Fluent Material Patents (Class 340/603)
  • Patent number: 8648727
    Abstract: A system (10) and method for use by a subject with a sleep disorder, such as nocturnal enuresis. The system (10) comprises at least one sensor (11) that detects at least one attribute of the sleep disorder, for example urine, and outputs at least a first signal on or after detection of that attribute. The system (10) further comprises a control device (12) that comprises an arousal device (14), such as a loudspeaker, that activates on or after receipt of the first signal, an interactive device (15) that is actuable by the subject to deactivate or modify the operation of the arousal device (14) and an output device (16) for delivering an output to the subject. The output being delivered on or after deactivation or modification of the arousal device (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignees: The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network (Randwick and Westmead), The University of Sydney
    Inventors: Patrina Ha Yuen Caldwell, Michael Lance Dickinson, James Charles Kerr McCauley, Geoffrey Gordon Wickham
  • Patent number: 8648729
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a system includes first and second sensors. The first sensor is operable to provide an output indicative of a sensed refrigerant liquid temperature of a liquid refrigerant line that is within or extending from an outlet of a condenser coil of an air conditioner or heat pump unit. The second sensor is operable to provide an output indicative of a sensed refrigerant liquid pressure in the liquid refrigerant line. A controller is configured to determine at least one target pressure value from the output indicative of the sensed refrigerant liquid temperature of the liquid refrigerant line. The controller is configured to determine if the level of refrigerant charge is at, above, or below an acceptable level based on a comparison of the output indicative of sensed refrigerant liquid pressure to the at least one target pressure value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Amr E. Gado, Thomas J. Fredricks, Thomas B. Lorenz
  • Patent number: 8649997
    Abstract: A system for a meter configured to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample includes a housing and a temperature sensor disposed within the housing. The system also includes a processor configured to receive temperature data from the temperature sensor upon the meter entering one of a charge state and a discharge state. The processor is further configured to predict a temperature value that approximates the ambient temperature outside of the housing. The predicted temperature value is based on historical temperature data received from the temperature sensor such that the predicted temperature value remains constant if a recently received temperature value remains within predetermined upper and lower temperature thresholds and the recently received temperature value exceeds the at least one predicted temperature value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: John Farrell, Harris Lieber, Hoi-Cheong Steve Sun, Mu Wu, Jun Chen, Igor Gofman, Jeffery S. Reynolds, Xin Wang, Gregory Stefkovic, Bern Harrison
  • Patent number: 8643497
    Abstract: Disclosed are integral and/or portable, easy-to-install apparatuses for detecting and containing fluid leaked or otherwise discharged from a fluid-filled device and for facilitating testing and maintenance of the apparatus and fluid-filled devices. In one aspect of the disclosed invention, upon sensing a fluid discharge, the apparatus activates audible and/or visual alarms and directs the discharged fluid to a predetermined drainage area to prevent damage to areas surrounding the fluid-filled device. In another aspect of the present invention, no plumbing or electrical wiring is required to install the apparatus, thereby allowing an unskilled individual to easily and inexpensively install the apparatus. In yet another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may be easily located since it is not dependent on gravity or a drainage pipe for discharge of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kevin M. Murphy, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Michael Murphy
  • Patent number: 8643496
    Abstract: A contact is provided for a fluid level detection apparatus. The contact includes a contact support spring for rotating in response to a change in fluid level. The contact support spring includes a cantilevered spring arm having a proximal end to be fixed to a holder and a free end, and a contact support which is provided at the free end. First and second contacts are attached to the contact support in first and second positions, respectively, the first position being set at one end opposite to an end at which the second position is set. The joining position of the contact support and cantilevered spring arm is set so that a pressing load applied to the first and second contacts on the contact support by the flexure displacement of the contact support spring falls within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiaki Fukuhara
  • Patent number: 8638224
    Abstract: A refrigerator may include a main body having a storage chamber formed therein, a cooling device for cooling the storage chamber, and a door for opening and closing the storage chamber. A basket may be installed at the door and a pressure sensor may be provided on the basket to detect a pressure applied by a storage item stored in the basket. A controller may output a control signal based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor to a display that displays a residual amount of the item stored in the refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Su Re Park
  • Publication number: 20130340158
    Abstract: A detection system for a tub having a water recirculation system includes an electronic sensor and an indicator. The electronic sensor is configured to detect a condition indicative of water being present in a water recirculation system of a tub. The indicator is configured to provide a visual indication according to the detected condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Joseph L. Stauber, Fred Ogreenc, Eric Sanders, Jason Sheehafer, Richard Kluth
