Between Gaseous And Liquid States Patents (Class 374/27)
  • Patent number: 11668630
    Abstract: The current disclosure provides a gas-liquid falling film equilibration apparatus, systems incorporating the apparatus, and methods of their use. The apparatus comprises a chamber, an equilibration member within the chamber, liquid and gas inlet and outlets, such that a liquid introduced into the chamber from the liquid inlet contacts the upper portion of the outer surface of the equilibration member. The apparatus finds use in the measurement of dissolved gases in a variety of liquids including the measurement of carbon dioxide in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Smithsonian Institution
    Inventors: Alexander Whitman Miller, Amanda C. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 11181307
    Abstract: An air conditioner allows refrigerant to circulate therethrough. The air conditioner includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a first expansion valve, a second heat exchanger, and a controller. The controller changes an opening degree of the first expansion valve by a first operation amount according to a temperature difference between a target temperature and the temperature of the refrigerant discharged by the compressor. The refrigerant circulates through the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the first expansion valve, and the second heat exchanger. A first ratio when a specific condition is satisfied is larger than a second ratio when the specific condition is not satisfied. The specific condition indicates that the degree of subcooling of the refrigerant flowing between the first heat exchanger and the first expansion valve is smaller than zero. The first and second ratios are each a ratio of the first operation amount to the temperature difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Komei Nakajima, Haruo Nakano, Hideki Tsukino
  • Patent number: 10466203
    Abstract: Within the scope of the invention, a device for monitoring the quality of a fuel stored in a fuel tank has been developed. The main field of application is diesel-operated vehicles. The fuel is therefore preferably diesel fuel. The device is defined by the fact that means for determining the boiling point of the fuel are provided. Furthermore, a method for monitoring the quality of a fuel stored in a fuel tank has also been developed within the scope of the invention. The main field of application is diesel-operated vehicles. The fuel is therefore preferably diesel fuel. The method is defined by the fact that the boiling point of the fuel or a deviation of this boiling point from a normal value is measured. During the analysis of real injection pumps which have failed it has been detected that an excessively low boiling point of the fuel can cause the fuel to outgas. As a result, bubbles in which the necessary lubrication is no longer provided locally form in the injection pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ingo Ramsteiner, Karl Bendel, Volker Leifert
  • Patent number: 10363495
    Abstract: A system and method for distillation of a liquid sample at atmospheric pressure for the improved prediction of the heating necessary before the initial boiling point (IBP) of the sample is detected regardless of sample composition to ensure the IBP is observed within certain time constraints. A plurality of infrared (IR) sensors provides real-time temperature control in addition to a conventional measurement of vapor temperature. One IR-sensor monitors the liquid sample temperature in the distillation flask to obtain a corrected IBP time independent of the sample properties. Another IR-sensor monitors the temperature of the rising vapor column as the vapor rises up the neck of the distillation flask. Alternatively, an IR matrix may monitor the temperature of the rising vapor column. The system and method expand the scope of samples analyzed with improved signal, reproducibility, and test accuracy and still remain within the prescribed limits of a selected standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Instrumentation Scientifique de Laboratoire—I.S.L.
