Leak Detecting Patents (Class 702/51)
  • Publication number: 20140058687
    Abstract: A system and method of simultaneously calculating an isolation resistance and a y-capacitance of a RESS may include the steps of: injecting a first signal into a RESS; recording an output signal from the RESS in response to the injection of the first signal; multiplying the first signal with the output signal to determine a first product; multiplying a second signal with the output signal to determine a second product wherein the second signal is orthogonal to the first signal; filtering the first product to determine a first constant; filtering the second product to determine a second constant; processing the first constant to determine a y-capacitance value; and processing the second constant to determine an isolation resistance value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Fang Wang, Wei Liu, Jochen Lenz, Peter Andres
  • Publication number: 20140058686
    Abstract: A method for estimating a property of an earth formation penetrated by a borehole includes: performing a borehole integrity test at a pressure less than a fracture gradient pressure of the formation to provide leakage data; injecting a fluid into the formation at a first pressure greater than the fracture gradient pressure during a first injection time interval using a fluid injector; measuring pressure versus time using a pressure sensor and a timer during a first test time interval to provide first pressure data; injecting a fluid into the formation at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate during a second injection time interval using the fluid injector; measuring pressure versus time using the pressure sensor and the timer during a second test time interval to provide second pressure data; and estimating the property using the first pressure data, the second pressure data, and the leakage data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher RL Anderson, Daniel Moos, Colleen A. Barton
  • Publication number: 20140047902
    Abstract: In a method or device for quantifying a leakage flow on a process control valve, an intact reference control valve is used to determine several reference flow values in advance by placing the reference control valve in several reference opening positions and measuring the respective reference flow value for each of the reference opening positions. When determining the respective reference flow value, a reference mechanical vibration acquired in an environment of the reference control valve is allocated to the respective reference flow value. An instantaneous mechanical vibration is determined on the process control valve when it is closed. The reference mechanical vibration coming closest to the determined instantaneous mechanical vibration is identified by an identity or approximation comparison. The leakage flow is equated with the reference flow value allocated to the identified reference mechanical vibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: Joerg Kiesbauer
  • Publication number: 20140046605
    Abstract: A method for detecting a leak in a fluid conducting conduit is disclosed. Inlet and outlet flowrates are measured for calculating a time derivative of average temperature of the fluid flowing in the fluid conducting conduit. A predicted difference in flowrate between a flowrate of fluid in the fluid conducting conduit adjacent the inlet and a flowrate of fluid in the fluid conducting conduit adjacent the outlet is calculated based on the calculated time derivative of the average temperature of the fluid flowing in the fluid conducting conduit. The predicted difference in flowrate is compared to a difference between the measured inlet flowrate and the measured outlet flowrate to determine whether a leak exists in the fluid conducting conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: INVENSYS SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Terrence McHugh, Errol F. Jacob, Daniel Matthew Wilbers
  • Publication number: 20140039815
    Abstract: A method for testing a plurality of fire hoses having respective service test pressures and the test apparatus therefor wherein each hose is required to maintain a test pressure for a specified duration to pass the test. The test pressure is proportional to the service test pressure. Each hose is coupled to a respective hose fitting of a respective branch test conduit. Each branch test conduit includes an isolation valve, a pressure transducer, and a hose fitting downstream of the isolation valve. A variable frequency-variable speed controls a motor which drives a positive displacement water pump supplying water to and pressurizing a water header conduit and a plurality of branch test conduits interconnected therewith. An algorithm applied to the error signal for a respective hose line generates a pump speed command limited by the controller to regulate the rate of increase of pump output pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Fire Catt LLC
    Inventors: David Hamilton, Dennis Zeiber
  • Patent number: 8639483
    Abstract: A method and system for performing a criticality analysis of a water distribution network is provided. The method and system provides for segmentation of the system which allows a user to determine the set of elements that comprise segments, which in turn are the smallest portion of a water distribution system that can be isolated by valving. Isolating valves are included as elements in the set of elements that are used by an associated hydraulic solver engine to segment the water distribution network. Once the network has been segmented, a criticality analysis is performed whereby a hydraulic simulation is run for an outage of one or more segments, and the shortfall in demand supplied to other segments is calculated. The system provides for a linking of the ability to automatically identify segments with a hydraulic analysis model to enable a user not only to identify segments, but to rank their importance based on a variety of user defined metrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Bentley Systems, Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas M. Walski, Robert F. Mankowski, Shaoyu Yang, Jack S. Cook, Jr., Ronghe Wang, Daniel Bishop, Daniel Bowdler, Zheng Yi Wu, Robert A. Gurrieri
  • Patent number: 8626459
