With Float Patents (Class 374/156)
  • Patent number: 11499875
    Abstract: An anti-surge floating body, a seawater temperature measuring device and an integrated measuring system are provided. The floating material of the anti-surge floating body is in form of a closed loop, the floating material includes a first side close to a central axis of the floating material and a second side away from the central axis, and the wave-proof plate is connected with the second side of the floating material. The hollow space formed by the end-to-end connection of the floating material facilitates normal reception of solar radiation by the seawater, and avoids the influence on the temperature or other seawater parameters of the seawater below the floating material resulting from the floating material blocking solar radiation; moreover, the wave-proof plate can reduce the undulation and heaving of the waves of the seawater, and prevent turbulences of the seawater from affecting the seawater temperature or other seawater parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: First Institute of Oceanography, MNR
    Inventors: Jingsong Guo, Xin Zhou, Hongyu Ma, Li Li
  • Patent number: 11173988
    Abstract: The present invention relate to a water floating-type solar photovoltaic power generator, and more particularly, to a water floating-type solar photovoltaic power generator which is easy to be manufactured by using a plurality of annular floating bodies; is economical; and is further favorable to rotation, the plurality of annular floating bodies consisting of synthetic pipes and being arranged to form a concentric circle on the basis of a main pillar, as a floating source for supporting solar photovoltaic generation equipment on the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: BK ENERGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Heang Woo Lee, Byeong Woo Lee, Jae Sang Lee, Jae An Lee, Do Hyun Lee, Si Hyun Lee, Chang Jo Lee, Ju Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 9612230
    Abstract: A water quality measuring device comprises a measurement cell (10), a sample water supply unit (80), a reagent supply unit (30), an agitating unit (17), a measuring unit (20) and a control unit (90). The sample water supply unit (80) includes an inlet channel (12) configured to supply the measurement cell (10) with sample water and an outlet channel (13) configured to discharge sample water from the measurement cell (10). The inlet channel (12) is connected to a flow channel (2) configured to supply sample water, and includes a filter (13) and an electromagnetic valve (15). The control unit (90) opens the electromagnetic valve (15) for supplying sample water to allow sample water, from which foreign substances are removed by the filter (13), to flow into the measurement cell (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: MIURA Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuaki Kano, Yusuke Hamada, Yasuyuki Arimitsu
  • Patent number: 8274392
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining the temperature of a medium, in particular of a foodstuff, including a wireless transmitter, a temperature sensor, and a reception and evaluation means which is provided outside the transmitter. In order to make the apparatus more universally usable, and in order to allow a more precise determination of the temperature, the transmitter and the temperature sensor are configured as a mobile unit for direct temperature measurement in or on the medium, and the reception and evaluation means is arranged outside the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: WMF Wuerttembergische Metallwarenfabrik AG
    Inventor: Frank Goltenboth
  • Patent number: 7409853
    Abstract: An electronic system for use in a body of fluid is disclosed. The electronic system includes a first housing element and a second housing element. The second housing element is hermetically sealed to the first housing element, forming a first chamber there between. An electronic circuit is mounted within the first chamber. The electronic system further includes a second chamber internal to the second housing element. The second chamber is configured for holding a power source for the electronic circuit. Preferably, the power source is a battery pack. Also, the electronic system includes means for temporarily sealing the second chamber. Preferably, means for temporarily sealing the second chamber includes a detachable plug configured for coupling to the second housing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Hitek Aqua Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Maximilian A. Biberger, Michael Lee Manasco
  • Patent number: 7387438
    Abstract: A transparent vacuum formed vessel 1 is filled with a liquid 3 at room temperature that will become a solid at freezing temperature and a low density float material 4. After freezing, the vessel is turned upside down so that upon thawing, the vivid colored float will move to the top of the vessel showing a thaw. The devise can be reused. The same concept can be used as a cooking aid by using a transparent sealed tubular 1 assembly inserted in the food with a solid cylinder 3 that will melt at some critical temperature allowing the low density float to rise to the top of the indicator visibly protruding from the food. More than one meltable cylinder, 3 & 8 and float, 4 & 5 may be used as a warning and ready indicator. Combinations of solid dense particulates and low density materials may also be used for color changing indicators. A permanent magnet attached to a float can be used to trigger an audible alarm, which can be incorporated in various cooking utensils to show cooking temperatures and times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Parker
  • Patent number: 7097353
    Abstract: Disclosed is a temperature indicating method and device. The device embodies a sealed tube containing a liquid and a float. The tube has markings on the exterior indicating temperature zones or, in the alternative, temperature gradients. The method disclosed includes inverting the tube such that the indicator drops to the bottom of the tube and freezing the device at the appropriate temperature level. In use, the device is placed right side up in a container along with other items for which the highest temperature level arrived at is desired to be known. Upon warming, the liquid in the tube melts and the float drops through the liquid to the freezing level of the liquid. By removing the device from the container and comparing the float level in the tube to the markings on the exterior of the tube, the highest temperature or temperature zone that the contents of the container were subjected can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Horst K. Wieder
