Piston, Sprayer, Nozzle, Or Orifice Patents (Class 73/1.05)
  • Patent number: 11746455
    Abstract: A method of identifying the properties of a washload contained in a washing machine based on variations in the output of a water level sensor resulting from transitions that alter the water level in the washer without requiring a change in the volume of water in the washer. Results are independent of the initial wetness of the washload. However initial wetness can also be determined. Variations are at least in part a function of the rate at which the wetness of the washload changes. The rate is nonlinear determined by the composition of the washload. In most transitions the water level is also affected by other factors most of which are at least in part a function of the composition. To simplify the identification preferred transitions occur once the washload wetness has reached equilibrium. To increase accuracy preferably both wetting and dehydrating transitions are used for identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventor: Alfred Wade Muldoon
  • Patent number: 11733228
    Abstract: A gas sample introduction device includes a sample container connection flow path, a sample loop and a first flow path switching valve, having a first state in which the pressurizing gas is supplied to the sample container connection flow path via the sample loop and a second state in which the pressurizing gas is supplied to the sample container connection flow path without via the sample loop. A leak check method includes a first determination step of determining whether or not there is a gas leak by setting the first flow path switching valve to a first state and a second determination step of identifying a location of a gas leak by performing a second determination of whether or not there is a gas leak by setting the first flow path switching valve to a second state, when there is a gas leak in the first determination step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Kota Kamei
  • Patent number: 11701030
    Abstract: A portable handheld sampling device for collecting aerosol particles in a stream of exhaled breath provided with an inlet and an outlet, wherein the sampling device further comprises a housing and a collecting device holder removably arranged at least partially inside the housing, wherein the housing and the collecting device holder are arranged to guide the stream of exhaled breath through the device from the inlet to the outlet, wherein said collecting device holder comprises at least two cylindrical conduits arranged in parallel, each defining a flow path in fluid connection with the inlet, wherein a cylindrical collecting device is arranged in each conduit, the collecting device being adapted to collect the aerosol particles in the exhaled breath. A method for collecting aerosol particles in exhaled breath of a user using a portable handheld sampling device by means of a reopening breathing maneuver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: MUNKPLAST AB
    Inventors: Peter Stambeck, Kjell Alving
  • Patent number: 11614429
    Abstract: A universal safety guard is provided. The guard may comprise a housing comprising an adapter coupling end, a dual mode chamber, a calibration gas port, and an ambient air end. The guard may also comprise an assembly configurable in a sensing position, in which ambient air may be admitted into the chamber, and a calibration position, in which calibration gas may be admitted into the chamber and the ambient air is blocked from reaching the chamber. The guard may comprise a detector adapter comprising a calibration housing fitting at one end and a gas detector fitting at an opposite end. The calibration housing fitting may comprise a static circumferential sealing interface that hermetically engages the adapter coupling end. The gas detector fitting may comprise a dynamic inner circumferential sealing interface for hermetic engagement with a gas detector comprising an outer sealing interface that complements the dynamic inner circumferential sealing interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ahmed Mohammed AlTunisi, Saleh Magboul Al-Ghamdi
  • Patent number: 11615699
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for testing the availability of a detector for detecting smoke. More specifically, the present invention relates to a detector with a testing unit arranged to detect whether the detector has been covered, such that it is unable to perform its function as a smoke detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH
    Inventor: Stephen John Penney
  • Patent number: 11573157
    Abstract: An air sampling actuator and associated method are disclosed. The air sampling actuator may include a housing configured to mount on a canister, a motor configured to be accommodated in the housing, and an adaptor. The motor may generate a mechanical action, in response to a control signal received by the motor. The adaptor may be coupled to the motor, and configured to interface with a valve-controlling knob of the canister. In a first configuration of the air sampling actuator, the adaptor may be uncoupled from the valve-controlling knob of the canister, and the hook portion may be unengaged with the canister. In a second configuration of the air sampling actuator, the adaptor may be coupled with the valve-controlling knob of the canister, and the hook portion may be engaged with the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: PROJECT CANARY, PBC
    Inventors: Julian Cyrus, Luke Bowersox, Colby Moxham
  • Patent number: 11255743
    Abstract: A system used in monitoring one or more operating parameters of a coolant-fluid cooled industrial installation includes one or more an acoustic sensors positioned to receive and sense one or more acoustic signals in an installation coolant-fluid flow. The acoustic sensor assembly operates to emit and sense acoustic signals at frequency ranges above and/or below the background noise frequency ranges which are associated with the normal industrial installation operation. Output data signals representative of sensed acoustic signals are compared to target frequency profiles predetermined as representing an acoustic frequency associated with a predetermined installation operating parameter or event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: TENOVA GOODFELLOW INC.
