Gas Patents (Class 73/1.06)
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Publication number: 20130008224Abstract: This publication discloses a method for calibrating a CO2 concentration measuring device, in which method gas concentration is measured in a room. In accordance with the invention presence of persons is continuously determined in the room, and the measurement results are corrected based on the presence information.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2010Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: VAISALA OYJInventor: Lars Stormbom
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Patent number: 8347685Abstract: A method for validating or calibrating a chemical detector at a point of use. The method includes presenting a device to the chemical detector, the device comprising a frangible container defining a predetermined volume and a chemical material sealed within the frangible container in a predetermined amount, and breaking the frangible container to release the chemical material for detection by the chemical detector. A device and method of making the device for validating or calibrating a chemical at a point of use are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2009Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Pamela M. Chu, Jeffrey R. Anderson
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Publication number: 20130000378Abstract: Methods and devices for correcting sensing device signals, e.g., for point of care immunoassay devices. In one embodiment, the invention is to a method of correcting a signal in a sensing device, comprising the steps of: providing a sensing device comprising a sensor, a first electrical pad, a second electrical pad, and a continuous polymer layer contacting at least a portion of the first and second electrical pads; applying a potential across the first and second electrical pads; measuring an electrical property associated with the continuous polymer layer; determining a correction factor associated with the measured electrical property; and applying the correction factor to a signal generated by the sensor to produce a corrected signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: ABBOTT POINT OF CARE INC.Inventors: Glenn Martin, Tian-Xian Zhao, Steven Breeze, Craig Jeffrey, Stephen Lee Snyder
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Publication number: 20130000377Abstract: A method for monitoring a gas is disclosed. This method may include applying a voltage pulse to electrodes exposed to the gas, and determining an actual current between electrodes during application of the voltage pulse. The method may further include determining a concentration of a constituent in the gas based on the actual current and an expected identity of the constituent.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Inventor: Sergey KORENEV
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Patent number: 8342002Abstract: An inspection apparatus including a cylindrical chamber having an opening part and a bottomed end part. The chamber includes an element insertion/extraction part, a tapered part, and a gas introduction part. The element insertion/extraction part is a tubular space continuous from the opening part. The tapered part is connected to the element insertion/extraction part, and is a space having a tapered shape in a cross-sectional view sectioned perpendicularly so that a lengthwise direction is larger toward the inner side. The gas introduction part is a tubular space continuously extending from the tapered part to a bottom portion. A sensor element is inserted into the chamber such that a front end thereof reaches the tapered part while a gap is formed between the sensor element and the chamber, and in this condition, an inspection gas is supplied to the chamber through a supply port provided in the gas introduction part.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2011Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignees: NGK Insulators, Ltd., NGK Ceramic Device Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Shindo, Kiyotaka Sugiura
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Publication number: 20120330596Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor unit configured for communication has a sensor controller that initiates calibration of the sensor when a respective calibration condition occurs. The calibration condition may involve detection of appropriate environmental conditions and/or a signal received via a communication component. The sensor controller may acquire missing information with the communication. A master controller may be used that receives data from multiple sensor units and distributes information and/or sends a calibration initiation signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventor: Andrian Ivanovich Kouznetsov
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Publication number: 20120318037Abstract: A compensated gas detector incorporates first and second pellistors combined with first and second resistors and an intervening switch. Control circuits can close the switch for normal gas detection. The switch can be opened to carry out diagnostic measurements. A compensation coefficient can be established in order to compensate outs from the pellistors due to mechanical damage thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: Life Safety Distribution AGInventors: JaeJin Lee, JuWan Park, JoungHo Lim
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Patent number: 8329107Abstract: A sensor that generates an output signal in response to a stimulus, where the output signal is generated with a predetermined relationship to one or more properties of the stimulus such that the one or more properties of the stimulus can be determined as a function of the output signal. In one embodiment, the sensor includes a component, a sensor processor, and a transmitter. The component deteriorates, thereby causing predictable fluctuations in the predetermined relationship between the output signal and the one or more properties of the stimulus. The sensor processor provides information related to the deterioration of the component. The transmitter wirelessly transmits the information provided by the processor.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2011Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Ric Investments, LLCInventor: Cord Mueller