    Inventors: Viachaslau Urvantsau, Carenne Larcher
  • Patent number: 9678025
    Abstract: A test apparatus for thermal energy measurement of disk-shaped test specimens has a cold mass assembly locatable within a sealable chamber with a guard vessel having a guard chamber to receive a liquid fluid and a bottom surface to contact a cold side of a test specimen, and a test vessel having a test chamber to receive a liquid fluid and encompassed on one side by a center portion of the bottom surface shared with the guard vessel. A lateral wall assembly of the test vessel is closed by a vessel top, the lateral wall assembly comprising an outer wall and an inner wall having opposing surfaces that define a thermal break including a condensable vapor pocket to inhibit heat transfer through the lateral wall from the guard vessel to the test vessel. A warm boundary temperature surface is in thermal communication with a lower surface of the test specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: James E. Fesmire, Wesley L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9404408
    Abstract: In an internal-combustion engine exhaust gas system, a storage tank stores the reducing agent, a supply pipe connects the storage tank to a metering unit which introduces the reducing agent into the exhaust gas system. A pump mechanism within the supply pipe conveys the reducing agent. A pressure sensor detects the pressure in the supply pipe downstream of the pump, and a pressure-releasing device has a return pipe connected to the storage tank and comes off the supply pipe. A first valve system is arranged in the supply pipe. A section of the return pipe is located at a higher level than the return pipe to form a storage volume for air present in the supply pipe. A second valve system is arranged in the supply pipe to create, when the second valve system is closed, a storage volume for pressurized reducing agent by way of this pipe branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Peter Bauer, Rainer Bentz, Hermann Ketterl
  • Publication number: 20140260287
    Abstract: Gas turbine firing temperature optimization based on a measured sulfur content of a fuel supply of the gas turbine system is provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a diagnostic system configured to determine a maximum firing temperature for a combustor of a gas turbine system. The diagnostic system may determine the maximum firing temperature based on a predetermined sulfur content to maximum firing temperature correlation and an actual sulfur content of a fuel supplied to the combustor. The diagnostic system may also be configured to provide an indicator for a change in an actual firing temperature in the combustor of the gas turbine system. The diagnostic system may provide the indicator in response to the determined maximum firing temperature differing from the actual firing temperature of the combustor of the gas turbine system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert Thomas Thatcher, Bradley Steven Carey, Paul Burchell Glaser, Ariel Harter Lomas, Andrew Mitchell Rodwell
  • Patent number: 8454229
    Abstract: Two vertically offset thermistors for sensing a fluid such as oil and refrigerant in a compressor shell are monitored by a method that takes into account rapidly changing conditions within the shell. The system can determine the fluid's sump temperature, high/low liquid levels, and can determine whether the thermistors are sensing the fluid as a liquid, gas, or a mixture of the two, such as a foam or mist of liquid and gas. For greater accuracy, thermistor readings can be dithered and filtered to provide temperature or voltage values having more significant digits than the readings originally processed through a limited-bit A/D converter. For faster response, limited microprocessor time is conserved by sampling thermistor readings at strategic periods that enable the microprocessor to identify certain conditions and temperatures via simple delta-temperature ratios and undemanding equations rather than resorting to exponential functions or lookup tables to determine time constants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald W. Okoren, Jerry E. Brown, Joel C. VanderZee, Charles E. Nelson, Steven K. Klingemann, Jeffrey J. DeGroot
  • Patent number: 8393787
    Abstract: Two vertically offset thermistors for sensing a fluid such as oil and refrigerant in a compressor shell are monitored by a method that takes into account rapidly changing conditions within the shell. The system can determine the fluid's sump temperature, high/low liquid levels, and can determine whether the thermistors are sensing the fluid as a liquid, gas, or a mixture of the two, such as a foam or mist of liquid and gas. For greater accuracy, thermistor readings can be dithered and filtered to provide temperature or voltage values having more significant digits than the readings originally processed through a limited-bit A/D converter. For faster response, limited microprocessor time is conserved by sampling thermistor readings at strategic periods that enable the microprocessor to identify certain conditions and temperatures via simple delta-temperature ratios and undemanding equations rather than resorting to exponential functions or lookup tables to determine time constants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald W. Okoren, Jerry E. Brown, Joel C. VanderZee, Charles E. Nelson, Steven K. Klingemann, Jeffrey J. DeGroot
  • Patent number: 8360637
    Abstract: A signal processing device is provided including: an alternating voltage generation section that generates a square shaped alternating voltage from plural direct voltages, and applies the square shaped alternating voltage to a sensor that is either a temperature detection sensor or a humidity detection sensor; a current-voltage conversion section that converts current of an output signal output from the sensor to an analog voltage; a selector section that selects a range of the current convertible by the current-voltage conversion section from one or other of plural current ranges; and a resistance value computation section that computes the resistance value of the sensor, based on the voltage value of the analog voltage converted by the current-voltage conversion section, the range of current convertible by the current-voltage conversion section, and the voltage value of the voltage generated by the alternating voltage generation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshinori Kato
