Liquid Mixture (e.g., Solid-liquid, Liquid-liquid) Patents (Class 702/25)
  • Patent number: 7945395
    Abstract: The actual density of liquids is determined with a flexural oscillator that is excited at two different natural vibrations. The presence of air/gas inclusions or other inhomogeneities in a liquid is detected and their influence can be eliminated. In an initial step, the periods of the inherent vibrations and of at least one vibration damping value of the natural vibrations are determined for liquids having different densities ? and viscosities. Liquid densities as well as the difference between them and between the vibration damping values are determined from this. An inclusion-free curve (KB) which reflects the functional dependence F(??) between the relative density differences and the vibration damping differences is calculated and the exact function determined; i.e. the gas/air inclusion-free curve (KB) is expanded by introducing a deviation bandwidth (ab) to form an inclusion-free curve area (KF), which is stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: LABOR FUER MESSTECHNIK Dr. Hans Stabinger GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Heimel, Ulrike Rakusch, Klaus Ritzmann, Hans Stabinger
  • Publication number: 20110095190
    Abstract: A system to detect a plurality of elements is proposed. The system includes one or more X-ray sources for transmitting X-rays towards a sample and also includes plurality of photon detectors. An array of crystals are arranged in a curvature with appropriate geometry for receiving a plurality of photon energies emitted from the sample and focusing the photon energy on the plurality of detectors. The plurality of photon detectors are spatially arranged at Bragg angles corresponding to signature photon energies to detect the plurality of elements simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Vamshi Krishna Reddy Kommareddy, Paul Joseph Martin, Saratchandra Shanmukh, Paul Burchell Glaser, Susanne Madeline Lee, Ramakrishna Rao, Manoharan Venugopal
  • Publication number: 20110098938
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described that provide for measuring flow properties of multiphase mixtures within a pipe carry gas-liquid hydrocarbons and water produced from oil-gas wells. The methods and systems may provide for a combination of a clamp-on ultrasonic gas flow meter to measure flow characteristics of a gas phase in a pipeline and a pulsed ultrasonic Doppler sensor(s) and/or an RF/microwave electromagnetic sensor(s) to measure flow characteristics of a liquid phase. The combination of sensors may provide for multiphase flow measurements under certain flow conditions, such as when the gas-liquid is flowing in a substantially horizontal pipeline, when the flow is stratified or is caused to be stratified and/or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Songming Huang, Cheng-gang Xie, Ian Atkinson
  • Publication number: 20110088910
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a subsea pipeline system connecting one or more wells to a floating production system, wherein the pipeline system is at least partially flexible, the method comprises installing a continuous optical fibre distributed sensor as part of the pipeline system, the sensor capable of providing a distributed measurement of temperature, vibration, pressure or strain, or any combination thereof; using the sensor to obtain a distributed measurement of temperature, vibration, pressure and/or strain along at least part of the pipeline system indexed to a length thereof; and using the distributed measurement to predict the actual condition of the fluid, the pipeline system and/or the adjacent sea water using a model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Dominic McCann, Daniel Sack, Morten Stenhaug
  • Patent number: 7917313
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for monitoring a fluid transfer process, including the steps: providing an allowable pressure profile; detecting a pressure occurring in the course of the fluid transfer process; comparing detected pressure with the allowable pressure profile and signaling an error, if the detected pressure is not within the allowable pressure profile. The allowable pressure profile is defined by interpolation points, the interpolation points being based on a probability function representing a family of pressure courses of a plurality of fluid transfer processes. The allowable pressure profile can be divided into at least two distinct process sections, each section corresponding to a distinct process phase of the fluid transfer process. The probability function is calculated from a family of test pressure curves and reflects the statistical behavior of the pipette system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Guenter Ziegler, Peter Wenzig
  • Publication number: 20110066441
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method involving the steps of (a) precipitating an amount of asphaltenes from a liquid sample of a first hydrocarbon-containing feedstock having solvated asphaltenes therein with one or more first solvents in a column; (b) determining one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated asphaltenes; (c) analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated asphaltenes; and (d) correlating a measurement of feedstock reactivity for the first hydrocarbon-containing feedstock sample with a mathematical parameter derived from the results of analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated asphaltenes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Cesar Ovalles, Estrella Rogel, Michael Moir
  • Publication number: 20110066382
    Abstract: A particle detection system uses a camera to produce a picture based on the scattered light generated by a particle in a liquid medium, when a laser beam is incident on the particle. These pictures are then automatically analyzed through the use of a processing system (e.g., a computer). The processing system is configured to record the forward scattering intensity (e.g., amplitude) and the picture of the scattered light rays to generate a classification of the particle causing the scattering. Count rate and trends of the classified particles are monitored to detect a change that is representative of the overall health safety of the water or by knowing the levels of bacteria in process water, such as Reverse Osmosis (RO) feed water, reject brine, and product water, the operator may better monitor the life and condition of the RO membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: JMAR LLC
