Gas Patents (Class 340/632)
  • Patent number: 10643449
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve an apparatus, systems, and methods for providing a status of an item based on sensor data. The method may include determining a status of an item based on a comparison of sensor data and a baseline sensor measurement of the item. The method may further include providing an electronic notification based on the status of the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Dane Glasgow, Corinne Sherman Stewart, David Ramadge, Timothy Carlson, Sergio Pinzon Gonzales, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10557838
    Abstract: A portable gas detecting and monitoring apparatus includes a case having a continuous sidewall including a first end closed a first end cap, and a second end closed by a second end cap connected sealably and removably to the continuous sidewall. The continuous sidewall is triangular between the closed end and the open having three sides and three corners, two of the three sides being straight and equal in length, one of the three sides being rounded, and each of the three corners being rounded. A gas detection and monitoring unit mounted in the case includes gas, pressure, and temperature and humidity sensors in communication with an ambient atmosphere outside the case, a data processor operatively connected to the sensors, data storage, an information display viewable through the case, and a calibration unit for calibrating the gas sensor to a predetermined gas concentration measured by the gas sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Acrulog Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Brian Worth
  • Patent number: 10530021
    Abstract: A battery thermal event detection system includes a battery, a chemiresistor, and a temperature-sensitive sample in contact with a surface of the battery. The sample is configured to, responsive to a change in battery temperature, release a gas configured to alter a resistance of the chemiresistor. The system further includes a controller coupled with the chemiresistor and configured to, responsive to detecting a change in the resistance greater than a threshold change, reduce power supplied by the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.
    Inventor: Eric Poirier
  • Patent number: 10521650
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) image recognition system includes a first imaging sensor capable of collecting a first wavelength range of light and a second imaging sensor capable of collecting a second wavelength range of light. The first imaging sensor and the second imaging sensor are placed apart. The 3D image recognition system also includes a processor configured to identify at least one landmark area of a first image of an object collected by the first imaging sensor, and identify at least one matching landmark area in a second image of the object collected by the second imaging sensor. The processor is further configured to extract the 3D information of the object from the at least one landmark area of the images collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond Kirk Price, Michael Bleyer, Jian Zhao, Ravi Kiran Nalla
  • Patent number: 10473550
    Abstract: A system remotely detects a gas leakage from a pipeline in an area. The system detects a gas leakage by determining an absorption or emission of gasses in the area. The gas detection system includes at least two light sources. The lasers can include lasers for detecting absorbance of gasses in the area, lasers for stimulating emission of gasses in the area, and lasers for detecting a pathlength. Absorption is determined based on the relative amplitude difference of emitted and reflected light beams. Emission is determined based on an amount emission stimulated by absorbed lasers. Pathlength is determined calculating time of flight of a light beam. The detection system calculates a concentration of the gasses in the area using the determined absorption and pathlength. The detection system can also generate an image representing a gas leakage in the area. The detection system may be attached to an unmanned aerial vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Aurora Innovative Technology LLC
    Inventors: Jiebo Li, Xunmin Guo, Wanyi Zhao, Zhen Yin, Chuhan Yuan
  • Patent number: 10408471
    Abstract: The wireless carbon monoxide furnace shutoff system is a safety device that monitors the interior of a space for unsafe concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2). The wireless carbon monoxide furnace shutoff system will shut off the furnace should an unsafe concentration of either CO or CO2 be detected within the interior space. The wireless carbon monoxide furnace shutoff system comprises a remote module and a furnace module. The remote module and the furnace module are connected with a wireless communication link. The remote module monitors the concentration of CO and the concentration of CO2 within the interior space. The remote module sends a plurality of messages to the furnace module that enables and disables the operation of the furnace based on the concentration of CO and the concentration of CO2 measured within the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventor: Lionel Lanouette
  • Patent number: 10393714
    Abstract: Techniques for monitoring particulate matter (PM) mass concentration using relatively low cost devices are described. A computer-implemented method comprises determining, by a device operatively coupled to a processor, relationships between: first PM mass data determined by a monitor station device for a first atmospheric area over a period of time; first PM count data determined by a reference PM count device for the first atmospheric area over the period of time; and first conditional information comprising first values for defined conditional parameters, wherein the first values are associated with the first atmospheric area over the period of time. The method further includes generating an initial conversion model based on the relationships, wherein the conversion model converts a PM count to a PM mass based on one or more conditional parameters of the defined conditional parameters and features for updating the conversion model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junsong Wang, Lingyun Wang