  • Patent number: 8598494
    Abstract: A method for controlling power supply to the liquid contents of a cooking vessel or the like, particularly for controlling the electrical power supply in an induction heating system, wherein a predetermined thermodynamic state is detected and the user is alerted, comprises maintaining a predetermined high power condition after reaching the predetermined thermodynamic state for a predetermined time and then reducing the power supply to a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Gianpiero Santacatterina, Jurij Paderno, Francesco Del Bello
  • Patent number: 8593290
    Abstract: An overfill probe is utilized in each compartment of a multi-compartment transport tanker and has a depending sensing tube for detecting liquid overfill conditions. An overfill detector is within the bottom end of the probe tube and is thus protected from damage. Internal damage to the probe and malfunction of the system also precluded by connecting the exposed cap of the probe to the detector by a longitudinally extensible, stretchable cable extending through the tube to the detector, or a circuit board may be retained within the depending tube. Additionally, a thermistor socket and an optic socket are provided which are part of the overfill protection system, each having contact connections that may be readily replaced when worn without removing or replacing the wiring within the socket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Hunter, Kevin K. Nussair, Randy Donald Robinson, Mark William Dudley, Amber Smith
  • Patent number: 8593251
    Abstract: The technology provides an external device for estimating a core body temperature of a human subject, and a system for use in a local area, such as a school, hospital, workplace, and the like. The wrist monitor device includes a casing sized and shaped to fit onto a wrist of a human subject. The casing has a first face and a second face. In addition there is a cavity in the casing that houses a heat trap. The heat trap has an opening oriented to receive incoming thermal energy and a shell of a thermal-insulation material that has an inner thermal energy-reflective surface. Detected temperature data is compiled in a database and used to estimate whether an identified individual has a core body temperature indicative of a fever. There is also provided a system for identifying persons and screening the persons for a febrile condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Alan Camerik Heller
  • Patent number: 8587425
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are related to systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring and controlling energy usage. Alert notifications may be generated based on a current power status of an energy-consuming device and location information of a mobile device associated with the energy-consuming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Rodney Ferlitsch, Basil Isaiah Jesudason
  • Patent number: 8587441
    Abstract: A water flow detector has a gear driven timer responsive to the movement of a lever. The lever is connected to a paddle and the paddle is responsive to the flow of water in a pipe. The detector via the gear driven timer responds to the flow of water in the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Laubach, James M. Murphy
  • Patent number: 8581734
    Abstract: Management System for managing bulk material inside a silo, that includes: load cells bolted to brackets that are welded to the legs of the silo; an electronic device that measures the weight from the load cells and transmits that information via radio to a gateway that connects to the Internet, a photovoltaic panel to obtain power from solar energy; a set of Supercaps to operate at night-time, a thermistor to compensate for temperature, a XYZ accelerometer to detect movement of the silo and its inclination, a real time clock and a radio communications channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventors: Antonio Ozamiz Tapia, Javier Ozamiz Tapia
  • Patent number: 8581733
    Abstract: A drop detection part that detects drop of the device into the water, a light emitting body disposed in the housing, and a light-emission control circuit that makes the light emitting body emit light when the drop detection part detects the drop into the water are provided, and the rear face of the housing is made translucent, a lower part of a sealing member sealing the front housing and the rear housing is also made translucent, and a cover part covering the light emitting body is formed on this translucent part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Icom Incorporated
    Inventor: Kenichirou Ueda
  • Publication number: 20130285821
    Abstract: There is provided a water quality monitoring apparatus including: an air quality analyzing unit detecting, using an ion mobility sensor, air quality in a space that is at least partially enclosed by a partition wall and a boundary surface with water whose water quality is to be monitored; and an alarm unit that outputs a signal indicating an abnormality if an air quality pattern obtained by the air quality analyzing unit is outside a tolerated range for air quality patterns of air that contacts the water to be monitored. Such water quality monitoring apparatus is capable of monitoring the water quality of drinking water inside a water tank or the like indirectly but precisely by detecting the quality of the air contacting the water using an ion mobility sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicants: ATONARP, INC., MIKASA SHOJI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kozaburo Nakamura, Prakash Sreedhar Murthy
  • Patent number: 8570169
