With Object Or Substance Characteristic Determination Using Conductivity Effects Patents (Class 324/693)
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Patent number: 7550979Abstract: A system and related method are provided to calibrate for wire capacitance during use to minimize error in conductivity measurement of the target fluid. The system includes a signal generator configured to drive the conductivity cell and the temperature element, with an alternating current (AC) drive signal having variable parameter. The system further includes a processor assembly electrically coupled to the conductivity cell and the temperature element to calculate a conductivity value of the fluid. The conductivity value is a function of the values of the temperature measurement, the compensation measurement, and the raw conductivity measurement, thereby compensating the conductivity value for capacitance effects. In this manner, the system effectively compensates for capacitance attributable to wiring extending between the electrode and other electronics of the sensor, usable with wiring of varied and unknown lengths.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2007Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Georg Fischer Signet LLCInventors: Qinming Zhou, Gert Burkhardt
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Publication number: 20090153150Abstract: Measuring device for local measurement of an electrical property of the content of a container, comprising at least three electrodes disposed adjacently of each other in height direction and electrically insulated from each other, wherein each of the electrodes can be connected to an electrical measuring circuit for measuring, via one of the electrodes and one other electrode connected to an electrical earth, the electrical property of the content of the container in the vicinity of the electrodes, wherein the electrical measuring circuit is adapted to generate at least one electric measuring signal representing the measured electrical property, and a control unit for connecting the one electrode to the electrical measuring circuit and connecting the other electrode to an electrical earth.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2008Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: FLUID WELL INSTRUMENTS B.V.Inventors: Marian Jozef Walter Slezak, Cornelis Wijnand Petrus Schoenmakers
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Publication number: 20090140754Abstract: Method for determining a property of a fluid for a household device, comprising the following steps: measurement of a physical variable of the fluid associated with the property of the fluid, in each case when a first parameter influencing the physical variable has one of at least two predetermined values, in order to obtain at least two measurement values for the said first parameter, and correlation of the at least two measurement values for the first parameter, in order to obtain a first value characterising the property of the fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2005Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: EMZ-HANAUER GMBH & CO. KGAAInventors: Johann Schenkl, Herbert Altenhofer
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Publication number: 20090142504Abstract: An apparatus for single-sided bilayer formation includes a first fluid chamber including a sidewall and a second fluid chamber extending through the sidewall. A barrier wall separates the first and second fluid chambers and includes a nanopore therein across which a planar lipid bilayer (PLB) is formed. In use, an electrolyte is added to the first and second fluid chambers and a lipid/organic solvent mixture is added to the first fluid chamber to form a lipid/organic solvent layer. The electrolyte level within the first fluid chamber is adjusted such that the lipid layer is raised above the barrier wall and a PLB is formed. Electrolyte levels may be adjusted manually or utilizing a fluid level regulator with or without feedback control. Optionally, the apparatus may be in the form of a nanopore array. The apparatus may be incorporated into an ion channel sensing system wherein an electrical current through each PLB is separately recorded.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2008Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: ELECTRONIC BIO SCIENCES, LLCInventors: Eric N. Ervin, Geoffrey Alden Barrall
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Publication number: 20090134888Abstract: The conductivity test jig includes: a jig main body; a holding member; a conductivity test unit; a conductivity member; an air cylinder; a jig main body; and a second air cylinder. The jig main body has a hole for receiving the connector. The holding member holds the connector in the hole. The conductivity test unit is detachably attached to the connector. When the conductivity test unit moves close to the connector, the conductivity member is electrically connected to the terminals of the connector. The air cylinder makes the conductivity test unit contact the connector, and removes the conductivity test unit from the connector. The push-out member is interposed between the connector and the jig main body in an insertion direction of the connector in the hole. The second air cylinder moves the push-out member in the insertion direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2008Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicant: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Akira Sugiyama, Hiroshi Takeuchi
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Publication number: 20090134882Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2007Publication date: May 28, 2009Inventors: Karl G. Schick, David Uhen
