Gaseous Mixture (e.g., Solid-gas, Liquid-gas, Gas-gas) Patents (Class 702/24)
  • Patent number: 8874381
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for calculating a destruction rate of refrigerant by establishing a calibration line using standard refrigerant gases and measuring the amount of refrigerant remaining in exhaust gas discharged after destruction of waste refrigerant. For this purpose, the present invention provides a method for calculating a destruction rate of refrigerant, the method including: establishing a calibration line using standard refrigerant gas samples whose concentrations are known; sampling exhaust gas finally discharged after decomposition of waste refrigerant; measuring the concentration of refrigerant remaining in the sampled exhaust gas; and calculating the amount of undestroyed refrigerant using the concentration of refrigerant remaining in the exhaust gas, the amount of exhaust gas discharged, and the known density of refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Dae Sung Jung, Jun Young Lee, Jong Rae Cho, Han Seok Kim
  • Publication number: 20140309946
    Abstract: A data processing device for gas chromatograph includes an actually measured retention time storage part, a predicted retention time storage part, and an actual temperature condition estimation part configured to estimate an actual temperature condition in the column on the basis of an actually measured retention time and a predicted retention time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: HORIBA STEC, CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nanako KONO, Tomohiro SASAKI
  • Publication number: 20140284222
    Abstract: Described herein is a gas meter system (5) for detecting toxic gas combinations including a housing (10) having an opening (20), a measuring cell (15) enclosed by the housing and comprising a plurality of gas sensors (17) in fluid communication with the environment via the opening in the housing, and an evaluating circuit (32). The gas sensors detects a concentration of a first gas and a concentration of a second gas so the evaluating circuit can identify a hazard due to an additive or synergistic toxic effect upon combined exposure to the first gas and the second gas. Related apparatus, systems, methods and/or articles are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Draeger Safety, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard William Wanek, JR., Greg Martin Sesny
  • Patent number: 8843322
    Abstract: In a method and device for monitoring an exhaust gas recirculation system of an internal combustion engine, an actual value (AV_EGR) of an exhaust gas recirculation rate is determined depending on a load degree (LD) of a soot particle filter (21) for filtering particles out of an exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine and/or depending on a soot content of the exhaust gas. The actual value (AV_EGR) of the exhaust gas recirculation rate so obtained is compared with a predetermined setpoint value (SP_EGR) of the exhaust gas recirculation rate. The exhaust gas recirculation system is monitored depending on the comparison of the actual value (AV_EGR) of the exhaust gas recirculation rate and the predetermined setpoint value (SP_EGR) of the exhaust gas recirculation rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Tahar Zrilli
  • Publication number: 20140278144
    Abstract: A distributed sensor system includes a set of spatially distributed base units and a central server both in communication with a data network. Each base unit includes a controller and one or more sensor modules where each sensor module includes a sensor configured to measure an air quality parameter. Each base unit transmits raw sensor data associated with each of the sensor modules over the data network and the central server receives the raw sensor data from the base units and stores the raw sensor data in a database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Gabriel Risk, Davida Herzl, Roland Herzl, Tobe Corazzini, Stanley Hu
  • Publication number: 20140278145
    Abstract: Method and system for detecting and/or quantifying recent human presence in an environment using a calculated rate of decay of carbon dioxide concentration levels within that environment. A sensor measures the change in carbon dioxide levels over time to calculate the rate of decay to equilibrium and extrapolate recent human presence. Also provided is a method and system for quantifying recent human activity in an environment using the calculated rate of decay to equilibrium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SRC, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Angeli, John Durst, Garrett Liddil, Marcello M. DiStasio
  • Patent number: 8838396
    Abstract: Water droplets in exhaust gas that is, or was, analyzed by a remote emissions sensing system are detected. The detection may be made using measurements generally captured by the remote emissions sensing system during typical operation. As such, the detection may be applied “on site” as remote emissions sensing analysis is ongoing, or may be applied post hoc from data previously acquired by a remote emissions sensing system. The detection may be implemented without requiring additional sensors, more sophisticated sensors, and/or other additional or more sophisticated equipment being included in the remote emissions sensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Envirotest Systems Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Robert Allen Gentala, Peter Miles McClintock, Donald Hugh Stedman