    Inventor: John A. Adams
  • Patent number: 7904251
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for modifying any synthetically generated assay of a whole crude oil or a portion of a whole crude, such as a condensate or resid material, by using measured crude properties. These measured properties are used to adjust the synthesized assay values to obtain a more accurate representation of the unknown hydrocarbon material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Gregory M. Martin, James M. Brown
  • Publication number: 20110054804
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for improving the resolution of compounds eluted from a separation device are disclosed, particularly suited for use in the fields of gas or liquid chromatography.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Hans PFAFF
  • Patent number: 7899633
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a sensing instrument capable to detect a substance existing in a very small quantity, such as environmental pollutants, instantly with a high degree of precision. As a specific means for solving the problem, a frequency signal from a crystal oscillator is sampled using a frequency signal from a reference clock generating part, the sampling value is outputted in a digital signal, quadrature detection is conducted with the digital signal for a frequency signal corresponding to the output signal, the rotational vector rotating at a frequency corresponding to the difference between the frequency of the frequency signal and the frequency of a sinusoidal wave used for the quadrature detection is taken out, and the variation of the frequency is detected by detecting the velocity of the rotational vector based on the respective sampling values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignees: Nihon Dempa Kogyo Co., Ltd., DSP Technology Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Nobuo Tsukamoto, Kazuo Akaike, Tsukasa Kobata
  • Patent number: 7897032
    Abstract: A sampling system for measuring the presence and concentration of inorganic ion species, including, metals, metalloids and non-metals, in a liquid solution including a first sampling unit. The first sampling unit includes a potentiometric subsystem configured to gather environmental metrics of the liquid sample, a preparation subsystem, coupled to the potentiometric module, the preparation subsystem being configured to prepare and isolate contaminants of concern in a flow of a liquid sample into metal, metalloid, or non-metal ionic forms; and a voltammetric subsystem selectively coupled to the preparation subsystem, potentiometric subsystem and a sample source, the voltammetric subsystem being configured to identify and determine a concentration of metal, metalloid, or non-metal ionic species through stripping voltammetry. The system is configured to compare a value of a stripping signal of the sample with a predetermined value to determine if dilution of the sample is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventors: Elena Viltchinskaia, Peter A. Withers
  • Publication number: 20110040494
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for resolving absorption spectra such as ultraviolet or visible spectra having individual peaks attributable to more than one component in a sample mixture. The invention exploits the observation that the peak wavelength varies according to the component concentrations, providing the basis for an initial estimate of these. A curve fitting exercise is performed for a range of possible concentrations encompassing the initial estimates so that the a theoretical spectrum having the closest match to that observed provides for a refined estimate of component concentrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Kevin Anthony Foster
  • Publication number: 20110039712
    Abstract: A method of determining the relative component proportions of at least one each of: a buffer; an acid or a base; a solvent; and optionally a salt, for providing a liquid mixture of pre-defined pH and ionic strength, wherein the relative component proportions are determined using the equation of Debye-Hückel, wherein the ion size parameter a in the Debye-Hückel equation is determined as the weighted mean ion size of all species contributing to the ionic strength of the liquid mixture, and wherein the ionic strength of each species is used as weighting parameter. The present method is also applicable in a method of providing a liquid mixture. Further there is provided a buffer preparation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: GE HEALTHCARE BIO-SCIENCES AB
    Inventors: Lennart Bjorkesten, Enrique Carredano, Gunnar Malmquist, Gustav Rodrigo, Nils Stafstrom
  • Publication number: 20110029255
    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: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Searete LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Victoria Y.H. Wood
  • Publication number: 20110029256
    Abstract: Disclosed is graphically representing each of a number of measurement data sets as a variation of at least one parameter, wherein each measurement data set results from a measurement, by: [A] selecting a plurality of the measurement data sets to be graphically represented, [B] graphically representing one of the selected measurement data sets as a primary measurement data set in a first graphical style, and [C] graphically representing each one of the at least one remaining selected measurement data sets as secondary measurement data set in a graphical style deviating in at least one feature from the first graphical style. Upon a first change request, a different one of the selected measurement data sets is graphically represented as the primary measurement data set in the first graphical style, and continuing with [C].
