Having Conductance Probe Structure Patents (Class 324/446)
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Patent number: 11852601Abstract: According to the present invention, an electrode terminal assembly for a liquid quality meter apparatus for measuring liquid quality on the basis of the electrical resistance of a liquid to be measured comprises: a pair of electrode terminals comprising a body, which contacts the liquid being measured when liquid quality is measured and has an overall rod shape, and a protruding step formed at a predetermined portion between the opposite ends of the body; and a fixing body comprising a pair of electrode through-holes through which the pair of electrode terminals pass. In the electrode terminal assembly having the above-described structure, each of the pair of electrode terminals is arranged such that, when the electrode terminals are inserted into the electrode through-holes of the fixing body by a predetermined length, the protruding step is caught by the fixing body so that the electrode terminals are no longer inserted.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2019Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: Kyungdong Navien Co., LTD.Inventors: Tae Seong Kwon, Ji Hyung Yoon, Jong Kil Kim
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Patent number: 11435306Abstract: A method of determining moisture content in an emulsified asphalt-aggregate system is disclosed. The method includes: placing a first electrode in an emulsified asphalt-aggregate system (Mixture) at a first depth, placing a second electrode in the Mixture at a second depth, applying an alternating current (AC) signal between the first electrode and the second electrode, measuring impedance, determining the frequency which yields the minimum measured impedance, recording the minimum measured impedance, repeating the above steps at a predetermined time interval until the recorded minimum impedance is about 10 times of the first recorded minimum impedance, and alerting a user that the Mixture has sufficiently cured.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2019Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: Purdue Research FoundationInventors: John Ernest Haddock, William Jason Weiss, Miguel Angel Montoya Rodriguez
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Patent number: 11352880Abstract: An assembly for use in a wellbore can include a plurality of sensors positioned external to a casing string. The plurality of sensors can be positioned for detecting an amount of a hydrocarbon that is present in a fluid in the wellbore and a pH of the fluid in the wellbore. The plurality of sensors can be positioned for wirelessly transmitting signals representing the amount of the hydrocarbon that is present in the fluid and the pH of the fluid to a receiving device.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2020Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Paul F. Rodney, Mark W. Roberson, Batakrishna Mandal, Vimal V. Shah, Scott Goodwin
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Patent number: 11185306Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes a first assembly having a first case, a second assembly coupled with the first assembly, having a second case, and configured to be rotatable between a first position of being unfolded with respect to the first assembly and a second position of being folded on the first assembly, a first acoustic module disposed in the inside of the first case, a second acoustic module disposed in the inside of the second case, and a first space reducing portion disposed in at least one of a portion of the first case toward the second assembly and a portion of the second case toward the first assembly, and configured to reduce a space between the first acoustic module and the second acoustic module when the second assembly is at the first position.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2018Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD.Inventor: Soon Ho Kwon
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Patent number: 11092510Abstract: A multi-directional water sensor comprises a housing having multiple conductive pads on the outer surface of the housing at locations spaced around the periphery of the housing, an electrical power source located inside the housing, a buzzer located inside the housing, and multiple electrical conductors located inside the housing and connecting multiple pairs of the contacts so that electrical current can flow between different pairs of the contacts when they are connected by water. The buzzer produces a sound when electrical current flows between any pair of the contacts.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2020Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: Glentronics, Inc.Inventor: Ilya Ostashev
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Patent number: 11054297Abstract: A fluid sensing switch comprising a flex sensor having a plurality of conductive sensing areas and an energizing conductive area and a synchronous detector that detects a presence and a content of a bilge and produces a signal that is used to activate a pump.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Bilge Sense LLCInventors: David A. Durfee, Petar Horvatic, Courtney Pauline Medeiros, Walmen Dumaliang, Jeanette Numbers, Alexander M. Wang, Benjamin Ricci
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Patent number: 10753900Abstract: Improved sensor assemblies are provided. More particularly, the present disclosure provides microelectrode array (“MEA”) real-time in situ global sensing assemblies for enhancing efficiency and stability of wastewater treatment systems. In general, the present disclosure provides for a novel global sensing technology utilizing a microelectrode array (MEA) to solve various problems of monitoring wastewater treatment systems. The present disclosure provides for improved systems/methods for monitoring wastewater treatment systems, with the improved systems/methods obtaining a substantially complete global profile of multiple parameters simultaneously. More particularly, the present disclosure provides that by patterning multiple electrodes (e.g., mm-sized electrodes) on a film (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2017Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: University of ConnecticutInventors: Baikun Li, Yu Lei, Zhiheng Xu