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Publication number: 20090126471Abstract: A sensor device for monitoring and testing the integrity of structural elements is disclosed. A frangible membrane including a thin breakable conductor sense loop is bonded to a structural element to be tested. A fracture in the bonded structural element induces a disruption in the both the frangible membrane and the thin breakable conductor sense loop. Measured electrical property change of the disrupted conductor sense loop reveals the fracture in the structural element. Connection to the sensor device may be through a connector or using a wireless reader which remotely energizes the sensor device. The sensor may also be implemented as a gasket and/or employ weep holes to the breakable conductor to reveal possible corrosion as well.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2007Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Matthew K. Fay, Greg L. Sheffield
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Publication number: 20090128168Abstract: The present invention includes the use of conducting polymers as sensors in distributed sensing systems, as sensors and operating elements in multifunctional devices, and for conducting-polymer based multifunctional sensing fabrics suitable for monitoring humidity, breath, heart rate, blood (location of wounds), blood pressure, skin temperature, weight and movement, in a wearable, electronic embedded sensor system, as examples. A fabric comprising conducting polyaniline fibers that can be used to distribute energy for resistive heating as well as for sensing the fabric temperature is described as an example of a multifunctional sensing fabric.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2008Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: Santa Fe Science and Technology, Inc.Inventors: Baohua Qi, Benjamin R. Mattes
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Publication number: 20090128167Abstract: A method for measuring an area resistance of a magneto-resistance effect element which includes an upper-barrier layer having a first sheet resistivity Rt, a barrier layer, and a lower-barrier layer having a second sheet resistivity Rb, includes a resistance measurement step, a sheet resistivity measurement step and a establishing step. The resistance measurement step is the step of measuring a resistance R of the magneto-resistance effect element by using predetermined terminals. The sheet resistivity measurement step measures the first sheet resistivity Rt and the second sheet resistivity Rb. The establishing step determines the area resistance RA of the magneto-resistance effect element using the first sheet resistivity Rt, the second sheet resistivity Rb, the resistance R and the intervals among the predetermined terminals.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2008Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventors: Yusuke Hamada, Kenichi Kawai
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Publication number: 20090115433Abstract: Method for establishing and possibly locating leaks in pipelines (1) for transporting liquid or gaseous media using at least one electrical conductor (2) running along the longitudinal extension of the pipeline (1) from a starting point to an end point. According to the present invention, a defined test voltage (UM, UL) is applied between two electrical conductors (2) or between one electrical conductor (2) and the pipeline (1), and the resistance and/or impedance behavior between starting point and end point of the two conductors (2) or the conductor (2) and the pipeline (1) is ascertained with intact pipeline (1), and at later times, the resistance and/or impedance behavior is ascertained at the same test voltages (UM, UL) and compared to the resistance and/or impedance behavior known for the intact pipeline (1), the presence of a leak being concluded from the deviations of the resistance and/or impedance behavior ascertained at later times from that for the intact pipeline (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2006Publication date: May 7, 2009Inventor: Gunther Bier
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Publication number: 20090119041Abstract: A method for determining at least one characteristic of a multiphase fluid including the steps of applying alternating energy of a predetermined amplitude to a portion of a multiphase fluid and measuring the electrical impedance spectrum across the portion of multiphase fluid whereby a characteristic of the multiphase fluid can be determined from the measured electrical impedance spectrum.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2008Publication date: May 7, 2009Applicant: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganisationInventors: Shenggen Hu, Bruce Firth
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Publication number: 20090117269Abstract: An electrically conductive composite material includes metallic nanostrands distributed throughout a matrix constructed of a polymer, ceramic, or elastomer. The nanostrands may have an average diameter under four microns and an average aspect ratio over ten-to-one. Larger fibers may also be included to enhance electrical conductivity or other properties. The nanostrands and/or fibers may be magnetically oriented to enhance electrical conductivity along one direction. A pressure sensor may be formed by utilizing an elastomer for the matrix. Electrical conductivity through the composite material varies in proportion to deflection of the elastomer. A composite material may be applied to a surface as an electrically conductive paint. Composite materials may be made by cutting a blank of the nanostrands to the desired shape, inserting the matrix, and curing the matrix. Alternatively, a suspension agent may first be used to dispose powdered nanostrands in the desired shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2006Publication date: May 7, 2009Applicant: Metal Matrix Composites CompanyInventors: George Clayton Hansen, Lauren Hansen, William C. Jenkin
