Leak Detecting Patents (Class 702/51)
  • Publication number: 20120296580
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for identifying leaks in liquids pipe construction. The system is comprised of: At least one detection unit is positioned in proximity of at least one exit point of said pipe construction comprising an acoustic sensor and a wireless communication unit, an electronically controlled shutoff unit installed on an entrance point of the pipe construction, the unit comprising a valve, an acoustic sensor and wireless communication unit arranged for transmitting data of water flow and receiving control signals, a controller network device for receiving the measurement data from all sensors. The controller is programmed to detect leaks when identifying differences between the measured liquid flow at the entrance point and measured flow at the exit points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Dov BARKAY
  • Patent number: 8296083
    Abstract: A vibratory pipeline diagnostic system (100) is provided. The system (100) comprises at least one vibration generator (104) adapted to be affixed to a pipeline, at least one vibration sensor (107) adapted to be affixed to the pipeline, and a processing device (111) in communication with the at least one vibration generator (104) and the at least one vibration sensor (107). The processing device (111) is configured to vibrate a portion of the pipeline using the at least one vibration generator (104), receive a vibrational response to the vibration from the at least one vibration sensor (107), compare the vibrational response to one or more previous vibrational responses of the pipeline, and indicate a fault condition if the vibrational response differs from the one or more previous vibrational responses by more than a predetermined tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventor: John D Martin
  • Publication number: 20120265456
    Abstract: Generally described herein are devices, methods and systems related to detecting a leak present in a gastric banding system for the treatment of obesity. For example, a leak detector may include a syringe, a leak sensing unit and a needle, and may measure a pressure decay within a gastric banding system after the needle penetrates the patient's skin and is inserted into an access port connected to the gastric band of the gastric banding system. The pressure decay may be interpreted to determine if a leak is present in the gastric banding system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: ALLERGAN, INC.
    Inventors: Sean Snow, Mark O'Donnell, Amy Tezel, Marcos Borrell
  • Publication number: 20120259559
    Abstract: An instrumentation system (300) for monitoring one or more valves (20) of an assembly (110) includes one or more sensors (120) coupled to the one or more valves (20), and a data processing arrangement (140) for processing sensor signals generated by the one or more sensors (120) to provide an indication of operation of said one or more valves (20). The one or more sensors (120) and the data processing arrangement (140) are operable to compute one or more risk factors (R) from the sensor signals indicative of operating reliability and/or safety of the one or more valves (20). The instrumentation system (300) is, for example, suitable for use with valves of the X-mas tree (Christmas tree) assembly for oil and gas production, for example in a sub-sea environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Simon Jeeves, Tore Juvik
  • Publication number: 20120251859
    Abstract: A battery pack and a liquid leak detection system are provided. The system includes first and second wire grids and an open-cell foam layer. The first and second wire grids are disposed on first and second sides, respectively, of the foam layer. The foam layer allows at least a portion of liquid contacting the foam layer to migrate from the first side to the second side. The system further includes an insulating mat disposed between the second wire grid and a tray. The system further includes a resistance measuring device that outputs a first signal indicative of a resistance level between the wire grids. The system further includes a microprocessor that compares an amplitude of the first signal to a threshold value, and outputs a second signal if the liquid is detected based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Josh Payne, Vaughan Daniel
  • Publication number: 20120239315
    Abstract: A valve fault test system is disclosed. The system tests for leakage in a valve within a turbine system having a gas turbine and a steam turbine sharing a common shaft, by performing actions including: placing the gas turbine in a control mode; determining a power output for the steam turbine corresponding to the control mode of the gas turbine; preventing steam flow to the steam turbine by providing instructions to close at least one of a steam turbine control valve or a steam turbine stop valve; determining a power output for the steam turbine corresponding to the steam flow being prevented to the steam turbine; and comparing the power output for the steam turbine corresponding to the closed at least one of the control valve or the stop valve to an expected power output for the steam turbine to determine whether a leakage in the valve exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Dean Alexander Baker, Steven Di Palma
  • Patent number: 8269832
    Abstract: A method for measuring and displaying a factor includes: sensing a factor by using a sensing unit, which is movable in a plane, a curved surface, or a space where the factor for sensing is generated or contained and senses the factor; photographing the plane, the curved surface, or the space; simultaneously recognizing a position of the sensing unit by targeting the sound sensing unit when sensing the factor in the step of sensing; generating a factor map data by mapping the factor sensed in the step of sensing onto the position sensed in the step of recognizing; overlaying the factor map data with the picture data; and displaying the factor map data overlaid with the picture data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: SM Instruments Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: YoungKey Kim
  • Publication number: 20120191380
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a fluid and determining a leak comprising the steps of providing a meter and a meter register coacting with the meter. When a leak is detected, a signal is transmitted from the meter register regarding fluid consumption. The transmitted signal indicates a leak either when the measured flow rate remains a fixed volume over a fixed period of time, or the measured flow rate exceeds a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: ARAD MEASURING TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventor: Dan Winter
  • Publication number: 20120185184
    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: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: TAKADU LTD.