    Abstract: A portable dispensing device is provided having a container configured to be moved to a plurality of locations. An access point at an opening of the container controls access into and out of the container. A scale is coupled to a bin within the container and is configured to measure a weight of the bin and contents of the bin. A computing device is in electrical communication with the access point and the scale and configured to allow or deny access to the container as well as receive the measured weight from the scale to determine a number of items in the bin. The computing device further associates an item removed from the bin with the individual or credits an item returned to the bin with the individual when the individual exits the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Job Site Resources, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Green, Kevin Hall
  • Patent number: 8547239
    Abstract: A fluid medicament delivery device includes a patient attachment unit, containing the fluid medicament, and an indicator unit adapted to be detachably coupled to the patient attachment unit. A method for monitoring the fluid medicament includes independently setting a flow rate of a fluid medicament with the patient attachment unit. A pressure and/or a flow rate of the fluid medicament is sensed with a sensor located in a separate indicator unit in a sensing mode. A status of the fluid medicament delivery device is determined based at least in part on the pressure and/or the flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: CeQur SA
    Inventors: Greg Peatfield, Peter Gravesen
  • Patent number: 8531303
    Abstract: Method for inspecting, in real time, the quality of water of a drinking water delivery network comprising, on the one hand, on connections for consumers, consumption meters (9a) fitted with remote-reading devices, and, on the other hand, on-line analysers (10a) distributed at supervision points on the network in order to measure at least one parameter of water quality. The meters (9a) are fitted with remote-reading devices and the consumption data of the various meters (9a), and the measurements of the analysers (10a) are transmitted to a programmed computing unit (A) with a kinetic model of decrease of the quality parameter in question; the computing unit (A) permanently updates the hydraulic model according to the consumption data received from the meters (9a, 9b etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Suez Environnement
    Inventors: Hao-Nhiên Pham, Jean-Michel Laine, Roland Kora
  • Patent number: 8508358
    Abstract: A portable terminal includes an alarm control. A method for controlling an alarm includes determining whether an input fact to analyze an exceptional situation of an alarm operation is generated; analyzing the exceptional situation by rule using at least one fact; and when there is an alarm which is placed in the exceptional situation, cancelling the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seok-Weon Seo, Nam-Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 8508373
    Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed for reliably detecting fluid leaks while minimizing false alarms. A leak sensor in proximity of a flat leakage surface, such as a floor area, is used to sense a permittivity of a media, such as water, coming in contact with the leak sensor. Leak is indicated if the sensed permittivity exceeds a permittivity threshold within a predefined time period. The predefined time period indicates a rate threshold that if exceeded indicates relatively fast accumulation of fluid in an air gap between the leak sensor and the leakage surface, precluding or reducing the possibility of false alarm due to gradual increase in environmental humidity or moisture. The air gap defines a fluid volume that is substantially filled before leak is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: David Rice
  • Patent number: 8502686
    Abstract: A tsunami warning system (10) comprising a remote server with evaluation system with means for monitoring tsunami indicating parameters (16, 20), means for determining the possibility of a tsunami occurring and means for issuing a triggering signal, wherein the evaluation system is configured to issue a triggering signal when the possibility of a tsunami occurring is identified. The tsunami warning system (10) further comprises at least one tsunami warning device (14) arranged in a public area, the tsunami warning device (14) being configured and arranged so as to provide a tsunami warning to the general public when a triggering signal is received. The at least one tsunami warning device comprises means for also monitoring tsunami indicating parameters and means for transmitting information collected by the tsunami warning device to the remote server for integration in modelling means therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The European Union, Represented by the European Commission
    Inventors: Alessandro Annunziato, Thierry Benoist
  • Patent number: 8498750
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a transient flow of a fluid for the presence of contaminants is disclosed. The system includes a fluid control valve having a body defining a fluid flow path therethrough. A fluid monitoring device is in fluid communication with the fluid flowing through the control valve. The fluid monitoring device is adapted to monitor the fluid flowing through the control valve for contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignees: Velcon Filters, LLC, Cla-Val
    Inventors: Jed Stevens, Mike Uffer, Martin W. Pickett, Vicky B. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8493223
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for monitoring personnel operating at a workplace within a confined space. The method involves providing a mobile workplace module comprising a video registration device producing video data, an audio interface for emitting and receiving audio data and a gas sensor to produce gas sensor data. The workplace module is mounted at least partially within the confined space and a mobile monitoring unit comprising a display for displaying video data from the workplace module, an audio interface for emitting and receiving audio data and a gas data receiver for receiving gas sensor data is located outside the confined space. The workplace module and the monitoring unit are connected by a mobile umbilical cable for data transmission so that personnel at the workplace may easily be monitored from the monitoring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Z-Safety Systems N.V.