  • Patent number: 8220988
    Abstract: A sensor device is provided for detecting thawing on surfaces with interdigital electrodes formed in a resistance layer which is formed on a substrate. In order to develop the sensor device further so that the measuring speed of the sensor device is further increased, the disclosure proposes that the interdigital electrodes and recesses between the interdigital electrodes have a moisture-sensitive hydrophilic surface through condensation cores applied to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Vishay BCcomponents Beyschlag GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Werner, Joachim Aurich, Sascha Werth
  • Patent number: 8100580
    Abstract: A solution for measuring steam quality in a steam turbine is disclosed. A steam quality measurement (SQM) device and an ejector are coupled to a steam turbine through an appropriate piping configuration to draw steam emitted from the turbine through the SQM device for measurement of the steam quality, for example, continuously, during operation of the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Scott Victor Hannula, Randy Scott Rosson, Kevin Wood Wilkes
  • Patent number: 8011826
    Abstract: This invention provides an ultrasonic phantom that can respond to different ultrasonic intensities. Such ultrasonic phantom comprises a gel comprising a low-boiling compound in the form of droplets sealed therein. The invention also provides an assay technique using such phantom. This invention enables regulation of components of droplets, droplet size, and the ultrasonic intensity at which droplets are vaporized upon mixing of droplets with different sizes. This enables visualization of whether or not ultrasound beams that exceed relevant different ultrasonic intensities have been applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ken-ichi Kawabata
  • Patent number: 7954423
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for determining crystallization solidification curves of a chocolate mass (6) includes a removal location (37), a measurement chamber (9) and a melting chamber (21). The removal location (37) serves to remove a liquid sample (38) of chocolate mass (6) from a flow of liquid chocolate mass (6). The measurement chamber (9) is connected to the removal location (37) such that the liquid sample (38) of chocolate mass (6) enters the measurement chamber (9). The measurement chamber (9) includes a temperature sensor (16) serving to sense the temperature of the sample (38) of chocolate mass (6) contained in the measurement chamber (9). The measurement chamber (9) includes a cooled wall serving for solidification of the liquid sample (38) of chocolate mass (6) contained in the measurement chamber (9). The measurement chamber (9) includes a movable piston (14; 41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Sollich KG
    Inventor: Thomas Sollich
  • Patent number: 7820015
    Abstract: A device for recording the boiling curve of liquids, in particular petroleum products, made of a distillation apparatus which includes a distillation column and a condenser, a sample dish connected to the distillation apparatus and a pump connected to the sample dish to fill the sample dish, wherein the filling means and the condenser are made of well heat-conducting material and the filling means and the condenser are connected to a temperature controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Grabner Instruments Messtechnik Nfg. Gesellschaft m.b.H. & Co. KG.
    Inventors: Matthias Burian, Roland Aschauer
  • Patent number: 7806585
    Abstract: An apparatus configured to determine water activity and weight of a sample. The apparatus may comprise a chamber configured to at least partially enclose a sample. The apparatus may also comprise a sensor configured to measure water activity of a sample in the chamber. Additionally, the apparatus may comprise a moisture content adjustment device connected to the chamber and configured to change moisture content in the chamber. An isotherm generation module is also disclosed. The isotherm generation module may be configured to receive water activity measurements from a sensor device and weight measurements from a weighing device, the isotherm generation module being configured to generate an isotherm for a sample based on the water activity measurements and the weight measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Decagon Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Fontana, Jr., Gaylon S. Campbell, Colin S. Campbell, Benjamin J. Walden, Derek L. Holmes
  • Patent number: 7762718
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for coordinated detecting condensation utilizing a wet bulb and dry bulb temperature differential are disclosed. According to exemplary embodiments, a condensation detector may include; a first temperature sensor which generates a first temperature signal corresponding to a temperature measured at the first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor which generates a second temperature signal corresponding to a temperature measured at the second temperature sensor, a connector having a first end connected to the first temperature sensor, and a detector which receives the first and the second temperature signals and determines the presence of condensation at a second end of the connector based on differences between the first and second temperature signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Kearney, Mark A. Marnell, Kenneth A. Shadoff, Randy J. Zoodsma
  • Publication number: 20090312955
    Abstract: A bubble point of a combination of a filter and a liquid is calibrated by applying an initial back pressure through the filter toward the liquid; taking a first plurality of measurements of the level of the liquid in the container; calculating a first variance of the first plurality of measurements; and comparing the first calculated variance with a known threshold variance. Then a second plurality of measurements of the level of the liquid in the container is taken; a second variance of the second plurality of measurements is calculated; and the second calculated variance is compared with a known threshold variance. The above described steps are repeated at incrementally increased back pressures until the first and second calculated variances are each greater than or equal to the known threshold variance, which is about 0.01. The bubble point is determined to be the back pressure at that point. If the determined bubble point is less than or equal to the known threshold bubble point, which is about 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: CYTYC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy Hutchins, Steven A. Scampini, Eric Baur