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Patent number: 10571419Abstract: A conductivity cell includes a cylindrical flow tube holder having a closed first end and an open second end, a first end fitting positioned on the first end of the flow tube holder, a second end fitting positioned on the second end of the flow tube holder, a flow tube positioned within the flow tube holder, an end cap positioned in the open second end of the flow tube holder and adjacent the flow tube and the second end fitting, a plurality of electrodes positioned in the flow tube, a plurality of o-rings positioned on the electrodes, and a flow through hole extending from the first end fitting through the flow tube holder, the flow tube, and the end cap to the second end fitting. The plurality of electrodes are press-fit into the flow tube.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.Inventors: Thomas Lenagh, Rudy Pitera, Tomas Lorincz
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Patent number: 10416016Abstract: A grid sensor system for characterizing a fluid flow includes a sensor insert having a grid sensor element and a flow guide having an inlet line, an outlet line, and an insert holder arranged between the same to hold the sensor insert. A rectilinear flow path is formed by the flow guide. The insert holder is formed in such a way that the sensor insert can be inserted into the insert holder along an insertion direction extending transversely with respect to the flow path. When the sensor insert is held in the insert holder, none of the electrodes extends parallel to the insertion direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2016Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: Hemlholtz-Zentrum Dresden—Rossendorf e.V.Inventors: Eckhard Schleicher, Martin Tschofen, Heiko Pietruske
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Patent number: 10393687Abstract: A multi-directional water sensor comprises a housing having multiple conductive pads on the outer surface of the housing at locations spaced around the periphery of the housing, an electrical power source coupled to the conductive pads, and multiple electrical conductors located inside the housing and connecting multiple pairs of the contacts so that electrical current can flow between different pairs of the contacts when they are connected by water. The housing may have a generally rectangular shape, with the contacts located at the corners of the housing. The multiple electrical conductors are connected to an alarm that is energized when electrical current flows between any pair of the contacts.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2018Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: Glentronics, Inc.Inventor: Ilya Ostashev
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Patent number: 10294132Abstract: An apparatus and method to convert high resistivity (18 MOhm/cm) deionized water into lower resistivity deionized water with a tight resistivity range. The apparatus is diminished in size to require less space, has an improved sensitivity resistivity probe to permit a lower operating range, an increased communication rate with updated control logic to permit holding tighter tolerances. The method is environmentally friendly in that it replaces the use of harsh chemistries and eliminates the generation of hazardous waste.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2015Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: VEECO PRECISION SURFACE PROCESSING LLCInventors: John Taddei, Jonathan Yutkowitz
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Patent number: 9921177Abstract: Monitoring of conductivity within a steam generating system may proceed in real time and without interruption of the steam generating system by use of a boron doped diamond based electrochemical band sensor placed within the steam generating system. The boron doped diamond based electrochemical band sensor has a diamond body and a plurality of boron doped diamond band electrodes disposed within the diamond body. At least a portion of each of the plurality of boron doped diamond band electrodes is doped with boron to provide metallic conduction.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLCInventors: Lawrence N. Kremer, Sidney A. Dunn, David N. Fulmer, Regis R. Rumpf
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Patent number: 9869629Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for conducting high temperature corrosion tests on metallic alloys without the need for extensive laboratory equipment and attendant safety measures through the use of a two-compartment ampoule where a vestibule connects these two compartments. A pre-selected mixture of salts is placed in one compartment in order to generate a specific partial pressure of halogen gas; and a metallic alloy is placed in the other compartment. The ampoule is then heated to a pre-determined temperature and held at this temperature for a pre-determined time period. A halogen gas of a specific partial pressure is thereby generated from the mixture of salts which comes into contact with the metallic alloy. Because the ampoule creates a sealed environment, the metallic alloy is under constant halogenation during the pre-determined time period. The metallic alloy is removed for examination when the pre-determined time period expires.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2017Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Vilupanur A Ravi, Juan Carlos Nava, Shahan Kasnakjian
