Pressure Patents (Class 340/614)
  • Patent number: 12036522
    Abstract: A method monitors a device for applying an at least two-component viscous material to workpieces, including a metering unit having a number of metering valves corresponding with the number of viscous material components, and a static mixer detachably secured to the metering unit for component blending. The static mixer has a material inlet facing the metering unit and a material outlet facing away from the metering unit. Each metering valve has a supply channel sealingly connectable to a valve seat for supplying the respective component to the static mixer. A number of material applications are carried out consecutively, each having an identical predetermined time between start and end of the application. During the applications, between the start and the end, at predetermined times, the pressure in at least one supply channel is measured by a pressure sensor and preferably measured in all supply channels by a respective pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: Atlas Copco IAS GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Rosenauer, Christian Kammerer, Erich Lehner
  • Patent number: 11982558
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for providing a consumable level monitor for association with a content-filled consumable. The embodiments may include a sensing module suitable to sense the consumable level; and a communications module suitable for receiving the consumable level from the sensing module, and for communicating the consumable level to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Inventors: Amanda Williams, Julio Daniel Oropeza, Yu-Chang Lee, Ying Hao Lee, Martin Johnson, Marc Theeuwes, Stefan Vaes, Toon Diels
  • Patent number: 11828644
    Abstract: An emergency readiness verification system includes a housing, a secure weight-sensing mechanism, a vertically-actuated switch assembly, a vertically-adjustable calibration mechanism, and an alert device in communication with the vertically-actuated switch assembly. The vertically-adjustable calibration mechanism fixes a vertical position of the vertically-actuated switch assembly such that an engagement tab of the attachment extension engages an actuator of the vertically-actuated switch assembly when a weight of the fire extinguisher supported by an extinguisher attachment falls is within an alert threshold, and disengages the actuator when the weight of the fire extinguisher falls below the alert threshold or when the fire extinguisher is not supported by the extinguisher attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Faleh M Aldossary
  • Patent number: 11410530
    Abstract: Compliance modules for fluid dispensers are disclosed herein. Exemplary embodiments of the compliance modules include a housing, a processor, memory, wireless communication circuitry and voltage monitoring circuitry for detecting a change in voltage of a dispenser power supply. The processor, memory and voltage monitoring circuitry are located within the housing. A connector for electrically connecting the module to a power supply of the dispenser is also included. The compliance module receives power from the dispenser. The processor determines a dispense event has occurred as a function of a change in voltage detected by the voltage monitoring circuitry. The processor causes the wireless communication circuitry to transmit a signal indicative of a dispense event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Chet J. Bonner, Jackson W. Wegelin
  • Patent number: 9677923
    Abstract: A liquid intake tracking device for removable insertion into a beverage container in order to track an amount of liquid consumed, the rate of liquid consumption over time, and to provide alerts to the user. The device connects wirelessly to an application executing on an external electronic device which provides user with liquid consumption data and reports concerning the user's interaction with the beverage container. Methods for tracking liquid intake include disposing such a device within the container, calibrating the device relative to the container by processing pressure readings while the container is in an empty and full state, detecting changes in pressure within the container after the calibration step, in which the pressure is a function of a proportion of amount of liquid within the container at the time of detection, and wirelessly transmitting the measured pressure information to the external electronic device using a wireless communication module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: THIRSTI LTD
    Inventors: Phillip Daneyshar, Alexander Edward Smith, Tyrone Bedessy
  • Patent number: 9035743
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer programs encoded on computer readable media, for determining, using a pressure sensor, pressure data comprising a pressure indication and a time indication. A first mood is determined based upon the pressure data and one or more songs are selected based upon the determined first mood. A playlist is modified based upon the selected one or more songs, wherein the modified playlist comprises the selected one or more songs and the modified playlist is played. Song data, based upon the modified playlist, is wirelessly transmitted to a remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: New York University
    Inventors: Mohammed Yaseer Omar, Abdel Razzaq Sami Alsharif, Ramesh Jagannathan
  • Patent number: 8983667
    Abstract: A system is provided to control fluid flow in a wastewater treatment system through wastewater level manipulation. The wastewater treatment system may include a wastewater treatment plant connected to a plurality of pump stations by a main. Each of the plurality of pump stations may include a wet well with a pump therein. The system may include a central server in communication with a sensor to sense a level of wastewater within the wet well. The pump may be automatically moved to an on position when the level of the wastewater in the wet well is at or above a first level and may be automatically moved to an off position when the level of the wastewater in the respective wet well is at or below a pump cutoff level. The central server may systematically manipulate the first level to selectively set the level of wastewater within the wet well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Data Flow Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Smaidris