  • Patent number: 8836523
    Abstract: A fault gas alarm system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the fault gas alarm system includes: a gas sensor configured to fluidly connect with an oil valve in an oil-filled vacuum-type on-load tap changer (OLTC), the gas sensor for monitoring a gas level in an oil within the oil valve; and a bi-level alarm system electrically connected with the gas sensor, the bi-level alarm system including a visual alarm indicator configured to provide a visual alarm in response to receiving an indication the gas level in the oil exceeds a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Anik Roy Trudel, Mariana Barbulescu, Yong Ng Tong
  • Patent number: 8820135
    Abstract: A method for operating an oxygen sensor arrangement senses the oxygen in a breathing loop of a breathing apparatus. The sensor arrangement includes a primary oxygen sensor to measure the oxygen in the breathing loop, a secondary oxygen sensor to measure the oxygen in the breathing loop, and a control arrangement to obtain measures from the oxygen sensor. A test channel arrangement provides a first gas having a first fraction of oxygen from a first gas supply to the primary oxygen sensor at a position adjacent to the primary oxygen sensor. A test valve arrangement opens and closes the flow of the first gas through the test channel arrangement. The control arrangement actuates the first test valve arrangement to provide an amount of the first gas to the primary oxygen sensor via the test channel arrangement and obtain measures from the primary and secondary oxygen sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Poseidon Diving Systems AB
    Inventors: William C. Stone, Nigel Jones
  • Patent number: 8825214
    Abstract: A method is provided for the measurement of parameters of a gas present in a gas turbine combustion chamber. The method includes tuning a laser to a range containing the absorption lines of species to be analyzed in the gas, and directing the laser light through the combustion chamber and detecting laser light reflected off boundary walls of the combustion chamber. In order to analyze the absorption spectrum measured at high temperatures and pressures, a signature recognition algorithm is applied to the spectrum. The measured absorption spectrum is cross-correlated with a calibration absorption model spectrum for the absorption lines at several temperatures, pressures, and concentrations generated prior to the measurement. Values for pressure, temperature, and concentrations of selected species in the gas are determined simultaneously allowing direct control of the combustion chamber process. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Ken Yves Haffner
  • Publication number: 20140229119
    Abstract: A method for estimating a greenhouse gas emission from a ruminant in a loose housing environment, and in a predetermined time period from T0 to Tdesired, the method including: determining a model emission rate function EM(t) for the ruminant determining the moments of eating feed by the ruminant, at least during the predetermined time period, as a series of points in time {T1, T2, T3, . . . , Tn} constructing the estimated real emission rate function ER(t) on the basis of the model emission rate function and the moments of eating feed, and integrating ER(t) from T0 to Tdesired. Also provided is a greenhouse gas emission estimation device, arranged to perform this method. In the device and method, use is made of the insight that knowing the eating moments can fine-tune calculations for establishing greenhouse gas emissions from the animals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventors: Adolf Jan VAN DER KAMP, Pieter Neelus KOOL, Patrick Philip Jacob VAN DER TOL
  • Patent number: 8805626
    Abstract: A singular sealed apparatus and method suitable for confirming pressure measurements in a rebreather prior to use of the rebreather. The singular sealed apparatus may have a canister lid, gas sensors and a processor, all from a rebreather, as well as a pressure sensor, an input device, a processor, an indicator and a pod with a pressure measurement outlet, a gas supply inlet, a relief valve and a gas exit valve. Alternatively, the singular sealed apparatus may have a gas sensor from a rebreather and an analyzer, a pressure sensor, an input device, a processor, an indicator, a lid and a pod with a pressure measurement outlet, a gas supply inlet, a relief valve and a gas exit valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Kevin W Juergensen
  • Patent number: 8805614
    Abstract: A method for downhole fluid analysis is disclosed. The method includes positioning a downhole fluid sampling tool at first and second locations; extracting and compositionally analyzing samples of reservoir fluid while positioned at the first and second locations; comparing analysis results; and repositioning the tool to a third location depending on the results of the comparison. The compositional analysis can be performed using downhole gas chromatography and mass spectrometry systems and preferably can identify subtle non-homogeneities such as biomarkers. The fluid extraction can be performed using a focuses dual-flowline type sampling probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: A. Ballard Andrews, Oleg Zhdaneev, Oliver C. Mullins
