Leak Detecting Patents (Class 702/51)
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Patent number: 7596458Abstract: Tracking vibrations on a pipeline network includes installing multiple vibration recorders on the pipeline network, with each recorder including a sensor, a timer, a processor, and a digital communication device. At each vibration recorder, vibration signals are received from the sensor at programmed times under the control of the processor of the vibration recorders and processed by the processor. The processed vibration signals are communicated from the vibration recorder to a reader device using the digital communication device. Thereafter, the processed vibration signals from the one or more reader devices are collected at a central computer system. Finally, the collected processed vibrations signals are analyzed at the central computer system to determine abnormal vibration patterns and to obtain measures of any leaks present in the pipeline network.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Flow Metrix, Inc.Inventor: Paul Lander
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Publication number: 20090233760Abstract: In a vehicle that includes an engine driveably connected to the vehicle wheels, an accelerator pedal, and an electric motor for transmitting power to at least some of the vehicle wheels, a method for indicating that the vehicle is operating on a grade having positive slope includes determining that displacement of the accelerator pedal is greater than a reference displacement, determining that a rate of change of the accelerator pedal displacement is greater than a reference rate of change of displacement, determining that vehicle deceleration is greater than a reference vehicle deceleration, and producing a signal representing that the vehicle is operating on a grade having positive slope.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Inventors: Andrew J. Silveri, Ihab S. Soliman
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Patent number: 7590498Abstract: Leaks in a processing chamber, including “virtual leaks” resulting from outgassing of material present within the chamber, may be detected utilizing an optical emission spectroscopy (OES) sensor configured to monitor light emitted from plasma of a sample from the chamber. According to certain embodiments, gas introduced into the chamber by the leak may be detected directly on the basis of its optical spectrum. Alternatively, gas introduced by the leak may be detected indirectly, based upon an optical spectrum of a material resulting from reaction of the gas attributable to the leak. According to one embodiment, data from the OES sensor is received by a processor that is configured to compute a leak detection index. The value of the leak detection index is compared against a threshold to determine if a leak is detected. If the value of the index crosses the threshold, a notification of the existence of a leak is sent.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Pivotal Systems CorporationInventors: Sherk Chung, Mukund Chakravarthy Venkatesh, Paxton Ming Kai Chow, Jiuyi Cheng, Paul Tran, Joseph Raymond Monkowski
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Patent number: 7584651Abstract: A method of diagnosing a fuel tank leak in a fuel tank ventilation system, comprising a fuel tank, an accumulator for fuel vapors and a fuel tank ventilation valve opening out into an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine, wherein the fuel tank, the accumulator and the fuel tank ventilation valve are connected by way of a system of lines and wherein the accumulator has an aeration line with a check valve, the method comprising: immediately before turning off the internal combustion engine, closing the check valve and opening the fuel tank ventilation valve to generate a vacuum in the fuel tank ventilation system; acquiring a vacuum degradation at specifiable points in time when the fuel tank ventilation valve is closed; opening of the check valve in order to bring about a pressure equilibrium with the ambient pressure; renewed closing of the check valve; acquiring a pressure increase emerging over at least a specifiable time interval and determination of a compensation variable; and inference abType: GrantFiled: July 23, 2007Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Martin Streib, Karl-Bernhard Lederle, Michael Pfeil
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Publication number: 20090222220Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2008Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventor: Galen D. Wilke
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Publication number: 20090210175Abstract: A leak detection system has a test frame for receiving a vehicle. An ultrasonic transmitter is placed within the vehicle under test. One or more robotic arms are disposed within the test frame and comprise ultrasonic receivers which detect ultrasonic energy emitting from the vehicle under test. The robotic arms connect to the ceiling of the test frame and move the ultrasonic receivers along the areas of the vehicle in which leakage may be expected to occur.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2008Publication date: August 20, 2009Inventor: Greg J. Bilpuch