    Inventors: Marco Luccini, Vittorio Scipolo
  • Patent number: 11131610
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a controlled, predictable, reproducible and variable-size distribution of particulate matter (PM), particle number (PN) and/or facsimile/simulation, derived from vaporizing and condensing a specialized liquid, utilizing a vapor delivery device; a filter capability so as to remove a significant amount of ambient PM/PN as a secondary calibration process for the identification of fine and ultra-fine particles (e.g., 0.3 micrometers and smaller) as well as a computer-controlled ability to perform a pre-determined series of calibration routines, housed in a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: 3DATX Corporation
    Inventors: Karl Ropkins, David Miller, John William Hynd, Jodi Miller, Craig Pfister, Andrew Burnette, Gurdas Sandhu
  • Patent number: 11026597
    Abstract: The present invention relates to quality control of pulmonary function test (PFT) devices. In particular, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to systems and methods for characterizing or verifying the measurement accuracy of pulmonary function testing devices used for measuring dynamic lung volumes (tidal volume (TV), inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), expiratory reserve volume (ERV), divisions thereof, and any other suitable dynamic lung volume) using spirometry, static and/or absolute lung volumes (total lung capacity (TLC), residual volume (RV), divisions thereof, and any other suitable absolute lung volume) using washout, dilution, and/or plethysmographic methods, and/or gas exchange, such as single-breath determination of carbon monoxide uptake in the lung (DLCO).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: KoKo IT, LLC
    Inventors: John Francis Higgins, Jr., Eric Norgard
  • Patent number: 10835771
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mist extinguishing system (1), comprising a line system (3) for connecting an extinguishing fluid supply and one or more extinguishing nozzles in a fluid-conducting manner, and a flow generator (7a, 7b) for swirling up solids (9) in the extinguishing fluid and/or for generating an extinguishing fluid flow within a measurement zone (11) of the line system (3), wherein a measuring device (5) for sensing the solids which are swirled up and/or conveyed through the measurement zone with the extinguishing fluid flow is arranged within the measurement zone (11). The invention also relates to a method for monitoring the function of a mist extinguishing system (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Minimax GmnH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Volker Bechtloff, Dirk Blomke, Joachim Böke
  • Patent number: 10783771
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire detector testing device for installation with, or retrofitting to, a fire detector. An aerosol generator in fluid connection with a liquid reservoir directs an aerosol towards a detector element of the fire detector in order to test whether smoke entry has been compromised. The liquid reservoir of the present invention may be installed within a base of the detector, between the base and the detector, or in the detector itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Thorn Security Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Penney
  • Patent number: 10705041
    Abstract: A combustible gas sensor including a first sensing element having a catalyst and a heating element and electronic circuitry in operative connection with the heating element of the first sensing element to change a temperature thereof between a temperature above a temperature to catalyze oxidative combustion and a temperature at which the catalyst is substantially inactive to catalyze oxidative combustion of a plurality of gas analytes of interest. The electronic circuitry being configured to determine a species of at least one of the plurality of gas analytes of interest from a first, dynamic output of the combustible gas sensor while the temperature of the first sensing element is changing. The electronic circuitry further being configured to determine a concentration of the species from a second output of the combustible gas sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: MSA Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Meghan E. Swanson, Michael Alvin Brown
  • Patent number: 10704740
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide a method of simulating a leak in a pipeline. The method includes: receiving a fluid stream from a fluid supply; and outputting the received fluid stream through an outlet such that the received fluid stream hits an outer surface of the pipeline at a location opposite the outlet such that a vibration is caused in the pipeline. Some other embodiments provide a corresponding system for simulating a leak in a pipeline, and a corresponding outlet for coupling a conduit to a pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Hifi Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: John Hull, Seyed Ehsan Jalilian, Oleksiy Pletnyov