  • Patent number: 8798938
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a gas concentration in a measuring gas by means of a gas sensor. In a first mode of operation of an internal combustion engine, in which the gas concentration in the measuring gas is known, a gas concentration signal and a pressure signal are detected. A compensation parameter of the gas sensor is determined from said signals. The thus determined compensation parameter is taken into account in at least one of the two modes of operation of the internal combustion engine for determining the gas concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Walter, Joachim Palmer, Thiebaut Beyrath
  • Publication number: 20140212979
    Abstract: A measuring device is provided for determining the type and/or concentration a gaseous analyte from a set of analytes in a gaseous carrier. It comprises a housing having a passage to a cavity. A gas sensor with a heated metal-oxide sensing layer is arranged in the cavity. In order to gain a better understanding of the type of the analyte, diffusion effects are exploited by taking into account that the diffusion process through the passage as well as the catalytic reaction rate at the metal-oxide sensing layer depend on the type of the analyte. These material parameters can be determined by taking several measurements in a non-steady state of the concentration of the analyte within the cavity or while varying the reaction rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Sensirion AG
    Inventors: Lukas BURGI, Frank ROCK
  • Patent number: 8785207
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally a method and apparatus for measuring multiple parameters in-situ in a sample collected from an environmental system via a single device. In one embodiment, the method includes collecting the sample from said environmental system via the single device, measuring a first parameter of the sample in-situ via the single device, adding a reagent tot the sample within the single device to create a reagent infused sample and measuring a second parameter of the sample in-situ via the single device using the reagent infused sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Ryan J. Bell, R. Timothy Short, Strawn K. Toler, Robert H. Byrne
  • Patent number: 8785206
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems configured to determine an amount of alcohol in an alcohol-containing liquid discharged from a drinking vessel or an amount of the alcohol-containing liquid discharged from the drinking vessel, drinking vessels configured to measure alcohol content or other property of an alcohol-containing liquid held therein, other related components such as mat devices that facilitate determining the amount, and related methods. The systems, drinking vessels, and methods disclosed herein facilitate determination of an amount of alcohol in an alcohol-containing liquid discharged from a drinking vessel or an amount of alcohol-containing liquid discharged from the drinking vessel, which may be indicative of an amount of alcohol consumed by a drinker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Patent number: 8779945
    Abstract: A flight display for an aircraft includes a virtual ice accretion meter having a liquid water content portion and an ice thickness portion. A method for determining ice accretion includes integrating over a time period a constant K multiplied by a liquid water content (LWC) and true airspeed (TAS).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventor: Robert James Flemming
  • Patent number: 8781756
    Abstract: A transformer (26) is monitored by a dissolved gas monitoring device (28). A method (36) in the form of executable code instructs a processor (34) to estimate a remaining life (124) of the transformer. The method includes receiving (126), from the monitoring device (28) data elements (60) representing a current value (134) of dissolved gases (72) in the transformer (26) that correlate with degradation of insulating material in the transformer. Adjustment values (142, 144) are determined for the gases (72) in response to isolated events (160, 162) occurring at the transformer. The current value (134) and the adjustment values (142, 144) are combined to obtain a total value (114), and a degree of polymerization value (116) is estimated using the total value (114). The value (116) is converted into a measure of remaining life (124) of the transformer, and the measure of remaining life (124) is presented to a user (58).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Arizona Public Service Company
    Inventor: Donald R. Lamontagne
  • Publication number: 20140188403