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Patent number: 7576681Abstract: A method and system provide a multi-sensor data fusion system capable of adaptively weighting the contributions from each one of a plurality of sensors using a plurality of data fusion methods. During a predetermined tracking period, the system receives data from each individual sensor and each data fusion method is performed to determine a plurality of reliability functions for the system based on combining each sensor reliability function which are individually weighted based on the S/N (signal-to-noise) ratio for the received data from each sensor, and a comparison of predetermined sensor operation characteristics for each sensor and a best performing (most reliable) sensor. The system may dynamically select to use one or a predetermined combination of the generated reliability functions as the current (best) reliability function which provides a confidence level for the multi-sensor system relating to the correct classification (recognition) of targets and decoys.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2005Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Hai-Wen Chen, Teresa L. Olson
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Publication number: 20090198457Abstract: A control module and method for an exhaust system of an engine can include a secondary air intake (SAI) pressure module that monitors SAI pressure. An accumulation module can accumulate an SAI string length based on the monitored SAI pressure. A calculation module can determine an average SAI string length based on the accumulated SAI string length. A determination module can determine an operating characteristic of the vehicle exhaust based on the average SAI string length.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2008Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Ian J. Mac Ewen, Martin L. Hall, Lawrence O. Murray, Julia C. Grow, Richard A. Van Camp, David Edward Prout, Igor Anilovich
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Publication number: 20090192733Abstract: A device for detecting a leak in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine including a piston in the cylinder, the piston being attached to a crankshaft, includes a time interval determining unit which is designed to determine a first time interval in which the crankshaft passes a preset first angle segment before reaching the ignition top dead center of the piston in the cylinder, and to determine a second time interval in which the crankshaft passes a preset second angle segment after reaching the ignition top dead center of the piston in the cylinder, and a cylinder leak determining unit which is designed to detect a leak in the cylinder as a function of the first time interval and as a function of the second time interval.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2008Publication date: July 30, 2009Inventor: Andreas BETHMANN
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Publication number: 20090177418Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2006Publication date: July 9, 2009Applicant: DeLaval Holding ABInventors: Lars Innings, David Crook
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Publication number: 20090132185Abstract: In a calibration mode, an equilibrium period after pressurized gas is sealed in a device under inspection and a reference tank is divided into two periods; pressure-difference changes ?P1 and ?P2 are measured when a first-half equilibrium period of duration T1 elapses and when a second-half equilibrium period of duration T1 elapses, respectively; and a pressure-difference change ?P3 generated in an inspection period of duration T2 is measured. A pressure-difference change CT2 generated for duration T2 from when a period of time in which the influence of an adiabatic change seems to become sufficiently stable elapses is measured. A drift correction coefficient K is calculated from these measured values using K=(?P3?CT2)/(?P1??P2), is stored in a storage section, and is used in an inspection mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2007Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: Cosmo Instruments Co., Ltd.Inventor: Akio Furuse
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Publication number: 20090099795Abstract: 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 A1 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 APL obtained with the same fuel system but comprising a calibrated leak.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2007Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: INERGY AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS RESEARCH (S.A.)Inventors: Ron Behar, Eric Grant, Ryan McCleary, David Hill, Scott Garabedian, Saurin Mehta, Kevin Slusser, Dave Dirkson
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Patent number: 7489253Abstract: Disclosed are portable, easy-to-install apparatuses for detecting and containing fluid leaked or otherwise discharged from a fluid-filled device and for facilitating testing and maintenance of the apparatus and fluid-filled devices. In one aspect of the disclosed invention, upon sensing a fluid discharge, the apparatus activates audible and/or visual alarms and directs the discharged fluid to a predetermined drainage area to prevent damage to areas surrounding the fluid-filled device. In another aspect of the present invention, no plumbing or electrical wiring is required to install the apparatus, thereby allowing an unskilled individual to easily and inexpensively install the apparatus. In yet another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may be easily located since it is not dependent on gravity or a drainage pipe for discharge of the fluid. Furthermore, the apparatus optionally includes an integral leveling mechanism to accommodate leveling of the apparatus when placed on uneven surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2006Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Kevin M. Murphy, LLCInventor: Kevin Michael Murphy