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Patent number: 8323978Abstract: A calibration device and method of using the device to calibrate an analytical instrument capable of reading a photoluminescent oxygen probe. The device includes at least (a) a first mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye retained within a hermetically sealed space so as to isolate the dye from environmental oxygen, and in fluid communication with an activated metal-air battery whereby any oxygen permeating into the hermetically sealed space is quickly consumed by the battery, and (b) a second mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye in fluid communication with an environmental concentration of oxygen.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2011Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Mocon, Inc.Inventors: Timothy A. Ascheman, Daniel W. Mayer
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Patent number: 8317998Abstract: A method of operating an electrochemical gas sensor includes: a) exposing, for a first predetermined duration, the electrochemical gas sensor to an atmosphere containing a target gas while the gas reaction capability of the electrode assembly is substantially reduced from a working level, such that target gas is collected within the housing; b) increasing the gas reaction capability of the electrode assembly to a level at which it consumes collected target gas and thereby outputs a signal to the sensing circuit, including an initial transient decay signal; c) monitoring the transient decay signal; and d) analysing the rate of decay of the transient decay signal to determine whether the performance of at least one component of the electrochemical gas sensor is within acceptable limits. An apparatus for operating an electrochemical gas sensor, adapted for connection to an electrochemical gas sensor via a sensing circuit for control thereof, can carry out the disclosed method(s).Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2010Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Life Safety Distribution AGInventors: Keith Francis Edwin Pratt, John Chapples, Martin Jones, Stefan Dan Costea, Mihai Gologanu
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Publication number: 20120291517Abstract: The present invention describes a replaceable breath alcohol sensor module that can be replaced with a new pre-calibrated breath alcohol sensor module or re-calibrated. The breath alcohol sensor module requiring calibration can be removed from the body of a Breath Alcohol Testing Device (commonly called “breathalyser” or “breathalyzer”). The breath alcohol sensor module can be separately calibrated for accurate calculation of “percent blood alcohol concentration” (% BAC) based on breath air samples and then re-installed into the breath alcohol tester or the old breath alcohol sensor module can be replaced with a new pre-calibrated breath alcohol sensor module. The present invention improves upon and/or replacing the current method of re-calibration at a breathalyzer service center.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Inventor: Matthew Hogyun Son
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Publication number: 20120293183Abstract: A method for identifying cable faults at the terminals of a broadband lambda probe comprising a Nernst cell and a pump cell in the exhaust gas duct of an internal combustion engine. The broadband lambda probe has a reference electrode terminal RE, an internal pump electrode terminal IPE and an external pump electrode terminal APE. A pump current is applied to the broadband lambda probe and a pulsed reference pump current is applied to the broadband lambda probe. Cable faults are identified by the evaluation of potential swings in current.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventor: Bernhard Ledermann
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Publication number: 20120285217Abstract: The invention provides a measuring device for measuring soot deposition, said device having a measuring probe (3) for measuring the quantity of soot deposited on a collection surface (2) of an elongate dielectric substrate, said probe including detection electrodes (6, 7) that are arranged in adjacent manner and that are for connecting to an electronic system that is capable of evaluating the quantity of soot deposited on the collection surface. In the invention, the device includes, for at least one detection electrode (6, 7), a measurement loop (B1) that includes said at least one detection electrode (6, 7) and that is connected to a detection system for detecting the variation in the electric resistance of said measurement loop, so as to determine the operating state of said detection electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2011Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: ELECTRICFIL AUTOMOTIVEInventors: Frederic Duault, Stephane Raquin, Laurence Achille
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Publication number: 20120279277Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device for detecting the hydrocarbon fraction in gases. The measuring device is characterized in that the measuring device determines the hydrocarbon fraction in a first gas flow and a second gas flow, both the first gas flow and the second gas flow originating from the same gas source, the first gas flow being fed to the measuring device unchanged and the second gas flow being fed to the measuring device prepared.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2010Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventors: Franz Joseph Parusel, Max Penth, Bernd Penth