    Abstract: As a data processing device and data processing program for a gas chromatograph, which enable composition, a name, and the like of a registered substance to be extracted from an actually measured retention index by a reverse search, a known RI data storage part that stores a plurality of pieces of known RI data each in which an identifier Gn specific to each registered substance, and retention indices actually measured at a plurality of different temperatures by gas chromatographic analysis on the registered substance indicated by the identifier Gn are paired, and a known RI data conversion part that is configured to convert the retention indices of the registered substance at the plurality of different temperatures to a retention index of the registered substance under a predetermined temperature condition for each of the pieces of known RI data are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: HORIBA STEC, CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomohiro SASAKI, Naoki WADA
  • Patent number: 8762075
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for detecting and identifying gases includes a piezoresistive microcantilever transducer, wherein dissipation of heat from the piezoresistive microcantilever into one or more gases is measured by changes in an electrical resistance of the piezoresistor, a vibrating microcantilever transducer, wherein shifts are measured in resonant frequency of the vibrating microcantilever due to viscous damping thereof by the one or more gases, and a subsystem for correlating the measured resistance changes and the resonant frequency shifts to the one or more gases. In another embodiment, a method for detecting and identifying one or more gases includes determining dissipation of heat from a microcantilever into one or more gases, and determining shifts in resonant frequency of the microcantilever due to viscous damping thereof by the one or more gases. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are also described according to more embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Albert Loui, Donald J. Sirbuly, Selim Elhadj, Scott K. McCall, Bradley R. Hart, Timothy V. Ratto
  • Patent number: 8761943
    Abstract: A control system for optimizing a chemical loop system includes one or more sensors for measuring one or more parameters in a chemical loop. The sensors are disposed on or in a conduit positioned in the chemical loop. The sensors generate one or more data signals representative of an amount of solids in the conduit. The control system includes a data acquisition system in communication with the sensors and a controller in communication with the data acquisition system. The data acquisition system receives the data signals and the controller generates the control signals. The controller is in communication with one or more valves positioned in the chemical loop. The valves are configured to regulate a flow of the solids through the chemical loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Xinsheng Lou, Abhinaya Joshi, Hao Lei
  • Publication number: 20140172323
    Abstract: A system of systems to monitor data for carbon flux, for example, at scales capable of managing regional net carbon flux and pricing carbon financial instruments is disclosed. The system of systems can monitor carbon flux in forests, soils, agricultural areas, body of waters, flue gases, and the like. The system includes a means to identify and quantify sources of carbon based on simultaneous measurement of isotopologues of carbon dioxide, for example, industrial, agricultural or natural sources, offering integration of same in time and space. Carbon standards are employed at multiple scales to ensure harmonization of data and carbon financial instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: PLANETARY EMISSIONS MANAGEMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Bruno D.V. MARINO
  • Patent number: 8755941
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling a temperature of an exhaust gas being introduced to a catalyst is provided. Using an adjustable flow controller, an adjustable amount of tempering fluid is provided to the exhaust gas prior to the exhaust gas proceeding to the catalyst. A sensor senses a parameter indicative of a temperature of the exhaust gas being introduced to the catalyst. A computer processor uses a relationship to relate the parameter to an adjustment of the adjustable flow controller that will adjust the amount of tempering fluid provided to the exhaust gas and change the temperature of the exhaust gas being introduced to the catalyst toward a target temperature. Adjustment of the adjustable flow controller is initiated by the computer processor to change the flow of the tempering fluid, and the relationship between the parameter and the adjustment of the adjustable flow controller is updated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Larry William Swanson, Douglas Frank Beadie, Neil Colin Widmer, Hua Zhang, Gilbert Otto Kraemer
  • Patent number: 8751167
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for concentration determination of at least one component in an acid catalyst for hydrocarbon conversion containing an unknown concentration of an acid, an acid-soluble-oil (ASO), and water. An instrument configured for measuring a property of the acid catalyst, has responsivities to concentrations of one of the acid, ASO, and water, substantially independent of the concentrations of the others of the acid catalyst, ASO, and water. A temperature detector is configured to generate temperature data for the acid catalyst. A processor is configured to capture data generated by the temperature detector and the instrument, and to use the data in combination with a model to determine a temperature compensated concentration of the one of the acid, the ASO, and the water. Optionally, one or more other instruments configured for measuring other properties of the liquid mixture may also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: W. Marcus Trygstad