  • Patent number: 8944119
    Abstract: A method and system of gas refilling management for gas storage canister utilizing identification accessing control includes an identification information transmission device, a control device, and a gas refilling equipment, which are applicable for management of refilling of at least one storage canister. The storage canister is provided with an information identification label, which contains at least one record of canister information. By using the identification information transmission device to first read the information contained in the label of a storage canister, the control device may then set a refilling condition based on which the gas refilling equipment carries out a refilling operation to the storage canister, so as to suit for management of refilling various types of gas storage canisters to provide the best performance in a practical application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Asia Pacific Fuel Cell Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Jefferson Ys Yang, Feng-Hsiang Hsiao, Hong-Shi Chang, Chih-Hsueh Chen
  • Publication number: 20140354437
    Abstract: Energy harvesting devices provide power to devices of emergency equipment stations (e.g., fire extinguisher station, fire alarm pull station, defibrillator station, etc.) distributed throughout a facility to monitor one or more internal or external conditions (e.g., identifiable objects detected near the station, presence of an obstruction restricting access to the station, etc.) and relay information about the monitored conditions to a central station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Brendan T. McSheffrey
  • Patent number: 8842016
    Abstract: A system for notifying when a fire extinguisher is discharged or moved uses a device mounted on the fire extinguisher for monitoring one or more conditions. For example, the device may be interconnected with a trigger detecting mechanism otherwise present on the extinguisher or sense a sudden drop in pressure to detect when the extinguisher is activated. An accelerometer may be provided to detect motion. GPS processing can identify the location of the fire extinguisher when an event occurs. When the device detects a change in one or more of the conditions, or needs to send periodic updates of the fire extinguisher conditions, a message is forwarded from the device to a third party clearinghouse via a wireless communication network. The clearinghouse reviews the data, and forwards the data, as may be appropriate, to one or more authorized parties identified in the database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Cellco Partnership
    Inventors: Carlos A. Cazanas, Azam Khan, Terence John Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8836499
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that allow an electronic device to autonomously adapt one or more user alerts to the current operating environment of the electronic device. For example, some embodiments may include a method comprising providing a plurality of alert devices in an electronic device, determining an operating environment of the electronic device using a sensor of the electronic device, and actuating at least one of the plurality of alert devices that corresponds to the determined operating environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Pakula, Matthew Hill, Ethan Larry Huwe, Fletcher R. Rothkopf, Richard Hung Minh Dinh
  • Patent number: 8810419
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a refrigerant charge monitoring system includes first and second sensors. The first sensor is operable for sensing temperature of a liquid refrigerant line that is connected to, within, or extending from an outlet of a condenser. The second sensor is operable for sensing pressure of the liquid refrigerant line. A controller is configured to determine at least one target pressure value from 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 sensed pressure of the liquid refrigerant line to the at least one target pressure value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Amr E. Gado, Thomas J. Fredricks, Thomas B. Lorenz, Edward B. Evans
  • Patent number: 8805591
    Abstract: A constant-flow control valve and BTU meter assembly that has a pressure independent, constant-flow control valve assembly connectable to the fluid-based heating or cooling system. A valve stem is connected to a valve member and is rotatable as a unit relative to a valve body to change the position of valve member to change a fluid flow rate through the valve. The valve member's position relative to the fluid path is directly related to the fluid flow rate. A BTU meter assembly is connected to the valve stem, which is rotatable relative to the BTU meter assembly. A position sensor of the BTU meter assembly detects a rotational position of the valve stem relative to the BTU body. A controller of the BTU meter assembly determines the fluid flow rate based upon the pressure drop across the valve assembly and the rotational position of the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Flow Control Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul K. Skoglund, Art Smith, Ben Trueblood, Chris Robson, Mark W. Kirchner
  • Patent number: 8797161
    Abstract: A vent cover (16) for installing on a shipping container. The vent cover includes a housing (16a) adapted for covering a vent hole (24) of the shipping container. A direct current (DC) power source is encased or enclosed in the housing. The DC power source includes a battery. The vent cover may also include a circuit board (34) attached to the DC power source. An antenna (36) may be located on a surface of the housing and attached to the circuit board. The circuit board may include a satellite antenna interface for a satellite antenna and a global positioning system (GPS) module attached to the satellite antenna interface. The vent cover may include an environmental sensor (304) for sensing a parameter of the shipping container. The environmental sensor may be adapted to protrude through a hole in a wall (12) of the shipping container when the vent cover is mounted on the shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Loginno Logistic Innovation Ltd.