  • Patent number: 10393856
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for updating the location information for a gas detector device. A gas detector device may comprise a wireless receiver operable to receive information from one or more wireless beacons. In some cases, the wireless beacons may comprise location information. When the gas detector device receives a wireless beacon, the location information stored on the gas detector device may be updated accordingly. In some cases, the subsequent readings of the gas detector device may be associated with the updated location information. In some cases, the wireless beacons may be located at critical areas within a facility, such as entrances or exits to locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Kirk William Johnson, Mahdi Javer, Stephen Mroszczak
  • Patent number: 10386282
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising a micro-rheometer (1) with a microchannel (2) and a sensor array arranged along the microchannel to measure rheological properties of a fluid. The sensor array comprises a plurality of pairs of electrodes (8, 8?), each pair being placed face to face to function as an electronic switch when the fluid flows through them. It further comprises a data acquisition system (10) with an electronic circuit in which each pair of electrodes is connected to an amplifier electronic circuit (11) to ensure an ultra-low electrical current flow through the short-circuit created by the fluid and the pair of electrodes, to avoid damaging the fluid. The invention may be used as a small portable device for medical diagnosis in diseases associated to changes in blood viscosity, operating in a wide range of shear rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignees: CONSORCI CENTRE DE RECERCA MATEMATICA
    Inventors: Jordi Colomer Farrarons, Aurora Hernandez Machado, Tomas Alarcon Cor, Angeles Ivon Rodriguez Villarreal, Pedro Luis Miribel Catala
  • Patent number: 10386345
    Abstract: Examples are provided for estimating an amount of fuel in an engine oil and an effect of the fuel on a gas sensor. In one example, an apparatus may include an analyzer to analyze an engine fluid and a computing device operably coupled to the analyzer, the computing device storing non-transitory instructions executable to determine fuel dilution in engine oil based on speciation of hydrocarbons in fuel in the engine oil determined based on output received from the analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohannad Hakeem, James Eric Anderson, Shuya Shark Yamada, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Patent number: 10362153
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing direct access to one or more sensors from an internet protocol network. One example method includes detecting, by the remote terminal unit, a first sensor coupled to a first communications port. The method also includes generating a first unique internet protocol address for the first sensor, and mapping the first unique internet protocol address, at an application layer of a network protocol stack, to the first sensor. The method includes broadcasting, over the internet protocol network at a network layer, the first unique internet protocol address and an identity of the first sensor with which the first unique internet protocol address is associated. The method includes monitoring, at the network layer of the internet protocol network, for a sensor message identifying the first unique internet protocol address as a destination address, and forwarding the sensor message to the application layer for further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jacob Shem Tov, Ido Merkado
  • Patent number: 10354471
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating the fitness of an object based on determination of a measure of permeability of the object, including positioning the object between a fluid source and a gasochromic material, dispensing a fluid from the fluid source towards the object such that at least a portion of the fluid flows through the object and contacts the gasochromic material, exciting the gasochromic material with an excitation source such that an emission of the gasochromic material is in response to the excitation source and the fluid, detecting the emission from the gasochromic material to determine the permeability of the object, and evaluating the fitness of the object based on the determination of the permeability of the object. The gasochromic material may also be included in the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Spectra Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Nabil M. Lawandy
  • Patent number: 10330617
    Abstract: A wearable sensor badge utilizes a carbon nanotube (CNT) sensor array for selective sensing of chemicals from naturally diffused air or by sampling air using a pump/fan for higher sensitivity. An embedded microcontroller monitors the resistance of the sensing elements and by using an advanced detection algorithm the presence of TICs and/or CWAs are identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Design West Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Hur, Ramesh Palanisamy, Jeffrey Kim, Gary Chen, Wei Li, Dennis Grudt
  • Patent number: 10295457