    Inventors: Matheus Zadnikar, Rudi Vanderhenst
  • Publication number: 20130181842
    Abstract: A rip current can include a dangerous flow of water from an area proximate to a beach out to deeper water. An apparatus for generating a rip current warning indication includes an anchor device situated in the water, a flow sensor affixed to the anchor device and monitoring a water current speed, and a warning device in signal communication with the flow sensor. The warning device includes a control module comparing the monitored water current speed to a water current speed threshold. The warning device generates the rip current warning indication based upon the comparing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Earl Senchuk, Michael Rucinski
  • Patent number: 8482420
    Abstract: A method of monitoring oil in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine is provided. The method includes measuring a sump temperature of the engine and measuring a power output of the engine. Oil consumption is calculated as a function of the measured sump temperature and the measured power output. Remaining oil life is calculated as a function of the calculated consumption. The method may include alerting a receiver of the calculated remaining oil life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Daniel H. Blossfeld, Matthew J. Snider
  • Patent number: 8464499
    Abstract: A fluid containment and dispensing system having a RFID tag associated therewith. The fluid containment and dispensing system includes a fluid containment drum having an opening defined thereon. The fluid containment and dispensing system further includes a dispensing mechanism operably coupleable with the opening, the dispensing mechanism configured to dispense the contents of the fluid containment drum. An identification tag is coupleable with the dispensing mechanism and includes a first laminate, a second laminate laminated to the first laminate, and a RFID member disposed between the first and second laminates, wherein the RFID member includes information associated with a fluid containment and dispensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Asp, Jeffrey J. McKenzie, John M. Hennen
  • Patent number: 8466798
    Abstract: A system includes a first sensor that provides an output indicative of a sensed temperature of a liquid refrigerant line that is within or extending from an outlet of a condenser coil of an air conditioner or heat pump unit. The system includes a second sensor that provides an output indicative of a sensed pressure in the liquid refrigerant line. A controller is configured to determine at least one target pressure value from the output indicative of the sensed temperature of the liquid refrigerant line. The controller is configured to determine if the level of refrigerant charge is at, above or below an acceptable level based on a comparison of the output indicative of sensed pressure to the at least one target pressure value. The system includes a display that displays an indication of whether the level of refrigerant charge is at, above or below an acceptable level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Amr E. Gado, Thomas J. Fredricks, Thomas B. Lorenz
  • Patent number: 8456311
    Abstract: An assembly includes a mount (10) and a sensor (30), in particular a rain/light sensor for a motor vehicle, the mount (10) including at least two abutments (12) for a clamping bracket (50), wherein at least one clamping bracket (50) is hinge-fitted to the sensor (30) at two bearing points, the clamping bracket (50) being adapted to swivel between a mounting position and a clamping position, in which it urges the sensor (30) against the mount (10) with a pretensioning force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Wohlfahrt, Maxim Wasetzki
  • Patent number: 8441363
    Abstract: A system and method is described for rapid charging and power management of a battery for a meter. A charger component is operably associated with the meter and is capable of executing a rapid charge algorithm for a rechargeable battery. The algorithm includes monitoring for a connection to an external power source and implementing a charging routine of a battery at a first charge rate and then at a second charge rate. The second charge rate is lower than the first charge rate. A temperature rise in the rechargeable battery due to the first charge rate has a negligible heat transfer effect on the fluid sample. The meter can also include a power switch for controlling current flow to a battery fuel gauge. The power switch is open when the meter enters into a sleep mode. The state of battery charge is determined after the meter exits the sleep mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Igor Gofman, Jun Chen
  • Patent number: 8432291
    Abstract: A diagnostic system and method for a home appliance is provided. When the home appliance outputs product information as a sound signal, a service center remotely performs fault diagnosis of the home appliance by receiving the sound signal, detecting the product information from the sound signal, checking the state of the home appliance using diagnostic data included in the product information to determine whether the home appliance is out of order, diagnosing, when water supply malfunction including a water supply error or a water level sensor error has occurred, a cause of the water supply malfunction, and deriving a solution to the water supply malfunction. Upon deriving a diagnosis result through the fault diagnosis of the home appliance, the service center immediately notifies the user of the diagnosis result and may dispatch a service technician or may provide the user with a solution to allow the user to easily fix the fault without dispatching a service technician.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jonghye Han, Inhaeng Cho, Phaljin Lee, Hoijin Jeong