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Publication number: 20090115434Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sample cell for use in conjunction with an impedance spectroscopy analysis device having two electrodes extending therefrom. The sample cell is attachable to and detachable from the analysis device and includes a housing having an input port for receiving a fluid sample to be tested. The sample cell also includes two spaced apart parallel plates within the housing and in contact with the fluid sample, wherein when the sample cell is attached to the analysis device, each of the two electrodes contacts a respective one of the plates such that an excitation signal can be provided from the analysis device via the electrodes and the plates to excite the fluid sample, and a response signal indicative of the fluid sample can be communicated via the plates and the electrodes to the analysis device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2008Publication date: May 7, 2009Inventors: Richard W. Hirthe, Robert P. Adikes, Michael M. Bohacheck, Charles J. Koehler, III, Douglas F. Tomlinson, Martin A. Seitz
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Publication number: 20090096470Abstract: A method of measuring the electrical properties of a microparticle is provided, which can include multiple steps. Steps can include situating the microparticle within an array of electrodes submerged in a conductive medium so that the microparticle and electrodes are in electrical communication when the electrodes are energized, and delivering an electrical signal into the medium from one electrode to an immediately adjacent electrode. High frequency signals can be used to penetrate the microparticle boundary and characterize the same, and low frequency signals can be used to characterize the shape and orientation of the microparticle. Characterization can be carried out by measuring the impedance affecting the current using at least one of a remaining electrode in the array.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Inventors: Richard D. Rabbitt, Sameera Dharia
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Patent number: 7518380Abstract: A chemical impedance detector having several electrodes situated on or across a dielectric layer of a substrate. The electrodes may be across or covered with a thin film polymer. Each electrode may have a set of finger-like electrodes. Each set of finger-like electrodes may be intermeshed, but not in contact, with another set of finger-like electrodes. The thin-film polymer may have a low dielectric constant and a high porous surface area. The chemical impedance detector may be incorporated in a micro fluid analyzer system.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2006Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Ulrich Bonne, Fouad Nusseibeh, Robert Higashi
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Publication number: 20090092555Abstract: The present invention relates to purified multimeric proteins, comprising PlyCB monomers or functional fragments or variants thereof, which self-assemble into a ring like structure. The present invention also encompasses such multimeric proteins that comprise an integrin-binding sequence. The present invention further discloses contrast reagents, implant coatings, bone implants, and complexes for use in bionanotechnology applications, each of which comprise such multimeric proteins.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2008Publication date: April 9, 2009Inventors: Vincent A. Fischetti, Daniel Craig Nelson, James Charles Whisstock, Ashley Maurice Buckle, Sheena McGowan
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Publication number: 20090091337Abstract: Manufacturing a carbon film composite including depositing a carbon film layer onto a substrate, depositing a catalyst suitable for catalyzing the growth of carbon nanotubes onto the carbon film layer and heating in the presence of a carbon-source gas in a substantially inert environment. A carbon film composite featuring a carbon film layer deposited onto a substrate. The carbon film layer has an active surface that is electrically sensitive to the presence of target chemicals. A chemical sensor featuring such a carbon film composite that also includes a first electrode and a second electrode in electrical contact with an active surface of the carbon film composite and a resistivity monitoring device connected to the first and second electrodes. A method of sensing a target chemical featuring exposing such a carbon film composite to a target chemical and recording a change in resistivity across the carbon film composite.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2007Publication date: April 9, 2009Inventors: Joshua A. Robinson, Eric S. Snow