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Patent number: 9698456Abstract: A fill level measuring device (3) operating with the transit time method and a termination element (1) for a waveguide (2) of the fill level measuring device (3) has a carrier element (13) that is arranged between a first cylinder element (11) and a second cylinder element (12) and has an impedance-matching component (15) that is arranged on the carrier element (13).Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Krohne S.A.S.Inventor: Vincent Pichot
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Patent number: 9000769Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present application describe a process to perform activation of carbon based electrodes in a controlled manner, where the degree of activation is monitored and calculated simultaneously with the ongoing activation process. Such an approach is intended to improve the reproducibility of electrodes that may include, but are not limited to, the following parameters: electrochemical capacitance, electrochemical transfer coefficient, amperiometric response to enzymatic reactions.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Proxim DiagnosticsInventor: Mikhail Briman
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Patent number: 8988079Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present application describe a carbon-based electrode with graphene platelets. The addition of graphene platelets is intended to improve properties of the electrode. These properties include, but are not limited to, physical, electrical, and biochemical properties of the electrode. Enhanced reproducibility of these properties can also result from the addition of the graphene platelets.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2014Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Proxim DiagnosticsInventors: Mikhail Briman, Vikram Joshi
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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: 8917105Abstract: A testing apparatus for measuring the material properties of solder balls includes a frame and a chuck base moveable in X, Y, Z dimensions, relative to the frame. A probe tip is fixed to the frame. A measuring device is mounted to the frame and maintains a spacing with relationship to the probe tip and which has an initial, known height above the chuck base.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2012Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: David L. Gardell
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Patent number: 8760185Abstract: An improved system for capacitive testing electrical connections in a low signal environment. The system includes features that increase sensitivity of a capacitive probe. One feature is a spacer positioned to allow the probe to be partially inserted into the component without contacting the pins. The spacer may be a collar on the probe that contacts the housing of the component, contacts the substrate of the circuit assembly, or both. In some other embodiments, the spacer may be a riser extending beyond the surface of the sense plate that contacts the component, a riser portion of the component, or a combination of both. The spacer improves sensitivity by establishing a small gap between a sense plate of the probe and pins under test without risk of damage to the pins. A second feature is a guard plate of the probe with reduced capacitance to a sense plate of the probe. Reducing capacitance also increases the sensitivity of the probe.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2009Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Inventor: Anthony J. Suto
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Patent number: 8330604Abstract: Disclosed is a handheld salinity analyzer including a body, in which a circuit board and a battery are installed, a cell block provided with one end inserted into one end of the body and the other end on which a projecting part provided with a salinity sensor hole and a depressed part provided with a temperature sensor hole are formed, a salinity sensor inserted into the salinity sensor hole and provided with one end connected to the circuit board, a temperature sensor inserted into the temperature sensor hole and provided with one end connected to the circuit board, an ON/OFF switch installed on the end of the body, a light emitting lamp connected to the circuit board, and a body cover connected to the end of the body provided with the ON/OFF switch or to the cell block, and provided with an operating piece to operate the ON/OFF switch.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignees: Dae Yoon Scale Industrial Co., Ltd., Republic of Korea (Management: Rural Development Administration)Inventors: Gil mo Yang, Eun gi Cho, Kang jin Lee, Gi young Kim, Jae yong Son, Suk won Kang, Chang yeun Mo, Jai gyu Kim, In ho Seo
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Patent number: 8283939Abstract: A test probe includes a filtering unit and a contact unit. The filtering unit includes an inductive component, a capacitive component, and an insulation component insulates the inductive component from the capacitive component. The contact unit contacts a test point to get a test signal. The filtering unit filters noise from the test signal. The test probe can be assembled and disassembled easily, and parameters of the filtering unit can be changed by changing structure of each component.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2010Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shen-Chun Li, Shou-Kuo Hsu
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Publication number: 20120242345Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present application describe a process to perform activation of carbon based electrodes in a controlled manner, where the degree of activation is monitored and calculated simultaneously with the ongoing activation process. Such an approach is intended to improve the reproducibility of electrodes that may include, but are not limited to, the following parameters: electrochemical capacitance, electrochemical transfer coefficient, amperiometric response to enzymatic reactions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: PROXIM DIAGNOSTICSInventor: Mikhail Briman