  • Patent number: 8427327
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring and controlling a fluid flow in a pipe system for liquid transport, such as oil flow during buoy loading, wherein there in each end of a the pipe system is spliced in a sensor (1) consisting of a pipe section (2) with a reinforced rubber bellows (3) positioned as a restriction within the transport pipe. The rubber bellows (3) is forced radially outward when there is oil flowing through the transport pipe, and compresses a gas filled volume in a pressure vessel (4) via a pipe connection (4B) in communication with an annulus (5), and a pressure transmitter (6A/B) gives signals to a control system (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Tool-Tech AS
    Inventor: Egil Eriksen
  • Patent number: 8416089
    Abstract: A leak detecting tray device featuring a base tray having a bottom surface and sides, wherein the sides and bottom surface together form an enclosure for collecting liquid, wherein the base tray is constructed from a material comprising silicone; a moisture sensor disposed in the base tray, the moisture sensor is configured to detect moisture; an alarm system with speaker; and a microprocessor operatively connected to the moisture sensor and the alarm system with speaker, wherein the microprocessor is configured to receive a first sensor input signal from the moisture sensor when the moisture sensor detects moisture whereupon the microprocessor sends a first alarm output command to the alarm system to activate the alarm system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: James E. Clary
  • Patent number: 8410948
    Abstract: A wastewater holding tank sensor probe for use in determining the presence of a conductive liquid held within a wastewater holding tank in a recreational vehicle is disclosed. The probe is less sensitive to the presence of conductive residue as a result of an improved geometry and/or choice of materials that reduce the leakage currents between the probe tip and the sensor probe attachment surface, typically the wall of the tank. This reduction in sensitivity to conductive residue buildup can be measured by a geometrically determined resistivity factor between the probe tip and the mounting surface of the probe. The reduction in sensitivity can also be measured by the length of the path through the conductive residue between the probe tip and the mounting surface of the probe. A variety of geometries and material choices to reduce the sensitivity of electrical conductance based sensor probes to conductive residue are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: John Vander Horst
  • Publication number: 20130069786
    Abstract: Regime change in streaming data is detected. The streaming data is sent to a plurality of modules. Each module in the plurality of modules produces an association measure. The association measure is a measure of similarity between the streaming data and regime data associated with the module producing the association measure. A regime change in the streaming data is detected based on values of the association measures from the plurality of modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Choudur K. Lakshminarayan, Evan Kriminger, Jose C. Principe
  • Patent number: 8393209
    Abstract: Capacitive detector and measuring device integrating it; the detector including: a ribbon made of a dielectric material, first and second electrodes in the form of combs formed on a first surface of said ribbon and a third electrode formed on the other surface of said ribbon opposite said first and second electrodes; the thickness (e) of the dielectric ribbon is less than or equal to said determined period (?) divided by four times PI, i.e.: ?/4??e; and the ratio resulting from the division, as numerator, of the capacitance (C) between two adjacent branches of said first and second electrodes in the presence of at least one fluid with a dielectric permittivity (?f) and, as denominator, by the dielectric permittivity (?f) of the fluid multiplied by the capacitance (Co) between the two adjacent branches of the first and second electrodes in the presence of the vacuum is greater than or equal to one, i.e.: C/(?f*Co)?1. Method for manufacturing a detector fulfilling the above conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Universite Joseph Fourier
    Inventor: Pierre Thibault
  • Patent number: 8395515
    Abstract: A system and associated processes monitor hand hygiene compliance. The system includes hand hygiene product dispensers positioned within areas of concern (AOC) in a facility in which hand hygiene events are to be monitored. The dispensers detect dispense events initiated at the dispenser and transmit a dispense event signal indicative that a dispense event occurred along with dispenser identification information. The system also includes a plurality of compliance badges, each worn by a different person in the facility. Each compliance badge receives dispense event signals corresponding dispenser identification information associated with dispense events initiated by the wearer of the compliance badge. The badges store dispense event records associated with each dispense event initiated by the wearer and thus keep track of all dispense events initiated by the wearer of the compliance badge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher J. Owen, Paul S. Schilling, Anatoly Skirda, Viktor Slobodyan, Joseph P. Erickson, Cheryl A. Littau