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Patent number: 8302454Abstract: Usually, a sniffing leak detector must be calibrated for each tracing gas. The calibration comprises ranging of the spectral positions into the mass spectrum and the amplitude height. At least one mass line is determined with a calibrating gas. The mass lines lying between two mass lines and/or between a zero point and a line are determined by interpolation and/or extrapolation. In this manner, a sniffing leak detector can be used for such tracing gases which have not previously been used for calibration purposes.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Inficon GmbHInventors: Norbert Rolff, Randolf Paul Rolff, Ludolf Gerdau
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Patent number: 8303697Abstract: A method for purifying polluted air having particle phase pollutants and gaseous phase pollutants is provided. The method comprising: separately purifying and treating particle phase and gaseous phase pollutants present in the air; providing a dust cleaning apparatus, a catalytic filter core and a valve for controlling an airflow path within an air purification apparatus; controlling the airflow path for the air to bypass the catalytic filter core in a way that: if the amount of particle phase pollutants is above a predetermined value, the valve is moved to the open position to enable the air to bypass the catalyst filtering core; if the amount of particle phase pollutants is less than a predetermined value, the valve is moved to the closed position to force the air to pass through the catalyst filtering core.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2012Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Akos Advanced Technology Ltd.Inventors: Yiu Wai Chan, Sui Chun Law
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Publication number: 20120266646Abstract: An apparatus for detecting particulate and a correction method of the apparatus for detecting particulate matter that detects particulate matter within a gas to be measured are provided. The correction method corrects the individual differences inevitably occurring during the manufacturing process of particulate matter detection sensors. The apparatus for detecting particulate matter includes an applied voltage correction means. The applied voltage correction means applies correction information acquired by the correction method to detection control.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Eriko MAEDA, Takehito Kimata
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Publication number: 20120266647Abstract: A device for diagnosing an exhaust gas sensor, in particular a linear oxygen probe, for an internal combustion engine. A diagnostic unit is configured to control a first and a second current source in a coordinated manner in order to generate a first and a second current. Each of the currents has a predefined polarity sign, and is designed to determine the first and/or second and/or third voltages applied at a first and/or second and/or third terminal when first and second currents flow and put the amounts of the voltages in relation to the coordinated currents such that line interruptions and/or short circuits can be detected at the first and/or second and/or third terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2010Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBHInventors: Stefan Barnikow, Frank Friedhof, Ekkehart-Peter Wagner
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Publication number: 20120261569Abstract: In order to determine leakage on a device, which contains gas that can be condensed, an adsorbent is used through which ambient gas of the object is conducted. The adsorbed gas is desorbed by means of actuating an excitation device and fed to a gas sensor containing a mass spectrometer. In this way, minute amounts of leaking gas can be determined by means of accumulation. The method is in particular suited for use in the serial production of refrigeration machines.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2010Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicant: Inficon GmbHInventors: Werner Grosse Bley, Gerhard Küster
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Patent number: 8286462Abstract: In a change from a lean to a rich exhaust gas mixture, a characteristic behavior appears in a short time interval in the vicinity of the lambda jump of an upstream catalytic converter lambda probe in the signal characteristic which is measured by a downstream catalytic converter lambda probe. From the signals in small intervals, around the instant of changing, the reliability performance of the downstream lambda probe can be deduced without the actual probe jump in curves of the voltage characteristics having to be considered.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2009Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Audi AGInventors: Bodo Odendall, Stefan Rosenberger, Torsten Knebel, Martin Schneider
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Patent number: 8288161Abstract: Articles of manufacture and methods of making and using same concern a container having an internal space and a passivated internal metal surface. The container contains a composition of an acid gas and a balance gas contained within the internal space and in contact with the passivated internal metal surface. The stability of the acid gas concentration over time is enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: American Air Liquide, Inc.Inventors: Robert Benesch, Malik Haouchine, Tracey Jacksier
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Publication number: 20120227461Abstract: A system for providing standard mixtures of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds for simultaneous CC and MS calibration in a calibration vial, wherein calibration mixtures are prepared by diluting calibration analytes in granular PDMS such that most of the analytes are in the PDMS phase and the sample can then be taken from the analytes in the headspace vapor in the calibration vial, wherein a reliable calibration sample can be taken from the calibration vial because the analytes in the PDMS phase and the headspace vapor are in thermodynamic equilibrium, and wherein the method provides solvent-less sampling, long-time stability, ease of use, is quantifiable, and related to temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2012Publication date: September 13, 2012Inventors: Milton L. Lee, Xiaofeng Xie, Jacolin A. Murray, Jesse A. Contreras, Tai Van Truong, H. Dennis Tolley