  • Patent number: 7556716
    Abstract: Described is a method for recording the boiling curve of liquids, in particular petroleum products and/or solvents, in which a sample amount of the liquid to be analyzed is evaporated and subsequently condensed, wherein the vapor temperature and the respectively evaporated amount of liquid are monitored, the sample amount is dosed by a a pump, for example, wherein the pump and the condensate collection chamber are brought to a defined, and preferably identical, temperature level. The condensed volume is determined volumetrically and the distillation residue of the sample amount is determined by weighing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Grabner Instruments Messtechnik NFG. Gesellschaft m.b.H. & Co. KG
    Inventors: Matthias Burian, Roland Aschauer
  • Patent number: 7547137
    Abstract: It is discovered that a range of showing a state in which a sample is at a constant temperature at a freezing temperature by a latent heat can be specified from a result of a differential scanning calorimetry in a cooling procedure and a method of acquiring the freezing point of the sample from data in the range is shown. For example, an output temperature of an intersection constituted by a tangential line extrapolated from a DSC curve, an output temperature curve, and a base line or an extension of a range brought into a liquid state including a supercooled state is read, and a method of analyzing the DSC curve, the output temperature curve constituting the freezing point of the sample by a temperature of the intersection is discovered and adopted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: SII Nano Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Toshihiko Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20090059995
    Abstract: A method for recording the boiling curve of liquids, in particular petroleum products and/or solvents, in which a sample amount of the liquid to be analyzed is evaporated and subsequently condensed, wherein the vapor temperature and the respectively evaporated amount of liquid are monitored. The sample amount is dosed by a filling means, particularly a pump, wherein the filling means and the condensate collection chamber are brought to a defined, and preferably identical, temperature level. The condensed volume is determined volumetrically in a manner known per se and the distillation residue of the sample amount is determined by weighing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: Grabner Instruments Messtechnik Nfg. Gesellschaft M.B.H. & Co. KG
    Inventors: Matthias Burian, Roland Aschauer
  • Publication number: 20080253426
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of assaying a crude oil, the method includes measuring at least two selected properties of the crude oil with one or more laboratory-independent devices using at least two different techniques wherein each technique is predictive of each respective property, transmitting the measured properties to a processor capable of reconstructing a determinative assay of the crude oil from the measured properties, and reconstructing a determinative assay of the crude oil from the measured properties. The disclosed method provides real-time information of a refinery feedstock such that, for example, a trader negotiating the sale of the product has accurate assay information on which to determine whether to sell or purchase the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Joachim Voelkening, Michael Graham Hodges
  • Patent number: 7416331
    Abstract: A measuring device for detecting a humidity and temperature of a window surface including at least one moisture sensor and at least one temperature sensor placed on the window surface, an evaluation unit connected downstream from the moisture and temperature sensors, and a signal converting and linking unit placed between the moisture and temperature sensors and the evaluation unit. Further, when the temperature sensor detects a change in a temperature of the window surface or the moisture sensor detects a change in a moisture of the window surface, a frequency of an oscillator included in the signal and converting unit is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Preh GmbH
    Inventors: Anton RĂ¼ttiger, Markus Peschel
  • Patent number: 7380980
    Abstract: The long-side surface of a triangular prism is a detection surface. The distal end portions of coaxial light-emitting/light-receiving optical fiber cables are joined to one short-side surface of the prism. A thermoelectric cooling element is mounted on the other short-side surface of the prism. A mirror is provided between the cooling surface of the thermoelectric cooling element and the short-side surface. When dew condensation occurs on the detection surface, part of light applied from an optical fiber on the light-emitting side onto the lower surface of the detection surface exits from the prism through the condensed dew. The specular reflection returns to the lower detection surface by a mirror surface and is specularly reflected again. The specular reflection then enters an optical fiber on the light-emitting side. Dew condensation on the detection surface is detected by a change in the intensity of light received through the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Yamatake Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Kanai, Kazumasa Ibata, Masaki Takechi, Shingo Masumoto, Yasuhiro Kajio, Shigeki Shoji, Ryu Akimoto
  • Patent number: 7290924