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Michael Frank
  • Patent number: 7871822
    Abstract: A method for selecting at least one catalyst from a catalyst library on the basis of the reactivity thereof in a chemical conversion process includes: (a) testing the catalytic activity of a first catalyst from said catalyst library with respect to a reaction medium containing, as the compounds to be converted, at least one reactivity probe having a labeling system and including at least one reaction unit capable of reacting in said chemical conversion; (b) analyzing the reaction medium after said catalytic test for the purpose of qualitatively and/or qualitatively characterizing the resulting compounds; (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) for at least one other catalyst in said library; and (d) comparing the analysis results for each catalyst in order to characterize at least one catalyst having the required reactivity in said chemical conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Novalyst Discovery
    Inventors: Alain Wagner, Cédric Catala
  • Publication number: 20110002536
    Abstract: A computerized method and sensor for real-time in-situ measurement of a quality of fibers within a sample containing extraneous material is described herein. The fibers can be cotton, jute, flax, ramie, sisal, hemp, silk, wool, catgut, angora, mohair, alpaca or other natural fiber. The fibers are differentiated from the extraneous material within the sample. One or more positions of the fibers are determined. A multi-spectral reflectance of the fibers at the one or more positions at two or more near infrared wavebands is measured wherein each waveband has a central wavelength and a bandwidth. The two or more central wavelengths are within a range of approximately 1100 nm to 2400 nm, and the bandwidth is within a range of approximately 10 nm to 100 nm. A micronaire level for the fibers is determined based on the measured multi-spectral reflectance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
    Inventors: J. Alex Thomasson, Ruixiu Sui
  • Publication number: 20100332148
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for measuring the concentration of the particles contained in a fluid. The device comprises a control volume body having a predetermined effective volume. An inlet path is formed at an end of the control volume body to feed the fluid into the control volume body therethrough. An outlet path is formed at another end of the control volume body to discharge the fluid from the control volume body therethrough. Measuring instruments are provided at the inlet path and the outlet path to emit electrical signals when the fine particles pass through the inlet path and the outlet path. A computing machine receives the electrical signals transmitted from the measuring instruments, and then computes the number and the concentration of fine particles contained in the control volume body. The device is easily integrated with Micro-TAS (Total analysis System).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Young-Ho Cho, Dong Woo Lee, Soyeon Yi
  • Publication number: 20100332149
    Abstract: The present invention provides a remote monitoring system for monitoring the operation of a fluid treatment system and/or the qualities, characteristics, properties, etc., of the fluid being processed or treated by the fluid treatment system. The system for measuring fluid quality and/or equipment operation in a fluid treatment system includes a remote computer that may be associated with a database that accesses data transmitted from the fluid treatment system with the data collected, acquired, etc., from one or more sensors placed in the fluid treatment system. The data may be analyzed or manipulated by a local computer and/or the remote computer, which may be used to generate an analysis result or analysis report. Such results or reports, along with any other information or data including historical or expected information, may be sent or communicated to a remote viewing device for viewing by a user. Methods are further provided for the operation of the remote monitoring system of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Hach Company
    Inventor: Charles SCHOLPP
  • Publication number: 20100319736
    Abstract: To provide a sensing device having a high processing power and capable of high-accuracy measurement. It is determined whether or not an oscillation frequency is stabilized while a buffer solution is supplied to a quartz-crystal resonator 4 from a syringe pump 10. When it is determined that the frequency is stabilized, a second valve 14 is switched to a sample solution supply mode to supply a sample solution in an injection loop 14a to the quartz-crystal resonator 4. An instant at which the sample solution reaches the quartz-crystal resonator 4 and an instant at which the sample solution finishes passing through the quartz-crystal resonator 4 are automatically found based on a supply flow rate of the buffer solution, a volume of the injection loop 14a, a volume of a supply channel supplying the sample solution to the quartz-crystal resonator 4, and an instant at which the second valve 14 is switched to the sample solution supply mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: NIHON DEMPA KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shunichi Wakamatsu, Tomoya Yorita, Hiroyuki Kukita, Wakako Shinobu