    Abstract: The airplane cabin air quality monitoring system comprises a gas monitor. The gas monitor measures the atmosphere within an aircraft for a plurality of potentially hazardous gases. The gas monitor further comprises a plurality of gas sensors, a plurality of compensation sensors, a spectrometer, and a control system. The plurality of gas sensors, the plurality of compensation sensors, the spectrometer, and the control system are electrically interconnected. The control system manages and regulates the operation of the gas monitor. The control system generates an alert if a potentially hazardous gas is detected. The airplane cabin air quality monitoring system further comprises a docking station stores the gas monitor when the gas monitor is not in use. The docking station: 1) recharges the battery of the gas monitor; and, 2) establishes a hardwired first communication link between the gas monitor and the ACARS of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Larry Ocheltree
  • Patent number: 10282975
    Abstract: Supervision and testing of a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm using an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and microcontroller. Wherein an electrochemical CO sensor is isolated from its detection circuit and a voltage charge is changed thereon then the CO sensor is reconnected to the detection circuit, wherein the voltage charge on the CO sensor returns to an equilibrium state over time. From the voltage versus time results a determination is made as to whether the CO sensor and CO detection circuit are functioning properly. All test and control circuits may be provided by the ASIC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED
    Inventors: William King, Jonathan Corbett, Erik Johnson
  • Patent number: 10242558
    Abstract: Systems and methods for handling latent anomalies in field devices are described herein. When an anomaly is detected, the system can earmark the presence of the detected anomaly with a flag or other notification, and announce the existence of the anomaly to a user. In some embodiments, a self-test may be distributed to devices in the field that may be potentially affected by the latent anomaly so that those devices can monitor for the presence of the anomaly and take appropriate action if detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Tyler Moore, Kelly Veit, Joseph Jaoudi, Jr., Geo Hsu, David Wang, David Liem, Terry Simons, Michael Kwiatkowski
  • Patent number: 10242560
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting anomalies in a hazard detection system are described herein. When an anomaly is detected, the system can earmark the presence of the detected anomaly with a flag or other notification, and announce the existence of the anomaly to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Tyler Moore, Kelly Veit, Joseph Jaoudi
  • Patent number: 10227764
    Abstract: A valve control system may include a latch valve controlling a stream of water in a pipe; a flow rate sensor measuring a flow rate in the pipe; and a valve control device determining that the latch valve is malfunctioning if a flow rate value measured by the flow rate sensor is not within a pre-set flow rate value range corresponding to a valve operation and controlling the latch valve to re-operate in the occurrence of the malfunction, wherein the valve control device may include a first timing device determining the number of re-operations of the latch valve, and wherein when the number of re-operations of the latch valve determined by the first timing device exceeds a pre-set number, the valve control device may control the latch valve to perform a reverse operation of the operation performed during the re-operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Coway Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Joung-Ho Son, In-Seok Seo, Ki-Chul Kim
  • Patent number: 10178215
    Abstract: Systems and methods for establishing communication between a terminal and a device are disclosed. According to certain embodiments, a method used in the device includes receiving a plurality of multicast packets from the terminal. The method also includes determining, according to the multicast packets, wireless connection information of a wireless network. The method further includes connecting to the wireless network according to the wireless connection information. The method further includes generating a notification indicating a password associated with the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: SHANGHAI XIAOYI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Liang Zong, Yangcun Chen, Chao He
  • Patent number: 10161920
    Abstract: An analytical system and method for detecting volatile organic chemicals in water including a coated SAW detector that provides for improved reduction of moisture at the coating of the SAW detector. A stabilized SAW sensitivity and long lasting calibration is achieved. The analytical system further includes an improved sample vessel and sparger that allow for easy grab sample analysis, while also providing efficient purging of the volatile organic compounds from the water sample. In addition, an improved preconcentrator provides a stabilized sorbent bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Kazi Z. A. Hassan, William M. Cost, John Arthur Morse, Michael L. Doutt, Glenn Stacey Geis
  • Patent number: 10156552
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for determining the location of a gas detector device, wherein the location may be within a predefined location zone, and automatically configuring the gas detector device based on the location zone. Each location zone in a facility may be associated with a configuration for the gas detector device. The location of the gas detector device may be monitored by a central station, and when it is determined that a gas detector device has moved from one location zone to another, the configuration of the gas detector device may be updated accordingly. Additionally, other parameters may be monitored by the central station and/or the gas detector device to determine the appropriate configuration of the gas detector device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Vidyasagar Baba Maddila, Tijo Thomas, Kurian George, Arunkumar Kamalakannan, Suryaramya Talluri, Swapna Illuru
  • Patent number: 10067483