  • Patent number: 10234412
    Abstract: A combustible gas sensor includes a first sensing element, which includes a catalyst and a heating element in operative connection with the catalyst to heat the catalyst above a temperature to combust gas analytes of interest, and electronic circuitry in operative connection with the heating element of the first sensing element to periodically cycle the first sensing element between a temperature above the temperature to combust the analytes of interest and a temperature at which the catalyst is substantially inactive to catalyze oxidative combustion of the analytes of interest. The electronic circuitry is adapted to determine a species of at least one of the gas analytes of interest from a first output of the combustible gas sensor during an ON time within a cycle duration. The electronic circuitry is further adapted to determine a concentration of the species of gas from a second output of the combustible gas sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: MSA TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Meghan E. Swanson, Michael Alvin Brown
  • Patent number: 10220170
    Abstract: Systems and methods for compensating long term sensitivity drift of catalytic type electrochemical gas sensors used in systems for delivering therapeutic nitric oxide (NO) gas to a patient by compensating for drift that may be specific to the sensors. In at least some instances, the long term sensitivity drift of catalytic type electrochemical gas sensors can be addressed using calibration schedules, which can factor in the absolute change in set dose of NO being delivered to the patient that can drive one or more baseline calibrations. The calibration schedules can reduce the amount of times the sensor goes offline. Systems and methods may factor in actions occurring at the delivery system and/or aspects of the surrounding environment, prior to performing a baseline calibration, and may postpone the calibration and/or rejected using the sensor's output for the calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Hospital Products IP Limited
    Inventors: Craig R. Tolmie, Jeff Milsap, Jaron M. Acker
  • Patent number: 10195380
    Abstract: Systems and methods for compensating long term sensitivity drift of catalytic type electrochemical gas sensors used in systems for delivering therapeutic nitric oxide (NO) gas to a patient by compensating for drift that may be specific to the sensors. In at least some instances, the long term sensitivity drift of catalytic type electrochemical gas sensors can be addressed using calibration schedules, which can factor in the absolute change in set dose of NO being delivered to the patient that can drive one or more baseline calibrations. The calibration schedules can reduce the amount of times the sensor goes offline. Systems and methods may factor in actions occurring at the delivery system and/or aspects of the surrounding environment, prior to performing a baseline calibration, and may postpone the calibration and/or rejected using the sensor's output for the calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Hospital Products IP Limited
    Inventors: Craig R. Tolmie, Jeff Milsap, Jaron M. Acker
  • Patent number: 10066789
    Abstract: A method of inspecting an internal gas leak in a gas line includes providing an internal gas leak inspection device including a main valve and a pressure gauge in a main line between a first valve and a second valve in the gas line, forming an airtight space in the main line by shielding the main valve and the second valve, measuring a pressure variation of the airtight space using the pressure gauge, and determining whether or not the gas leak occurs, based on the measured pressure variation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kung-don Han, Young-ki Kim, In Kim
  • Patent number: 10041898
    Abstract: High-efficiency, ultra-low power gas sensors are provided. In one aspect, a gas detector device is provided which includes: at least one gas sensor having a plurality of fins; a conformal resistive heating element on the fins; a conformal barrier layer on the resistive heating element; and a conformal sensing layer on the barrier layer. A method of forming a gas sensor as well as a method for use thereof in gas detection are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Josephine B. Chang, Hendrik F. Hamann, Siyuan Lu, Xiaoyan Shao
  • Patent number: 8646305
    Abstract: An assembly for testing of smoke detectors, installed to detect the presence of smoke in ductwork or through a smoke protected opening, and includes a plenum rated hose assembly having a duct end and a smoke end. The hose assembly smoke end is extendable to within the duct and is terminated with a nozzle directable at an inlet tube of a smoke detector associated with the duct, or to the detector protecting a smoke protected opening. A duct mounting plate is adapted to be sealingly installed to cover an aperture formed within the duct and to retain the hose assembly duct end. Smoke is directed into the hose smoke end. The smoke exits the hose through the nozzle and towards the inlet tube of the duct-mounted smoke detector, or towards the detector for a smoke protected opening, for testing of the smoke detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventors: Robert L. Townsend, Paul Bolander