  • Publication number: 20140156205
    Abstract: A first parameter correlated with a degree of a variation in the output from the air-fuel ratio sensor is calculated. A possible range of a second parameter representing a degree of a variation in air-fuel ratio among the cylinders is determined based on the first parameter. The first parameter is calculated with an air-fuel ratio of a predetermined cylinder forcibly changed. A difference between the unchanged first parameter and the forcibly changed first parameter is determined. A first characteristic representing a relation between the second parameter and the difference is determined based on the possible range of the second parameter and the difference. One of the determination value and the first parameter calculated before the forced change is corrected based on inclination of the determined first characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji Suzuki, Hiroshi Miyamoto, Yasushi Iwazaki
  • Patent number: 8738301
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for quantitatively analyzing gases as a monitor for on-load tap changers. The general inventive concept lies in selecting particular characteristic gases allowing an indirect subsequent association and a dimension for aging effects, excessive discharge, and/or heating of the on-load tap changer; measuring said characteristic gases, formed during the operation of the tap changer in the insulating oil thereof, at particular time intervals; forming indicative quotients from the measured values of the defined gases, said quotients allowing direct conclusions about aging effects, excessive discharge, and/or heating; displaying trends from a comparison of the currently derived value of each quotient to the most recently derived value for the same quotient; and inferring warnings for aging effects, excessive discharge, and/or heating if the corresponding quotients tend to change significantly over time or in the course of the switch changes made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Frotscher, Ralf Hartwig
  • Patent number: 8731861
    Abstract: For an A/F sensor 10 equipped with a sensor element 11, a cover 12 that covers the sensor element, and a heater 13 that raises the temperature of the sensor element 11 and provided to an exhaust system of an engine, an ECU 1A has timing estimation means for estimating a timing of vaporizing and disappearing of cover condensed water that is condensed water generated inside and outside of the cover 12 and determining whether an estimated timing has come, and heater control means for supplying a current to the heater 13 so that the temperature of the sensor element 11 becomes equal to a temperature at which the sensor element 11 does not crack even if the sensor element 11 is moistened until the estimated timing estimated by the timing estimation means at which the cover condensed water vaporizes and disappears comes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoichiro Goya
  • Publication number: 20140136122
    Abstract: A method of determining an air-fuel ratio of an internal combustion engine in real-time includes: calibrating sensitivity of a universal exhaust gas oxygen sensor to a plurality of gases; inputting to a universal exhaust gas oxygen sensor controller a molecular composition of Hydrogen, Carbon, Oxygen, and Nitrogen which comprise a combustion fuel in use in the internal combustion engine; calculating with the universal exhaust gas oxygen sensor controller an air-to-fuel ratio by performing a chemical balance equation calculation based on the universal exhaust gas oxygen sensor sensitivity calibration and the input combustion fuel molecular composition; and transmitting the calculated air-to-fuel ratio to an engine control unit in real-time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: BG SOFLEX LLC
    Inventors: Bruce A. BOWLING, Albert C. Grippo
  • Patent number: 8725428
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining travel history can be based on noninvasive analysis of stable isotope ratios in the body of an individual. A method for reconstructing a travel history for an individual can include collecting a sample of exhaled breath from the individual and analyzing the sample to obtain a breath isotope ratio. The breath isotope ratio can be transformed to a body water isotope ratio and compared to a map model correlating input isotope ratios to geographic locations so as to determine a travel origin for the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: David W. Podlesak, James R. Ehleringer, Thure E. Cerling
  • Patent number: 8717161
    Abstract: An H2S (hydrogen sulfide) system includes a lockout configuration that temporarily disables wireless communication while leaving one or more H2S sensors and audible alarms still functioning in case an H2S hazardous event occurs during the lockout period. Example H2S systems and methods include various means for initiating or ensuring the lockout configuration is in effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Crook W. Gary