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Patent number: 7484815Abstract: To enable a trouble diagnosis of braking-input-side pressure sensors even in a state where a braking input side and a braking output side are interrupted from each other. In a brake device of a vehicle in which a braking input side which generates a liquid pressure by manipulating a brake manipulation portion and a braking output side which supplies the liquid pressure to a brake caliper are made to be communicated with each other or being interrupted from each other by way of a first electromagnetic open/close valve, and the brake device includes a hydraulic modulator which adjusts the liquid pressure of the braking output side by operating an electrically-operated motor, the brake device includes a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor for detecting the liquid pressure of the braking input side, and a trouble diagnosis of the pressure sensors is performed in response to detection values of the pressure sensors.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2005Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sumitaka Ogawa, Hideo Takahashi
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Publication number: 20090018782Abstract: According to the present invention, the type of gas appliance in use can be identified and a gas leak can be detected, efficiently and accurately. The flow volume data noise removal means 21 removes noise from the instantaneous flow volume data measured by the flow volume measurement means 11, and from the data after noise removal, the flow volume data object extraction means 22 extracts data on the variable portion and the flat portion of the flow volume. The gas flow characteristics extraction means 31 extracts the “length”, “initial flow volume” and “sequence of transited regions” of the variable portion of the flow volume and the “length”, “average value” and “gradient” of the flat portion of the flow volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Yoshito SAMEDA, Kenji NAKANO, Yukio TAKANOHASHI, Hiroto UYAMA, Masaaki ISHINO
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Publication number: 20090012726Abstract: In a calibration step, air is sealed in a first device serving as a reference device; a pressure change B1 in the first device at a point elapsed a predetermined period of time from the air sealing, and a pressure change B2 at a point further elapsed the predetermined period of time are measured; and these pressure changes are stored. In an inspection step, air is sealed in a second device to be checked for a leak; pressure changes B1? and B2? corresponding to the pressure changes B1 and B2 are measured after the air sealing; and a waveform ratio K is calculated from these measured values as (B1??B2?)/(B1?B2). It is decided whether a malfunction occurs in a leakage inspector by using the value of the waveform ratio K.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2007Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: Cosmo Instruments Co., Ltd.Inventor: Akio Furuse
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Publication number: 20080319688Abstract: A usage monitoring system of a gas tank. A monitoring system for monitoring the usage of a tank includes: a sensor module for measuring one or more thermophysical quantities of a gas in the tank; and a processor module for controlling the usage of the tank based on the measured thermophysical quantities.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2008Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventor: Hyeung-Yun Kim
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Procedure for diagnosis of an emission treatment method and procedures to carry out same said method
Publication number: 20080319686Abstract: A procedure specifically for the execution of a diagnosis of an emission treatment system is being introduced. The pressure of the reagent between the first and second valve and/or between the second valve and the injector valve is measured and the pressure measuring signal are the basis of the diagnosis. The first and second valve, are opened in an alternating cycle, where the opening time, and/or the period duration of the first and second valves are set in such a way that the emerging diagnostic flow volume is smaller than the measuring flow volume. The procedures pursuant to the invention thereby reduce the influence of dynamic precursors of the reagent flow in the reagent line and enables, aside from an increase in reliability of the diagnosis results, a diagnosis possibility of small leakages.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2007Publication date: December 25, 2008Applicant: Robert Bosch GMBHInventors: Volker Reusing, Stefan Stein, Ralf Scholl, Guenter Keusen, Carsten Bork -
Publication number: 20080300803Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that facilitate the detection of leaks in a pressured pipe. The system includes one or a plurality of pressure sensors, placed at one or several locations along the pipe, and a power source providing power to the one or plurality of pressure sensors. Also a computing device, a communications device, and an algorithm is included. The algorithm assesses data received from the communications device, the data containing information from the one or plurality of pressure sensor(s), wherein the algorithm determines the presence of a pressure leak in the pressurized pipe based on a first pressure profile versus a second pressure profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2008Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventors: David A. Drake, Gregory M. Quist