  • Patent number: 8378833
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a level of product in a tank to detect one of a delivery and a drain operation is provided. The system comprises a monitor and a data center. The monitor is operably coupled to the tank and adapted to detect the level of product in the tank at a first rate and at a second rate. The data center is in communication with the monitor and adapted to receive a user inputtable threshold level of change. The monitor detects the level of product in the tank at the first rate until the threshold level of change is detected. Thereafter, the monitor detects the level of product in the tank at the second rate. The data center generates an alarm signal to indicate that one of the delivery and the drain has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Wojtek Miller, John O'Brien Evans, II
  • Publication number: 20130030405
    Abstract: Air-in-line sensor systems and methods of using same are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides an adapter including first and second cylindrical portions defining a fluid flow channel, the first cylindrical portion comprising two adjacent wedge-shaped protrusions. Each wedge-shaped protrusion is infrared transmittive and defines an outer surface and an inner surface. In another embodiment, an air-in-line sensor device includes a tube and an infrared reflective sensor having an infrared light emitter and an infrared light detector. The infrared light emitter and the infrared light detector are positioned at or near an adapter so that an infrared light can be transmitted to the adapter and at least a portion of the infrared light reflected off the adapter can be detected by the infrared light detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Adam Hartman, Paul Nguyen, David Cummings
  • Publication number: 20130009781
    Abstract: An Anti-Terrorism water quality monitoring system for continuously monitoring a potable water treatment system and related potable water distribution network that provides potable water to a municipality, city, housing development or other potable water consumer. The system includes the collection of data from the water distribution system and from the water treatment facility and from advanced separation processes which are integrated into analytical instruments. The data collected are stored in a remote database on a remote server computer or bank of computers and accessible by Homeland Security or its designated agency. Preferred parameters of monitoring include the turbidity and disinfectant such as chlorine, hypochlorous acid, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochloritc, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chloramines, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: HACH COMPANY
    Inventor: Thomas D. Wolfe
  • Publication number: 20130002438
    Abstract: The invention relates to providing detection of an exposure to a physical or chemical phenomenon and revealing information as a response to the exposure. A microfluidic device (20) comprises a microchannel (22) filled at least partly with at least one substance and a conductor (29) providing an intersection area (23a-23d) with the microchannel (22). As a result of exposure to the physical or chemical phenomenon directed to the microchannel (22) or to the substance in the microchannel (22) the microfluidic device (20) is arranged to control electromagnetic characteristic of the conductor (29) in the intersection area (23a-23d). An indicator device (45) comprises the microfluidic device (20) that is connected to means for indicating (40) to indicate the exposure to the phenomenon by giving a visual, sound, scent and/or electhcomagnetic indication. Further a method for detecting exposure to a physical or chemical phenomenon and indicating the exposure is presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Markku Känsäkoski, Antti Kemppainen
  • Patent number: 8330603
    Abstract: A dewatering system includes a selective calibrating sensor circuit configured to receive sensor readings from an electronic sensor, to determine if the electronic sensor is immersed in water, to allow a user to adjust a pump down time in the field, and to generate a control output signal accordingly. The selective calibrating sensor circuit periodically performs a self-calibration when the electronic sensor is not immersed in water to cancel the effect of potential contaminants deposited on the electronic sensor over its operating life. The selective calibrating sensor circuit inhibits calibration when the electronic sensor is immersed in water. In some applications with multiple electronic sensors, the selective calibrating sensor circuit disconnects from one of the electronic sensors before performing the self-calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: SEEwater, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert F. Gibb
  • Publication number: 20120310204