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Patent number: 7971425Abstract: The concentration of the urea of a urea solution is identified accurately and immediately. A pulse voltage is applied for a predetermined time to a urea concentration identifying sensor heater including a heater and an identifying liquid temperature sensor provided in the vicinity of the heater, a urea solution to be identified is heated by the heater, and the concentration of the urea is identified with a voltage output difference V0 corresponding to a temperature difference between an initial temperature and a peak temperature in the identifying liquid temperature sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takayuki Takahata, Toshiaki Kawanishi, Kiyoshi Yamagishi
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Patent number: 7772854Abstract: An improved contacting-type conductivity measurement system and method are provided. A first conductivity measurement is obtained by driving a contacting-type conductivity sensor with an excitation voltage at a first frequency, a second conductivity is obtained by driving the contacting-type conductivity sensor with the excitation voltage at a second frequency. The first and second conductivity measurements are used to provide a more accurate conductivity output.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Rosemount Analytical Inc.Inventor: Behzad Rezvani
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Patent number: 7696762Abstract: A non metallic flow through electrodeless conductivity sensor is provided with a conduit having primary and secondary process fluid flowpaths to form a fluid loop. At least one drive and one sense toroid surround the conduit on the fluid loop. Voltage supplied to the drive toroid induces a current in the sense toroid via the fluid loop to eliminate any need for metallic electrodes in contact with the process fluid. At least one additional drive and/or sense toroid is disposed on the fluid loop to enhance induction. Optionally one or more sense coils are disposed about the conduit outside of the fluid loop to cancel out stray electrical noise. An optional conductor disposed along the conduit detects any fluid leakage through changes in resistance thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2008Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventors: John Kevin Quackenbush, Michael M. Bower, Stephen B. Talutis, Donald S. McKinlay
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Patent number: 7660349Abstract: Transmit equalization over high speed digital communication paths may be compensated in a receiver for a probe on that path. In one example, a probe input provides a signal from an electronic communications path, the signal having been processed by a transmit equalizer. A filter circuit processes the signal to compensate for the transmit equalizer, and a decoder decodes the processed signal and produces an output for use by test equipment.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2005Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Larry R. Tate, Harry R. Rogers
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Patent number: 7619419Abstract: A wideband differential signal probe includes separate paths to convert a lower frequency component and a higher frequency component of a differential signal to a lower frequency single ended signal and a higher frequency single ended signal which are combined for the probe's output which is commonly input to instrumentation.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2006Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.Inventor: Richard Campbell
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Patent number: 7545148Abstract: In an electrochemical sensor, the potential difference applied to the electrochemical cell is raised to a measuring value at a rate determined to reduce the transient current. The maximum rate of change of the voltage is set to prevent saturation of an IE converter. The electrochemical cell may contain micro-electrodes as working and reference electrodes. The method may be applied to a battery powered, handheld device.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2005Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Oxford Biosensors LimitedInventors: Kevin Lorimer, John Griffiths, Mark Hyland, Herbert Frank Askew, John Morton Broughall
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Patent number: 7492161Abstract: The current invention relates to a nanosized electrical probe for measuring an electrical signal of charged colloidal particles, and a device for measuring an electrical signal of charged colloidal particles using the same, thus exhibiting excellent effects on measurement of variations in internal charge or voltage of the charged colloidal particles (e.g., mitochondria) in a solution.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: INJE University Industry—Academic Cooperation FoundationInventors: Jin Han, Na-Ri Kim, Jae-Boum Youm, Hyun Joo, Dae-Young Hur
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Patent number: 7456638Abstract: A MEMS-based silicon CTD sensor for ocean environment is presented. The sensor components are a capacitive conductivity sensor, a gold doped silicon temperature sensor, and a multiple diapghram piezoresistive pressure sensor. The sensor elements have further been packaged to protect them from harsh marine environment. The sensor components showed good linear response, resolution and mechanical integrity to the harsh ocean environment.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2006Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: University of South FloridaInventors: Shekhar Bhansali, Lawrence C. Langebrake, Shreyas Bhat