    Abstract: Non-boil boiling point indicator includes a probe housing having inner and outer chambers and a heater located within the inner chamber at a free end of the probe housing. The probe housing has a free end provided with non-restrictive apertures. Similar non-restrictive apertures are located between the inner and outer chambers and from the outer chamber to an outer environment surrounding the probe housing. The temperature of the test fluid is monitored by a temperature monitoring device. As the test fluid is rapidly heated, its temperature quickly rises then flattens out before boiling point. This change is used to extrapolate to the boiling point. Localized steam or vapor bubbles are created next to the heater, which causes the test fluid above the heater to be propelled upwards and overflow through the unrestricted apertures at the top of the inner chamber into the outer chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Liquid Levers Innovations Ltd
    Inventor: Derek E. Frost
  • Patent number: 7171844
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the mass of a substance includes a sensor having a membrane layer, the membrane for receiving the substance thereon, an oscillator device for driving the membrane at a reference resonant frequency, a frequency detection device for determining a change in the reference resonant frequency caused by the presence of the substance on the membrane, and a mass determining device for determining the mass of the substance, the change in the reference resonant frequency being indicative of the mass of the substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian T. Cunningham, John R. Williams
  • Patent number: 7168850
    Abstract: In a mirror surface state detection device, a light-emitting element obliquely irradiates the mirror surface of a mirror with light. A light-receiving element is arranged adjacent to the light-emitting element to have an optical axis almost parallel to that of the light-emitting element and a tilt angle almost equal to that of the light-emitting element and receives scattered light of the light emitted from the light-emitting element. A condensation detection unit detects the state on the mirror surface on the basis of the scattered light received by the light-receiving element. A moisture detection device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Yamatake Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Kanai, Kazumasa Ibata, Shigeki Shoji, Masaki Takechi, Zentaro Nakamura, Masahiro Komatsu, Shingo Masumoto
  • Patent number: 7137734
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring quantities of heat while simultaneously measuring the evaporation kinetics and/or condensation kinetics of the most minute amounts of liquid in order to determine thermodynamic parameters. The aim of the invention is to determine low thermal outputs, which are absorbed or released by the sample, as well as small differences between thermal outputs with regard to a reference measurement of the same magnitude. To this end, a most minute amount of liquid is located inside a measuring chamber having a constant temperature and air humidity. At least one thermal sensor is provided for repeatedly measuring the thermal radiation emitted from the most minute amount of liquid. A measuring means serves to determine the time-dependent change in the most minute amount of liquid. A computer is assigned to the measuring chamber in order to register, display, evaluate and/or subsequently process the measured values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: IMB Institut Fuer Molekulare Biotechnologie E.V.
    Inventors: Peter Muehlig, Thomas Klupsch, Rolf Hilgenfeld, Hans-Juergen Kiel, Axel Walter
  • Patent number: 6581443
    Abstract: “Process for determining the distillation characteristics of liquid petroleum products by express mini-distillation and apparatus permitting implementation of this process” Apparatus characterized by the fact that it includes: a distillation flask dimensioned to receive 5 to 15 ml of a sample to be analysed, organs for heating the distillation flask, with an adjustable constant heating intensity, two inertialess temperature sensors permitting continuous measurement on the one hand of the true value of the temperature of a sample in the course of distillation in the liquid phase and the true value of the temperature of this sample in the vapor phase, a device for continuous measurement of the pressure in the vapor phase of a sample in the course of distillation which includes a pressure detector and a capillary tube, and organs for reception and exploitation of signals transmitted by the temperature sensors and the pressure detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Instrumentation Scientifique de Laboratoire I.S.L. SA
    Inventors: Guenrikh Abaev, Raissa Andreeva, Viachaslau Urvantsau, Aliaksandr Spirydonau, Victor Kalesnik
  • Patent number: 6364523
    Abstract: An ebulliometric device measures with high precision a physical parameter of a liquid substance. It includes an ebulliometer having an elongate vessel into which a liquid substance is fed, a sensor for measuring the boiling-point temperature arranged in the upper part of the vessel, a pump allowing to spray substance in the form of liquid and vapor in the upper part of the vessel, and an assembly external to the vessel for condensing the vapor allowing to recycle the condensed vapor to the base of the vessel and at least one thermostat-controlled enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: David Vellut, Jacques Jose, Emmanuel Behar
  • Patent number: 6308564
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are proposed for determining and/or monitoring the quantity and quality of a fluid in which a lowering of the boiling temperature is symptomatic of a deterioration in quality. For this, the filling level and the condition of the fluid—in particular a hygroscopic fluid—are determined successively one after the other by a single sensor of a measuring instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventors: Volker Wehrmeyer, Wolfgang Porth, Werner Wallrafen, Joachim Acht
  • Patent number: 5947370
    Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling the state of a thermal process. The system applies a modulated heat input to a liquid in a vessel and a thermal response measured at the bottom of the vessel provides information for real time processing of thermal properties of the liquid as it is being heated. Detection and control of an unknown boiling point enables a steady simmer or boiling condition in the liquid to be maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Arthur D. Little, Inc.