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a lifetime controller is configured to monitor operating conditions for a device, and to control operating conditions based on the previous conditions to improve the reliability characteristics of the device while permitting strenuous use as available. For example, the lifetime controller may permit strenuous use when the device is first powered on. Once a specified amount of strenuous use has occurred, the controller may cause the operating conditions to be reduced to reduce the wear on the device, and thus help to extend the lifetime of the device. Similarly, if a device is used in less strenuous conditions, the controller may accumulate credit which may be expended by permitting the device to operate in more strenuous conditions for a period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ching E. Ho, Antonietta Oliva, James S. Ismail, John G. Dorsey, Keith Cox, Norman J. Rohrer
  • Patent number: 10057125
    Abstract: The present disclosure contemplates a variety of improved methods and systems for enabling users to set up and manage a variety of disparate IoT devices coupled to the framework and/or ambient operating system of an assistant device. The described solution includes a voice-driven assistant device setup process. An assistant device can determine the IoT devices in its physical environment and provide setup instructions to the user. The assistant device can further capture user responses and use the captured responses to connect to and manage/troubleshoot/control the IoT devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Manuel Roman, Mara Clair Segal, Dwipal Desai, Andrew E. Rubin
  • Patent number: 10007274
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a water pump having an engine that drives an impeller, a water storage tank connected to the water pump, a first water level detector that outputs an A signal when a water level is at or higher than a first height and outputs a B signal when lower than the height, a second water level detector that outputs the A signal when the water level is at or lower than a second height and outputs the B signal when higher than the height, a connection switcher that switches connection of the first and second water level detector, and an impeller controller connected to the connection switcher and adapted to control operation of the engine that drives the impeller of the water pump based on the signals outputted from the first and second water level detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideaki Shimamura, Atsuhisa Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 9976975
    Abstract: The method of making thin film humidity sensors uses thermal vapor deposition or drop casting techniques to fabricate nickel phthalocyanine-fullerene-based (NiPc-C60) quick response humidity sensors with negligible hysteresis. Prior to the deposition of aluminum electrodes, a glass substrate is cleaned by using acetone in an ultrasonic bath for 10 minutes. After cleaning, the substrate is washed with de-ionized water and then dried. A gap is created between two electrodes by masking the glass substrate with copper wire. This assembly is plasma-cleaned for 5 minutes in a thermal evaporator. Subsequently aluminum (Al) thin films are deposited on the assembly. Next, a mixture of equal parts NiPc-C60 is deposited onto the gap between the Al electrodes by thermal vapor deposition or by drop casting. A method of forming NiPc-graphene oxide (NiPc-GO) humidity sensors without using instrumentation drop casts an NiPc-GO suspension onto aluminum foil electrodes taped to a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: KING ABDULAZIZ UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Abdullah Mohamed Asiri, Muhammad Tariq Saeed Chani, Sher Bahadar Khan
  • Patent number: 9933403
    Abstract: A method for use in an electronic device, comprising: sensing a state of the electronic device; detect whether the state satisfies a predetermined condition; detecting a concentration of a gas in response to the state satisfying the predetermined condition; and displaying an indication of the concentration of the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daeun Park, Hyunkyoung Kim, Jihyun Ahn, Jung-Sik Park, Hyung-Woo Shin
  • Patent number: 9921180
    Abstract: A gas sensor system (1) includes a gas sensor (2) having a cell (14) electrically communicating with a first terminal T1 and a second terminal T2, and a cell (24) electrically communicating with T2 and a third terminal T3; and a sensor control section (40) including detection circuits (41, 43) for detecting the terminal potentials V1, V3. The sensor control section includes circuit (44) for bringing T2 to an examination potential Vex; constant current circuits (47, 48) for supplying examination currents Ipoc, Icp; terminal potential detection means S5 for detecting V1, V3 before the gas sensor detects the gas concentration in an activated state, and in a state in which T2 is brought to examination potential Vex and Ipoc, Icp are supplied to the cells (14, 24); and wire breakage determination means S6, S10 for determining a wire breakage anomaly and its location based on the V1, V3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuzo Higuchi, Tomonori Uemura
  • Patent number: 9922478
    Abstract: A pressing device includes a pressing device switch configured to cover a garage door switch. The garage door switch operates a garage door opener connected to the garage door switch. An actuator is coupled to the pressing device switch. An indicator outputs a combination of an audio and video signal. The pressing device receives a garage door control command and generates a warning signal to the indicator. The indicator outputs the combination of the audio and video signal in response to receiving the warning signal, and generates a trigger signal to the actuator. The actuator physically presses on the garage door switch in response to receiving the trigger signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Nortek Security & Control LLC