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Patent number: 7455099Abstract: A technique is disclosed for evaluating and monitoring performance of a heat exchanger system. Operating parameters of the system are monitored and fouling factors for heat transfer surfaces of the exchanger are determined. Trending of fouling may be performed over time based upon the fouling factors, and a model of fouling may be selected from known sets of models, or a model may be developed or refined. Fluid treatment, such as water treatment regimes may be taken into account in evaluation of fouling. An automated knowledge based analysis algorithm may diagnose possible caused of fouling based upon sensed and observed parameters and conditions. Corrective actions may be suggested and the system controlled to reduce, avoid or correct for detected fouling.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2004Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mark David Osborn, Vijaysai Prasad, Lijie Yu, Venkatarao Ryali, Sunil Shirish Shah, Ivy Wai Man Chong, Shirley Suet-Yee Au, Nishith Pramod Vora
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Publication number: 20080262757Abstract: In a leakage detection system configured by arranging a number of gas sensors, a leakage spot is promptly and accurately estimated. An output voltage of the each sensor is converted into concentration, and a time differential coefficient of the concentration is obtained. A leakage spot is estimated to be on a straight line connecting between the sensors for which the time differential coefficient is large.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventors: Koichi Yokosawa, Sadaki Nakano, Kazuo Saitoh
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Publication number: 20080234950Abstract: A water leakage-acoustic sensing method in a steam generator of a sodium-cooled fast reactor, the method including: calculating a standard deviation and an average of an octave band by octave band analysis of an input signal sound received from at least one predetermined acoustic sensor; comparing the calculated standard deviation and the calculated average of the octave band, and determining a size of the octave band based on a comparison result; calculating an average of standard deviations of the octave band recomposed by the determined size and normalizing the average of standard deviations; applying a predetermined weight, established by a predetermined neural network learning algorithm, to the normalized average of standard deviations; and generating leakage determination data based on the average of standard deviations to which the weight is applied.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2008Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventors: Tae-Joon KIM, Ji-Young Jeong, Do-Hee Hahn
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Patent number: 7418354Abstract: A method for detecting a leak in a fluid-conducting conduit is disclosed herein. The method includes generating a first flow vector variation pattern representative of fluid flow through the conduit under known conditions. The method also includes collecting flow data from flow sensors positioned along the conduit. In addition, a second flow vector variation pattern is generated based upon the flow data. The first flow vector variation pattern and the second flow vector variation pattern are then compared in order to detect whether a leak exists in the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2005Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Invensys Systems Inc.Inventors: Terrill L. Greenlee, Nathan W. Anderson, Errol F. Jacob
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Patent number: 7403839Abstract: A moisture monitoring and control system comprising: 1) a plurality of moisture sensors; 2) one or more local or remote control stations capable of monitoring and controlling each of the individual elements of the moisture monitoring and control system; 3) at least one water control valve capable of turning off the water supply to all or at least one water supply zone and powered by an aerogel capacitor; and 4) a plurality of non-interfering RF communications devices at each of the sensor, control and water control valve locations.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2006Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Inventor: Joshua Kaplan
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Publication number: 20080133152Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus for fluid leak detection. The apparatus comprises a fluid supply conduit for supplying fluid to an external structure and a fluid return conduit for carrying fluid away form the external structure, wherein the fluid supply conduit and the fluid return conduit are disposed in parallel with each other. The apparatus further comprises: an oscillator for causing a separation of the fluid supply conduit and fluid return conduit to vary over time; first and second sensors disposed relative to the fluid supply conduit and fluid return conduit to measure the separation at respective first and second opposed portions of the fluid supply and return conduits; and a processor coupled to the oscillator and the first and second sensors. The oscillator is responsive to the processor and the processor receives respective first and second separation measurement signals from the first and second sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventors: Simon John Nitschke, Christopher John Bleecker Crowe