  • Patent number: 8373853
    Abstract: A method and a device for providing a predeterminable concentration of at least one component in a microscopic sample liquid medium are described. The device includes a feeding device for the at least one component. Measurement data are determined, measuring a predeterminable parameter using a microscopic method. The concentration of the at least one component is adjusted or controlled via the feeding device based on the basis of measurement data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH
    Inventors: Jochen Sieber, Marcus Dyba, Volker Seyfried
  • Patent number: 8271211
    Abstract: An in-situ gas flow measurement controller measures the temperature and rate of pressure drop upstream from a flow control device (FCD). The controller samples the pressure and temperature data and applies the equivalent of a decimating filter to the data to produce filtered data at a slower sampling rate. The controller derives timestamps by counting ticks from the sampling clock of the A/D converter that is sampling the pressure at regular intervals to ensure the timestamps associated with the pressure samples are accurate and do not contain jitter that is associated with software clocks. The controller additionally normalizes the temperature reading to account for power supply fluctuations, filters out noise from the pressure and temperature readings, and excludes data during periods of instability. It calculates the gas flow rate accounting for possible non-linearities in the pressure measurements, and provides the computed gas flow measurement via one of many possible interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Pivotal Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Sherk Chung, James MacAllen Chalmers, Jialing Chen, Yi Wang, Paul Tran, Sophia Leonidovna Shtilman, Joseph R. Monkowski
  • Patent number: 8271210
    Abstract: An in-situ gas flow measurement controller measures the temperature and rate of pressure drop upstream from a flow control device (FCD). The controller samples the pressure and temperature data and applies the equivalent of a decimating filter to the data to produce filtered data at a slower sampling rate. The controller derives timestamps by counting ticks from the sampling clock of the A/D converter that is sampling the pressure at regular intervals to ensure the timestamps associated with the pressure samples are accurate and do not contain jitter that is associated with software clocks. The controller additionally normalizes the temperature reading to account for power supply fluctuations, filters out noise from the pressure and temperature readings, and excludes data during periods of instability. It calculates the gas flow rate accounting for possible non-linearities in the pressure measurements, and provides the computed gas flow measurement via one of many possible interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Pivotal Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Sherk Chung, James MacAllen Chalmers, Jialing Chen, Yi Wang, Paul Tran, Sophia Leonidovna Shtilman, Joseph R. Monkowski
  • Patent number: 8265888
    Abstract: An in-situ gas flow measurement controller measures the temperature and rate of pressure drop upstream from a flow control device (FCD). The controller samples the pressure and temperature data and applies the equivalent of a decimating filter to the data to produce filtered data at a slower sampling rate. The controller derives timestamps by counting ticks from the sampling clock of the A/D converter that is sampling the pressure at regular intervals to ensure the timestamps associated with the pressure samples are accurate and do not contain jitter that is associated with software clocks. The controller additionally normalizes the temperature reading to account for power supply fluctuations, filters out noise from the pressure and temperature readings, and excludes data during periods of instability. It calculates the gas flow rate accounting for possible non-linearities in the pressure measurements, and provides the computed gas flow measurement via one of many possible interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Pivotal Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Sherk Chung, James MacAllen Chalmers, Jialing Chen, Yi Wang, Paul Tran, Sophia Leonidovna Shtilman, Joseph R. Monkowski
  • Patent number: 8119068
    Abstract: A fluid content monitor including a cuvette, a colorimeter adapted to generate a signal indicative of contents of a fluid sample contained in the cuvette, a container for holding a reagent, and a pump assembly for delivering reagent from the container to the cuvette. The pump assembly includes a tube extending from the container to the cuvette, check valves preventing reverse flow in the tube, and a hammer driven by a solenoid for repetitively compressing the tube to pump reagent to the cuvette. The cuvette can be removed for cleaning and replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: HF Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Rowan Connelly, Joel Leal