    Inventor: Robert King Wong
  • Patent number: 9922541
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting anomalies in a hazard detection system are described herein. When an anomaly is detected, the system can earmark the presence of the detected anomaly with a flag or other notification, and announce the existence of the anomaly to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Tyler Moore, Kelly Veit, Joseph Jaoudi
  • Patent number: 9903802
    Abstract: A drilling fluid monitoring system includes a scale and a container disposed on the scale. A container inlet is disposed proximate a top of the container and a container outlet is disposed proximate a bottom of the container. A serpentine passage is disposed inside the container and is fluidically connected to the container inlet and the container outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Inventor: Toby L. Meinen
  • Patent number: 9846104
    Abstract: An off-board vehicle fuel handling and containment system leak tester that uses CO2 gas in order to find the location of the leak site. An external source of CO2 gas is used to pressurize the fuel containment system to a pressure greater than the surrounding pressure. An electronic detector capable of detecting CO2 gas is used to scan at least some of the containment system's external surfaces for the presence of the escaping CO2 gas. When the electronic detector senses the CO2 gas an alert system is activated. Once the leak site area is known a leak finding composition of matter is applied to the leak site area in order to identify the exact point of leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Automotive Test Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Neal R. Pederson
  • Patent number: 9829428
    Abstract: Gas detector devices, systems, and methods using a Golay cell are described herein. One device includes a microphone having a front surface with a sound collecting aperture for receiving sound, a substrate, a gas cavity formed in the substrate such that the gas cavity is in gas communication with the sound collecting aperture and the front surface forms a side surface of the gas cavity, and a window abutting the substrate to form a side surface of the gas cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Yang, Teresa M. Marta, Martin Willett, Rodney R. Watts
  • Patent number: 9694700
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a charging management system. Based on an estimated duration from a time when an electric vehicle having arrived at each of a charging facilities starts charging until the charging is complete, the system determines the charging facility a charging facility utilization of which is to be recommended to be one of the charging facilities related to a path to a destination which has a shortest maximum wait time from a time when a plurality of electric vehicles arrive at the charging facility until the charging is complete, and reports information indicative of the determined charging facility to the electric vehicle not having arrived at the charging facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA SOLUTIONS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinichiro Kawano, Hiroyuki Suzuki, Makoto Kano, Yasuomi Une, Junichi Yamamoto, Norikazu Hosaka, Satoshi Sekine, Tsuyoshi Shimada
  • Patent number: 9683977
    Abstract: An apparatus including a wireless transceiver of the gas monitoring processor that receives gas readings and a plurality of gas detectors at different locations within the predetermined geographical area that each periodically measure a current gas level at a respective location of the gas detector wherein for each gas reading of the gas detector, a processor of the gas detector compares the current gas level with a previously measured gas level, if the current gas level is different than the previous gas level, then the gas detector wirelessly transmits a message including the current gas level to the wireless transceiver of the gas monitoring processor and if the current gas level is unchanged from the previous gas level, then the gas detector transmits a beacon message to the wireless transceiver of the gas monitoring processor as an indication that the current gas level is unchanged from the previous gas level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: James Li Liu, Kai Ren
  • Patent number: 9649464
    Abstract: An oxygen concentrator may rely on a pressure swing adsorption process to produce an oxygen enriched gas stream from canisters filled with granules capable of separation of oxygen from an air stream. The adsorption process uses a cyclical pressurization and venting of the canisters to generate an oxygen enriched gas stream. Coupling an oxygen concentration sensor to the generated oxygen enriched gas stream may allow monitoring of the purity of the produced gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Inova Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Wilkinson, Allan Sten Westersten, H. David Shockley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9645126
    Abstract: There are provided methods for detecting at least one odor in a gas sample. For example, such a method can comprise passing a gas sample into a thermal conditioning chamber or unit so as to control the temperature of the gas sample; dividing the gas sample into a plurality of portions and contacting each of the portions together with a different gas sensor. There is also provided an apparatus for detecting an odor that comprises a thermal conditioning unit adapted to control the temperature of a gas sample; a divider adapted to divide the gas sample into a plurality of gas portions; and a plurality of gas sensors disposed adjacently to the divider, each of the sensors being adapted to receive a portion of the gas sample in order to analyze it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: ODOTECH INC.