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Publication number: 20080109186Abstract: A system for detecting defects in a fluid delivery line is provided, the system comprising a plurality of sensors disposed in a fluid delivery line, wherein each one of the plurality of sensors comprises a mote coupled to a plurality of sensing devices disposed in a film system, wherein a first mote being configured to receive data from at least one second mote, wherein the first mote being further configured to transmit data collected from the plurality of sensing devices coupled the first mote and received data from the at least second mote, a communications hub configured to receive sensor data from at least one mote, and a processor coupled to the antenna, the processor being configured to analyze sensor data received from the at least one mote.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2006Publication date: May 8, 2008Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: JOHN L. FERENCZI, WILLIAM G. BARRUS
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Publication number: 20080103703Abstract: A method of detecting a fuel leak from a fuel store of an aircraft is described. In the described embodiment, a processor (1) receives inputs (2, 3) relating to the amount of fuel in the fuel store and to the rate of fuel used by the aircraft, both inputs being subject to noise. The processor defines a fuel flow system state defined by a noise-compensated measures of the amount of fuel in the fuel store, a fuel leak amount estimate and a fuel leak rate estimate. The processor (1) periodically calculates a new estimated state of the system in view of a previous estimated state of the system and values of the inputs (2, 3). The processor monitors the fuel leak amount estimate and the fuel leak rate estimate and if either exceeds a respective threshold value send a signal to a fuel leak warning means (4). The method employed in the embodiment employs a recursive state estimation method that improves leak detection, reduces false alarms and is less demanding on processor and memory requirements.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2005Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventors: Franklin George Tichborne, Raymond Clarke, Michael Daniel Brown
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Patent number: 7359931Abstract: A system for facilitating pipeline management, software, and methods are provided. The system includes a pipeline company computer positioned at a pipeline company site to define a pipeline company server, having a processor, memory coupled to the processor to store software and database records therein, a graphical display coupled to the processor for displaying graphical images and a user interface coupled to the processor to provide a user access to manipulate the software and database records, and pipeline information management analyzing software to analyze pipeline management requirements.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Thamer K. Tarabzouni, Abdulaziz K. Al-Mejna, Howard Wood
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Patent number: 7343251Abstract: In one aspect, there is disclosed a method of detecting a hydrogen leak in a fuel cell system, including the steps of (a) calculating a mass of hydrogen in a fuel tank, HT new, at a time step, (b) calculating a mass of the hydrogen consumed by the fuel cell at the time step, HFcp new, (c) calculating a total amount of hydrogen that has left the tank from a start to the time step, HTcons, (d) calculating a total amount of hydrogen consumption, HFcpcons, (e) calculating a difference between HTcons and HFcpcons at the time-step, (f) determining if the difference is above a predetermined threshold, and (g) performing an action based on the determination of step (f).Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Jared M. Farnsworth, Justin David Ward, Bradley Landon Spare
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Patent number: 7337078Abstract: A system and method for remotely monitoring conditions at a location and for controlling devices at the location. The inventive system includes: a data link in communication with an electronically readable instrument, the data link having a transceiver configured for wireless digital communication; and a data gate having a wireless transceiver configured to communicate with one or more data links, the data gate also having an interface for connection to a communication network such as a land-line telephone network, cellular/pcs network, satellite communication network, or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the data gate communicates with a server via the communication network where the information from the electronically readable instrument is processed and made available to other devices over a computer network.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2004Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: WorldTelemetry, Inc.Inventors: Stuart K. Bond, Joshua R. Fate, Michael Gaut, Travis J. Spencer, Cornelis Zandbergen, Jr.