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Publication number: 20080258735Abstract: A non metallic flow through electrodeless conductivity sensor is provided with a conduit having primary and secondary process fluid flowpaths to form a fluid loop. At least one drive and one sense toroid surround the conduit on the fluid loop. Voltage supplied to the drive toroid induces a current in the sense toroid via the fluid loop to eliminate any need for metallic electrodes in contact with the process fluid. At least one additional drive and/or sense toroid is disposed on the fluid loop to enhance induction. Optionally one or more sense coils are disposed about the conduit outside of the fluid loop to cancel out stray electrical noise. An optional conductor disposed along the conduit detects any fluid leakage through changes in resistance thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventors: John Kevin Quackenbush, Michael M. Bower, Stephen B. Talutis, Donald S. McKinlay
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Patent number: 7436187Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for detecting and responding to foaming of a fluid being heated, and more particularly, for operating a device having a container with fluid therein, wherein a resistance of an electrical path from a probe is measured through the fluid to a ground resistance. In operation, a control probe having a foam detecting conductance microcontroller module shuts off the device based on a predetermined volatility/variability of two or more resistance readings, because such may indicate the presence of foam in the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2005Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Christopher J. Thomson
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Publication number: 20080246489Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device and a measuring method for investigating particles which are suspended in a carrier liquid, including several measuring electrodes for carrying out electrical measuring of the particles. It is proposed that during electrical measuring, the particles be fixed in a field cage (4).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2005Publication date: October 9, 2008Applicant: EVOTEC TECHNOLOGIES GMBHInventors: Hans Gerard Leonard Coster, Terry Calvin Chilcott, Stefan Lupke, Torsten Muller, Thomas Schnelle
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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: 7259566Abstract: In accordance with the present invention is a miniature planar oceanographic conductivity, temperature pressure (CTD) system based on a thin film material fabricated on a Liquid Crystalline Polymer (LCP). The micro-CTD system in accordance with the present invention analyzes water for salinity by measuring conductivity, temperature and depth.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2006Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: University of South FloridaInventors: Heather A. Broadbent, David P. Fries, George T. Steimle, Stanislav Ivanov
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Patent number: 7176692Abstract: A measuring probe for potentiometric measurements has a housing (2) formed of an electrically insulating material that encloses at least one hollow space (8, 10) containing a half-cell element defining a first electrode. At least one additional electrode (12) is provided on a portion (4) of the housing adapted for immersion in a measuring solution (6) and is connected to a contact terminal (K3) that is arranged outside of the immersible portion (4). Each additional electrode (12) is defined by an electrically conductive coating (14) applied to the outside of the housing (2).Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AGInventors: Jean-Nicolas Adami, Philippe Ehrismann, Markus Bernasconi
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Patent number: 7126343Abstract: An apparatus and associated process for constructing a conductivity probe are disclosed. The conductivity probe includes at least two magnetic circuits in toroidal shape. Each of these “toroids” includes a ferrite core around which is wrapped a conductive wire (i.e., coil winding). To construct the conductivity probe, a toroid keeper having an upper annulus and a lower annulus separated by a spacer is provided. One of the two toroids is set on the upper annulus and the other toroid is set on the lower annulus. Connection leads extending from the coil wrappings of the toroids are routed from the keeper through wiring channels build into an elongated neck coupled to the keeper. The connection leads terminate at the distal end of the elongated neck relative to the keeper for connection to a controller.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Ronald Bruce Howes, Jr., John Ellwood Thomas, Paul Joseph Pankratz
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Patent number: 7106067Abstract: A calibration plug provides resistance simulation for calibrating toroidal conductivity sensors. This calibration plug includes a resistive element of predetermined electrical resistance coupled in series between electrical leads which may be engaged with a circuit element to form an electrical circuit. The toroidal sensor includes one or more toroidal coils defining a central bore extending therethrough, a cell factor, and a full scale conductivity value. The predetermined resistance of the resistive element is determined in accordance with the following equation: Resistance ? ? in ? ? Ohms = [ geometric ] ? ? cell ? ? factor ? ( of ? ? EC ? ? sensor ) × 1000 Full ? ? scale ? ? conductivity value ? ? in ? ? millisiemens / cm and the calibration plug further includes indicia identifying one or more toroidal conductivity sensors for which the plug is configured.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2005Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventors: John K. Quackenbush, Stephen B. Talutis