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods and articles, including an inspection system that includes at least one generator to apply energy to an object at an application point to cause waves to travel, at least partly, through the object. The system further includes at least one detector configured to detect at least a portion of the waves traveling through the object, and a statistical analyzer to perform a statistical analysis based on an output produced by the at least one detector in response to the detected portion of the waves, the statistical analysis being used to determine whether at least one defect is present in the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Francesco Lanza Di Scalea, Stefano Coccia, Ivan Bartoli, Salvatore Salamone, Piervincenzo Rizzo
  • Publication number: 20140005958
    Abstract: An ultrasonic gas leak detector is configured to discriminate the ultrasound generated by a pressurized gas leak into the atmosphere from false alarm ultrasound. An exemplary embodiment includes multiple acoustic sensors for detecting acoustic energy and providing sensor signals, including a broadband sensor and at least one narrowband sensor, and an electronic controller responsive to the sensor signals. In one exemplary embodiment, the electronic controller is configured to provide a threshold comparator function to compare a sensor signal value representative of sensed ultrasonic energy to a gas detection threshold value, and an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) function for processing signals derived from the multitude of sensor signals and applying ANN coefficients configured to discriminate false alarm sources from gas leaks. An output function generates detector outputs in dependence on the threshold comparator output and the ANN output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: General Monitors, Inc.
    Inventor: Shankar B. Baliga
  • Publication number: 20130325371
    Abstract: Leak rate testing is an engineering challenge where on the one hand, engineers must meet strict leak rate standards on a wide range of products and systems from semiconductor packages through medical product packaging to chemical storage vessels and liquid/gas handling systems. On the other hand, they have to make the leak testing process low cost and independent of operator whilst in many applications making the process automated and fast as this step may otherwise become a manufacturing bottleneck. Accordingly embodiments of the invention address manufacturing requirements by providing for high accuracy flow based leak testing of large volumes, providing adaptive techniques for use during testing, providing equivalent circuit modeling techniques allowing optimization and parameter extraction to be simulated prior to manufacturing commitment, and providing for the automatic tuning of setup parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Richard Michel Brine, Nathan Bernard Sheaff
  • Publication number: 20130325194
    Abstract: Leak rate testing is an engineering challenge where on the one hand, engineers must meet strict leak rate standards on a wide range of products and systems from semiconductor packages through medical product packaging to chemical storage vessels and liquid/gas handling systems. On the other hand, they have to make the leak testing process low cost and independent of operator whilst in many applications making the process automated and fast as this step may otherwise become a manufacturing bottleneck. Accordingly embodiments of the invention address manufacturing requirements by providing for high accuracy flow based leak testing of large volumes, providing adaptive techniques for use during testing, providing equivalent circuit modeling techniques allowing optimization and parameter extraction to be simulated prior to manufacturing commitment, and providing for the automatic tuning of setup parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Richard Michel Brine, Nathan Bernard Sheaff
  • Publication number: 20130317764
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for monitoring a liquid product held in a sealed vessel and determining taxes that will be owed on the liquid product at a future dumping time. The apparatus and method also allow one to determine fault conditions within a sealed vessel as well as to determine when the product in the sealed vessel is ready for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Ashok Kumar, Siddhartha Bhattacharyya, Patrick J. Garrity
  • Publication number: 20130317765
    Abstract: Automated methods provide leak detection that may be implemented in a respiratory treatment apparatus. In some embodiments, the detection apparatus may automatically determine and score different types of leak events during a treatment session, including, for example, continuous mouth leak events and valve-like mouth leak events. The detection methodologies may be implemented as a data analysis of a specific purpose computer or a detection device that measures a respiratory airflow or a respiratory treatment apparatus that provides a respiratory treatment regime based on the detected leak. In some embodiments, the leak detector may determine and report a leak severity index. Such an index may combine data that quantifies different types of leak events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Dushyant Rao, Jeffrey Peter Armitstead, Dinesh Ramanan
  • Patent number: 8583386
    Abstract: A computerized method for determining one or more statistically likely geographical locations of an anomaly in a region or zone of a water utility network, the water utility network comprising at least a network of pipes for delivering water to consumers and a plurality of meters positioned within the water utility network including a plurality of meters capturing data regarding the water delivering within the region or zone of the anomaly, the method comprising. The method includes receiving anomaly event data, the anomaly event data representing an indication of an anomaly occurring or having occurred within a region or zone of the water utility network, the anomaly event data being associated with meter data produced by one or more of the meters. The method also includes performing a plurality of tests on the anomaly event data each designed to statistically determine a likely geographical location of the anomaly within the region or zone, the performance of each test producing a result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Takadu Ltd.