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Publication number: 20090079445Abstract: A fuel sensor includes a cylindrical, one-piece plastic body that has an inlet, an outlet and a fuel passage in between. The body further includes three sensing, thin-walled plate holders that extend from the cylindrical body into and across the fuel passage. Three parallel sensing plates are disposed in the holders for use in forming a pair of parallel plate devices. The thin-walled plate holders surrounding the plates provide isolation of the plates from contact with the fuel. The body also includes a cavity to house a printed circuit board (PCB), which includes signal processing circuitry. The PCB is also isolated from exposure to the fuel. The sensing plates have leads that extend into the cavity for connection to the PCB. An interface connector for connection to an engine controller is also provided. The sensor achieves isolation from exposure to fuel without the use of any coatings.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventors: Yingjie Lin, Cecilia Hernandez, Daniel J. Moreno
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Patent number: 7504834Abstract: A detection system for monitoring an engineered structure includes an array of sensors disposable in a predetermined pattern on the engineered structure and disposable between a surface of the engineered structure and a protective coating substantially covering the surface. The detection system also includes a controller in communication with the array of sensors for retrieving data from the sensors. The controller communicates with the sensor array via an optical fiber backbone. The array of sensors can remotely provide data corresponding to at least one of a degree of cure of the protective coating, a health of the cured protective coating, and a corrosion rate of the engineered structure at each of the sensors.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Ding Wang, Steven Y. Yu
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Patent number: 7504835Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for an electrochemical impedance measurement, and in particular circuitry and components employed for such measurements. The system employs an injected broadband AC signal to produce an associated response signal. The subsequent analysis of injected and response signals, considering both magnitude and phase, gives broadband impedance and therefore fluid characteristic information. An embodiment described is relative to a smart oil sensor system suitable for sensing, analyzing and reporting the condition of oil or other liquids used in equipment and machinery.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2007Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Impact Technologies, LLCInventors: Carl S. Byington, Matthew J. Watson, Ryan C. Brewer
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Publication number: 20090066348Abstract: A nanoelectronic device for detecting target molecules is described. The device has an array of nanoscale wires serving as sensors of target molecules and electrical contacts, electrically contacting the nanowires at end regions of the nanoscale wires. The end regions are covered with an insulating material. The insulating material also defines a window region of the nanoscale wires, not covered by the insulating material. Probe molecules are located on the nanoscale wires along the window region. A microfluidic channel can also be provided, to allow flow of the target molecules. A method of fabricating the nanoelectronic device is also shown and described.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2007Publication date: March 12, 2009Inventors: Young Shik Shin, Michael Amori, Yuri Bunimovich, James H. Heath
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Publication number: 20090058432Abstract: An ultraviolet light monitoring system includes first and second electrodes, an evaluation subject film and a power source. The first and second electrodes are opposingly disposed and attract holes which are generated in accordance with irradiation of ultraviolet light. The evaluation subject film is formed in a vicinity of the first and second electrodes, and is a subject of evaluation of damage caused by the irradiation of ultraviolet light. The power source, at times of monitoring of the ultraviolet light, applies a predetermined bias to a series path formed by the first electrode, a gap between the first and second electrodes, and the second electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicants: OKI ELECTRIC INDUSTRY CO., LTD., TOHOKU UNIVERSITYInventors: Jun Hashimoto, Shinji Kawada, Ikuo Kurachi, Seiji Samukawa
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Publication number: 20090058431Abstract: A gas sensor for sensing noxious chemical gases utilizes metal nitrides, metal oxynitrides, metal carbides or metal oxycarbides as the sensing material, which changes its conductivity when exposed to the analyte gas. The change in conductivity is measured for the sensor output.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc.Inventors: RONALD I DASS, James Novak
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Publication number: 20090051373Abstract: A gas sensor control apparatus for controlling a gas sensor includes a resistance detection unit and a heater control unit. The resistance detection unit detects a resistance of an object cell of the gas sensor. When the resistance of the object cell is lower than a predetermined threshold, the heater control unit controls energization of a heater such that the resistance detected by the resistance detection unit is a first predetermined resistance. Subsequently, after elapse of a predetermined time, the heater control unit further controls energization of the heater in such a manner that the resistance detected by the resistance detection unit is a second predetermined resistance of a resistance value that is higher than that of the first predetermined resistance.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventors: Kenji Kato, Hisashi Sasaki, Koji Shiotani