  • Publication number: 20100299080
    Abstract: At least one operating quantity of an internal combustion engine is recorded. A criterion is derived for an oil change from the at least one operating quantity by converting a number of operating quantities, as input quantities of a neural and/or probabilistic computer network, into a number of state quantities characterizing the oil as output quantities of the computer network, wherein at least some of the output quantities are subjected to a check, the criterion being derived from the check.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Willmann, Christian Frey, Gerald Fast
  • Publication number: 20100299079
    Abstract: A pump unit comprises a primary piston pump, a secondary piston pump, and a flow path adapted for fluidically connecting in series the primary piston pump and the secondary piston pump. The pump unit's duty cycle comprises a delivery-and-fill phase, in which the primary piston pump supplies a flow of liquid to the secondary piston pump, and during the delivery-and-fill phase, the flow of liquid supplied by the primary piston pump is partly used for filling up the secondary piston pump and partly used for maintaining another flow of liquid dispensed across the secondary piston pump. The flow path comprises a heat exchanger, wherein liquid supplied by the primary piston pump passes through the heat exchanger before being supplied to the secondary piston pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Manfred Berndt, Konstantin Choikhet, Philip Herzog
  • Patent number: 7840360
    Abstract: A system and method for non-invasively inspecting one or more vessels capable of transmitting IR light containing liquid is provided, which uses a near-infrared (NIR) imaging device in combination with one or two NIR light sources, a diffuser plate, and an optical wavelength selecting means is provided for selecting one or more wavelength bands. In addition, the system may further comprise a computer processing means, a computer database containing known absorbance values, and a computer application, such that the system may compare the collected spectroscopic data to known spectroscopic data, and identify the liquid contained within the inspected vessel. The inspection method of the present invention measures a transmission or reflection image of one or more vessels being inspected at one or more narrow wavelength intervals in the NIR spectral range that corresponds to a peak absorbance wavelength of water, organic liquids, and explosive compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventors: Ronald H. Micheels, Ranganathan Shashidhar, Karen K. Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20100292935
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to enable a user, when measuring a sensing target substance in fluid using a crystal sensor (sensing sensor) using a crystal vibrator whose natural frequency is varied by an absorption of the sensing target, to easily and accurately grasp information peculiar to the crystal sensor, for instance, information regarding a quality thereof. As a concrete means for solving the problem, it is designed such that an IC chip in which the information peculiar to the crystal sensor is stored is provided to the crystal sensor, and the peculiar information is read out at a side of a concentration measuring device when the crystal sensor is inserted into the concentration measuring device, and then displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: Nihon Dempa Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunichi Wakamatsu, Hiroyuki Kukitz
  • Publication number: 20100292936
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining dielectric function of liquid solutions and thereby concentrations of substances in aqueous solution or the volatile/non-volatile nature of the liquid by self-referenced reflection THz spectroscopy. Having the aqueous solution in any container with a window allows irradiating coherent THz radiation with frequencies within the range 0.05-2 THz on the front of the window, and recording both a reference signal reflected from the front of the window and a sample signal reflected from the back of the window in contact with the aqueous solution. From these signals, the complex index of refraction, (I) or the complex reflection coefficient (II), can be calculated. The calculated components are compared with previously determined components from samples with known concentrations, whereby a concentration of the substance in the mixture can be estimated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: Danmarks Tekniske Universitet
    Inventor: Peter Uhd Jepsen
  • Publication number: 20100286929
    Abstract: A sensor system for detecting and estimating concentrations of various gas or liquid analytes. In an embodiment, the resistances of a set of sensors are measured to provide a set of responses over time where the resistances are indicative of gas or liquid sorption, depending upon the sensors. A concentration vector for the analytes is estimated by satisfying a criterion of goodness using the set of responses. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Margie L. Homer, Darrell L. Jan, April D. Jewell, Adam Kisor, Kenneth S. Manatt, Allison M. Manfreda, Margaret A. Ryan, Abhijit V. Shevade, Charles Taylor, Tuan A. Tran, Shiao-Pin S. Yen, Hanying Zhou