  • Patent number: 8712692
    Abstract: A method for determining a flux of a gas contained in a medium through a boundary of the medium comprises 1) measuring at least twice with a probe a concentration C of the gas over a time interval ?t and 2) determining the flux of the gas using the following mathematical equation: (I) where F is the gas flux, D is the diffusivity value and ?C is a variation in the gas concentration during the time interval ?t. The probe is placed proximate the boundary. The probe has a gas inlet, a cavity, a gas concentration sensor and a membrane. Each element is in fluid communication with each other so that the gas flows from the gas inlet through the membrane and contacts the gas concentration sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: St. Francis Xavier University
    Inventors: David A. Risk, Hugo J. Beltrami, Nicholas R. Nickerson, Gordon McArthur
  • Patent number: 8712700
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting the remote origin fraction of 222Rn present in a measuring site (Z) for the monitoring of dynamic phenomena inside the land crust, comprising the following steps: a) analysis of the measuring site (Z) in order to state a typical ratio between 222Rn of local origin and 220Rn of local origin; b) measurement, at preset time intervals, of alpha spectroscopy in the measuring site (Z) by a measuring chamber (2); c) processing of said alpha spectroscopy in order to find the concentrations of 222Rn and 220Rn present in the measuring site (Z); d) determination of the concentration of 222Rn of local origin by multiplying the concentration of 220Rn with the typical ratio; subtraction of the concentration of 222Rn of local origin from the concentration of 222Rn to obtain the concentration of the remote origin fraction Of 222Rn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare
    Inventors: Vincenzo Roca, Mariagabriella Pugliese, Carlo Sabbarese, Gennaro Venoso
  • Publication number: 20140110105
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring a multiphase fluid and determining a characteristic of the multiphase fluid. One system includes a flow path containing a fluid, at least one integrated computational element configured to optically interact with the fluid and thereby generate optically interacted light, at least one detector arranged to receive the optically interacted light from the at least one integrated computational element and generate an output signal corresponding to at least one characteristic of a phase of the fluid, and a signal processor communicably coupled to the at least one detector and configured to determine the at least one characteristic of the phase of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Jones, Robert P. Freese, Michael T. Pelletier, Robert Atkinson
  • Patent number: 8706424
    Abstract: A system for estimating gas concentrations in a mixed atmosphere includes (a) a plurality of sensors for providing a set of measurements, at least one of the sensors sensitive to an internal concentration of hydrogen; and (b) a processor for receiving the set of measurements and for executing a sequential estimation filter that includes a plurality of states having a corresponding set of values. The processor responsively adjusts at least a portion of the set of values in response to the set of measurements. The plurality of sensors can include a resistive sensor and a capacitive gas sensor, both of which are sensitive to hydrogen concentration. The plurality of states can include states representative of hydrogen pressure in the mixed atmosphere, hydrogen concentration in a bulk material of at least one of the sensors, and hydrogen concentration in an interface layer of at least one of the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: H2Scan Corporation
    Inventor: Scott Stephens
  • Publication number: 20140107941
    Abstract: The method for measuring the properties of petroleum fuels by distillation relates to a measuring method for predicting the property values of complex hydrocarbon fuels, such as the property values of gasoline, by distillation. Compensation of boiling point distribution measurements used for the prediction of physical properties of hydrocarbons is further performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: KUWAIT UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: TAREQ ABDULJALIL ALBAHRI
  • Publication number: 20140107940
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining or monitoring at least one process variable, comprising: a sensor element and a measuring electronics, which form a measuring unit; and at least one control/evaluating/calculating unit arranged removed from the measuring unit; and/or an in/output unit arranged removed from the measuring unit and the control/evaluating/calculating unit. The control/evaluating/calculating unit and the in/output unit are connected with the measuring unit via a first interface and a second interface. The measuring electronics operates the sensor element and forwards the measurement signals via the interfaces to the control/evaluating/calculating unit as unprocessed, raw, measured values. The control/evaluating/calculating unit arranged removed from the measuring unit determines, improves and/or monitors the process variable based on the raw, measured values and makes such available via the in/output unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Matthias Altendorf