    Inventors: Mehmet Rona, Douglas J. Ely, William E. Morgan, Steven S. Carroll, deceased
  • Patent number: 5431495
    Abstract: A temperature probe is disclosed for determining the temperature at which residual oils can be vaporized from cold rolled strip without producing free carbon. The probe includes an open ended first tubular member with a burner mounted at one end of the first tubular member for closing the end thereof so that the burner fires its products of combustion through the first tubular member and out the other end thereof. A closed end second tubular member concentrically receives the first tubular member to define an annular heat space therebetween and has an exhaust port in fluid communication with said annular heat space adjacent the burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventor: Klaus H. Hemsath
  • Patent number: 5088833
    Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring the cloud point of a liquid, or the temperature at which any light scattering phase occurs therein, comprising a light-proof and light-absorbing chamber, and a liquid sample-receiving receptacle within the chamber having a bottom formed by a non-light-scattering surface; this surface being in thermal contact with a heating or cooling device, such as a thermoelectric cooler, and with a temperature measurement device. The chamber can be opened to allow access to the receptacle so that sample liquid can be placed therein. A light beam source is located to direct a beam of light onto the surface at an incident angle so that light from the beam is reflected or absorbed by the surface. A light detector including a lens and an array of detection cells is arranged so as to detect scattered light which is produced when solid material forms in the liquid as it is cooled or disappears on heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Nova Husky Research Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Y. Tsang, Victoria S. Ker
  • Patent number: 4948263
    Abstract: A dew-point sensor for a dew-point measuring device for measuring the water vapor dew point in gases comprises a sensor surface which is exposed to the gas to be measured and on which on cooling to the dew-point temperature water vapor condenses. Mounted on the sensor surface are two electrode structures which comprise electrode portions which are arranged a uniform interval parallel to each other and which are covered with a moisture-insensitive insulating layer. The reaching of the dew-point temperature is determined by measuring the impedance or capacitance between the two electrode structures. The distance between the electrode portions, arranged parallel to each other, of the two electrode structures is of the order of magnitude of the diameter of the largest condensation droplet forming on reaching the dew-point temperature, or smaller than said diameter, and the thickness of the insulating layer is small compared with the distance between the electrode portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Endress u. Hauser GmbH u. Co.