    Inventors: Christian Dufour, Wissam Ezzedine, Eric Debeuf, Eric Grossi
  • Patent number: 9606049
    Abstract: Gas detector devices, systems, and methods using a Golay cell are described herein. One device includes a microphone having a front surface with an sound collecting aperture for receiving sound, a substrate, a gas cavity formed in the substrate such that the gas cavity is in gas communication with the sound collecting aperture and the front surface forms a side surface of the gas cavity, and a window abutting the substrate to form a side surface of the gas cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Yang, Teresa M. Marta, Martin Willett, Rodney R. Watts
  • Patent number: 9488617
    Abstract: A sensor device (1) detects flowable media (3, 3?), in particular fluids (9) received in pressure devices (5), such as pressure containers (7) or pressure lines. A sensor element (11) has an oscillation device (13) that is excited to produce oscillations under the action of a field (15) of a field generation device (17). The oscillating behavior of the oscillations changes upon inflow of the respective medium (3). The changes can be detected by a measuring device (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: HYDAC TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventor: Matthias Leo Jirgal
  • Patent number: 9454921
    Abstract: A wind-articulated, warning sign system responsive to oblique wind currents acting external to surfaces of its exposed, non-flat-sheet and non-fabric structural elements and which provides a functional-airfoil-cross-section with surface configured to display and provide emergency critical technical data for specific classes of regular and emergency visitors to the entrance portal of an industrial site where large quantities of dangerous substances, including, radioactive, flammable, explosive, corrosive, oxidizing, asphyxiating, biohazardous, toxic, pathogenic, or allergenic substances are handled and which substances might be released by accident or by terrorist attack and dispersed by winds into the local environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Wind Willie, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Eugene Williams, Nickey Joe Williams, Benny Ray Sherrod, Roger Dale Hayes
  • Patent number: 9453750
    Abstract: A fluid instrument information providing device comprises a gas usage amount integrating section for integrating the usage amount of a gas for each of the kinds of gas instruments which is determined by a gas instrument determiner section, based on a change in the flow of the gas which is measured by the flow measuring section; an instrument information generating section for generating a plurality of gas instrument information including charge information relating to the gas instrument corresponding to the integrated usage amount for each kind of the gas instrument which is integrated by the gas usage amount integrating section, based on the integrated usage amount; an information selecting section operated by a user to select gas instrument information from among the gas instrument information generated by the gas instrument information generating section; and an output section for outputting instrument information selected by the information selecting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuo Yokohata, Motoyuki Nawa
  • Patent number: 9144992
    Abstract: An object is to directly detect the emptiness of a solvent cartridge being mounted. An emptiness detection unit body includes a light transmissive tube which constitutes part of internal piping of a printer body, a light emitter, and a light receiver. The light transmissive tube is composed of a transparent tube, typically, a glass tube or a fluororesin (PFA) tube. The light emitter and the light receiver are arranged to face the light transmissive tube. The light transmissive tube is filled with a solvent supplied from the solvent cartridge. On the other hand, the light transmissive tube is filled with gas when the solvent cartridge is empty. The emptiness of the solvent cartridge is detected by a change in the amount of light received by the light receiver associated with the change in the light transmissive tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Keyence Corporation
    Inventor: Hideki Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 9117348
    Abstract: An exemplary apparatus includes a sensor array configured to sense a gas stream temperature, pressure, and humidity. The sensor array includes a plurality of sensors, each configured to sense at least one of the gas stream conditions. The apparatus further includes an electronic control unit comprising a memory storage device, a condition evaluation module, a display module, and a wireless transmission module. The memory storage device stores a plurality of condition parameters, each condition parameter corresponding to one of the gas stream conditions. The condition evaluation module is configured to determine if one of the sensed conditions violates one of the corresponding parameters, and is further configured to output a warning command in response to the determining. The display module is configured to display information relating to at least one of a sensed condition and a condition parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: INGERSOLL-RAND COMPANY
    Inventor: Chun Jian Tang
  • Publication number: 20150145685
    Abstract: A monitor for gases and a mine includes a housing. The monitor includes a battery disposed in the housing. The monitor includes a gas sensor portion powered by the battery and in electrical communication with the battery which detects a first gas and at least a second gas different from the first gas in the mine. The monitor includes an alarm portion disposed in the housing, powered by the battery and in electrical communication with the battery which emits a visual alert and an audible alert when the gas sensor portion senses that either the first or second gas is above a predetermined threshold. The monitor includes a wireless communication portion disposed in the housing, powered by the battery and in electrical communication with the battery and the sensor portion, which sends a wireless signal from the housing that the gas sensor portion has sensed of either the first or second gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: STRATA PRODUCTS WORLDWIDE, LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Albinger, Cody T. Lawler, Tom Michaud, Michael Berube, Brian Dunkin, David W. Hakins, Michael W. Bertosh