    Inventor: Amit Aflalo
  • Publication number: 20140167970
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a refrigerant charge monitoring system includes first and second sensors. The first sensor is operable for sensing temperature of a liquid refrigerant line that is connected to, within, or extending from an outlet of a condenser. The second sensor is operable for sensing pressure of the liquid refrigerant line. A controller is configured to determine at least one target pressure value from 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 sensed pressure of the liquid refrigerant line to the at least one target pressure value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Amr E. Gado, Thomas J. Fredricks, Thomas B. Lorenz, Edward B. Evans
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 8633820
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the fermentation process in connection with ensilage of fodder (1) comprises a sensor device (3) arranged in the fodder during the ensilage thereof and a monitoring device (11) operatively connected to the sensor device during the ensilage. The sensor device (3) comprises at least one sensor (3a-c) provided for repeatedly measuring the content of at least one chemical substance in the fodder, which is affected by the fermentation process. The monitoring device comprises receiving means (12) provided for receiving the repeatedly measured values of the content of the chemical substance; processing means (13) provided for comparing the repeatedly measured values with reference values of the content of the chemical substance; and notifying means (14-16) provided for notifying a farmer (17) depending on the outcome of the comparison of the repeatedly measured values and the reference values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: DeLaval Holding AB
    Inventors: Magnus Jonsson, Pierre De Villiers
  • Patent number: 8607617
    Abstract: Apparatus for remote inspection of oxygen containers includes an electronic circuit in communication between each container (or at various locations along a pipeline) and a remote central station. The electronic circuit is adapted to issue a signal to the remote central station that includes information about predetermined internal and/or external conditions such as the level of oxygen stored in the tank, a pressure condition of material stored in the tank, a lack of presence of the tank in an installed position, or the presence of an obstruction restricting access to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: en-Gauge, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. McSheffrey, Jr., Brendan T. McSheffrey
  • Patent number: 8594851
    Abstract: Reductions in energy consumption and maintenance requirements for operating a wastewater treatment plant are achieved by controlling the operation of pumps at pump stations along a force main in a systematic fashion. The operation of the pumps is controlled to manage the flow of wastewater along the force main to minimize energy consumption, to eliminate sediment, to manage peak pressures encountered by smaller pumps and to avoid septic conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Data Flow Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Smaidris
  • Publication number: 20130285822
    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: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Amr E. Gado, Thomas J. Fredricks, Thomas B. Lorenz
  • Patent number: 8531282
    Abstract: A vehicle bumper guard and monitoring assembly is provided for protecting the bumper area of a vehicle, monitoring the surrounding area, and providing an alert upon detection of contact with the bumper guard. The assembly includes a sheet having opposed ends. The sheet is configured for conforming to a bumper of a vehicle. A plurality of hooks is coupled to and extends from the sheet. Each hook is configured for securing to the vehicle whereby the sheet is positioned over the bumper of the vehicle. A plurality of sensors is coupled to the sheet. Each sensor is configured to detect contact or imminent contact between an object and the bumper of the vehicle. A transmitter is operationally coupled to the sensors to transmit an alert signal when contact is detected between the object and the bumper of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: William Santiago
  • Patent number: 8531304
    Abstract: A bin level monitoring system uses one or more monitoring devices (10) to measure a material (23) level in a bin (34). The monitoring devices (10) each have a frame (11) with at least two rigid frame members (12, 13) extending in a longitudinal direction with a space (14) between the frame members. A flexible material (22) covers the frame members (12, 13) and encloses the space (14) there between. A first resistive element (24) and a second resistive or conductive element (30) extend in the longitudinal direction of the device (10) and are arranged to move into contact with each other between the first and second frame members (12, 13) when pressure is applied by bulk material (23) in the bin (34) pressing against an outer surface of the flexible covering (22). An electric circuit (35) connected to the monitoring device (10) measures a total resistance of the free, non-contacted portion of at least one of the first and second elements (24, 30) to provide a measurement of the material level in the bin (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Osborne Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald M. Thibault
  • 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: 8400320