    Inventors: Amitai Armon, Haggai Scolnicov, Chaim Linhart, Raz Ziv
  • Publication number: 20120150455
    Abstract: A leak detection system includes a coupled to a pressure system to sense a first pressure at time t0. A fluid pumping system then provides a selected volume of test fluid to the pressure system. The sensor senses a test pressure at time t1 and at selected intervals ā€˜nā€™ to time t(n+1) and transmits a signal reflect of the pressures at each time to a computer. The computer system is configured to calculate a leak detection value, which is a function of a ratio of the first pressure at time t0 and the test pressure at time t1; the test pressure at time t1 and the test pressure at time t2; and so on, to a test pressure at the timen and the test pressure at the time t(n+1). A graphical output is displays the leak detection value as a function of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Charles M. FRANKLIN, Richard A. CULLY
  • Patent number: 8197432
    Abstract: A method for batch implementation of settings in a renal replacement therapy device including: displaying on a user interface control settings which may be manually selected by an operator; selecting an independent control setting of the plurality of control settings; adjusting the independent control setting to an independent control setting level selected by an operator; temporarily storing the adjusted independent control setting level; automatically adjusting a dependent control setting level based upon the independent control level; displaying the adjusted independent control setting level and the adjusted dependent control setting, and implementing both the adjusted independent control setting level and the adjusted dependent control setting to control the device, by actuating a batch setting acceptance operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Gambro UF Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. O'Mahony, Thomas Robert Lendway, Andrew J. Halpert
  • Publication number: 20120143531
    Abstract: A system including a communication interface to communicatively couple to a sensor cartridge, a fluidic subsystem to exchange a reagent solution with the sensor cartridge, and a computational circuitry communicatively coupled to the communication interface and the fluidic subsystem. The computation circuitry is to monitor a sensor signal of a sensor of the sensor cartridge, detect a leak based on the sensor signal, and control fluid flow of the fluidic subsystem in response to detecting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Melville Davey, George Roth, David Marran, William Mileski, John Nobile
  • Publication number: 20120101747
    Abstract: A system and method detect turbulence in a fluid by processing image data to isolate and detect fluctuations in a frequency range indicative of turbulence. By making use of a Fourier or other frequency transformation to convert a set of time-dependent intensity data into frequency-dependent intensity data, a range of frequencies can be selected wherein fluctuations in intensity are characteristic of turbulence, even under difficult conditions where turbulence is cannot be naively detected. A detector is capable of relying on ambient light conditions to provide sufficient transmission and fluctuation to detect the characteristics of turbulence. Detection of turbulence aids in aircraft navigation and meteorology, analysis of industrial and commercial exhaust, and detection of unexpected fluid events such as containment leaks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: John Kielkopf, Jeff Hay, Adam Willitsford
  • Patent number: 8165829