  • Patent number: 8074492
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting a leak gas in a flushing device (10), comprising the following steps: the flushing device (10) is disposed on a part (201) that is to be tested; a flushing gas is conducted through the flushing device (10); and the leak gas is detected in the flushing gas that is discharged from the flushing device (10) with the aid of a detector device (30). In order to conduct the flushing gas through the flushing device (10), a predetermined main flushing gas flow (QH) is generated, and said main flow (QH) is separated into a system flow (QS) and a partial flow (QT) on a dividing device (40), the system flow (QS) being fed into the flushing device (10). Also disclosed is a leak testing apparatus (100) for detecting a leak gas in a flushing device (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Brockmann
  • Publication number: 20110061440
    Abstract: A material transport and event control in systems with piezoelectrically activated droplet emission including a device for metering a material into a carrier matrix, having a carrier matrix source (0) supplying a carrier matrix, a supply vessel (1) filled with the material in preferably liquid form, a metering unit (3, 4) including a metering chamber (4), disposed downstream of the carrier matrix source and a metering head (3 disposed downstream of the supply vessel and configured preferably for piezoelectrically activated droplet emission, the carrier matrix being supplied to the metering chamber from the carrier matrix source, and the material being supplied to the metering head from the supply vessel, being emitted via the metering head into the metering chamber and consequently being metered into the carrier matrix, including a pressure control device configured to control the pressure in the supply vessel (1) and/or the pressure in the metering unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Klaus Breuer, Stefan Mair
  • Patent number: 7832252
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a gas chromatography instrument by forcefully shooting a measured droplet which securely passes through a confined passageway without direct intervention of human hands into the entry throat of the instrument so as to avoid contaminating the apparatus or impairing the accuracy of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventors: Gary W. Watson, Robert E. Pearce, Salin M. Motiwala, Frank E. Zuhde
  • Patent number: 7757539
    Abstract: The current invention provides a modulated pressure wave vapor generator suitable for use outside of the laboratory. The vapor generator of the current invention produces a controlled analyte vapor sample without using bulk movement of gas. Additionally, the current invention compensates for changes in the environment to ensure discharge of the preferred volume of analyte from the vapor generator. Finally, the current invention provides a method for generating a controlled volume of analyte vapor suitable for calibrating vapor sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Nomadics, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Joseph Szabo, Matthew Laurence Dock, Craig Allen Aker
  • Patent number: 7462154
    Abstract: A sensor main unit 1 is axially split into three sub-segments. A light-emitting element 2 is attached to one end portion, and a light-receiving element 3 is attached to the other end portion. A respiratory flow path 4 is formed so as to penetrate through the center portion. The sensor main unit 1 is attached to a position on the face below the nostrils, and respiratory gas from the nostrils is guided into the respiratory flow path 4 and is caused to cross over the optical axis connected the light-emitting element 2 and the light-receiving element 3, thereby measuring a carbon dioxide gas in the respiratory gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Nihon Kohden Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Yamamori, Yoshinobu Ono, Takeshi Kojima, Noriaki Todokoro
  • Patent number: 7444854
    Abstract: A leak test apparatus includes a housing having an interior sized for retaining a plurality of instrument components including a control unit. A sniffer gun is linked to the instrument components, the sniffer gun having an intake point, and a test leak includes a gas reservoir, a constriction, an opening suited for introducing the intake point of said sniffer gun, and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is linked, either by means of a wired connection or wirelessly to the control unit for signal transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Inficon GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Böhm, Werner Grosse Bley, Randolf Rolff, Sandra Seitz, Norbert Rolff
  • Patent number: 7387038