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Publication number: 20090051372Abstract: A microfluidic flow cytometry device includes a substrate and transverse electrodes formed on the substrate. An elastomer microfluidic focusing channel system formed on the substrate focuses a sample stream onto the floor of an outlet channel that is substantially wider and taller than cells or particles of interest and that has the transverse electrodes disposed in its floor upstream of an exit site. A step in the outlet channel upstream of the transverse electrodes vertically confines sample stream flow onto the floor of the outlet channel over the transverse electrodes. Buffer inlet channels introduce a buffer stream for horizontal focusing of the sample stream into the central region of the outlet channel at the transverse electrodes. A sample inlet channel is smaller in vertical height than the buffer inlet channels for introducing a sample stream such that the buffer vertically focuses the sample stream away from the top of the outlet channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2007Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventors: Palaniappan Sethu, Cindy K. Harnett
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Patent number: 7489141Abstract: The present invention provides a micro sensor for monitoring the cleaning and drying processes of surfaces of dielectric films, micro features in porous dielectric films and biologic or other cells common in microelectronics fabrication, MEMS fabrication or microbiology test system fabrication. By embedding electrodes in the surface of a supporting dielectric, the sensor can probe the surface and pores of a covering dielectric or a cell on the covering dielectric. The addition of a guard reduces the effects of any parasitic capacitance, which extends the measurement bandwidth of the sensor and allows it to be manufactured at the scale of a single cell, a feature that is particularly important for applications in microbiology.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2005Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Environmental Metrology CorporationInventors: Bert M. Vermeire, Farhang F. Shadman
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Publication number: 20090033344Abstract: In a first step, two conductive plates such as two zinc galvanized (electroplated) steel plates with films formed on surfaces thereof, are prepared; a flexible conductive material is held between these two zinc galvanized (electroplated) steel plates. A spacer is also held between the two zinc galvanized (electroplated) steel plates to regulate the space therebetween and a measurement object such as a conductive cloth is held between the flexible conductive material and at least one of the zinc galvanized (electroplated) steel plates. In a second step, the electric resistance between the two zinc galvanized (electroplated) steel plates is measured while the flexible conductive material is held together with the measurement object between the two conductive plates.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventors: Yoshiaki Hiratsuka, Akio Ikeda, Masaharu Suzuki
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Publication number: 20090030336Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an anomaly and method thereof are disclosed, by which a size and location of an anomaly of a beast cancer and the like can be precisely detected as well as a presence or non-presence of the anomaly based on data measured on a surface of a body. The present invention includes supplying a first frequency voltage having a first frequency to a measurement target, detecting a first signal induced by the first frequency voltage from the measurement target, supplying a second frequency voltage having a second frequency to the measurement target, detecting a second signal induced by the second frequency voltage from the measurement target, correcting the first and second signals based on slopes of the detected first and second signals, and calculating a location and size of the anomaly within the measurement target based on the corrected first and second signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2006Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: University-Industry Cooperation Group of Kyunghee UniversityInventors: Eung Je Woo, Dong In Oh, Jin Keun Seo, Oh In Kwon
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Publication number: 20090027070Abstract: A dual cell Electrochemical Impedance System (EIS) testing apparatus and method for measuring coating integrity on various substrates. The counter reference electrode is in a first cell in electrical contact with the coating. The working electrode is in a second cell in electrical contact with the coating instead of the substrate material acting as the working electrode. Voltage is applied at the working electrode at varying frequencies and current is measured at the combined reference/counter electrode. From the known voltage and the measured current, the impedance of the coating is calculated. Coatings on non-metallic substrates can be measured with this apparatus. In one embodiment, the EIS cells are in the form of vacuum cups containing an electrolyte gel for testing non-horizontal coatings in the field. Also, known current can be applied to the working electrode and voltage measured at the counter reference electrode can be used to calculate coating impedance.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: NDSU RESEARCH FOUNDATIONInventor: Victoria Johnston Gelling