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of diagnosing a system, a method of operating an aggregating system for system diagnosis and an aggregating system for system diagnosis, which are effective for achieving comprehensive and effective system cost reduction. For a target system 1, at least two or more kinds of diagnoses selected from a trap operation diagnosis, a fluid leakage diagnosis, a system improvement diagnosis and maintenance improvement diagnosis are effected in a batch and in reporting the results of these diagnoses in a batch, there are reported an economic advantage MQt? obtained by reduction in a trap-passed seam loss Qt?, an economic advantage MQs, MQp, MQn obtained by reduction in fluid leakage loss Qs, Qp, Qn, an economic advantage Ma obtained by system improvement and an economic advantage Mb obtained by method improvement in a maintenance method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: TLV Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyasu Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20120078542
    Abstract: Gas leakage from a ventilator circuit and patient interface is estimated by a method that relies on breath-by-breath or time-to-time variability in the pattern of pressure delivery by the ventilator, comprising generating signals that correspond to pressure (PCIRCUIT) and flow rate (Flow) in the ventilator circuit, integrating flow (Integrated Flow), measuring the change in Integrated Flow (?V) over an INTERVAL extending from a selected point in the expiratory phase of a ventilator cycle to a selected point during the expiratory phase of a nearby ventilator cycle, repeating the measurement of ?V for at least two said INTERVALS, processing PCIRCUIT to produce an index or indices that reflect(s) the pattern of pressure delivery by the ventilator during each of said INTERVALS, applying statistical methods to determine the relation between the differences in ?V among INTERVALS and the corresponding differences in said index or indices of PCIRCUIT, and establishing from said relation the leak rate at specified PCI
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Magdy Younes
  • Patent number: 8112240
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a leak detection circuit for a data monitoring and management system using the guard trace of a glucose sensor by applying a leak detection test signal to determine whether a leakage current is present is provided. The leak detection circuit may include an interface circuit, such as a capacitor, coupled to the guard trace to detect the leakage current when the leak detection test signal is applied to the guard trace, such that the user or patient using the data monitoring and management system, such as glucose monitoring systems, is notified of a failed sensor and prompted to replace the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventor: Martin J. Fennell
  • Publication number: 20120029848
    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: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: Galen D. Wilke
  • Publication number: 20120007744
    Abstract: A leak detector for detecting and locating leaks in a water supply pipe of plastics, the leak detector comprising a first sensor at a first position arranged to detect a leak signal travelling along a pipe, a second sensor arranged to detect a leak signal travelling along the pipe at a second position spaced from the first position, and a processing device adapted to receive the signals from the first sensor and the second sensor. The processing device may be adapted to determine the velocity of the signals from characteristics of the leak signals. The processing device is adapted to use the velocity and distance between the first sensor and the second sensor to determine the location of a leak. The characteristics may be the relationship between the phase and frequency of the leak signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Maninder Pal, Neil Dixon, James Flint
  • Publication number: 20120007743
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for leak detection of a fluid in a pipe network. The system includes flow meters, and vibration detectors adapted to be attached to a pipe at a location in the pipe network. A processor analyzes signals generated by the flow meters and vibration detectors to identify the presence of one or more leaks in the pipe network. The invention also provides a method for detecting and localizing leaks in a pipeline network, and a device comprising a flow meter integral with a vibration detector for use in the system of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: AQUARIUS SPECTRUM LTD.