    Abstract: A particle generating system includes an aerosol generator, an ejector diluter, and an aerosol diluter. The ejector diluter receives the generated aerosol and dilutes the aerosol to an expected raw concentration. The aerosol diluter further dilutes the aerosol to a concentration in the range of 0% to 100% of the expected raw concentration. The aerosol diluter includes a mini cyclone for diluting the aerosol. The particle generating system may be configured to provide variable concentrations of monodisperse or polydisperse aerosols for instrument calibration. The system may provide constant concentrations in the range of 0% to 100% of the raw concentration. The mini cyclone makes the system compact, and the system may be portable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Horiba Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Qiang Wei, Ichiro Asano
  • Publication number: 20080083260
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a gas chromatography instrument by forcefully shooting a measured droplet which securely passes through a confined passageway without direct intervention of human hands into the entry throat of the instrument so as to avoid contaminating the apparatus or impairing the accuracy of the instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: Gary W. Watson, Robert E. Pearce, Salin M. Motiwala, Frank E. Zuhde
  • Publication number: 20070277585
    Abstract: The current invention provides a modulated pressure wave vapor generator suitable for use outside of the laboratory. The vapor generator of the current invention produces a controlled analyte vapor sample without using bulk movement of gas. Additionally, the current invention compensates for changes in the environment to ensure discharge of the preferred volume of analyte from the vapor generator. Finally, the current invention provides a method for generating a controlled volume of analyte vapor suitable for calibrating vapor sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: Matthew Joseph Szabo, Matthew Laurence Dock, Craig Allen Aker
  • Patent number: 7196632
    Abstract: A gas safety detector having a self-detection function includes a base board, an electromagnet, a gas device, a magnetically attractive plate, and a sensor. Thus, the gas safety detector has a self-detection function. In addition, when the electromagnet stops operating due to a malfunction or electric shutoff, the magnetically attractive plate is released to release the hook portion which releases the nozzle of the gas device, so that the retractable nozzle of the gas device is returned to the original position immediately so as to stop flow of the gas, thereby preventing the gas from leaking outward so as to provide a protective effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: San-I Hsiao
  • Patent number: 7168287
    Abstract: A reference leakage device for a leak sniffer detector that is equipped with a sniffing tip and a control unit. The reference leakage device includes a gas reservoir and a constriction wherefrom there is released a specific amount of test gas, at least during calibration. A sensor is located in the constriction for detecting the approach of the sniffing tip wherein the device further is capable of transmitting signals to control unit of the leak detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Inficon GmbH
    Inventor: Randolf Rolff
  • Patent number: 7167098
    Abstract: The present invention relates to testing equipment 20 for a fire alarm 1. It includes a testing pole (21), a range spacer (23) connected to the testing pole (21), and a reflective means and/or scattering means situated in the inside of the essentially pot-shaped designed range spacer (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Siber, Ulrich Oppelt
  • Patent number: 7100839
    Abstract: A method for servicing companies associated with a spray device operating under guidelines of a regulatory body includes capturing in vitro actuation data associated with operation of the spray device and distributing the data to a company associated with an aspect of the spray device. The company may use the data for testing the spray device to ensure continued compliance with prior approval of the spray device by the regulatory body. The method may also include converting the data to parameters and distributing the parameters. Capturing the in vitro actuation data may include sorting the data based on in vitro age groups. Distributing the data may include providing the data in a format executable by an automated actuation system. The company receiving the data may be a drug development company, spray device manufacturer, or testing service. The regulatory body may be the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Image Therm Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Dino J. Farina, Donald C. Swavely, John A. Vennari, Leticia M. Broome, Franklin A. Bales
  • Patent number: 6995678