    Abstract: System for monitoring oil level and detecting leaks in power transformers, reactors, current and potential transformers, high voltage bushings and the like, notably for a system that through the use of sensors and other electronic components measures and monitors transformers and similar equipment in real time, filled with insulating oil, with greater precision and without need for floats or mobile mechanical parts, while presenting countless facilities in the sense of making level monitoring more reliable and safer, highlighting the level error calculations, oil leak detection alarm, excess oil detection alarm during the equipment filling process and calculation of tendencies of evolution for levels among other facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Eduardo Pedrosa Santos
  • Patent number: 8400290
    Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for reducing nuisance alarms associated with monitoring non-physiological parameters in a ventilatory system. Non-physiological parameters may include, but are not limited to, parameters that are internally monitored by the ventilator based on pre-configured ranges dictated by the manufacturer, by an applicable protocol, or by the clinician. Embodiments described herein seek to mitigate nuisance alarms by basing alarm conditions, at least in part, on an integral threshold such that an alarm is not generated when a monitored parameter briefly falls outside an acceptable range by a slight degree, but such that an alarm is generated when a monitored parameter falls outside an acceptable range by a more significant magnitude and/or duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Clark R. Baker, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120280816
    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: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Amr E. Gado, Thomas J. Fredricks, Thomas B. Lorenz
  • Patent number: 8122763
    Abstract: A gas measurement apparatus can comprise a sensor and a processor, in an example. The sensor can measure a pressure condition of a gas tank, in an example. The processor can select at least one light source, the light source can be positioned or be of a distinct color to indicate a corresponding level of gas remaining in the tank when illuminated. The level of gas can be based on the measured pressure. Banks of high intensity LEDs can allow visually discernable colors at a significant distance underwater. A visual beacon mode can be included. An alphanumeric pressure readout mode can be included. A depth sensor can be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Avair, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Fundak, Gary L. Felske
  • Patent number: 8111167
    Abstract: The invention relates to a level indicator (100) for measuring the fill level of a container, with an electronic control and evaluation system (132, 232) and an interface (133, 233), that are positioned in a housing (131, 231); a sensor unit with a sensor and attachments; a signal cable (110, 210) for connecting the electronic control and evaluation system (132, 232) and the sensor unit; and a connecting device (120, 240), which produces both a mechanical connection between the sensor unit and the housing (131, 231) of the electronic control and evaluation system (132, 232), and an electrical connection between the interface (133, 233) of the electronic control and evaluation system (132, 232) and the signal cable (110, 210), such that both the mechanical and electrical connections produced by the connecting device (120, 240) are separable. The invention also relates to a process for assembling a level indicator (100) having a control and evaluation unit (130).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Vega Grieshaber KG
    Inventor: Thomas Kopp
  • Patent number: 8091422
    Abstract: A gas measurement apparatus can comprise a sensor and a processor, in an example. The sensor can measure a pressure condition of a gas tank, in an example. The processor can select at least one light source, the light source can be positioned or of a distinct color to indicate a corresponding level of gas remaining in the tank when illuminated. The level of gas can be based on the measured pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Avair, LLC
    Inventors: Gary L. Felske, Chris E. Berg
  • Patent number: 8032256
    Abstract: A system that control levels of liquids in reservoirs may include a control component that causes a compressor to pump gas through a tube extending in a liquid in a reservoir to an air bell for a predetermined amount of time responsive to a pump pumping portions of a liquid from the reservoir. The control component may also cause the compressor to pump gas through the tube for a predetermined amount of time responsive to the control component determining that a predetermined amount of time has passed since the compressor was previously operated. The control component may also cause the compressor to pump gas through the tube for a predetermined amount of time, responsive to the control component determining that a pressure sensor component in fluid communication with the tube indicates a possible decrease in the liquid level to at least a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: SJE-Rhombus
    Inventors: Aaron R. Wolf, William D. Chandler, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110227742
    Abstract: A method is provided for measuring remaining hydrogen capacity of hydrogen storage canister incorporating tag information. An information identification tag is attached to a hydrogen storage canister. The information identification tag contains therein at least one record of tag information indicating the hydrogen storage quantity of the hydrogen storage canister. Once the hydrogen storage quantity is read from the tag information of the information identification tag and hydrogen consumption quantity supplied from the hydrogen storage canister is detected, the hydrogen storage quantity is operated by subtracting the hydrogen consumption quantity therefrom to calculate a hydrogen residue, which is then used to update the tag information of the information identification tag or is stored for subsequent use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: ASIA PACIFIC FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: JEFFERSON YS YANG, FENG-HSIANG HSIAO, HONG-SHI CHANG, CHIH-HSUEH CHEN