    Inventor: David SOLOMON
  • Publication number: 20110307191
    Abstract: A method of determining the position of a valve includes, measuring pressure at a first location within a bore and measuring pressure at a second location within the bore wherein the first location and the second location are positioned on opposing longitudinal sides of the valve. The method further includes analyzing values from the measuring and attributing characteristics of the analyzing to specific valve positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Louis Lafleur, Javid Majid, Tyler C. Roberts, James Joseph Freeman
  • Publication number: 20110307195
    Abstract: Method for determining the size of a leak in the liquid-containing tank device of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle, the liquid influencing the pressure in the tank device by evaporation, with the following steps: generating a first pressure as a reference pressure in the tank device at a first instant (t1), detecting a first pressure characteristic up to a second instant (t2), generating a second pressure at a third instant (t4), the first pressure and the second pressure being chosen to be different, detecting a second pressure characteristic up to the fourth instant (t5), determining the pressure gradient of the first pressure characteristic at the second instant (t2) and of the pressure gradient of the second pressure characteristic at the third instant (t1), determining the first pressure difference of the pressure at the second instant (t2) from the reference pressure, determining the second pressure difference of the pressure at the third instant (t4) from the reference pressure, computing
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Armin Koehler, Ludger Hoelscher, Uwe Finis
  • Patent number: 8078412
    Abstract: A method for evaluating the leak tightness of a connector, or multiple connectors. The method uses an administrative server having a library of pressure and temperature information on various connectors, as well as the ability to report pressure and temperature data to a network as uncorrected and corrected responses. The method uses a data logger for recording pressure and temperature readings and also reporting corrected and uncorrected responses using one or more equations to shorten the test time by at least 50 percent or to about 5 minutes or less. The method uses a test pump for applying pressure to a connector to generate a corrected pressure which indicates leaks when the corrected pressure changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: PetroTechnologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David Levy
  • Patent number: 8078413
    Abstract: A system for evaluating the leak tightness of a connector, or multiple connectors. The system uses an administrative server having a library of pressure and temperature information on various connectors, as well as the ability to report pressure and temperature data to a network as uncorrected and corrected responses. The system uses a data logger for recording pressure and temperature readings and also reporting corrected and uncorrected responses using one or more equations to shorten the test time by at least 50 percent or to about 5 minutes or less. The system uses a test pump for applying pressure to a connector to generate a corrected pressure which indicates leaks when the corrected pressure changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: PetroTechnologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David Levy
  • Patent number: 8072340
    Abstract: A water leakage monitoring system including a water leakage position estimator which includes a periodic data acquiring unit for fetching predetermined-period flow rate pressure data stored in a monitoring device, and for fetching a signal related to a flow rate change and pressure changes expecting a water leakage reaction time calculating unit for calculating a pressure reaction time lag between two pressure changes, a pressure propagation velocity estimating unit for estimating a pressure propagation velocity using the pressure reaction time lag and a distance between two pressure gauges located in a water distribution block stored in a pipeline network map data, and a flow rate change position estimating unit for receiving a signal related to the flow rate change, and estimating a flow rate change position using pressure propagation velocity and a flow meter and pressure gauge locating positions of the pipeline network map data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, City Of Kitakyushu
    Inventors: Atsushi Yukawa, Katsuya Yokokawa, Naoto Oishi
  • Publication number: 20110295528
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring and processing an input signal (To) of at least two decades, comprising: an electron multiplier (4) that has an exponential gain on the basis of the power supply voltage (Vm) thereof and which receives said input signal (To); a power supply (5) that provides the power supply voltage (Vm) of said multiplier (4); a control circuit (6) of the power supply (5), the gain (10) and shift (11) parameters of which are adjustable and define an output signal range while varying the exponential gain of said multiplier (4); a logarithmic compression amplifier (T), the output of which is received as an input of the control circuit (6) so as to vary the exponential gain of the electron multiplier (4), in a continuous manner over the dynamic range of a measurement, on the basis of the output signal (IoG) of the electron multiplier (4), and forming the output signal (Vout) of said device; a measuring and calculating means for predetermining the value of the exponent (b) for the
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: ADIXEN VACUUM PRODUCTS
    Inventor: Pascal Jourdan
  • Publication number: 20110295527