    Inventors: Amitai Armon, Haggai Scolnicov, Chaim Linhart, Raz Ziv
  • Publication number: 20130297234
    Abstract: It is proposed a method for detecting a leak in a fuel system of a combustion engine comprising a fuel tank. The method is such that it comprises the steps of: obtaining a first set of data comprising at least a pressure data measured in the fuel system at a first time; adding energy to fluids contained in the fuel system, said energy being produced or wasted by means already present on board the vehicle for other purposes; obtaining a second set of data comprising at least a pressure data measured in the fuel system at a second time; determining the presence/absence of a leak in said fuel system by calculating a predetermined function on the basis of said first and second sets of data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Sys. Research ( Societe Anonyme)
    Inventor: Inergy Automotive Sys. Research (Societe Anonyme)
  • Publication number: 20130289899
    Abstract: A gas filter correlation radiometer mounted on an aircraft is flown over a target area. The gas filter correlation radiometer is configured to detect a gas in a vapour plume in the event of a liquid leak. The gas filter correlation radiometer uses a gas in the vapour or a gas that has a spectral band overlapping a spectral band of the vapour. The gas filter correlation radiometer uses background radiation to detect the vapour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: SYNODON INC.
    Inventors: Boyd T Tolton, Douglas W. Miller, Adrian Banica
  • Patent number: 8566051
    Abstract: A system for detecting and locating a leak through a membrane that includes a detector array and computer. The detector array includes a boundary wire loop, sensors, and leads. The boundary wire loop surrounds the area to be tested and generates electrical tension on the surface of the membrane. The sensors are laid out in a sensor array and are placed on top of a membrane and within the boundary wire loop. The sensors are encased in a plastic covered cable or individual wires which have open ends for their terminations forming a cable so that the sensors made by the open terminations form a chain. Each sensor communicates individually with the computer and the signals from the sensors are used by the computer to perform vector mapping that detects and locates leaks through the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Clark Robert Gunness
  • Patent number: 8554497
    Abstract: A method for testing a plurality of fire hoses having respective service test pressures and the test apparatus therefor wherein each hose is required to maintain a test pressure for a specified duration to pass the test. The test pressure is proportional to the service test pressure. Each hose is coupled to a respective hose fitting of a respective branch test conduit. Each branch test conduit includes an isolation valve, a pressure transducer, and a hose fitting downstream of the isolation valve. A variable frequency-variable speed controls a motor which drives a positive displacement water pump supplying water to and pressurizing a water header conduit and a plurality of branch test conduits interconnected therewith. An algorithm applied to the error signal for a respective hose line generates a pump speed command limited by the controller to regulate the rate of increase of pump output pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Fire Catt LLC
    Inventors: David Hamilton, Dennis Zeiber
  • Publication number: 20130253856
    Abstract: A storage tank leak detection system for detecting and measuring very small leaks in large horizontal cylindrical storage tanks. Embodiments include two highly precise quartz crystal type pressure transducers held at a constant temperature. A bubbler to achieve access to the hydrostatic pressure at the tank bottom and just below the liquid surface. First transducer and bubbler are used to measure fluid mass while second transducer and bubbler are used to measure fluid density then used in combination with data correction and regression techniques to yield a storage tank leak detection system for use in horizontal cylindrically shaped tanks with an extremely low leak detection threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Mass Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jimmy Wolford, Bernie Wolford, JR., Clark Lockerd, Ricky Slaughter
  • Patent number: 8543245
    Abstract: Systems and methods for specifying one or more operational parameters for a pumping system are disclosed. A first suction pressure loss profile for a first pump in a pumping system is determined. A second suction pressure loss profile for a second pump in the pumping system is determined. The first suction pressure loss profile is compared with the second suction pressure loss profile. One or more operational parameters are specified based, at least in part, on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Heitman, Stanley V. Stephenson, David W. Looper, Kenneth G. Neal
  • Patent number: 8542124
    Abstract: An acoustic detector assembly for detecting a leak of a pressurized mixture of liquids and gases in a pipeline or pressurized vessel that includes an ultrasonic acoustic transducer generating an output in response to receiving an acoustical signal associated with the leaking mixture of liquids and gases, a detector connected with the acoustic transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Axiom Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Miguel Angel Timm