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Patent number: 7078910Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating and improving the properties of fluid formulations is disclosed. The inventive concept employs impedance spectroscopy (IS) measurements and data analyses to determine IS parameters of fluids representative of a fluid formulation. Correlations are determined between the IS parameters and the properties of the fluids, and a modified or new fluid formulation may be developed responsive to the correlations.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2004Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Richard Walter Hirthe, Jianxun Hu, Charles John Koehler, Martin Arthur Seitz, David Richard Sosnowski, Ronald Mark Johnson, David Lee Wooton, Anne Matthews Brunson
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Patent number: 7038459Abstract: An oil deterioration detection apparatus includes a sensor, an evaluation circuit, and a malfunction detecting circuit. The evaluation circuit has a determination circuit. The malfunction detecting circuit has a resistor and a switch. The evaluation circuit evaluates a condition of the oil based on a normal voltage. The normal voltage is measured when the switch is opened so that the resistor is not electrically conducted. The determination circuit determines whether the sensor malfunctions based on a relation between the normal voltage and a divided voltage. The divided voltage is measured when the switch is closed so that the resistor is electrically conducted in parallel with the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2003Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: DENSO CorporationInventor: Shinji Wakabayashi
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Patent number: 7006929Abstract: A sensor capable of simply and quickly measuring the electrical activities of a number of cells simultaneously and a device comprising the sensor and capable of detecting the signal transmission between subject cells are provided. The sensor comprises a plurality of electrodes provided on a substrate. The electrodes individually measure a signal generated by a biological sample held by each of the electrodes. Each of the electrodes comprises a depression for holding the biological sample, a throughhole which is in communication with the depression and penetrates to a rear side of the substrate, an electrode portion, and a drawing line from the electrode portion. The electrodes are arranged so that the samples held by the depressions electrically communicate with one another.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignees: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., The Ritsumeikan TrustInventors: Hiroaki Oka, Nobuhiko Ozaki, Hirokazu Sugihara, Satoshi Konishi
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Patent number: 6930486Abstract: A conductivity probe having a modular design. A probe body has a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end includes a recessed portion for providing a seat for an O-ring that seals an electrode tip assembly. The probe body also includes a set of internal threads for engaging with cooperating threads disposed on the electrode tip assembly. The distal end of the body terminates in a bottom wall having an opening leading to a connection pipe attached to a junction box. The exterior of the probe body includes a stepped down profile of varying constant diameters with a side port formed in the probe body for receiving a temperature compensation probe. The probe body includes a set of external threads and wrench flats for installing the probe into a boiler conduit. The design is completely modular with minimal assembly required. The probe body is machined easily and features hard stops for trouble-free assembly. Also, there is no potting of the electrical components required.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Pulsafeeder, Inc.Inventors: Stephen B. Muscarella, Philip T. Pascoe
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Patent number: 6894502Abstract: The invention relates to an internal solution ground for primary use with a pH sensor, and preferably with a multi-sensing instrument monitoring a pH sensor and one or more additional secondary sensors having non-isolated circuits. In one aspect, a pH sensor assembly includes a pH electrode, a reference electrode, and an internal solution ground wire. The internal solution ground wire shares a liquid junction with the reference electrode but is protected by the reference fill solution. In one embodiment, the internal solution ground can be electrically isolated through a capacitor or, alternately, a capacitor and resistor in parallel.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2002Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Rosemount Analytical Inc.Inventors: Chang-Dong Feng, Joe N. Covey, Beth Meinhard Covey, Richard N. Baril, Roland H. Koluvek
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Patent number: 6861843Abstract: An AC powered device detecting the presence of a conducting fluid using a source of detecting current through the fluid other than a grounded supply. All paths between the source of current and the fluid include large impedances, termed protecting impendances. The protecting impedances are sufficient to prevent the fluid from posing a shock hazard should the source have or develop a connection to AC. Protection does not rely on the isolation of the source from AC. The source may be either AC or an ungrounded supply generated by the device. Using AC as the source of detecting current eliminates the need to generate an ac signal to limit plating. The sensing circuit may remain isolated by using AC leakage current to drive the sensing means. Fluid detection is possible in devices in which the fluid is in contact with a probe, typically the chassis, whether the probe is grounded as intended or is floating.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2002Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Inventor: Alfred Wade Muldoon