  • Publication number: 20140100797
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for determining hydrocarbon production may be disclosed. The system may include one or more processors and a memory comprising logic. The memory comprising logic may be operable to determine an accumulated unit density of a reservoir unit from a density log. The memory comprising logic may be further operable to determine a thickness of the reservoir unit and determine a density footage of the reservoir unit based on the accumulated density and the thickness. The memory comprising logic may also be operable to generate a total organic carbon content per density footage based on the density footage. In accordance with certain embodiments, the memory comprising logic may be operable to determine a potential production of hydrocarbons based on the total organic carbon content per density footage of the reservoir unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventors: Mihira Narayan Acharya, Mashari Mohammed Abdul Rahman Al-Awadi, Ahmad Jaber Al-Eidan
  • Publication number: 20140095083
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of identifying an airborne molecular contamination (AMC) leaking source in a fab. The method includes distributing a sensor in the fab, executing a forward computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of an air flow in the fab, setting an inversed modeling of the forward CFD simulation of the air flow in the fab, building up a database of a spatial response probability distribution matrix of the sensor using an AMC measurement data in the fab, and identifying the AMC leaking source using the database of the spatial response probability distribution matrix of the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Tzu-Sou Chuang, Jeng-Jyi Hwang, Cheng-Lung Chou, Chi-Ming Yang, Chin-Hsiang Lin
  • Publication number: 20140093971
    Abstract: A system for determining concentration of oxygen in a chemical mixture is presented. The system includes a first sensing device configured to measure the concentration of oxygen in the chemical mixture and generate a first output signal, where the first output signal is indicative if the concentration of oxygen in the chemical mixture and a type of the chemical mixture. Furthermore, the system includes a second sensing device configured to measure the concentration of oxygen in the chemical mixture and generate a second output signal. In addition, the system includes a processing unit operatively coupled to the first sensing device and the second sensing device and configured to determine the concentration of oxygen in the chemical mixture based on the first output signal, the second output signal, or both the first output signal and the second output signal based on a type of the chemical mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Daniel George Norton
  • Patent number: 8682595
    Abstract: A method is provided to estimate NO2 concentration in exhaust gas flowing through an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine. The exhaust pipe has a first section and a second section, and is equipped with an aftertreatment device located between the first section and the second section, and the method includes, but is not limited to determining a parameter related to a NO2 concentration of exhaust gas flowing in the first section, determining an oxidization index expressive of a rate of NO contained in the exhaust gas which oxidizes into NO2 inside the aftertreatment device, and a reduction index expressive of a rate of NO2 contained in the exhaust gas which is reduced into NO inside the aftertreatment device, and calculating a parameter related to a NO2 concentration in the second section as a function of the parameter related to a NO2 concentration in the first section and of the oxidization index and of the reduction index of the aftertreatment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Igor Zanetti, Marco Petronzi
  • Publication number: 20140081581
    Abstract: A measurement instrument having a processor, a first sensor and a second sensor. The processor is adapted to output a measurement signal embodying a measurement of a physical quantity. The first sensor and second sensor are connected to the processor and are operable to generate respectively first and second measurements of the physical quantity. The processor defines a first measurement range within which the measurement signal is dependent on the first measurement and not the second measurement. The processor defines a second measurement range within which the measurement signal is dependent on the second measurement and not the first measurement. The first and second ranges meet at a predetermined transition. The first and second measurements are different at the transition and the measurement embodied in the measurement signal crosses the transition without an abrupt change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: BROOKS AUTOMATION INC.