  • Patent number: 7982624
    Abstract: A system for preventing accidents in the operation of a monitored apparatus carried by a user has terminal in direct contact with the body of the user and provided with a circuit for continuously or periodically transmitting an authorizing user data signal through the body of the user. A signal receiver assigned on the monitored apparatus or machine has an interface in contact with the user for receiving the signal, a circuit for continuously or periodically testing the received data signal, another circuit for outputting a clearance signal that allows operation of the monitored machine or apparatus after a successful test of the received authorizing user data signal, and yet another circuit for terminating output of the clearance signal following a successful test of the authorizing user data signal when a subsequent test of the data signal fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Ident Technology AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Richter, Stefan Donat, Peter Rosenbeck
  • Patent number: 7895884
    Abstract: Apparatus for remote inspection of fluid containers, e.g., portable tanks or fluid pipelines, includes an electronic circuit in communication between each container (or at various locations along a pipeline) and a remote central station. The electronic circuit is adapted to issue a wireless signal to the remote central station upon detection of predetermined internal conditions, such as an out-of-range pressure condition of fluid contained within the volume of the container, or upon detection of predetermined external conditions, such as the lack of presence of the container in its installed position or the presence of an obstruction to viewing of or access to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: en-Gauge, Inc.
    Inventors: John McSheffrey, Jr., Brendan T McSheffrey
  • Patent number: 7891241
    Abstract: An apparatus for remote inspection of fire extinguishers at one or a system of fire extinguisher stations includes, e.g., at each fire extinguisher station: a detector for lack of presence of a fire extinguisher in its installed position at the fire extinguisher station; a detector for out-of-range pressure of contents of the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station; a detector for an obstruction to viewing of or access to the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station; and a device for transmission of inspection report information from the fire extinguisher station to a remote central station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: en-Gauge, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. McSheffrey, Brendan T. McSheffrey
  • Patent number: 7889087
    Abstract: A fluid detection system comprises a liquid sensor, an air pump and an atmospheric pressure sensor encased within an air and water permeable casing defining an enclosed air space. The pressure sensor acquires pressure samples within the casing, the air pump expelling additional gas into the casing. In response to determining a flood-status or a non-flood-status state of the fluid detection system and comparing the samples, a failure of the fluid detection system or an immersion of the fluid detection system in fluid is determined. In some embodiments, failure is determined if a second sample is greater than a first sample in a non-flooded state, and in others immersion is determined if a second sample is greater than a first sample value and the determined state is flooded. In some examples, gas is expelled across a liquid detection surface and a third sample value is acquired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Boss, Peter G. Finn, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Brian M. O'Connell, James W. Seaman, Keith R. Walker
  • Publication number: 20110025512
    Abstract: A bin level monitoring system uses one or more monitoring devices (10) to measure a material (23) level in a bin (34). The monitoring devices (10) each have a frame (11) with at least two rigid frame members (12, 13) extending in a longitudinal direction with a space (14) between the frame members. A flexible material (22) covers the frame members (12, 13) and encloses the space (14) there between. A first resistive element (24) and a second resistive or conductive element (30) extend in the longitudinal direction of the device (10) and are arranged to move into contact with each other between the first and second frame members (12, 13) when pressure is applied by bulk material (23) in the bin (34) pressing against an outer surface of the flexible covering (22). An electric circuit (35) connected to the monitoring device (10) measures a total resistance of the free, non-contacted portion of at least one of the first and second elements (24, 30) to provide a measurement of the material level in the bin (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Ronald M Thibault
  • Patent number: 7859403
    Abstract: A system and method for selectively communicating data from a remote facility to a central computing device via one or more communication networks and/or protocols. Measurement data for a particular operation is collected and stored by a field device at the remote facility. The field device compares the collected measurement data to stored threshold data to detect an alarm event or transfer event. If an alarm event is detected, the RTU transfers an alarm message to a user via a first communication network. If a transfer event is detected, the RTU transfers a transfer message to the user via a different communication network. If a no-event is detected, the field device continues to collect and store measurement data for the particular operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Elecsys Corporation
    Inventor: Michael S. Tampke
  • Patent number: 7808379