    Abstract: A method for estimating a location of a leak (x) in a pipe (1). A liquid of a known density is fed into the pipe at a first inlet pressure (P1). When the liquid achieves a substantially steady flow rate, the flow rate passing into the pipeline is recorded. This step is repeated at a second, different, inlet pressure (P2). Using this data, an estimate of the leak location (x) and the area of the leak is calculated by simultaneously solving an expression which is based on relating the frictional energy losses of the liquid travelling through the pipeline (1) to the pressure in the pipeline at the leak (Pleak) and the flow rate of liquid from the leak.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Brinker Technology Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas John Ryan
  • Publication number: 20110282598
    Abstract: A method for detecting a leak in an intake tract of an internal combustion engine including the following steps: operating the internal combustion engine at a first operating point having a rotational speed and a first pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure in the intake tract of the internal combustion engine; computing a first expected mass flow into the intake tract; measuring a first mass flow into the intake tract and computing a difference between the measured first mass flow and the first expected mass flow; operating the internal combustion engine at a second operating point having the same rotational speed and a second pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure in the intake tract of the internal combustion engine, the second pressure difference being different from the first pressure difference; computing a second expected mass flow into the intake tract; measuring a second mass flow into the intake tract and computing the difference between the meas
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Michael UNGERMANN, Andreas Buse, Dieter Schwarzmann
  • Patent number: 8050875
    Abstract: An electronic steam trap monitor includes an electric generator configure to couple to a stream trap proximate a potential leak location. The generator generates electricity in response to a process variable from the potential leak location. Communication circuitry provides an output when there is sufficient electricity from the electric generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Karschnia
  • Publication number: 20110259451
    Abstract: A method of determining a leak in a pumping system includes determining a metered flow rate of a fluid through a first channel, determining a measured flow rate within the channel, and identifying an amount of a leak in the pumping system as the difference between the metered flow rate and the measured flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Hans-Georg Weissgerber
  • Publication number: 20110259330
    Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for compensating for leaks in a ventilation system based on data obtained during periods within a breath in which the patient is neither inhaling nor exhaling. The methods and systems described herein more accurately and quickly identify changes in leakage. This information is then to estimate leakage later in the same breath or in subsequent breaths to calculate a more accurate estimate of instantaneous leakage based on current conditions. The estimated leakage is then used to compensate for the leak flow rates, reduce the patient's work of breathing and increase the patient's comfort (patient-ventilator breath phase transition synchrony).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: NELLCOR PURITAN BENNETT LLC
    Inventors: Mehdi Jafari, Rhomere Jimenez, Jeffrey Aviano, Gail Upham
  • Publication number: 20110248855
    Abstract: A signal analysis method to enable flow and leak detection devices to accurately detect and amplify the signal from a flow measurement means detecting the pressure effects of very small leaks in contained fluid systems, and leaks in fluid systems that have small flows, where the raw signal is an order of magnitude less than the random pressure fluctuations in the contained system, and is an order of magnitude less than the effects of temperature and manufacturer's variations in the sensing device and the components used in the manufacture of the flow detection device. The method involves windowing the signal in a small section of the range of the sensor, then periodically re-centering the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: Geoffrey P. Brown
  • Patent number: 8032256
    Abstract: A system that control levels of liquids in reservoirs may include a control component that causes a compressor to pump gas through a tube extending in a liquid in a reservoir to an air bell for a predetermined amount of time responsive to a pump pumping portions of a liquid from the reservoir. The control component may also cause the compressor to pump gas through the tube for a predetermined amount of time responsive to the control component determining that a predetermined amount of time has passed since the compressor was previously operated. The control component may also cause the compressor to pump gas through the tube for a predetermined amount of time, responsive to the control component determining that a pressure sensor component in fluid communication with the tube indicates a possible decrease in the liquid level to at least a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: SJE-Rhombus
    Inventors: Aaron R. Wolf, William D. Chandler, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110231111