  • Publication number: 20150145686
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for gas exposure monitoring of a work area are described. The system may include components that receive an alarm data item from a sensor device. The alarm data item may be generated in response to a first user being exposed to a gas concentration measured by the sensor device. A processor may receive a location of the sensor device in the work area based on a location identifier of the sensor device. A second user located within a predetermined vicinity of the sensor device may be identified. The second user may be identified by the processor. The system may transmit an indication of the alarm data item received from the first user and the location of the sensor device in the work area to the second user. The transmission may be automatic on detection of the second user's location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Ernest K. Johnson, JR., Mark J. Davisson
  • Publication number: 20150137983
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for gas exposure monitoring of a work area are described. The system may include a processor; an interface to communicate with a first device and a second device; and a memory to store first and second gas exposure identifiers and first and second location identifiers received from the first and second devices, respectively. The system may identify a concentration of gas detected by the first device in a work zone. The system may be operable to transmit alert information to the second device when the second device is in the work zone and the concentration of gas detected by the first device in the work zone is above the set amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Ernest K. Johnson, JR., Mark J. Davisson
  • Patent number: 9035781
    Abstract: A gas appliance monitoring apparatus for automatically detecting and alerting to a “gas-out” condition of a gas appliance during operation, and/or for alerting to the presence of prolonged “gas-on” conditions of an appliance. The apparatus utilizes a highly sensitive low loss and low flow gas flow indicator with multiple flow sensors to monitor the gas flow characteristics of the appliance during use. A gas flow analyzer and alarm timing mechanism analyzes the gas flow characteristics and sounds an alarm at the appliance or wirelessly at a remote location upon detection of either of the above conditions. A biasing attraction magnet is incorporated in the fluid flow indicator to offset either the force of gravity or a return spring in low flow/low pressure applications. The piston is sealed for use in high pressure/low flow applications, and provided with a vent hole for residual gas bleed-off upon a stoppage of gas flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: WATERSTRIKE INCORPORATED
    Inventor: David A. Struyk
  • Patent number: 9027387
    Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a gas sensor and method for sensing one or more gases. An embodiment incorporates an array of sensing electrodes maintained at similar or different temperatures, such that the sensitivity and species selectivity of the device can be fine tuned between different pairs of sensing electrodes. A specific embodiment pertains to a gas sensor array for monitoring combustion exhausts and/or chemical reaction byproducts. An embodiment of the subject device related to this invention operates at high temperatures and can withstand harsh chemical environments. Embodiments of the device are made on a single substrate. The devices can also be made on individual substrates and monitored individually as if they were part of an array on a single substrate. The device can incorporate sensing electrodes in the same environment, which allows the electrodes to be coplanar and, thus, keep manufacturing costs low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Blackburn, Eric D. Wachsman
  • Patent number: 9030330
    Abstract: A carbon monoxide safety device detects levels of carbon monoxide producible by a device and deactivates the device upon detection of a predetermined level of carbon monoxide. The device includes a housing and a processor coupled to the housing. A plurality of wires is electrically coupled to the processor. A sensor is operationally coupled to the processor wherein the sensor measures a level of carbon monoxide. A switch is operationally coupled to the sensor wherein the sensor sends a deactivation signal to the switch to deactivate the source of carbon monoxide upon the sensor detecting a predetermined level of carbon monoxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Ronald Nichols, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9030329
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the detection of methane gas including a low-cost low-power infrared methane sensor integrated with a smart energy network endpoint node, a volume corrector, or an electronic data recorder for transmission of alarm conditions and detector data between the instrument and a remote gas utility company. An independent gas calibration/verification cell may be included in the methane detector for periodically testing the functioning and calibration of the infrared sensor. An infrared carbon monoxide sensor and associated calibration/verification cell may also be installed with the methane sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Heath Consultants, Inc.
    Inventors: James Rutherford, Paul Wehnert, Steve Chancey
  • Patent number: 9019111
    Abstract: A particular smart hazard detector may itself function as a guide during a process of installation of the same at an installation location. Additionally, the installation location of the particular smart hazard detector may play a central role in how various settings of the smart hazard detector are defined and adjusted over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: David Sloo, Kevin Peterson, Michael Dixon