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Patent number: 7483735Abstract: A method for measuring dielectric constant of body endermic tissues and body impedance based on the method of frequency digital sampling and for evaluating body composition is provided, inputting the method through the I/O interface of a microprocessor the measured body weight frequency signals, oscillating frequency signals related to dielectric constant of body endermic tissues and body impedance signals corresponding to non-fixed different frequencies, and calculating through the software of the microprocessor the body fat content, total body water, ratio between intracellular water and total body water. The body weight, body fat content, total body water and ratio between intracellular water and total body water are displayed on the display. A body composition monitor based on the above method, which includes a weighing sensor, a weighing signal processing circuit, and a display unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2003Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Research Institute of Tsinghua UniversityInventors: Yan Liu, Gang Jing, Jian Wu, Yuye Jin, Guanping Feng, Yueqiu Li
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Publication number: 20090021271Abstract: Methods, and apparatuses for performing them, including applying a control signal to a control terminal of a transistor, to switch the transistor to an on-state such that the transistor carries a load current through a load-path of the transistor; measuring a voltage drop across the load-path of the transistor while the load current is passing through the load-path of the transistor, yielding a first measurement value; feeding a test current into the load-path of the transistor, such that the test current and the load current are combined; measuring a voltage drop across the load-path of the transistor while the combined test and load currents are passing through the load-path of the transistor, a second measurement value; and determining an on-resistance of the load-path of the transistor from a difference of the first and second measurement values.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2007Publication date: January 22, 2009Applicant: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRIA AGInventors: Giuseppe Bernacchia, Giovanni Capodivacca
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Publication number: 20090015272Abstract: A self-healing composite material comprising a fibre-reinforced polymeric matrix, wherein the polymeric matrix comprises a thermosetting polymer and a thermoplastic polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2005Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: SHEFFIELD UNIVERISTY OF THEInventors: Frank Jones, Simon A. Hayes
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Publication number: 20090015273Abstract: A test system for taking a sample of a constituent on a surface utilizing a fluid source includes a transition region having a capillary layer for delivering a fluid from said fluid source, an extraction region having a collection material in contact with said surface, and a collection region having a sensor reservoir therein for collecting the fluid for analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventors: Paul Gossen, Jayant Angal, Matthew K. Musho, Joseph E. Yates
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Patent number: 7477060Abstract: A detection system for monitoring an engineered structure includes an array of sensors disposable in a predetermined pattern on the engineered structure and disposable between a surface of the engineered structure and a protective coating substantially covering the surface. The detection system also includes a data acquisition system in communication with the array of sensors for retrieving data from the sensors. The array of sensors can provide data corresponding to at least one of a degree of cure of the protective coating, a health of the cured protective coating, and a corrosion rate of the engineered structure at each of the sensors.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2005Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Steven Y. Yu, Michael R. Matthews, Gary A. Shreve
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Publication number: 20090011430Abstract: A device having: a laminar flow channel for liquids; two or more electrodes; a confining fluid inlet; a sample inlet; and a meter for measuring the impedance of any fluid between the electrodes. The device may have one or more specific binding sites, or it may have sheathing and unsheathing fluid transporting structures. A method of: providing the device; flowing a confining fluid and a conductive liquid that may contain cells or particles through the channel as described herein; and measuring the impedance between the electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Daniel A. Ateya, Peter B. Howell, JR., Frances S. Ligler
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Publication number: 20090008641Abstract: A probe resistance measuring method includes measuring first resistances at three or more nodes by making contact at least a part of a plurality of probes of a probe unit with three or more pads for resistance measurement based on a first correspondence relation. The measured resistances are stored as a first measurement result and contact resistances of the plurality of probes of the probe unit are calculated based on the first measurement result.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Inventors: Shigetomi Michimata, Masayuki Yanagisawa, Kazumasa Kuroyanagi