    Inventors: Rainer Herrmann, Dieter Funken
  • Patent number: 4925314
    Abstract: A device for detecting and/or measuring a thermal phenomena occurring in a product showing a liquid state at a temperature within the range of temperatures swept by the detecting and/or measuring device. An enclosure is provided with a calorimetric head containing at least one measurement cell which is adapted to be filled and emptied. Heat is transferred to the cell and a magnitude relating to a temperature of the cell is measured so as to obtain desired information regarding the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Pierre Claudy, Jean-Marie Letoffe, Jean-Claude Commercon
  • Patent number: 4869596
    Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for determining and checking a state or condition of a hydraulic fluid contained in a brake system, including a state of hydration and/or age such that the fluid boiling point is reduced. The boiling point or a characteristic value of the fluid which depends on the boiling point, on the one hand, and the instantaneous temperature value of the fluid, on the other hand, are measured by means of sensor elements. These two values represent a range of permissible comparative temperature values, including a thermal reserve which is within that same range and is determined for further permissible heating of the fluid. A warning signal is released when a predetermined minimum value of the thermal reserve is reached. The sensor elements have hollow spaces with open walls permitting fluid flow-through and have such a design as to ensure that, after heating-up, there comes about a stable cellular convection in a temperature range lying below the boiling temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Alfred Teves GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Christof Klein, Peter Lohberg
  • Patent number: 4841734
    Abstract: A refrigerant control system employing a "self-heated" thermistor disposed in the high pressure refrigerant line to sense refrigerant temperature from the condenser as it enters the expansion valve or capillary. The voltage drop is detected across a resistor in series with the thermistor and converted to saturation pressure from known refrigerant properties. A microprocessor de-energizes the compressor and turns on the condenser fan when excessive saturation pressure is detected. An optional second thermistor senses actual refrigerant temperature for comparison with the saturation temperature to determine sub-cooling and the microprocessor disables the compressor in the event of excessive or insufficient sub-cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Torrence
  • Patent number: 4799235
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring dew-point of a gas stream includes a sensor cell having a probe, means for cooling the probe, means for transmitting light to the probe surface in a pressurized chamber, means for receiving returned light scattered from the cooled probe surface, and means for determining dew-point from a reduction in scattered light intensity. The probe surface is provided in its center with a depression of low angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: John L. K. Bannell, Arnold G. Dixon, Trevor P. Davies
  • Patent number: 4781469
    Abstract: For detecting the occurrence or the imminence of a change of phase within a fluid, a predetermined quantity of heat is generated within thermally conducting means in contact with the fluid. The temperature of said means is measured and compared with a reference temperature so selected as to correspond to the apparition of a second phase within said fluid. In particular, effective or imminent apparition of gas bubbles can be detected in a liquid wherein the temperature of the thermally conducting means has a reference temperature close to the temperature of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Electricite de France
    Inventor: Gilbert Turon-Lagot
  • Patent number: 4759637
    Abstract: An apparatus useful for determining the water dew point temperature of a water, hydrocarbon-containing gaseous material in which the water dew point is lower than the hydrocarbon dew point temperature comprises: an elongated column capable of being filled with liquid in substantial equilibrium with the water, hydrocarbon-containing gaseous material and placed in an environment having a temperature reduced relative to the water dew point of the material; a signal source acting to send signals through the column; a signal receiver acting to receive the signals sent through the column; a control system acting in response to the received signals to control the temperature of the liquid in the column at substantially the water dew point of the water, hydrocarbon-containing gaseous material; and a temperature indicator acting to determine the temperature of the liquid in the column. Improved methods for determining such water dew point temperature are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventor: Lloyd A. Baillie
  • Patent number: 4549816
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the melting and boiling points of gas has a heat insulating tank, an inner tank within the insulating tank, a sample cell within the inner tank with a sample gas temperature measuring system. A piping system is provided having a heating route and a cooling route. The heating route has a heating flow rate control valve and a heating heat exchanged heated by a heating source connected in series with the control valve. The cooling route has a cooling flow rate control valve and a cooling heat exchanger connected in series with the cooling flow rate contorl valve. The heating and cooling routes are in parallel. The heating source for heating the heat exchanger has a Joule-Thomson expansion valve while the cooling part for cooling the cooling heat exchanger is coupled to a compressor for compressing and supplying a refrigerant such as Freon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1985
    Assignee: Hoxan Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Fujioka
  • Patent number: 4528635