    Abstract: A gas safety detector includes a base board, a step motor, a sleeve, a drive rod, a gas device, a link, and a sensor. Thus, the gas enters the sensor to perform a self test to identify if the sensor is operated at the normal state, so that the gas safety detector has a self-detection function to detect the working state of the sensor so as to assure the safety of the gas safety detector when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Kaily Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jing-Cherng Wey
  • Patent number: 6918281
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of calibrating sensors within a gas detector (36) having a housing containing a gas inlet whereby gas can diffuse from the inlet to the sensors. The gas inlet in the housing is held against part (34) of the calibration apparatus to form a sealed gas interface between the apparatus and the detector; a source (10) of pressurized calibration gas is connected to the apparatus, and a predetermined dose of calibration gas is delivered to the interface between the detector (36) and the calibration apparatus (34) at a predetermined pressure. The source (10) of pressurized calibration gas may contain single or multiple calibration doses and, if the former, the calibration apparatus includes a dosing system such as cylinder (14) for metering individual doses of calibration gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Zellweger Analytics Limited
    Inventors: Michael Sussman, Charles Edward Downs, Tom Ford, David Smith
  • Patent number: 6761056
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for producing a gas mixture which contains at least one gaseous trace component, in particular for producing a calibration gas, in which a matrix gas stream is conveyed continuously with a predetermined quantitative flow, and at least one calibration component is introduced into the matrix gas stream in a predetermined quantity per unit volume of matrix gas, the at least one calibration component being introduced in the form of microdroplets of substantially identical size and being evaporated in the matrix gas to form the calibrating gas mixture, the microdroplets being delivered by nozzles which are in each case made to contract by means of a piezoelement which is triggered by metering pulses which are generated according to the intended delivery quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Gerstel Systemtechnik GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Jurgen Schram, Thomas Albinus
  • Publication number: 20040099040
    Abstract: A method in calibrating or checking an apparatus for determining in a person's exhalation air the concentration of a specific substance is disclosed. The apparatus comprises means for passing exhalation air along a free measuring length, and means for supplying air of a predetermined composition to the measuring length to produce an air flow along the length. A mixture of the substance and water in a specified concentration thereof inder instantaneous evaporation is injected into the air when supplied to the measuring length. The concentration of the substance and the concentration of water vapor in the air flow along the measuring length is determined. The substance gas flow and the water vapor flow are calculated, and the ratio thereof is compared with the specified concentration of the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Sven Gunnar Olsson, Stefan Brauer, Anders Linge, Tarmo Niininen
  • Publication number: 20040089050
    Abstract: A bubble detector utilizes an ultrasonic transducer to sample bubbles as they pass the transducer. The envelope of the return signal is analyzed to determine the volume of each sampled bubble. If the total volume of bubbles sampled within a certain period of time exceeds a desired maximum volume, the bubble detector may initiate a system shut down. A bubble detector can be evaluated or calibrated by introducing bubbles into a conduit, detecting the bubbles introduced into the conduit using visual inspection or a bubble detector of known resolution and comparing the results with the examination of a bubble detector under evaluation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Derek J. Daw, Jeffrey L. Creech, William R. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20040089051
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for evaluating a liquid dosing process in a container which is at least partially filled with a gas. According to the inventive method, a temporal course of at least one state variable p of a medium contained in said container is determined essentially over the entire duration of the dosing process. The temporal course (40; 40′) of the at least one state variable (p) is graphically or mathematically compared with a pre-determined state variable nominal range (42; 42′; 242) by means of a correlation method, and an evaluation result (S6, S14, S16) is obtained according to the results of the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Johann L. Camenisch
  • Publication number: 20040035179
    Abstract: It is difficult to test gas detectors that are difficult to access. The test device according to the invention is functionally linked with the gas detector or with the heat detector and substantially simplifies testing of such detectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Hubert Koch