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Patent number: 7463040Abstract: The present invention includes the use of conducting polymers as sensors in distributed sensing systems, as sensors and operating elements in multifunctional devices, and for conducting-polymer based multifunctional sensing fabrics suitable for monitoring humidity, breath, heart rate, blood (location of wounds), blood pressure, skin temperature, weight and movement, in a wearable, electronic embedded sensor system, as examples. A fabric comprising conducting polyaniline fibers that can be used to distribute energy for resistive heating as well as for sensing the fabric temperature is described as an example of a multifunctional sensing fabric.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2004Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: Santa Fe Science and Technology, Inc.Inventors: Baohua Qi, Benjamin R. Mattes
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Publication number: 20080297178Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for selectively detecting and/or measuring gaseous SO2 at a temperature of at least 500° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2008Publication date: December 4, 2008Applicant: UT BATTELLE, LLCInventors: David L. West, Frederick C. Montgomery, Timothy R. Armstrong
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Publication number: 20080296208Abstract: The present invention relates to reverse osmosis filtration devices, and more particularly, to membrane filtration devices (10, 11, 12) that have flow meters and fluid conductivity meters powered by RFID tags. Embodiments of the present invention comprise reverse osmosis filters and filtration systems comprising measuring devices, including flow and conductivity meters. The meters of the present invention are preferably located on or within permeate core tubes (16) of filtration devices and systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2006Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventors: Norio Ikeyama, Mark Wilf
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Publication number: 20080297179Abstract: A contacting-type conductivity sensor is provided. A first insulating layer has a proximal surface to contact a liquid sample, and an opposite, distal surface. A plurality of electrodes is disposed on the proximal surface of the first insulating layer. Each of a plurality of conductive vias is electrically coupled to a respective one of the plurality of electrodes, where each via defines a conductive path from the proximal surface to the distal surface of the first insulating layer. A plurality of traces is disposed adjacent the distal surface of the first insulating layer, and each of the plurality of traces is electrically coupled to a respective one of the plurality of conductive vias. A plurality of conductors is provided where each conductor is electrically coupled to a respective one of the plurality of traces. A cover layer is coupled to the first insulating layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2008Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventors: Chang-Dong Feng, Fong Shyr Yang
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Patent number: 7459919Abstract: A device for checking the coating of anodized light-metal parts (e.g. Aluminum), in particular by TSA anodization, is described. The device has two contact electrodes on respective resilient probes, placed onto the surface of the component to be tested under a predefined contact pressure; an enabling device coupled to the probes that generates an enable signal when the predefined contact pressure is reached; and a conductivity measuring device coupled to the contact electrodes that measures the conductivity of the surface of the component under test. The conductivity measuring device is coupled to the enabling device to detect the enable signal. When the enable signal is detected, the conductivity measuring device measures the surface conductivity of the component under test between the contact electrodes and generates an output signal indicating the measured conductivity.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2007Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventors: Juergen Krueger, Gerhard Scheer
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Patent number: 7459896Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for reducing electromagnetic noise pick up in a Liquid Metal Cleanliness Analyzer (LiMCA), used to detect and measure particles in molten metal. An first electrode inserted in the molten metal is electrically insulated from second and third electrodes, also inserted in the molten metal. Molten metal and particles pass between the first electrode and the second and third electrodes through a passage in the electrical insulation. The second and third electrodes have a configuration with respect to the first electrode sufficient to establish symmetrical current loops between the first electrode and the second and third electrodes when a current is supplied to the second and third electrodes. The current is supplied from an ultra-capacitor. Electromagnetic noise in the symmetrical current loops is detected and is added in opposition to reduce the amplitude of the electromagnetic noise.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Novelis Inc.Inventors: Jacques Marcotte, Yuhil Slusarenko