  • Publication number: 20100282676
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a desalination system comprising a plurality of elongated pressure vessels (PV). Each PV has a longitudinal axis, oriented such that the longitudinal axis thereof is of a vertical orientation. Each of the PVs is adapted to receive therein a plurality n of desalination membranes. The membranes located above the lowermost membrane within the PV have a total weight allowing them to function as a mechanism limiting axial expansion of the lowermost membrane, whereby the PV is free of any additional limiting mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: I.D.E. TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Boris Liberman, Miriam Faigon, Yosef Pinhas, Maya Ilevicky-Ozel, Yacov Ben-Yaish, Erez Reuveni
  • Patent number: 7829024
    Abstract: A urea concentration identification device comprising a concentration identification sensor unit (2) and a support unit (4) attached at the bottom end thereof with this sensor unit and provided at the top end thereof with a mounting unit (4a) to a urea solution tank opening. The concentration identification sensor unit (2) has an indirectly-heated concentration detector and liquid temperature detector provided with metal fins (21c),(22c), respectively, for heat-exchanging with urea solution. The concentration identification sensor unit (2) is provided with a cover member (2d) that forms an opposite-ends-opened urea solution induction passage so as to surround the metal fins (21c),(22c), and an enclosure (2e) that forms communication holes (26),(27) in the top and bottom end plate thereof (2e1),(2e2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenjiro Izutani, Takayuki Takahata
  • Publication number: 20100261281
    Abstract: A method of estimating the amount of unreacted starting materials (glycerides, methyl esters, etc.) and the composition of a biodiesel using TLC in conjunction with a lipophilic dye, Nile Red is described herein. The dye based TLC method of the present invention is convenient and provides significant advantages over existing methods for estimating the purity of a biodiesel composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: Eva Deemer, Wen Yee Lee, Carolina Kretschmer
  • Patent number: 7813882
    Abstract: A new method is presented for measuring the molecular properties of an unfractionated solution of macromolecules. Sample aliquots spanning a range of concentrations are injected sequentially into a stream of solution and flow towards the detectors. Each aliquot produces, thereby, an effective “peak” whose elements correspond to different concentrations of the diluted aliquot. The weight averaged molar mass, the mean square radius, and the second virial coefficient of the macromolecules in solution are derived from an analysis of the angular and concentration dependence of the scattering signals throughout the corresponding peaks. In contrast to earlier on-line methods, better accuracy is achieved, while using a smaller quantity of sample. A similar method for determining cross virial coefficients between two distinct species of macromolecules is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Wyatt Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel I. Some, Steven P. Trainoff
  • Patent number: 7799740
    Abstract: Method for monitoring and controlling a combinatorial process are presenting including: receiving a substrate; executing the combinatorial process, wherein the combinatorial process includes an in-line chemical preparation; analyzing the in-line chemical preparation for conformance with a corresponding in-line chemical preparation parameter using an in-line chemical analysis; and if the in-line chemical preparation is out of conformance with the corresponding in-line chemical preparation parameter, adjusting the in-line chemical preparation to conform with the corresponding in-line chemical preparation parameter utilizing a replenishing chemical preparation. In some embodiments, methods further include: performing a post-chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) clean before executing the combinatorial process, wherein the combinatorial process is a pre-clean; and depositing a capping layer after the pre-clean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhi-Wen Sun, Tony Chiang
  • Publication number: 20100217536
    Abstract: A bunker fuel transfer system that includes a multi-measurement metering system and bunkering receipt issuing equipment (BRIE). The bunker fuel transfer system can be installed on either the bunker barge or the ship receiving the bunker fuel. Various implementations can provide for quantity certainty of bunker fuel delivery transactions, and can provide for automated bunker fuel transfer reports. The bunker fuel transfer reports can include details and trends of the bunker fuel transfers to allow for quantity measurement validation. In addition, some implementations may provide for quality validation by including pertinent measurements, which can be included in the reports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Casimiro, Mihaela D. Duta, Manus P. Henry, Michael S. Tombs, Feibiao B. Zhou