    Abstract: A hydrogen cooled generator having a system for diagnosing problems associated with a seal oil system. Included is a shaft having a turbine end and a collector end; a first shaft seal located about the shaft at the turbine end; a second shaft seal located about the shaft at the collector end; a first set of sensors for measuring seal oil pressure differentials across both shaft seals; a second set of sensors for measuring seal oil temperature differentials across both shaft seals; a third sensor for measuring a hydrogen side seal oil flow rate; and a system for analyzing data collected from at least two sensors to diagnose the shaft seals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey James Andritz, James Daniel Antalek, Daniel James Fitzmorris, Anthony James George, Abby Marie Magro, Kevin Jon O'Dell, Fotios Raftelis, Steven Paul Scarlata
  • Publication number: 20110202292
    Abstract: Techniques for leak detection are described. A leak detection module may include a plurality of wires comprising one or more collection points. The leak detection module may further include a capacitor configured to store a charge for powering the module during a power-off state and a plurality of switches to be controlled by a processor. The processor may initiate a predetermined switching sequence when a power-off state has been detected. During the switching sequence, leak detection data may be collected at the one or more collection points. The collected leak detection data may be stored in a set of registers. The leak detection module may transmit the stored leak detection data. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: TYCO THERMAL CONTROLS LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth McCoy
  • Publication number: 20110196251
    Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating a leak flow in a breathing assistance system including a ventilation device connected to a patient are provided. Data of a flow waveform indicating the flow of gas between the ventilation device and the patient is accessed. A specific portion of the flow waveform is identified, and a linear regression of the identified portion of the flow waveform is performed to determine an estimated leak flow in the breathing assistance system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: CĆ©dric Jourdain, Olivier Bernadet
  • Publication number: 20110181425
    Abstract: A server and method detects a pipeline. The server reads pipeline data from a data collector and analyzes the pipeline data to determine if the pipeline works abnormally. An alert command is sent by the server to an alarm computer to notify a user in response to a determination that the pipeline works abnormally. The server saves the pipeline data into a database system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicants: GDS SOFTWARE (SHENZHEN) CO.,LTD, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHI-CHIH WANG, BING-YU HE, ZHONG-GEN ZHAN, SHI-YI YANG
  • Publication number: 20110184670
    Abstract: In a pipeline leak detection system and method, a data collection frequency of a pipeline network is set. Pipeline monitoring data of the pipeline network is obtained according to the data collection frequency. Leak locations along the pipeline network are identified according to the pipeline monitoring data. The leak locations along the pipeline network are notified to users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicants: GDS SOFTWARE (SHENZHEN) CO.,LTD, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chi-Chih WANG, Bing-Yu HE, Zhong-Gen ZHAN, Zhong-Dan XU, Shi-Liu LIU, Jing LIAO
  • Publication number: 20110156921
    Abstract: A machine includes at least one piston and a pump shaft. A method for detecting a leak in the machine includes receiving a vibration signal from a vibration sensor disposed on at least one of an upstream pipe and a downstream pipe of the machine, receiving a rotational speed signal and an angular shaft position signal from a speed and position sensor disposed on the machine, calculating a rotational speed and an angular shaft position of the pump shaft, calculating at least one complex harmonic Fourier amplitude of the received vibration signal, low pass filtering the at least one complex harmonic Fourier amplitude, calculating a deviation amplitude as a magnitude of a complex difference between the filtered amplitude and a base amplitude, and monitoring the deviation amplitude to detect a leakage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: National Oilwell Norway AS
    Inventor: Age Kyllingstad
  • Publication number: 20110153232
    Abstract: In a conventional gas pressure monitoring system that detects a gas leak inside the hermetic container using temperatures measured by the temperature sensor provided outside the hermetic container, there exist uncertain temperature differences between actual temperatures inside the hermetic container and measured temperatures. Thus it is difficult to obtain from a pressure measured inside the hermetic container, an equivalent pressure converted to one at a predetermined temperature, so that it is not possible to early detect a gas leak. By removing the influence of the uncertain differences between temperatures inside and outside the hermetic container, from characteristic-curve slopes obtained from time-series measurements in pressure and temperature during predetermined periods at intervals of 24 hours, it becomes possible to obtain an equivalent pressure inside the hermetic container with a high accuracy, to detect a gas leak at early stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi ITO
  • Patent number: 7962295
    Abstract: A method for detecting and predicting total hydraulic fluid level for aircraft hydraulic systems includes determining an estimated value for a parameter indicative of total fluid level or mass. Each new value is combined with an historical indication (e.g., from previous flights) to provide a prediction for the future value of total quantity indication. With the same combination, one can provide an estimated value for total system leakage or level loss. An alert can be generated if hydraulic fluid level or mass is predicted to fall below a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Embraer Empresa Brasileira De Aeronautica S.A.