  • Patent number: 6905243
    Abstract: The invention relates to a buoyancy liquid for a Galilean thermometer, comprising at least a dipropylene glycol mono(C1-6-alkyl) ether, preferably at least a dipropylene glycol mono(C1-6-alkyl) ether of the following general formula (wherein R is a C1-6-alkyl group): as well as to a Galilean thermometer comprising said buoyancy liquid, and to a method of preparing a Galilean thermometer including the use of this buoyancy liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Dr. Friedrichs Gruppe GmbH
    Inventor: Arvid Friedrichs
  • Patent number: 6679627
    Abstract: A temperature sensor is supported in a device which floats in a liquid, the temperature of which is to be determined. Typically the sensor is the hot thermocouple element of a thermocouple and the liquid is a molten metal; the device may be constructed to float with the temperature sensor disposed at a desired distance below the upper surface of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: RDC Controle LTEE
    Inventor: Claude Allaire
  • Publication number: 20030099278
    Abstract: The invention relates to a buoyancy liquid for a Galilean thermometer, comprising at least a dipropylene glycol mono(C1-6-alkyl) ether, preferably at least a dipropylene glycol mono(C1-6-alkyl) ether of the following general formula (wherein R is a C1-6-alkyl group): 1
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: Dr. Friedrichs Gruppe GmbH
    Inventor: Arvid Friedrichs
  • Patent number: 6422746
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for a self orienting floating apparatus which utilizes an external magnetic field to maintain a constant orientation, and specifically relates to a plain form hydrometer, a floating thermometer, and a thermohydrometer that continuously display a graduated scale in an operator pre-determined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: G & W Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Ferdinand Weiss, Robert Grieble
  • Publication number: 20020002940
    Abstract: A thermometer includes an elongated strip-like member and an elongated enclosed tube affixed thereto. Either the strip or the tube has temperature-indicating indicia therealong. The tube contains a composition having expansion and contraction properties within a desired temperature range sufficient to enable a measurement of a temperature therewith, using the indicia having been calibrated with a known standard. Alternatively, the thermometer may include a temperature-measuring device that does not require a tube, such as a solid-state element. In a first embodiment the thermometer is floatable in a liquid, such as bath water. In a second embodiment the thermometer is affixable to a vessel, such as a baby bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventor: Randall A. Loy
  • Patent number: 6053633
    Abstract: The present invention baby bath floating thermometer system includes a thermometer tube containing a temperature responsive fluid, at least a portion of the tube being transparent for viewing of expanding and contracting fluid in response to temperature changes, with temperature level gradation indicia. It also includes a first thermometer tube encasement having an elongated configuration with a predetermined width and length. This first encasement contains the thermometer tube and has sufficient transparent for viewing of the fluid within the thermometer tube at least at the indicia. There is a second encasement having a top, a bottom and having air containment for flotation. This second encasement has a securing mechanism on its bottom for securely holding the first encasement and thermometer tube so as to be at least partially exposed to its external environment. It has a viewing orifice in its top so as to permit direct viewing of at least the thermometer at its indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Stephanie Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephanie C. Bilenker
  • Patent number: 5788375
    Abstract: A floating cooking indicator, comprising first and second layers with a thermochromic material disposed therebetween, the first layer being transparent to permit viewing of the thermochromic material and the second layer including a plastic material with lower density particles dispersed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventors: Robert Parker, Robert Burton
  • Patent number: 5681110
    Abstract: A water monitoring device including a substantially transparent, buoyant housing which floats in the water. A water temperature transducer provides a voltage proportional to the water's temperature. A processor processes the voltage into a primary digital signal, and a driver drives a digital display according to the primary digital signal. The display is disposed within the housing and displays the temperature such that it can be read through the housing. The display is translucent so that it can be illuminated from its back side. The lower portion of the housing is structured to refract underwater light from outside the housing onto the back of the display. A rechargeable battery powers the device, and a solar panel recharges the battery. The upper portion of the housing is structured to refract light from outside the housing onto the solar panel. A control module controls the rate of recharging of the battery so that the battery's temperature remains within a preferred range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventor: Alessandro Burzacchi
  • Patent number: 5621390
    Abstract: A waterproof housing encases a radio and/or a television and/or a compact disc and/or a tape cassette player and speaker or other signaling and entertainment apparatus actuated by a programmable temperature actuated control and temperature indicator. A temperature probe senses the temperature in a heated environment. The control activates the signaling and entertainment device when the temperature is within a preset temperature limit range. The housing is floatable for a spa, whirlpool, hot tub, bathtub, flotation chamber, or other heated water environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Albert D. Neal
  • Patent number: 5575563