  • Patent number: 6595040
    Abstract: A test leak unit (1) includes a supply of test gas, preferably helium, and an element (14) for determining leakage rates. The aim of the invention is to create a simple, robust and easily refilled test leak unit, especially for detecting packaging leaks. To this end, the test gas supply is stored under substantially atmospheric pressure in a resealable reservoir (2) including a closing part (3), such that when the reservoir (2) is closed, a test gas-impermeable seal is developed between the closing part (3) and the reservoir (2), and the leakage rate-determining element (14) forms part of the closing part (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Inficon GmbH
    Inventors: Rudi Widt, Rudolf Flosbach
  • Patent number: 6513901
    Abstract: A device for determining drop volume for a drop ejection device is disclosed. The drop ejection device has a drop ejector and a reference drop ejector that exhibits less drop volume variation than the drop ejector. The drop ejection device includes a sensor responsive to impinging drops for producing a signal proportional to drop volume. The sensor is responsive to drops from the drop ejector to produce an electrical signal. The sensor is responsive to drops from the reference drop ejector to produce a reference electrical signal. Also included is a processing device responsive to the electrical signal and reference electrical signal for determining drop volume of the drop ejector relative to drop volume of the reference drop ejector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Ray Allen Walker
  • Publication number: 20020139167
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for producing a gas mixture which contains at least one gaseous trace component, in particular for producing a calibration gas, in which a matrix gas stream is conveyed continuously with a predetermined quantitative flow, and at least one calibration component is introduced into the matrix gas stream in a predetermined quantity per unit volume of matrix gas, the at least one calibration component being introduced in the form of microdroplets of substantially identical size and being evaporated in the matrix gas to form the calibrating gas mixture, the microdroplets being delivered by nozzles which are in each case made to contract by means of a piezoelement which is triggered by metering pulses which are generated according to the intended delivery quantity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Jurgen Schram, Thomas Albinus
  • Patent number: 6427516
    Abstract: A leak detector includes an off-center mounted metering pin cooperating with a single cross-hole in a poppet valve to accommodate adjustment of the flow rate past the metering pin by rotating the poppet valve about its longitudinal axis. A flow director, cooperating with the poppet valve, directs all flow into the leak detector directly into the line during initial flow into the leak detector. A piston, responsive to line pressure, is sized smaller in diameter than the poppet valve to cause the line pressure to increase rapidly and significantly during the leak sense mode and which size permits reduction in size and weight of the leak detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Vaporless Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Penrod Geisinger
  • Patent number: 6415642
    Abstract: A calibration apparatus for checking the accuracy of DLco testing machines includes a pair of syringes mounted side by side in a frame and joined by a valve controlled gas passageway to a coupling adapted to mate with the testing machine. The first syringe receives gas from the testing machine and the second syringe has a chamber from which gas of a known concentration is returned to the testing machine. The chamber of the second syringe is flow connected by a valve to a source of test gas. The gas passageway is constructed in such a manner to reduce dead air space and to allow purging with test gas to eliminate contamination with ambient air or gas of previous tests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Hans Rudolph, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert O. Crapo, Robert L. Jensen
  • Patent number: 6408674
    Abstract: A device for remotely calibrating leak sensors is disclosed. The leak sensor calibration device includes a reservoir for storing a fluid calibrant, a conduit in flow communication with the reservoir, an outlet nozzle, an air supply source, and a valve mechanism. A portion of the conduit defines a dosing chamber for storing a measured quantity of the calibrant, and the outlet nozzle is in flow communication with the dosing chamber. The air supply source is adapted to pressurize the measured quantity of calibrant stored in the dosing chamber. The valve mechanism is adapted to eject the measured quantity of calibrant stored in the dosing chamber to the atmosphere through the outlet nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International
    Inventor: John Patrick Dilger