  • Publication number: 20130231874
    Abstract: The claimed method and system identifies faults and/or deterioration of components in a process control valve. The system may use different sensor combinations to provide the necessary data to compute irregular component integrity. Alerts may be generated to indicate potential component integrity problems. In particular, the system may detect potential deterioration and/or faults in actuator springs, pneumatic tubing and piping, and bellows seals. The claimed system may be communicatively coupled to a process control network to provide a more elaborate alarm system. Moreover, additional statistical methods may be used to refine the detection accuracy of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventor: Galen Dale Wilke
  • Publication number: 20130231876
    Abstract: A method and device are provided for leakage detection and leakage location in an area of a supply network (e.g. water supply, gas supply or district heating network), wherein measurement values of sensors of the supply network are statistically analyzed for the presence of leakages using robust regression methods. The false alarm rate (type 2 error) may be reduced or minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventors: Holger Hanss, Kurt Majewski, Jƶrg Nieveler, Jan Christoph Wehrstedt
  • Publication number: 20130226475
    Abstract: A leak detection system includes a pressure system that requires leak and/or pressure testing. A pressure sensor coupled to the pressure system senses a first pressure at time0, after which fluid pumping system provides a selected volume of test fluid to the pressure system. The pressure sensor senses a test pressure at time1 and at selected intervals ā€˜nā€™ to time(n+1) and transmits a signal reflect of the pressures at each time to a general purpose computer for recording and storage on a computer readable medium. An operating program is configured to calculate a leak detection value, which is a function of a ratio of the first pressure at time0 and the test pressure at time1; the test pressure at time1 and the test pressure at time2; and so on to a test pressure at the time and the test pressure at the time(n?1). A graphical output is configured to display the leak detection value as a function of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: INNOVATIVE PRESSURE TESTING, LLC
    Inventor: INNOVATIVE PRESSURE TESTING, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130213482
    Abstract: Method for acoustically locating leaks in underground or aboveground piping systems, in which at least two noise data loggers receiving the leak noise and being arranged in mutual distance from one another are brought in physical contact with the piping system to be examined and measure simultaneously the noise level (dB) and the frequency of a leak, whereas both measured values of frequency and noise level are combined in a single value (ESA), whereas the ESA value is calculated from the decimal logarithm of the frequency of the leak noise multiplied with the logarithmic level value of the leak noise multiplied with a constant factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: SEBA DYNATRONIC MESS-UND ORTUNGSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: Harald Schuberth
  • Patent number: 8510147
    Abstract: A method and system for calculating pipeline integrity business risk score for a pipeline network is provided. The method includes a step of first calculating a structural risk score, an operational risk score and a commercial risk score for each pipeline segment in a pipeline network. The method further includes calculating pipeline integrity business risk score for each pipeline segment. The structural risk score, operational risk score, commercial risk score and pipeline integrity business risk score for each pipeline segment is rolled-up to calculate the respective risk scores of a pipeline network. The rolled-up risk scores are calculated by computing weight factors for each pipeline segment, relative risk scores weight of each pipeline segment and relative risk scores contribution of each pipeline segment. The system of the invention comprises executable files, dynamic linked libraries and risk score computing modules configured to display the risk scores using a dashboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Infosys Limited
    Inventors: Dipayan Mitra, Sandeep Kumar Dewangan, Larry Joesph Rubenacker, Manish Verma, Prakash Dhake, Paras Sachdeva
  • Publication number: 20130197833
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting leaks in a fluid distribution network are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes calculating value of non-revenue fluid. Further, the method includes receiving data corresponding to pressure from pressure sensors in the fluid distribution network and receiving data corresponding to flow from flow sensors in the fluid distribution network. Furthermore, the method includes estimating pressure values at the pressure sensors and estimating flow values at the flow sensors. The received data and estimated values of respective sensors for corresponding time periods are compared. Existence of leak in the fluid distribution network is detected if the value of non-revenue fluid is non-zero. One or more leak spots are located, if a leak is detected, by solving an optimization problem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eitan Israeli, Lena Granovsky, Yossi Shiloach, Ofer (Michael) Shir, Segev Wasserkrug