    Abstract: A method of alerting a user to a potential unintended bolus delivery includes delivering fluid to a patient along a first fluid flow path. The method also includes transmitting a signal prior to initiation of a change in fluid delivery to the patient along a second fluid flow path connected to the first fluid flow path upstream of the patient, and detecting the signal. The method further includes actuating an alarm to alert the user to a potential unintended bolus delivery if the signal is detected. A system for carrying out the method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicants: BAXTER HEALTHCARE S.A., BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Ross G. Krogh
  • Patent number: 8325049
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the quality of steam used in a process is disclosed. A pressure and temperature sensor is exposed to the steam on either side of an inline pressure drop device such as an orifice or pressure reducing valve. The measurements are transmitted to a controller that calculates the steam quality percentage or superheat value. An alarm is issued if the steam quality is beyond a predetermined tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Thermo Diagnostics Company LLC
    Inventor: Walter T. Deacon
  • Patent number: 8319654
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided, which includes an electrolysis cell, a liquid flow path that passes through the electrolysis cell, and an indicator light. The indicator light is illuminated as a function of an operating characteristic of the electrolysis cell and luminous flux radiated from the light illuminates liquid along at least a portion of the flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Bruce F. Field, Todd R. Schaeffer
  • Publication number: 20120286958
    Abstract: Welding helmets, systems, and kits providing real-time fume exposure monitoring and warning capability during an arc welding process. A welding helmet configured to protect the head of a user during a welding process is configured with an intelligent warning apparatus and an air-sampling pick-up and output port. The air-sampling pick-up and output port connects to a proximal end of an air sampling tube for sampling breathable air within the welding helmet, and a distal end of the air-sampling tube connects to an air-sampling in-take port of an external aerosol monitoring device. The intelligent warning apparatus communicates with the aerosol monitoring device to receive air sample output data from the aerosol monitoring device, and to process the air sample output data to generate warning data and/or warning signals based on preset exposure level set points and/or exposure warning operating modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventor: Douglas N. Dunbar
  • Patent number: 8294584
    Abstract: A monitor implements a protocol for evaluating the sufficiency of a worker's hand washing activity in a desirably sanitary area. After a quantity of cleanser has been dispensed to the worker, data representative of the frequency, amplitude and duration of hand reciprocation by the worker are combined according to a predetermined mathematical proposition to provide a hand cleansing quality indicator. The indicator is then compared to a predetermined threshold level to determine if the protocol has been satisfied. Preferably, the predetermined mathematical proposition includes variable multipliers which can be selected to reflect the importance to the user of the frequency, amplitude and duration components of the proposition and the user can also select the predetermined pass/fail threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Gerald N. Plost
  • Patent number: 8289155
    Abstract: There is provided a method of electronically gathering, storing and reporting information pertaining to the transport of material, such as water, from one location to another location. The invention permits rapid receipt of such information by interested parties to thereby permit timely action and/or oversight where such information indicated the need for such action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Charles E. Keith
  • Patent number: 8284064
    Abstract: A signal transmitter for a filling level sensor has two sliding contacts which are manufactured integrally with a holder and with spring elements. This leads to the manufacturing costs of the signal transmitter being particularly low. The sliding contacts are arranged on spring tongues and are connected to one another via a link. The spring tongues and the spring elements are therefore arranged in a row and allow the sliding contacts to be prestressed particularly uniformly against sliding tracks of the signal transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Contintal Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Guenter Benner, Bernd Pauer
  • Publication number: 20120249333
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring the value of pH or another characteristic in situ within a pool. A housing sits in the pool and continuously or periodically or occasionally measures the value of the characteristic. An indicator is then provided according to the value of the characteristic, to indicate to the user the value, either quantitatively or qualitatively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher Gerard Kunis
  • Patent number: 8279089
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a function of a safety unit, in particular of a bilge blower of a boat with a combustion engine, connected via a manually operated switch to a voltage supply. The current flowing through the safety unit is measured and an acoustic alarm is triggered, if a sensor voltage derived from the measured current falls below a reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbH
    Inventors: James M. Nally, Mark Wise, Robert Lass