  • Publication number: 20100204926
    Abstract: A system and method that uses electrical conductivity measurements to identify the impurities in a solution, as well as the concentrations of such impurities. The conductance versus temperature curve for any particular ion is unique to that ion and the conductance versus temperature curve for a solution is unique to the ions in the solution and their concentrations. Equations can be used to describe the conductivity versus temperature curve containing specific ions at set concentrations. To that end, the present invention measures the conductivity of a solution over some specified temperature range, calculates a conductivity-temperature curve from a library of ions to match the measured conductivity, and uses a mathematical process to vary the ions and their concentrations in the calculated curve to make it match the measured curve as closely as possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Jacob Mettes
  • Publication number: 20100204924
    Abstract: The present invention provides a remote monitoring system for monitoring the operation of a fluid treatment system and/or the qualities, characteristics, properties, etc., of the fluid being processed or treated by the fluid treatment system. The system includes a remote computer that may be associated with a database that accesses data transmitted from the fluid treatment system with the data collected, acquired, etc., from one or more sensors placed in the fluid treatment system for measuring fluid quality and/or equipment operation in a fluid treatment system. The remote computer may then analyze or manipulate the data to generate an analysis result or analysis report that may be sent or communicated along with the data and/or any historical or expected information or data to a remote viewing device for viewing by a user. A method is further provided for the operation of the remote monitoring system of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Hach Company
    Inventors: Thomas D. WOLFE, Charles Scholpp
  • Publication number: 20100204925
    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: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Tareq Abduljalil Albahri
  • Patent number: 7772008
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and kit for precisely and accurately determining the volume of a liquid aliquot which can be used to calibrate a liquid delivery device. Two dye-containing solutions, a sample solution and a diluent solution, are prepared such that each solution contains a different dye, with the solutions having different absorbance values at a first wavelength and at a second wavelength. The absorbance value of a known volume of diluent solution is measured at both wavelengths. Either one aliquot of sample solution is added to the diluent solution and then absorbance measurements are made at both wavelengths, or multiple aliquots of sample solution are mixed serially into the diluent solution and then absorbance measurements are made at both wavelengths after each aliquot is added. The volume of any single aliquot is calculated by using a two-step formula which is based on the Beer-Lambert law.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Artel, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Curtis, Ceara J. McNally, Charles A. Ewing
  • Publication number: 20100198523
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to model the gravitational field-induced or centrifugal field-induced separation of particles of a dispersion by means of one or more additional force fields that also influence the migration of the particles. Said aim is achieved by detecting and measuring the modified separation behavior with the help of concentration-measuring sensors. The force acting upon the particles can be calculated from the change in velocity of the particles, and the corresponding particle properties can be calculated if the respective field intensities are known.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Dietmar Lerche, Uwe Mertens
  • Publication number: 20100191479
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a potentiometric titration method comprising assuming a titration curve and a differential curve from measured values; computing a straight line (D) connecting the two measured values on the titration curve which are present adjacent to a tentative terminal point (P); computing a first estimation line (B1) and a second estimation line (B2) by a least squares method based on a set of the measured values (d1), (d2) and (d3) and a set of the measured values (d4), (d5) and (d6), respectively, on the titration curve, which are respectively spaced by a predetermined level apart from the tentative terminal point (P) by using the number of decision points (n) as an index wherein the number of decision points (n) represents the number of measured values on the previously set titration curve; computing an intermediate line (C) between the first estimation line (B1) and the second estimation line (B2); and computing an intersection point (A) of the intermediate line (C) and the straight