  • Publication number: 20130197832
    Abstract: A leak detection system and method are characterized by scanning a surface of a vacuum package, generating a contour signal corresponding with the contour of the scanned surface, and comparing the contour signal with a stored contour signal of a similar package which is known to be free of leaks. The system includes a sensor such as a scanning device which scans a surface of the package and generates the contour signal. A signal processor connected with the scanning device processes the signal to generate a profile of the package surface. This profile is compared with a stored profile corresponding to a normal configuration for the package surface. When the scanned profile deviates from the stored profile, a leak within the scanned package is indicated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: FLEXICELL INC.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Jones, Johannes J.M. de Koning, Geoffrey J. Parnell
  • Publication number: 20130166227
    Abstract: A system for self-testing an acoustic monitor includes a memory that stores a reference acoustic power of a reference acoustic signal; a digital signal processor (DSP) that computes a real-time acoustic power spectrum of background noise in a frequency range of about 20 Hz to about 80 kHz; a microphone including analog signal conditioning circuitry that receives an acoustic test signal at a test frequency and sound pressure level (SPL), the SPL including an attenuation level; and a processor that compares a measured acoustic power at the test frequency with a calculated acoustic power of the acoustic test signal, the calculated acoustic power including the reference acoustic power and the attenuation level; where the acoustic monitor includes the DSP in signal communication with the microphone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: UTC FIRE & SECURITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Theodore M. Hermann, James V. Radomski
  • Publication number: 20130154841
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to valves, and more particularly, to gas valve assemblies. In one example, a valve leakage test may be performed on a valve assembly including a valve body with a first valve and a second valve, where the valves may be positioned across a fluid path in the valve body with an intermediate volume between the valves. A pressure sensor may be in fluid communication with the intermediate volume and may sense a measure that is related to the pressure in the intermediate volume. The pressure sensor may communicate with a controller to determine a measure that is related to a pressure change in the intermediate volume and compare the measure that is related to a pressure change to a first and/or second threshold value. The controller may output a signal if the measure meets and/or exceeds the first and/or second threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: David Kucera, Gregory Young, Donald J. Kasprzyk, Gregory Todd Filkovski
  • Patent number: 8457908
    Abstract: By monitoring pressure transients in a liquid within a liquid distribution system using only a single sensor, events such as the opening and closing of valves at specific fixtures are readily detected. The sensor, which can readily be coupled to a faucet bib, transmits an output signal to a computing device. Each such event can be identified by the device based by comparing characteristic features of the pressure transient waveform with previously observed characteristic features for events in the system. These characteristic features, which can include the varying pressure, derivative, and real Cepstrum of the pressure transient waveform, can be used to select a specific fixture where a valve open or close event has occurred. Flow to each fixture and leaks in the system can also be determined from the pressure transient signal. A second sensor disposed at a point disparate from the first sensor provides further event information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Shwetak N. Patel, James A. Fogarty, Jon E. Froehlich, Eric C. Larson
  • Patent number: 8446276
    Abstract: A monitoring system for response to incidents sensed by at least one sensor of an individual signal unit; said response comprising in a first instance, transmission to a central control facility by a said individual signal unit, of at least a unique identifying code for that individual signal unit, over a communication network; said response comprising in a second instance, transmission of data from said central control facility to one or more recipients nominated by a registered owner of said individual signal unit; and wherein registration of a said individual signal unit and configuration of sensing and of said response is via a web-based interface. The monitoring system of claim 1 wherein said response in said first instance includes digital or analogue data input to said individual signal unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Imprenditore Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Patrick Jeremy Rice
  • Publication number: 20130116942