    Inventor: Michael Borenstein
  • Publication number: 20140081580
    Abstract: An aging environment measurement apparatus measures aging environment data within an oak barrel and transmits the measured aging environment data within the oak barrel to a server, and the aging environment measurement apparatus is mounted in a bung of the oak barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicants: DONGAONE CO., LTD., ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Bong Wan KIM, Jun Wook LEE, Hyun-joong KANG, Sungsoo KANG, Jong-Suk CHAE
  • Patent number: 8674842
    Abstract: An electronic communication unit such as a mobile phone comprises a processor for operating said unit; and an ambient air quality monitoring sensor; characterized in that said processor is configured to operate said unit in a first mode of operation during which a) monitoring of said air quality occurs and a level of air quality is assessed against pre-determined levels; and b) ordinary communication routines are activated provided an acceptable category of pre-determined levels is identified; and in a second mode of operation during which a) monitoring of said air quality occurs and a level of air quality is assessed against pre-determined levels; and b) an alarm routine is launched interrupting the ordinary communication routines once a level of ambient air quality is assessed to warrant the user's attention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Faiz Zishaan
  • Publication number: 20140067282
    Abstract: A method of determining a concentration of a gas in a sample and/or of the composition of a gas by means of a spectrometer includes measuring an absorption signal of the gas as a function of the wavelength. The wavelength substantially continuously runs through a wavelength range and is superimposed by a harmonic wavelength modulation, wherein the influence of the wavelength modulation on the absorption signal via the light source modulation properties and the detection properties of the spectrometer is dependent on the device properties of the respective spectrometer. The method includes converting the absorption signal into at least one first derivative signal; deriving a gas concentration measurement parameter from the first derivative signal; determining the concentration and/or composition of the gas from at least the gas concentration measurement parameter and from a calibration function compensating for influences of state variables of the gas and of the spectrometer properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: SICK AG
    Inventors: Thomas BEYER, Julian EDLER
  • Patent number: 8666679
    Abstract: A micro-fabricated double condenser method and apparatus for the measurement of number-size distribution of airborne nanoparticles is provided. The invention is an instrument which can measure particle size under 100 nanometers in-situ. The present invention includes features such as a small nanoparticle airborne particulate analyzer, with a voltage-stable and feedback-controlled instrument package. The invention features also include a micro-fabricated nanoparticle charging and sorting device (NCaS). The present invention provides a portable, lightweight, and efficacious particle-sizing instrument that is able to effectively count and size nanoparticles over a wide range of operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: The University of Vermont and State Agriculture College
    Inventors: Terence Barrett, Britt Holmen
  • Publication number: 20140052888
    Abstract: An RS-485 bus is directly connected to transportation refrigeration unit sensors for transmitting information from the sensors to a remote location and for controlling sensor parameters from the remote location. The GENSET associated with the transportation refrigeration unit also utilizes the RS-485 bus, in which the bus is directly connected to the GENSET sensors for bi-directional communication therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: Ronald E. Wagner, Rex T. Logan
  • Publication number: 20140039805
    Abstract: Systems and methods to monitor pump cavitation are disclosed. An example method includes monitoring a pressure parameter and a vibration parameter associated with an asset in an operating process unit. The example method includes calculating a manipulated pressure value based on the pressure parameter. The example method includes calculating a manipulated vibration value based on the vibration parameter. The example method includes determining a state of cavitation associated with the asset based on at least one of the manipulated pressure value or the manipulated vibration value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph H. Sharpe, JR., Gary Hawkins, Robert Skeirik
  • Patent number: 8645081
    Abstract: A light absorption examining device includes a laser light source that emits the pulse laser beam, a measuring unit that retains the measuring object and irradiates the measuring object with the pulse laser beam, a light receiving unit that receives the pulse laser beam transmitted through the measuring object and outputs a light receiving signal, a pulse generator that produces a single rectangular pulse at a time when a signal level of the light receiving signal output from the light receiving unit intersects a set threshold, a laser driver that supplies the produced rectangular pulse to the laser light source to emit the pulse laser beam, and a control/processing unit that determines an accumulated delay time and examines absorption of the pulse laser beam by the measuring object using the determined accumulated delay time, the accumulated delay time representing a delay in a production timing of the rectangular pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Noriaki Kimura
  • Publication number: 20140032130
    Abstract: A telematics device coupled to vehicle onboard computer system calculates carbon dioxide output of the vehicle. The device uses inputs from existing vehicle performance and parameter sensors, such as speed, fuel efficiency, mass air flow and oxygen present in the vehicle's exhaust, to calculate carbon dioxide output. Speed divided by fuel efficiency results in gallons per hour. An emission factor, EF, multiplied by the gallons per hour results in weight of carbon dioxide produced by the vehicle per hour. Dividing EF by the efficiency results in pounds per mile. Using input from the mass air flow and oxygen sensors, with an approximation of gasoline molecular weight may produce more accurate results without using EF. If the sensors do not provide values in the units needed, a calibration curve for the mass air flow sensor and oxygen sensor may be used. The telematics device can display the results or upload them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: Eric Berkobin, Erik Goldman