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI CHEMICAL ANALYTECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masahiro SASAKI, Toshiyuki Kamo, Yoko Ohashi
  • Publication number: 20100185401
    Abstract: A computer system and method for predicting the aqueous phase CO2 corrosion rate of a pipe useful in the production and transportation of oil and gas. Input parameter values corresponding to water chemistry and physical fluid and pipe properties are received. Based on these input parameter values, the system and method derive current-voltage relationships for multiple cathodic reduction reactions according to an electrochemical model of the corrosion reaction, and a current-voltage relationship for the anodic oxidation reaction of iron dissolution. A current density is obtained, at the intersection of an extrapolation of the anodic current-voltage relationship and an extrapolation of the summed cathodic current-voltage relationships. The predicted corrosion rate is then calculated from the obtained current density. The effects of secondary parameters such as scale and flow regime, and the efficacy of a corrosion inhibitor, can also be evaluated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Sandra E. Hernandez, Ziru Zhang, Richard C. Woollam, Jose R. Vera, William H. Durnie
  • Publication number: 20100174491
    Abstract: Provided are a method of measuring a concentration of a component in a biochemical sample such as serum, and a method of estimating the reliability of a test result using the method. The method of measuring a concentration of a component includes: preparing plural standard samples having at least one common component which has varying concentrations; measuring absorbances of the component in the standard samples at each of the concentrations for plural light beams having different wavelength bands; determining a regression equation of a relationship between the concentration of the component and the measured absorbances at plural wavelength bands; and applying the regression equation by measuring absorbances at the plural wavelength bands of the biochemical sample and applying the measured plural absorbances of the biochemical sample to the regression equation to calculate the concentration of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Han Sang KIM, Jung Nam LEE, Ji Won KIM
  • Publication number: 20100171610
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a peak detection circuit comprising a diode including an input terminal and an output terminal the input terminal of the diode configured to receive an input signal, a capacitor operatively coupled to the output terminal of the diode, an output terminal operatively coupled to the capacitor and the output terminal of the diode for outputting an output signal is provided. Other equivalent switching configuration is further provided to effectively detect and compensate for a voltage droop from a power supply signal, as well as to electrically isolate the voltage droop from the system circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher V. Reggiardo
  • Publication number: 20100159609
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining concentration of components in a liquid hydrocarbon mixture including hydrocarbons and water flowing through an alkylation process. A fluid flow path conveys the liquid continuously from the alkylation process through a first instrument configured for measuring a property of the liquid mixture, and having responsivities to concentration of the components, which are independent of the concentration of the water. A temperature detector generates temperature data for the liquid, and a second instrument measures another property of the liquid mixture. The instruments have mutually distinct responsivities to concentrations of the components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: W. Marcus Trygstad, Russell Jackson, Bruce A. Keen
  • Publication number: 20100161243
    Abstract: A sample analysis system includes a reagent preparation unit and a measurement unit. The reagent preparation unit has: a state detector which detects at least one of a state of the reagent preparation unit and a state of the reagent preparation; and a transmission unit which transmits the detected state information to a computer arranged outside the reagent preparation unit. The computer displays the received state information on a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Takaaki Nagai, Masaharu Shibata, Kunio Ueno, Noriyuki Nakanishi
  • Publication number: 20100125422
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of qualifying the variability of the composition of an effluent, in which method a series of measurements is effected over time of at least one first and one second parameter of the effluent. The invention is characterized in that, in each time step, first and second derivatives of the parameters are determined, first and second logical domains are defined, probabilities of the first derivatives belonging to the first logical domains are assigned, probabilities of the second derivatives belonging to the second logical domains are assigned, global logical domains are defined, global probabilities of belonging to the global logical domains are assigned, and the variability of the composition of the effluent is qualified on the basis of these global probabilities of belonging to the global logical domains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: Veolia Eau-Compagnie Generale Des Eaux
