the current condition of the component to be calculated. A count reading is thereby modified such that it approaches an outage threshold that is specific for the component and such that the device emits a warning before the end of use or end of the service life of the component part is reached. The invention can be advantageously utilized for the indirect measurement of parameters of components that are located in a security module or in its immediate proximity, for example for determining a requirement for battery replacement for security modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2001Publication date: July 25, 2002Applicant: Francotyp-Postalia AG & Co. KGInventors: Dirk Rosenau, Torsten Schlaaff
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Patent number: H2228Abstract: A conductivity sensor positioned in-line between two pipe sections within a cylindrical collar portion of a measurement assembly measures the electrical conductivity of fluid under flow through a passage therein to generate a conductivity data signal, while a separate temperature measurement data signal is generated by a temperature sensor embedded within the collar portion of the measurement assembly in close axially spaced relation to the conductivity sensor. Both of the data signals are fed from the conductivity and the temperature sensors to a data processing system to provide a temperature compensated conductivity measurement readout.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2004Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: James A. Eick, Douglas G. McDonnell