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Patent number: 7322225Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring pressure within an adhesion promotion unit is provided. The apparatus in one embodiment includes a chamber configured to receive and heat a semiconductor wafer. A vacuum device is in fluid communication with a processing space within the chamber, wherein the vacuum device is configured to create a vacuum within the processing space. A vacuum monitor is also in fluid communication with the processing space, wherein the vacuum monitor generates a first electrical signal if gas pressure within the processing space is below a predetermined value. The apparatus may further include a processor in data communication with the vacuum monitor and the vacuum device. The vacuum device may generate a second electrical signal, and the processor generates a third electrical signal if the vacuum monitor fails to generate the first electrical signal within a predetermined amount of time after the vacuum device generates the second signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2004Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: NEC Electronics America, Inc.Inventors: Jason T. Gerbi, Mark J. Crabtree
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Publication number: 20080012236Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the performance of a packing case seal, including a vent 24, 26 leading from the interior of the packing case and a gas meter 32 connectable to the vent 24, 26 to determine any gas flow through the vent 24, 26 over time.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2006Publication date: January 17, 2008Inventor: Declan Reilly
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Patent number: 7313487Abstract: A leak detecting system for a transpiration purge system including a fuel tank 1 and a canister 13 includes a jet pump 8, which leads the atmosphere into the fuel tank 1 using a return flow of excess fuel of fuel pumped to an internal combustion engine, internal pressure measuring means 15, and fuel volume detecting means 18. After intaking air via pressurizing means for a predetermined time, the leak detecting system judges that a leak is present when a holding pressure measurement value in a state in which the transpiration purge system is closed is lower than a decompression calculation value calculated from a pressurization measurement value, an air volume, and a leak hole diameter.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2005Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Yoshioka, Tateki Mitani
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Publication number: 20070288200Abstract: A method for detecting and reporting fluid leaks in a distribution network, particularly in condominium water or gas distribution networks, comprising: acquiring at a preset rate statistical samples related to the extent of the water flow in input to the network; acquiring a variation coefficient which indicates the characteristics of the samples over a set time interval; comparing the variation coefficient with a preset reference value to identify a situation of fluid leak or of normality within the network; reporting the situation to monitoring devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2007Publication date: December 13, 2007Inventors: Riccardo Guidi, Silvano Tedeschi
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Patent number: 7305315Abstract: The present general inventive concept relates to a method of compensating tilt using a two-axis geomagnetic sensor and an acceleration sensor and an apparatus. Using the principle where a geomagnetic field value measured in a state where one axis of the two-axis geomagnetic sensor is set up vertically is identical to a Z-axis geomagnetic field value, the Z-axis geomagnetic field value can be evaluated by using two axes of the two-axis geomagnetic sensor. Accordingly, an azimuth angle can be easily calculated, so that the azimuth angle changed by tilt can be compensated. Therefore, there is an effect that a constant azimuth can be always output even though tilt occurs. In addition, when a module of the two-axis geomagnetic sensor and the acceleration sensor is used in a mobile equipment, the two-axis geomagnetic sensor can automatically measure geomagnetic field values of three axes by a simple motion where a user vertically sets up or rotates up and down the mobile equipment.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2005Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Oh Jo Kwon, Won Tae Choi, Chang Hyun Kim
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Patent number: 7289918Abstract: A mobile leakage detecting device according to the present invention is provided for simplifying detecting operations of a leak portion and enhancing operational efficiency, and is characterized by microphones for detecting ultrasonic waves generated at a fluid leak portion, an input device for inputting positional information of the leak portion in a searching area detected based on output signals from the microphones, a photograph device for photographing the leak portion, a display device for indicating the positional information inputted by the input device and photographed image information of the leak portion obtained by the photograph device and data processing device for relating with one another and storing the output data from the microphones, positional information inputted by the input device and photographed image information obtained by the photograph device on the same leak portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2002Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: TLV Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mamoru Nagase