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Patent number: 6836123Abstract: A sensing device is featured that electrochemically measures methanol concentration. The sensing device has a flexible composite of layered materials wrapped about a flexible tube having aperture contact with a methanol flow stream. The layered materials sequentially wrapped on the tube are: a polytetrafluoroethylene insulation sheet; an electrically conducting mesh representing the anode current collector; a carbon-based material representing an anode diffusion medium; a catalyst-coated membrane with both sides coated by catalysts such as Pt/Ru and Pt; a carbon-based material serving as the cathode diffusion medium; and an electrically conducting mesh representing the cathode current collector.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2002Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: H Power CorporationInventors: Zhigang Qi, Chunzhi He, Arthur Kaufman
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Publication number: 20040212370Abstract: An electrochemical impedance spectroscopy apparatus includes a conduit having a first conductive probe positioned therein. One end of the conduit is coupled in a fluid tight manner to a surface of an electrically conductive object or a coating thereon whereupon an electrolyte solution disposed in the conduit is in fluid communication with the first conductive probe and the surface or the coating. A second conductive probe outside the conduit is moved into electrical contact with the object, either directly or via the coating. An AC signal applied between the first and second conductive probes is swept between a first frequency and a second frequency. A characteristic or property of the surface and/or the coating is determined from the response thereof to the swept AC signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2003Publication date: October 28, 2004Inventors: Robert F. Cunningham, Charles R. Coleman
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Patent number: 6771074Abstract: A probe assembly for use in monitoring fluid conditions in real time in a transducer utilizing impedance spectroscopy and having two closely spaced tubular concentric electrodes. The electrodes have a surface area of about 8.1 to 10.8 cm2 spaced in the range of about 0.1 to 0.55 mm. In one embodiment a concentric outer tubular Faraday shield is employed for monitoring fluid in a non-metallic vessel. The probe assembly is particularly suitable for monitoring hydraulic fluid including automatic transmission fluid and mineral based engine oil for diesel and gasoline engines.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2002Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Lian Q. Zou, James E. Hansen, Victor E. Shtaida
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Publication number: 20040075439Abstract: A conductivity probe having a modular design. A probe body has a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end comprises a recessed portion for providing a seat for an O-ring that seals an electrode tip assembly. The probe body further comprises a set of internal threads for engaging with cooperating threads disposed on the electrode tip assembly. The distal end of the body terminates in a bottom wall having an opening leading to a connection pipe attached to a junction box. The exterior of the probe body includes a stepped down profile of varying constant diameters with a side port formed in the probe body for receiving a temperature compensation probe. The probe body includes a set of external threads and wrench flats for installing the probe into a boiler conduit. The design is completely modular with minimal assembly required. The probe body is machined easily and features hard stops for trouble-free assembly. Also, there is no potting of the electrical components required.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventors: Stephen B. Muscarella, Philip T. Pascoe
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Patent number: 6720773Abstract: A conductivity sensor configuration which has essentially no external electrical field so that the calibration of the sensor is not affected by the existence of nearby external objects or fouling on the exterior parts of the sensor. Additionally, the sensor is relatively insensitive to electrode fouling or electrode polarization. The sensor includes a tube through which the liquid to be measured flows. An inner electrode plate extends partially along the length of the tube dividing the central portion of the tube into two sections. Two inner electrodes are located on the inner wall, one on each side, and two outer electrodes are located on the inside of the tube opposite the inner electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Inventor: Neil L. Brown
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Patent number: 6653843Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a reduction of a level of electrolyte in a wet cell battery includes an electrically conductive sensing rod in contact with an electrolyte in a battery cell, a voltage comparator connected to the rod for generating a first output signal when an input voltage is greater than a reference voltage and generating a second output signal when an input voltage is less than the reference voltage, and an indicator responsive to the output signals for generating a green visual signal when the rod is immersed in the electrolyte and generating a red visual signal when the rod is not immersed in the electrolyte. The apparatus also include an audio alarm device sounding an audio indication when the red visual signal is generated. A sensing circuit can be connected between the voltage comparator and a pair of battery voltage input terminals to selectively connect the terminals to the comparator when a voltage of a battery connected to the terminals exceeds a predetermined voltage level.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2002Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Pacer Engineered Systems, Inc.Inventor: Norton W. Whitchurch