    Abstract: A selectable mode field transmitter is configurable to operate in one of a plurality of operating modes having different combinations of function, performance, and power consumption. The selectable mode field transmitter includes a housing, a sensor located within the housing, and transmitter circuitry for transmitting data provided by the sensor to a receiver external to the housing. The transmitter circuitry includes a controller that electrically configures the transmitter circuitry to one of a plurality of operational modes in response to mode selection data received from a source external to the housing. Therefore, the selectable mode field transmitter can be configured based on the needs or requirements of a particular application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Hedtke, John Paul Schulte, Steven Richard Trimble
  • Patent number: 7804414
    Abstract: A device for detecting a collision of a vehicle with an obstacle includes an enclosed space positioned behind a front bumper cover. Deformation or displacement of the bumper cover due to a collision is transmitted to the enclosed space. Air pressure in the enclosed space and its temperature are measured by sensors and electrical signals representing the pressure and the temperature are fed to an electronic control unit that determines whether the enclosed space is hermetically closed or not based on the pressure and the temperature of the air in the enclosed space. If the enclosed space becomes non-hermetical due to a collision impact, the air therein leaks and the pressure therein becomes atmospheric pressure irrespective of the temperature of the air in the enclosed space. Therefore, the hermetical condition of the enclosed space is surely detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Kiribayashi
  • Publication number: 20100171624
    Abstract: Apparatus for remote inspection of oxygen containers includes an electronic circuit in communication between each container (or at various locations along a pipeline) and a remote central station. The electronic circuit is adapted to issue a signal to the remote central station that includes information about predetermined internal and/or external conditions such as the level of oxygen stored in the tank, a pressure condition of material stored in the tank, a lack of presence of the tank in an installed position, or the presence of an obstruction restricting access to the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: John McSheffrey, Brendan T. McSheffrey
  • Patent number: 7726411
    Abstract: An apparatus for remote inspection of fire extinguishers at one or a system of fire extinguisher stations includes, e.g., at each fire extinguisher station: a detector for lack of presence of a fire extinguisher in its installed position at the fire extinguisher station; a detector for out-of-range pressure of contents of the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station; a detector for an obstruction to viewing of or access to the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station; and a device for communication of inspection report information by wireless signal between the fire extinguisher station and a remote central station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: en-Gauge, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. McSheffrey, Jr., Brendan T. McSheffrey
  • Patent number: 7663496
    Abstract: In a pressure switch, a joint coupling holder is mounted via an opening in a case constituting a housing. A plurality of engagement pawls that make up the joint coupling holder engages with a bottom of the case. Further, by inserting a cap into a recess of the joint coupling holder, the engaged state of the engagement pawls is maintained, whereby the housing, which is made from a resin material, and the joint coupling holder are strongly and rigidly connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kawakami, Kazuhiro Kurahara
  • Publication number: 20090224928
    Abstract: The invention relates to a level indicator (100) for measuring the fill level of a container, with an electronic control and evaluation system (132, 232) and an interface (133, 233), that are positioned in a housing (131, 231); a sensor unit with a sensor and attachments; a signal cable (110, 210) for connecting the electronic control and evaluation system (132, 232) and the sensor unit; and a connecting device (120, 240), which produces both a mechanical connection between the sensor unit and the housing (131, 231) of the electronic control and evaluation system (132, 232), and an electrical connection between the interface (133, 233) of the electronic control and evaluation system (132, 232) and the signal cable (110, 210), such that both the mechanical and electrical connections produced by the connecting device (120, 240) are separable. The invention also relates to a process for assembling a level indicator (100) having a control and evaluation unit (130).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: VEGA GRIESHABER KG
    Inventor: Thomas Kopp
  • Publication number: 20090051554
    Abstract: A sensing device arrangement for a fuel storage system is provided having at least one storage tank, a plurality of sensing devices positioned in or around the at least one storage tank, and a controller in electrical communication with the plurality of sensing devices. The controller is configured to communicate with each sensing device of the plurality of sensing devices on a single bi-directional data line. A sensing device of the plurality of sensing devices is activated by the controller. Data is acquired by the sensing device and transmitted to the controller over the data line. The controller instructs the sensing device to change to a low power state. The controller receives electrical characteristics from the plurality of sensing devices recognized on the data line and calculates a characteristic of the sensing device arrangement. The controller verifies compliance with an intrinsic safety barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: DELAWARE CAPITAL FORMATION, INC.