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Patent number: 7289863Abstract: In one embodiment according to the invention, there is disclosed a method of identifying a source of a vacuum quality problem in a vacuum environment associated with a tool. The method comprises gathering and storing vacuum environment data; identifying an anomaly within the vacuum environment; determining a tool component operating state when the anomaly likely occurred; and determining the source of the vacuum quality problem based on a state of the vacuum environment when the anomaly likely occurred and the tool component operating state when the anomaly likely occurred.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2005Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.Inventors: Joseph D. Arruda, Kathleen D. Keay, Glen F. R. Gilchrist
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Patent number: 7283913Abstract: The invention relates to a leak control system (1) in two-stringed pipe installations and a method of executing a leak control system comprising one stop valve (2) with an associated flow meter (3) arranged in the supply pipe (4) of the pipe installation, and one stop valve (5) with an associated flow meter (6) arranged in the return pipe (7) of the pipe installation, said stop valves (2,5) as well as associated flow meters (3, 6) being connected to a control box (8), said box (8) comprising one valve monitor (9) connected to each stop valve (2, 5) to control/record the possible state of the individual stop valve (2, 5): open or closed, as well as an executer which, in combination with the control logics of the control box and the operating conditions of the pipe installation, controls/monitors the valve monitors (9) during a given sequence of actions, said leak control system (1) being capable of performing a number of measurements and data collections to evaluate the functionality of the stop valves (2, 5)Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2004Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Dantaet Electronics A/SInventor: Svend Eskil Garnaes
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Patent number: 7271721Abstract: An information transmission system comprising a conductor operable to carry a desired information signal. A first tube substantially surrounds the conductor and a second tube substantially surrounds the first tube to define a substantially fluid-tight chamber therebetween. In another aspect, the invention provides an information transmission system suited to transmit information between a first electronic device and a second electronic device located a distance from the first electronic device. The system includes an information transmission line that connects to the first electronic device and the second electronic device. A conduit surrounds at least a portion of the information transmission line. The conduit defines a substantially fluid-tight chamber. A quantity of fluid is disposed within the chamber and a sensor is positioned to measure a parameter of the quantity of fluid. An indicator is operable to signal a breach condition in response to the measured parameter.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: James Delahanty, John W. Ramsay, James D. Toher, Donald B. Wold
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Patent number: 7257496Abstract: A method for detecting loss of SF6 gas from electrical utility apparatus determines a molar ratio of gas in a container at an initial time and of gas in the container at a subsequent time. Measurement of temperature is determined by averaging ambient temperature and temperature of the surface of the container. The initial values of pressure and temperature define the initial value of n as follows: no=Pgas o/Tgas o The value at a subsequent time is nn=Pgas n/Tgas n The molar ratio can be defined as nn/no or as no/nn.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2006Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Avistar, Inc.Inventors: George W. Rhodes, Albert Migliori, Tristan Fin, Steven Frank Willard
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Patent number: 7246036Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the status of at least one steam trap includes at least one monitor including at least one sensor for sensing at least one process condition of the steam trap; at least one means for calculating an average of the at least one monitored process condition; and, at least one transmitter for transmitting at least one signal responsive to the averaged monitored process condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2004Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Armstrong International, Inc.Inventors: Rex Cheskaty, William R. Horton, Michael H. Gaines, Michael P. Hellman, Lawrence J. Grubka
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Patent number: 7231811Abstract: Apparatus for performing leak testing on products is disclosed. Specifically, the present invention includes a method, system, and apparatus for performing an adaptive leak test on products under test.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2004Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Inventors: Nehemia Sagi, Ronald Guosen Zhang