    Abstract: A method of estimating leak flow in a gas delivery system is provided that includes determining an average total flow Qtot (or summation or integral of total flow) of the gas delivery system for each of N breaths, determining P?1 and P?2 for each of the N breaths, wherein P is a leak pressure of the gas delivery system, ?1 is a first predetermined value, ?2 is a second predetermined value, and P?1 and P?2 are averages for the breath (summation or integrals may also be used), setting up a system of N equations, one for each of the N breaths, wherein each of the equations has the form Qtot=Gorf.P?1+Gvg.P?2 and uses the determined Qtot, P?1 and P?2 for the associated breath, solving the system of N equations for Gorf and Gvg, and using Gorf and Gvg to calculate instantaneous leak Qleak using Qleak=Gorf.P?1+Gvg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Peter Douglas Hill, Birpal Singh Sachdev
  • Publication number: 20130110419
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting a leak in a Stage II vapor recovery system is disclosed. The system may monitor the Stage II vapor recovery system for the occurrence of quiet times and record pressure data during those quiet times. The system may make a determination of a leak based on the evaluation of the pressure data from a plurality of the quiet times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: FRANKLIN FUELING SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Franklin Fueling Systems, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130090867
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying and measuring the quantity of leakage from a conduit used in the conveyance of a fluid, such as a hydrocarbon fluid, for example oil, or a gas, such as natural gas. The system includes a measurement device configured to measure a distributed temperature along a length of the conduit. The system further includes a processor configured to calculate a change in volume of the fluid in the conduit for each of a plurality of sections of the length of the conduit based on the distributed temperature. The processor is further configured to calculate a correction factor based on the change in volume of the fluid. The processor is also configured to calculate a corrected mass-balance differential using the correction factor, and compare the corrected mass-balance differential to a predetermined leakage threshold to identify whether a leak exists in the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew Strong
  • Patent number: 8416089
    Abstract: A leak detecting tray device featuring a base tray having a bottom surface and sides, wherein the sides and bottom surface together form an enclosure for collecting liquid, wherein the base tray is constructed from a material comprising silicone; a moisture sensor disposed in the base tray, the moisture sensor is configured to detect moisture; an alarm system with speaker; and a microprocessor operatively connected to the moisture sensor and the alarm system with speaker, wherein the microprocessor is configured to receive a first sensor input signal from the moisture sensor when the moisture sensor detects moisture whereupon the microprocessor sends a first alarm output command to the alarm system to activate the alarm system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: James E. Clary
  • Publication number: 20130085690
    Abstract: A method for checking pipeline leakage comprises: receiving detecting parameters collected by at least one sensor with respect to pipelines in its corresponding region; gathering detecting parameters collected by the at least one sensor; analyzing the gathered detecting parameters to obtain an evolutionary tendency of detecting parameters in the corresponding region of the at least one sensor; judging if the evolutionary tendency of the detecting parameters satisfies predefined features of leakage; determining that pipeline leakage exists in the corresponding region if the evolutionary tendency of the detecting parameters satisfies the predefined features of leakage. The present invention may help to determine leak regions with a leakage having small flow quantity, and provide a user with regions with pipeline leakage to be detected based on a resource constraint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ben Fei, Chunhua Tian, Dong Wang, Hao Wang, Xian Wu, Jing Xiao
  • Patent number: 8407031
    Abstract: Computer based CAE models for simulating the physical behavior of disposable articles during manufacturing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Jean Vittorio Seguro
  • Publication number: 20130073227
    Abstract: A system and method for testing a fluid seal in a device can include pumping fluid to the device and a control device simultaneously, while measuring the pressure of the fluid pumping to both devices. A change in volume of the fluid in the control device can be initiated, a change in pressure difference associated with the change in volume can be determined, and a leak test ratio can be formed therefrom. Changes in the pressure difference can be used to determine the presence of fluid leaks, which can be presented as test results to users connected to a network. A leak volume can be determined using the change in pressure difference and the leak test ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: PETROTECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: David Levy
  • Patent number: 8401760