    Inventors: Ian F. Jarvie, Przemyslaw Olaf Iwaszczyszyn
  • Patent number: 7495575
    Abstract: A gear pump for the dosed conveyance of pigmented lacquers or paints and which is adapted for use with a painting robot. The gear pump comprises two toothed wheels meshing with one another and which are mounted within a pump housing in such a manner that they can be rotated by a driven drive shaft and a fixed bearing shaft. For this, the drive shaft is mounted by a bearing section at multiple points in a pump housing and a coupling section of the drive shaft projects out of the pump drive to connect to a drive. In order, on the one hand, to avoid wear due to high pressure forces and, on the other hand, to absorb a pronounced load from the outside, a supporting bearing for the radial and axial support of the drive shaft is formed on the drive shaft's coupling section projecting outside of the pump housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignees: Saurer GmbH & Co. KG, Dürr Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Arkardiusz Tomzik, Florian Axmann, Michael Baumann
  • Patent number: 7483795
    Abstract: A method of determining a temperature and a pressure in a tank is provided. The method comprises the steps of obtaining sensor data and calculating coefficients. Then, a bridge resistance is ratiometrically determined from a bridge voltage. A temperature is calculated with the coefficients and the bridge resistance. Thereafter, a transition from a temperature measurement mode to a pressure measurement mode is made. A voltage per resistance is calculated with the coefficients and a differential voltage. Then, a normalized voltage is calculated using the voltage per resistance, the differential voltage, and the bridge resistance to indirectly compensating for temperature. A pressure is calculated with the coefficients and the normalized voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Wojtek Miller, Kenneth Alan Cupples, James Robert Champion
  • Publication number: 20090008338
    Abstract: A method of determining whether a septic tank containing a liquid and sludge or scum mixture needs to be emptied, comprising locating a sensor in the mixture wherein the sensor is adapted to measure a parameter which can be used to determining the depth of sludge or scum in the septic tank and generating a warning signal when a signal from the sensor is indicative of a depth of sludge or scum exceeding a predetermined limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: SAMARAN INTERNATIONAL PTY LTD
    Inventors: Neil James Dunbar, Matt Goodall Parsons
  • Patent number: 7456753
    Abstract: An internal pressure explosion-proof system is provided that is capable of detecting high-pressure abnormality of an internal pressure explosion-proof mechanism, urging a check of gas/air apparatus by providing a means for notifying a user of abnormality, and decreasing excessive pressure of an internal pressure chamber. A high-pressure abnormality detector and a pressure regulating valve are provided in an air discharging portion for releasing the gas/air discharged from the internal pressure explosion-proof mechanism. The working pressure of the high-pressure abnormality detector is set to be lower than the working pressure of the pressure regulating valve. The high-pressure abnormality detector sends a signal when the pressure becomes higher than the set pressure to make the alarm give a warning and makes the open valves open to decrease the pressure of the internal pressure chamber of the internal pressure explosion-proof mechanism which became excessive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventors: Teruhisa Kitagawa, Shingi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7450020
    Abstract: Apparatus for remote monitoring of a portable pressurized container, such as the tank of a fire extinguisher, includes a pressure sensor that detects pressure of material contained within a volume defined by the portable container and communications circuitry in communication with the pressure sensor that issues a signal containing information about the pressure detected by the pressure sensor to a remote central station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: MIJA Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brendan T. McSheffrey, John J. McSheffrey, Sr.