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Patent number: 7212370Abstract: A method is presented for reducing time loss during manufacture and testing of a hard disk drive by predicting reduction in gas fill. The method includes using servo tracking error to obtain a measured value of insitu non-repeatable runout (NRRO) for the hard disk drive, the hard disk drive having been filled with the gas and semi-sealed. The measured value of NRRO is then deconvolved into a plurality of values for flow induced NRRO components. These values of NRRO and of flow induced NRRO components are compared to predetermined limiting values and a time when one of the predetermined limiting values will be reached is predicted. Action is then applied as appropriate.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Amsterdam B.V.Inventor: Craig Fukushima
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Patent number: 7194893Abstract: A method and sensor or sensor subsystem permit improved evaporative leak detection in an automotive fuel system. The sensor or sensor subsystem computes temperature-compensated pressure values, thereby eliminating or reducing false positive or other adverse results triggered by temperature changes in the fuel tank. The temperature-compensated pressure measurement is then available for drawing an inference regarding the existence of a leak with reduced or eliminated false detection arising as a result of temperature fluctuations.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1998Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Siemens Canada LimitedInventors: John E. Cook, Paul D. Perry
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Patent number: 7178385Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor apparatus configured to detect the presence of a gas, such as a tracer gas and a leak detection apparatus configured to detect the present of a tracer gas and indicate the location of a leak. The sensor apparatus includes multiple sensors, each of which is a metal halide sensor. The leak detection apparatus may further be configured to quantify the leak rate at the leak location.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Cincinnati Test Systems, Inc.Inventors: Fred Grant McCoy, Jonathan Mark Fazekas, Ryan R. Borntrager
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Patent number: 7140235Abstract: A leak detection system for a vehicle fuel tank includes a sensor that is responsive to a pressure within the fuel tank and that generates a pressure signal based thereon. A control module initiates an engine-off natural vacuum (EONV) test and determines a pressure change based on the pressure signal. The control module pauses the EONV test when the pressure change exceeds a pressure change threshold.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2005Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Kurt D. Mc Lain, Michael J. Pitsch
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Patent number: 7130751Abstract: A method of and device for detecting a leak in reciprocating machinery, comprising at least two pistons, by the volume flow at least out of the reciprocating machinery being monitored and analysed, e.g. by means of Fourier analysis, in order to make it possible to detect a flow component, where the flow component has a frequency that differs from the fundamental frequency of the reciprocating machinery, the fundamental frequency of the reciprocating machinery being constituted by the rotational frequency of the reciprocating machinery multiplied by the number of pistons in the reciprocating machinery.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2003Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: National Oilwell Norway ASInventor: Åge Kyllingstad
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Patent number: 7082370Abstract: Automated localization of a point source of a visualized gas leak, by searching in a corner response function crƒ(x*,y*,?), calculated based on a number of frames of the gas leak, for maximum values in the (x*,y*) variables that are stable over the time variable ?. Considering a point (x*,y*) as the point source if the corner response function crƒ(x*,y*,?) has a maximum value in the point (x*,y*) and the point (x*,y*) is temporally stable.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2004Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Gasoptics Sweden ABInventors: Björn Ardö, Tomas Christiansson, Jonas Sandsten
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Patent number: 7076373Abstract: A method for determining the presence of a leak in a water heater unit comprising a storage tank is presented. The present invention involves mounting one heating sensor on the lower half of the tank and another heating sensor on the upper half of the tank. Readings from both sensors are taken and compared to determine if the water heater tank has reached a steady state; if so, the cooling rate of the tank is determined. This cooling rate is compared to the historical natural cooling rate of the system, and based on the comparison a determination is made on the presence of a leak.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Sybrandus B. V. Munsterhuis, Chian Brent
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Patent number: 7062387Abstract: The present invention is directed to the detection of gas leaks from a gas-filled disk drive. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, gas leaks from a disk drive can be detected by monitoring certain disk drive parameters. Furthermore, different types and instances of disk drive parameters may be monitored. No or few additional hardware components are required to be added to a disk drive in connection with implementing embodiments of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2004Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Maxtor CorporationInventors: Robert Steven Burns, Padmanabhan Srikrishna, James Fitzpatrick, Jason Henry, Ken DelPapa