    Abstract: A microprocessor controlled distillation analyzer for petroleum products performs, computes, displays and records distillation data. An interactive/keyboard display and printer system reports and records test conditions and prompts user inputs to define test parameters. Before the initial boiling point, the heater is automatically controlled in two time intervals. Following the initial boiling point, the heater is controlled to keep the monitored distillation rate within a predetermined range. Upon attaining an automatically calculated volume of distillate, the final heat is incremented to a programmed level. In one mode, the end point is automatically detected by monitoring vapor temperature for a decline, followed by the cessation of meniscus movement to terminate the test. After measuring the residue, the analyzer automatically recomputes temperatures at a series of percentage volumes of evaporated sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1985
    Assignee: GCA Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Juodikis, Steven J. Martinich
  • Patent number: 4523860
    Abstract: A device for monitoring the amount of butane that can be safely added into a fuel gas before condensation occurs includes a dry-bulb thermocouple for measuring the temperature of the gas and a wet-bulb thermocouple for measuring the temperature of a wick soaked in the butane. For a continuous flowing process the difference in the two measured temperatures indicates the proportion of butane that can be added before saturation, and is used to regulate the flow rate of the butane. The wick is periodically flushed with butane, in order to prevent the heavy hydrocarbon components in the butane from accumulating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1985
    Assignee: Chevron Research Company
    Inventors: Thomas G. Chin, Rudy F. Klaver, Arthur Alston
  • Patent number: 4514096
    Abstract: The build up of ash in a pulverized coal-fired boiler is achieved by comparing the heat flux simultaneously detected by a first flux detector which is maintained free of deposits and a second flux detector on which deposits are permitted to form. The net values from the heat flux comparison is proportional to the heat flux which is not reaching the boiler walls as a result of the ash deposits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1985
    Assignee: University of Waterloo
    Inventors: John R. Wynnyckyj, Edward Rhodes, Allan K. Chambers
  • Patent number: 4484822
    Abstract: A liquid sample is placed in a closed vessel. A thermocouple junction is submerged in the liquid sample. The pressure of the liquid is decreased, or the thermocouple junction is heated, until boiling from the thermocouple junction is detected. The pressure or temperature is then varied until the boiling just ceases. The pressure and temperature at cessation of boiling define the boiling point free of spurious liquid superheating effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1984
    Inventor: Robert D. Hancock
  • Patent number: 4484823
    Abstract: In order to determine the boiling point of a liquid, especially a nonaqueous one such as a brake fluid, a device suspended in a body of that liquid--e.g. in a reservoir supplying fluid to a brake cylinder--forms a narrow chamber which is open at the bottom and the top and which contains means for heating the liquid in that chamber and measuring its temperature; the two functions can be simultaneously performed by a thermistor. When the boiling point is reached and the liquid in the chamber is vaporized, partial evaporation of that liquid and replacement thereof by fresh liquid from the main body results in a leveling of the temperature curve; the boiling point marked by this event can be read on a meter and/or qualitatively indicated by differently colored lights, for example. An excessive temperature rise early in the test will also show an unduly low liquid level in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1984
    Assignee: FAG Kugelfischer Georg Schafer & Co.
    Inventor: Karl Peuker
  • Patent number: 4465228
    Abstract: A highly automationed cooking apparatus especially suitable for stew cooking or the like liable to boiling over. Temperature of outer bottom face of a pan is measured by a sensor and temperature gradients are sampling-measured at a sampling time pitch. Boiling point of food material is detected by finding a decrease of the temperature gradient, and thereafter the heating is lowered to avoid boiling over to a suitable value which is given by processing the temperature gradients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1984
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiichi Mori, Shojiro Inoue, Manabu Takada
  • Patent number: 4408902
    Abstract: In order to determine the boiling point of a liquid, especially a nonaqueous one such as a brake fluid, a device suspended in a body of that liquid--e.g. in a reservoir supplying fluid to a brake cylinder--forms a narrow chamber which is downwardly open and upwardly closed and which contains means for heating the liquid in that chamber and measuring its temperature; the two functions can be simultaneously performed by a thermistor. When the boiling point is reached and the liquid in the chamber is vaporized, a lessening of the heat conduction to the main body of liquid results in a steep rise in temperature; the boiling point marked by this event can be read on a meter and/or qualitatively indicated by differently colored lights, for example. An excessive temperature rise early in the test will also show an unduly low liquid level in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1983
    Assignee: Fag Kugelfischer Georg Schafer & Co.
    Inventor: Karl Peuker
  • Patent number: 4388407
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for on the site determination of the characteristics of an oil-pollutant containing water. The determinaton includes the use of a combination of devices designed to permit the on-site determination of the water content and specific gravity of the mixture of water and pollutant, and the initial boiling point of water-free pollutant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1983
    Assignee: Labofina, S.A.
    Inventors: Andre Lepain, Robert Bronchart, Roger Remacle