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Publication number: 20080294358Abstract: An impedance estimation method includes measuring three or more impedances of an object having a periphery using three or more probes coupled to the periphery. The three or more impedance measurements are made at a first frequency. Three or more additional impedance measurements of the object are made using the three or more probes. The three or more additional impedance measurements are made at a second frequency different from the first frequency. An impedance of the object at a point within the periphery is estimated based on the impedance measurements and the additional impedance measurements.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2007Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventor: John G. Richardson
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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: 20080278181Abstract: The present invention is directed toward oxidation-resistant, ligand-capped nanoparticles, each comprising one or more capping ligands on a copper-containing core. Methods of making and using these nanoparticles are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Applicant: Research Foundation of State University of New YorkInventors: Chuan-Jian ZHONG, Derrick MOTT
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Publication number: 20080265915Abstract: A system and method of detecting a network cabling change comprises measuring cable parameters of a cable to create a baseline signature of the cable and storing the baseline signature in a memory. The system and method is operable to detect a cable change based upon a comparison of the stored baseline signature and a subsequent cable measurement. A network device operable to perform the above method comprises a physical layer device that transmits signals into a coupled cable and receives return signals from the cable, a cable diagnostic module that measures cable parameters, a memory operable to store a baseline cable signature, and a controlling system that compares subsequently measured cable parameters to the baseline cable signatures to detect a cable change.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.Inventors: Charles F. Clark, Paul T. Congdon
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Publication number: 20080258742Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a device for measuring conductivity of a liquid, in particular ultrapure water, of the kind comprising two conductivity measurement electrodes suitable for defining a cell constant enabling the measurement of the conductivity of the ultrapure liquid, characterized in that it consists of producing each of the electrodes by forming an electrode pattern from electrically conductive material on a substrate of insulating material. It also relates to the conductivity measuring device obtained by that method and to a device for measuring the Total Organic Carbon quantity implementing that conductivity measuring device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventors: Aristotelis Dimitrakopoulos, Pascal Rajagopalan, Celine Le Ninivin, Yves Gaignet, Chester L. Bejtlich
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Publication number: 20080252305Abstract: The invention relates a device for analysing the composition of the contents of a receptacle, including: transmission/reception means (40?) of an electromagnetic field at least several frequencies lying in a given frequency range, an identical receptacle (R?) for each analysis, intended to receive the content to be analysed, support means (22?) for the receptacle (R?), adapted to ensure constant relative positioning between the transmission/reception means (40?) and the receptacle (R?), means (50) adapted to measure the complex impedance of the transmission/reception means (40?) influenced by the load composed of the receptacle (R?) and its contents, representing the complex dielectric characteristics of the receptacle (R?) and of its contents, means (50) adapted to supply information relating to the nature of the contents of the said receptacle (R?) as a function of the measured complex impedance.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2008Publication date: October 16, 2008Inventor: Alessandro M. Manneschi
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Publication number: 20080248182Abstract: A membrane on a carrier for filtration of liquids includes a carrier and a membrane. Also described is a method for manufacturing a membrane on a carrier as disclosed. Additionally described is the application of a membrane on a carrier as well as to a module including such a membrane. Also described is a method for determining fracture in such a membrane on a carrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2005Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventors: Tjeerd Jongsma, Roelof Bos, Wietze Nijdam, Cornelis Johanness Maria Van Rijn
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Publication number: 20080236777Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for determining the quantity of liquid and solid content in a removal stream of a froth created from a suspension that is generated during a froth flotation operation. Specifically, electrodes are immersed in the froth generated from a suspension having a known quantity of fiber particles, and the conductance of the froth is measured to establish a relationship between the measured conductance and the quantity of fiber particles. The electrodes are then submerged in a froth generated from a suspension having an unknown quantity of fiber particles, and the froth conductance is measured. The quantity of fiber particles in the froth can then be determined from the pre-established relationship between conductance and solid particle content.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Inventors: JunYong Zhu, Freya Tan, Roland Gleisner