    Inventors: Marie-Pierre Denieul, Olivier Daniel, Arnaud Bucaille, Cyrille Lemoine
  • Patent number: 7720615
    Abstract: A method of evaluating a water sample for the presence or possible future presence of nitrification comprises obtaining data values of a number of parameters, processing the data values to determine correlation coefficients, to identify any linear dependencies, to standardize the scales, evaluating the data values over a plurality of proliferation time periods and neuron numbers, calculating MSEs and R2's from the evaluations, and estimating a valid likelihood of nitrification of the water sample. A method of evaluating a water sample for the presence or possible future presence of nitrification, comprises obtaining data values of a number of parameters, statistically pre-processing the data values and supplying the pre-processed data values to a neural network. Apparatus, media and processors which are used in performing such methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Sensis Corporation
    Inventor: Peter S. Kim
  • Patent number: 7705740
    Abstract: A method and a mobile terminal for gas detection warning are disclosed to solve the problem that people cannot detect gas by themselves due to the lack of a portable gas detecting apparatus. The mobile terminal is portable and typically includes a central control unit, a gas detection unit, a warning unit and a user interface unit. The apparatus performs a warning operation by using a warning policy corresponding to the detected air concentration by setting warning policies corresponding to a kind of gas in different concentration ranges respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dongjie Wang
  • Patent number: 7705976
    Abstract: A Fourier transform optical detection system for use with a test assay that has a sensitivity pattern, the detection system including a lens having a Fourier transform plane and detectors located in the Fourier transform plane positioned in an arrangement of a Fourier transform pattern of the sensitivity pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Alverix, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter R. Robrish
  • Publication number: 20100084558
    Abstract: System and methods for determining a concentration of urea in an aqueous solution disposed in a container are provided. The system includes an infrared light source and an infrared light detector. The system further includes a window disposed proximate to an aperture of the container, such that the infrared light at a first light intensity level from the infrared light source passes through a first portion of the window toward the aqueous solution. A portion of the infrared light is absorbed by the aqueous solution, and a second portion of the infrared light is reflected from the aqueous solution and through a second portion of the window. The infrared light detector system generates a first signal indicative of a second light intensity level based on the second portion of infrared light. The system further includes a microprocessor that determines the second light intensity level based on the first signal, and further determines a urea concentration based on the first and second light intensity levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Su-Chee S. Wang, Christopher M. Thrush, Yingjie Lin
  • Publication number: 20100082265
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring optimum water-quality and informing quality of water 100 measures an amount of impurities of water, keeps to renew an optimum value by a lowest amount of the impurities until the present use, compares the optimum value with the present amount of the impurities measured in the water and informs the result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicants: SECHANG INSTRUMENTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Seung June Song
  • Publication number: 20100082264
    Abstract: A method for providing a more accurate synthetic profiles of temperature, salinity and sound speed of the ocean over an area of interest is provided by using a value of the mixed layer depth in addition to values of surface temperature and surface height in an ocean modeling system such as the Modular Ocean Data Assimilation System (MODAS) system developed for the U.S. Navy. The method of the present invention compares the predicted or observed mixed layer depth for the area of interest, for example, as obtained from remote sensing or upper ocean modeling, to a mixed layer depth estimated from an initial synthetic profile, and determines which is deeper, termed the reference mixed layer depth. The method then derives a modified temperature and salinity synthetic profile by setting the temperature and salinity equal to the surface values at depths less than or equal to the reference mixed layer depth and using an algorithm to estimate temperature and salinity at depths below the reference mixed layer depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Charlie N. Barron, Robert W. Helber