    Abstract: A system and method of monitoring oil consumption in a gas turbine engine system are provided. When the gas turbine engine is not running the reservoir oil level, reservoir oil temperature, and reservoir attitude are sensed. The current gas turbine engine system oil quantity is determined based on at least the sensed reservoir oil level, the sensed reservoir oil temperature, and the sensed reservoir attitude. When a predetermined event has occurred, an average gas turbine engine system oil quantity is automatically calculated. The gas turbine engine system oil consumption rate is determined from a plurality of the average oil quantities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Payne, Harold Riley
  • Publication number: 20130066568
    Abstract: The invention here presented regards to an integrated leak detection system which combines the acoustic technology with mass balance technology using artificial neural networks to achieve leak location, quantification provided with pressure sensors installed in strategic points along the pipeline, which act as acoustic sensors or sonic sensors; remotes units denominated FPU (Field Processing Unit); analog and digital filters; artificial neural networks (ANN); and, center monitoring station responsible for gathering and processing system information, using artificial neural networks algorithms that process also signals from the mass balance CFD (Computacional Fluid Dynamics) based on flow temperature pressure and density readings, to allow process parameter actualization in real time such as fluid density, acoustic wave propagation speed, flow speed and signal attenuation coefficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Julio Roberto Alonso
  • Patent number: 8396675
    Abstract: The object is to facilitate determination of a flow rate of fluid discharged from a discharge opening. Intensity of a supersonic wave generated at and propagated from a discharge opening in association with discharge of the fluid from the discharge opening is determined at a determinate site distant from the discharge opening. And, a propagation distance from the discharge opening to the determination site is determined or investigated. Then, based upon a correlation existent among the intensity of the propagated supersonic wave, the propagation distance and the fluid discharge flow rate from the discharge opening, the fluid discharge rate is obtained from the determined or investigated supersonic wave intensity and the propagation distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: TLV Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Yonemura
  • Patent number: 8380448
    Abstract: A leak detection system includes a pressure system that requires leak and/or pressure testing. A pressure sensor coupled to the pressure system senses a first pressure at time0, after which fluid pumping system provides a selected volume of test fluid to the pressure system. The pressure sensor senses a test pressure at time1 and at selected intervals ā€˜nā€™ to time(n+1) and transmits a signal reflect of the pressures at each time to a general purpose computer for recording and storage on a computer readable medium. An operating program is configured to calculate a leak detection value, which is a function of a ratio of the first pressure at time0 and the test pressure at time1; the test pressure at time1 and the test pressure at time2; and so on to a test pressure at the timen and the test pressure at the time(n+1). A graphical output is configured to display the leak detection value as a function of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Innovative Pressure Testing, LLC
    Inventor: Charles M. Franklin
  • Publication number: 20130041601
    Abstract: A leak detector includes a sensor assembly including at least one sensor configured to sense acoustic signals; and at least one printed circuit board coupled to the sensor assembly and configured to support a processing device, the processing device comprising at least a microcontroller unit (MCU) and a digital signal processor (DSP), wherein the MCU is configured to continually receive acoustic signals from the sensor assembly, and wherein the DSP is configured to remain in a sleep mode except when the MCU wakes the DSP from the sleep mode at predetermined times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: MUELLER INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Ganapathi Deva Varma Dintakurti, Shabbir Yusuf, Steven James Mercer
  • Patent number: 8364546
    Abstract: A restroom monitoring system for monitoring attributes of fixtures within a restroom using sensors. Additional attributes are determined from the monitored attributes. Consumable usage levels are estimated based on predetermined consumption levels associated with usage states of the fixtures. The restroom monitoring system provides an indication of the need for replenishment of consumables based on the monitored attributes of the fixtures. In addition, restroom monitoring system may provide additional information regarding the restroom attributes to a service provider, a manager or a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: Edward Yenni, Peter J. Jahrling
  • Publication number: 20130013228
    Abstract: A fuel leakage detection system for an underground fuel piping system having fuel service pits installed at locations along the piping. Each pit has a pressure sensor and a reference electrode positioned external to the pit assembly for continuous and automatic monitoring of fuel pressure and pipe-to-soil potential measurements of an impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP), and each pit assembly includes a processor and a transceiver. The system provides simultaneous and synchronized pressure and ICCP potential measurements which are transmitted over a wireless network to a control station that performs accurate location of a leakage point in the underground piping and can detect pressure loss during fueling operations which produce strong pressure transients that normally mask detection of pressure loss in the fuel piping, and can determine a leak in the piping and its location by analyzing the pipe-to-soil potentials taken on the fuel piping and pressure losses occurring between transients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Pablo Daniel Genta