    Inventor: Wlamir Olivares Loesch Vianna
  • Patent number: 7957920
    Abstract: The invention relates to dynamic/wet testing of a milking machine (i.e. during extraction of milk from at least one animal). A proposed testing arrangement includes a number of sensors(111, 112, 113, 114, 121, 122, 123, 124, 2, 21, 22, 23, 24, 3, 31, 32, 33, 34, 4, 41, 42, 43, 44, 5, 6), which are adapted to register a vacuum pressure at a respective test point in at least one fluid conduit of the milking machine. An analysis unit (A) of the testing arrangement determines at least one pressure difference between the vacuum pressures registered in at least two of the test points being positioned on a respective side of at least one component in the milking machine with respect to a fluid flow through the at least one component to establish a vacuum drop over this component. The unit (A) compares the vacuum drop with a threshold value to conclude whether or not a test condition is fulfilled. A notification is generated with respect to any component for which the condition not is fulfilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: DeLaval Holdings AB
    Inventors: Lars Innings, David Crook
  • Patent number: 7941290
    Abstract: In a method for error containment and diagnosis in a fluid power system the fluid volumetric flow in the overall system or at least a part thereof and the fluid pressure (P) is detected as a measurement quantity in each case during a duty cycle and is compared with stored references. In each case at the point in time of a deviation or a change in the deviation from the reference it is determined at which component or at which components (10 through 14) of the system an event has occurred influencing fluid consumption in order to recognize same as subject to error. Guide value quantities (Q/P) are derived from the respective volumetric flow values (Q) and the measured pressure (P) and are integrated or summated over the duty cycle to form guide values (KD), a corresponding guide value reference curve (KDref) as a reference being chosen from a stored selection matrix, which has the guide value reference curves (KDref) or time dependent guide values for different operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jan Bredau, Reinhard Keller
  • Publication number: 20110106466
    Abstract: A surveillance device monitors the integrity of a fluid connection between first and second fluid containing systems based on at least one time-dependent measurement signal from a pressure sensor in the first fluid containing system. The first fluid containing system comprises a first pulse generator, and the second fluid containing system comprises a second pulse generator. The pressure sensor is arranged to detect first pulses originating from the first pulse generator and second pulses originating from the second pulse generator. The integrity of the fluid connection is determined based on the presence of second pulses in the measurement signal. The second pulses may be detected by analysing the measurement signal in the time domain and/or by using timing information indicative of the timing of the second pulses in said at least one measurement signal. The analysis may be based on a parameter value that represents a distribution of signal values within a time window of the measurement signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Martin Furmanski, Anders Roslund, Bo Olde, Kristian Solem, Thomas Hertz, Jan Sternby
  • Publication number: 20110093220
    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: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicants: ACOUSTIC SYSTEMS,Inc., ACOUSTIC SYSTEMS, Inc.