    Abstract: A multiusage thermometer comprises a body portion capable of selectively detachably engaging thereto at least a first sensing portion, a second sensing portion, a third sensing portion and a fourth sensing portion each of said sensing portions having a first engaging member at a first end thereof, said body portion integrally forming a second engaging member at one end thereof for electrically and complementarily connecting thereto said first engaging member of each of said sensing portions. This invention offers a thermometer being multiusable and having a body portion capable of being selectively detachably engaged with other sensing portions of various usages based on the situation one faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventors: Job Chiu, Kai-Tang Chung
  • Patent number: 5447248
    Abstract: The instant invention provides a liquid container that may be configured as an insulated container or vacuum flask. The liquid container may indicate the temperature and remaining amount of liquid within the container. The liquid container may include a housing surrounding a beverage compartment in fluid communication with a transparent tube. A float may be retained within the transparent tube by stop elements located at the top and bottom of the tube. A graduated scale may be located on the exterior of the housing and associated with the float to indicate a liquid level within the beverage chamber. The float may be configured as a temperature-sensitive spherical element that indicates the temperature of the remaining beverage in the container. A cholesteric liquid crystal deposit, luminescent or fluorescent material that changes color or emits light in the range of 60.degree. to 212.degree. for a beverage such as hot coffee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Inventors: Kimberly J. Rodriguez, Jimmy Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 5302028
    Abstract: A thermometer housing of a generally cylindrical configuration is arranged for floating reception within a bathtub, with the thermometer housing including a top wall divided into a first and second semi-annular indicator surface, with an indicator arrow operative through a bi-metallic spring arranged for deflection from the first to the second indicator surface upon bathtub water elevated to a second zone of temperature to be classified as inappropriate for bathing. A stabilizer weight member is mounted to the bottom wall to maintain alignment and emergence of the housing side wall within the associated bathtub body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Inventor: Dianna M. Carey
  • Patent number: 5169236
    Abstract: A floating digital display thermometer for a hot tub, spa or swimming pool, having a motion-sensitive switch responsive to wave action or intentional manipulation. The components are arranged within a watertight housing to ensure that a digital display always remains up to ensure easy viewing. Circuitry is provided for converting temperature readings to a digital display, and for indicating other functions such as time and date, and for providing alarm and music capabilities. Manually-activated membrane switches may be provided to activate various functions of the device. Furthermore, the thermometer is also capable of measuring and displaying the PH and the oxidation reduction potential of the liquid in the spa or swimming pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Inventor: Lynn D. Iest
  • Patent number: 5152610
    Abstract: A fluid impermeable housing includes a lower support body receiving a battery, with an upper body portion mounting a printed circuit board containing a light-emitting diode panel for indication of temperature with the light-emitting diode panel operative through the printed circuit board and a temperature sensor directed through the housing to effect indication of ambient pool water temperature. The organization includes a threadedly securable lower and upper cap permitting access to the components of the organization for maintenance and replacement of various portions thereof. A modification of the invention includes cup support structure arranged on diametrically opposed sides of the support housing utilizing the temperature indication of the light-emitting diode panel for indication of ambient pool water temperature. The cup support structure includes a cup holder wherein drinking cups may be mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Inventor: Stephen K. Hallett
  • Patent number: 5020919
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining heat flow at an interface between a water surface and the atmosphere comprising a floatable transparent panel member having a lower surface in contact with the water and an upper surface covered with a thin layer of water. A plurality of thermocouples are carried on both surfaces of the panel member for sensing the temperature of the water and the water layer in contact with the atmosphere. Electronic circuit means operatively associated with the thermocouple means records the temperature readings whereby the difference between the temperatures provides a measure of the heat flow at the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventor: Verner K. Suomi
  • Patent number: 4738549
    Abstract: A thermometer adapted for immersion in a liquid includes a monolithic casing matrix. A plurality of liquid crystal display portions are embedded in the casing matrix. The liquid crystal display portions each have a liquid crystal agent with an optically perceivable condition at a temperature or temperature range. Indicia of the temperature or temperature ranges can also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Inventor: R. Gregory Plimpton
  • Patent number: 4410282
    Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous and direct measurement of the temperature of the upper superficial layer of the surface of the sea or other water surface, which apparatus comprises a central floating member and at least one arm connecting the central member to at least one peripheral floating element, the or each arm containing a thermal collector for transmitting heat to at least one temperature detector carried by the apparatus, wherein the central member and the peripheral floating element are adapted to maintain the apparatus on the water surface while at least a part of the or each arm is in contact with and senses the upper superficial layer of the water, and wherein electrical means are provided in the apparatus for the storage and/or transmission of temperature data from the or each temperature detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1983
    Assignee: European Atomic Energy Community
    Inventors: Guy Leger, Jacques Roux, Jean Alinat, Jacques Constans