  • Patent number: 8346492
    Abstract: A system for detecting and locating leaks includes a pipeline, strain sensors positioned on the external surface of the pipeline, acoustic pressure sensors positioned at intervals along the pipeline, local processors connected to the strain sensors and acoustic pressure sensors, and a central processor connected to the local processors. The strain sensors measure a strain on the external surface of the pipeline indicative of changes in the pressure of the fluid within the pipeline. The acoustic pressure sensors sense acoustic signals within the pipline. Sensed acoustic pressure signals and sensed strain measurements are compared to each other and to stored profiles to detect and locate leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignees: Acoustic Systems, Inc., Acoustic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bao-Wen Yang, Eric Yang, Marion Recane, Stephanie H. Yang
  • Patent number: 8340927
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a flow velocity and a flow rate of groundwater leaking from the earth surface includes: a storage tank that is fixed to close a side surface and a top surface of an earth surface region from which the groundwater leaks and that stores the groundwater leaking from the earth surface; a liquid column tube that causes the groundwater stored in the storage tank to introduce thereto and causes a water column to rise; and a pressure-type measuring unit that is formed in a top opening of the liquid column tube and that senses a differential pressure. Accordingly, it is possible to easily and rapidly measure a flow velocity and a flow rate of groundwater leaking from the earth surface by the use of a user's terminal in real time, or by time zones, or on the user's request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM)
    Inventors: Ki-Sung Sung, Jeong-Chan Kim, Kue-Young Kim, Tae-Hee Kim
  • Patent number: 8341106
    Abstract: A computerized method for detecting related events in a water monitoring system. The method includes receiving event data from a plurality of sensors in a water network. The method also includes identifying at least two candidate events from the event data as being candidate events which are likely to constitute part of a common anomaly event, the candidate events each being substantially anomalous. An event combination rule is selected. One or more event characteristics are compared between the at least two candidate events based on the event combination rule. The at least two candidate events are determined whether they are related and associated with a common event causing the at least two candidate events on the basis of the comparison. The determination of the at least two candidate events are related and associated with a common event is reported to a user via a user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: TaKaDu Ltd.
    Inventors: Haggai Scolnicov, Amitai Armon, Chaim Linhart, Lilach Bien, Noam Petrank
  • Publication number: 20120318011
    Abstract: Each time an operation state indicated by operation data measured during normal operation of a refrigerating and air-conditioning apparatus meets an operation data acquisition requirement, the operation data is acquired, and a process of calculating the amount of refrigerant in parts other than an extension pipe and an extension-pipe density on the basis of the acquired data is performed. The internal volume of the extension pipe is calculated on the basis of a group of calculation data items indicating calculations by the process. A standard refrigerant amount is calculated on the basis of the calculated extension-pipe internal volume and the acquired data. The total refrigerant amount in the refrigerant circuit is calculated on the basis of the calculated extension-pipe internal volume and current operation data and is compared to the standard refrigerant amount, thus determining whether the refrigerant is leaked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yasutaka Ochiai, Fumitake Unezaki
  • Patent number: 8332130
    Abstract: An injection system includes an injector, first valve, second valve, and pressure sensing device. In an embodiment, first valve is in communication with an injector outlet and includes a closed position for at least partially stopping fluid flow from injector outlet. The second valve is in communication with an injector inlet and includes a closed position for at least partially stopping fluid flow to injector inlet. The pressure sensing device is configured for sensing an injector inlet pressure drop of the injector. The injection system may be configured to stop or impede fluid flow to injector inlet when the rate of pressure drop measured by the pressure sensing device is at least equal to a predetermined pressure value that represents a rate of pressure drop measured between injector inlet and second valve when the first valve and second valve are in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Dale Arden Stretch