    Inventors: Bao-Wen YANG, Eric Yang, Marion Recane, Stephanie H. Yang
  • Patent number: 7920983
    Abstract: A computerized method for monitoring a water utility network, the water utility network comprising a network of pipes for delivering water to consumers and a plurality of meters positioned within the pipes across the water distribution network. The method includes receiving meter data representing parameters measured by the meters, such as flow, pressure, chlorine level, pH and turbidity of the water being distributed through the pipes. The method also includes receiving secondary data from sources external to the meters and representing conditions affecting consumption of water in a region serviced by the water utility network such as weather and holidays. The meter and secondary data is analyzed using statistical techniques to identify water network events including leakage events and other events regarding quantity and quality of water flowing through the pipes and operation of the water network. The events are reported to users via a user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: TaKaDu Ltd.
    Inventors: Amir Peleg, Amitai Armon, Uri Barkay, Haggai Scolnicov, Shai Gutner
  • Patent number: 7917325
    Abstract: In a method for error containment and diagnosis in a fluid power system the fluid volumetric flow of the overall system or at least a part thereof or a quantity dependent thereon is detected as a measurement quantity respectively during an operating cycle and is compared with stored references. In each case at the point in time of a deviation or change in the deviation from the reference the method finds at which component or at which components (10 through 14) in the system an event has occurred influencing the fluid consumption in order to then to recognize same as subject to error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jan Bredau, Reinhard Keller
  • Patent number: 7908118
    Abstract: A system and method for testing and replacing equipment are disclosed. The system may include a first memory module configured to store first characteristics of the first equipment; a second memory module configured to store second characteristics of the second equipment; and a portable reader configured to read the first and second memory modules and to compare the second characteristics with the first characteristics to determine if the second equipment is a suitable replacement for the first equipment. The method may include storing first characteristics of a first equipment on a first memory module; transmitting the first characteristics to a portable reader; measuring second characteristics of a second equipment using a measuring device associated with the portable reader; and comparing, with the portable reader, the second characteristics with the first characteristics to determine if one of the first and second equipment is a suitable replacement for the other equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: MacSema, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack I. Trowbridge, Jr., Ricky L. Wright, Delano S. Richie, David D. Barton
  • Patent number: 7908099
    Abstract: Method of detecting a leak in a fuel system comprising a fuel tank and an orifice with a controlled section between the tank and the atmosphere, according to which a) the controlled section is set to a value Al at a time T1 and a pressure differential ?p1 between the inside of the tank and the atmosphere is measured at least after an interval of time ?T from T1, for a constant fuel flow out of the tank; b) the controlled section is set to a value A2 at a time T2 and a pressure differential ?p2 between the inside of the tank and the atmosphere is measured at least after the same interval of time ?T from T2, for the same constant fuel flow; c) a ratio of the pressure differentials ?p1 and ?p2 is computed and is compared to a reference pressure differential ratio ?pL obtained with the same fuel system but comprising a calibrated leak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (S.A.)
    Inventors: Ron Behar, Eric Grant, Ryan McCleary, David Hill, Scott Garabedian, Saurin Mehta, Kevin Slusser, Dave Dirkson
  • Patent number: 7908098
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrocasting method by which the shape of the surface opposite to the surface to be electrodeposited on the mold can be controlled. A molded metal article is electrocast by forming an insulating layer on the side wall faces of a cavity and the outer wall face of a conductive mold in which the cavity is formed, placing the mold in an electrolysis tank and applying voltage, electrodepositing metal on the bottom face of the cavity, and growing the metal layer in the cavity so as to leave a space having a height of at least one-third the width of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Kazumasa Seki, Akihiko Hatamura, Hitoshi Yoshida, Toshio Yamashita
  • Patent number: 7904259
    Abstract: A waterproof testing device tests waterproof performance of a waterproof component. The testing device includes an input unit, a storing unit and a determining unit. The input unit inputs permeability of one or more test objects with waterproof components disposed thereon and an air flow rate that is a volume of gas passing through the test object per unit time for each test object. The storing unit stores, in a data pair, the permeability and the air flow rate of each test object input by the input unit. The determining unit determines a range of permeability in which no water leakage occurs in the waterproof component based on a range of air flow rate in which no water leakage occurs and the stored permeability and air flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Takao Shinoda