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Patent number: 8256264Abstract: A method for detecting the composition of an unknown gas mixture (Minc) through an electronic nose (2) equipped with a measuring chamber (3) that houses at least one sensor comprises the steps of: calibrating a sensor by feeding a known gas mixture (Mn) into the measuring chamber (3); feeding the unknown gas mixture (Minc) into the chamber (3), while keeping the unknown gas mixture (Mine) in a predetermined desired state; and detecting the composition of the unknown gas mixture (Minc) by means of the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2008Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa' CooperativaInventors: Gildo Bosi, Marco Remondini, Ibanez Ricco'
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Publication number: 20120216593Abstract: A hotplate chemical trace detector comprising a heatable conducting plate with a heater element having a predetermined temperature-power characteristic. A balancing circuit comprises an adjustable resistor for tuning the heater element to a predefined resistor value. A processor is provided for adjusting the adjustable resistor so as to provide a stabilized temperature in said heatable conducting plate and a detection circuit is provided for detecting a change of resistance in the heatable conducting plate in accordance with the presence of a chemical trace reacting in the presence of the conducting plate. According to the invention a test circuit is provided for measuring a dissipated power in the heater element and for calculating a real temperature from the dissipated power in the heater element based on the predetermined temperature-power characteristic.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: Consultatie Implementatie Technisch Beheer B.V.Inventor: Albert Bos
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Patent number: 8241911Abstract: A calibration card and method of using the card to calibrate an analytical instrument capable of reading a photoluminescent oxygen probe. The card includes at least (a) a first mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye retained within a hermetically sealed space so as to isolate the dye from environmental oxygen, and in fluid communication with an activated metal-air battery whereby any oxygen permeating into the hermetically sealed space is quickly consumed by the battery, and (b) a second mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye in fluid communication with the environment whereby the second mass of photoluminescent dye is exposed to an environmental concentration of oxygen.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Mocon, Inc.Inventors: Timothy A. Ascheman, Daniel W. Mayer, Stephen D. Tuomela
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Patent number: 8234906Abstract: A sensor for gases emitted by combustion, the sensor involving one or more metal oxides forming an adsorption semiconductor the electrical resistance of which changes according to the gas adsorbed, the semiconductor being a semiconductor for the direct adsorption of gases without catalyzed chemical reaction, the sensor being arranged to detect nitrogen oxides in the case of a bright fire, and/or the sensor being arranged to detect, in the case of a smoldering fire, partially unburned gases, in particular alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids or amines.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2007Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Societe de Chimie Inorganique et Organique en abrege “Sochinor”Inventors: André De Haan, Marc Debliquy
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Patent number: 8230716Abstract: A diagnostic method and system is described for diagnosing an operating condition of a conductive particulate matter sensor. The sensor has a substrate and two electrodes on the substrate adapted to collect particulate matter between the electrodes, thereby establishing an electrically conductive path through collected particulate matter between the electrodes that can be detected by measuring electrical resistance between the electrodes, Relect. The diagnosis is performed by detecting whether water vapor condensate may be present between the electrodes and if it is, then measuring resistance between the electrodes while subjecting the sensor to conditions sufficient to evaporate any water vapor condensate and diagnosing a validation that the sensor is in proper operating condition if resistance increases in a manner consistent with evaporation of condensate.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Charles Scott Nelson, Lary R. Hocken
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Patent number: 8220308Abstract: A method of calibrating a sensor that includes determining a baseline condition of a sensor by channeling a fluid to a remote calibrator assembly coupled to the gas sensor, wherein the remote calibrator assembly includes a calibrator slide. The calibration of the sensor is determined by channeling a calibration fluid to the remote calibrator assembly, wherein during the calibration process, the calibrator slide moves to a calibration position. The calibrator slide moving to an operational position is verified, which is indicative of the sensor being in normal operating condition.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2009Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Peter Damion Bellis, Ingrid M. Gilstrap, Kristoffer Wayne Wickstead, Kyle Allan Farwell
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Patent number: 8215150Abstract: A docking station for use with gas sensors includes limited test and diagnostic circuitry directed to specific characteristics of selected detectors. Where a family of detectors is to be evaluated, a universal interface for that family can be included. A single port can be used for multiple different detectors irrespective of specific detector characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Life Safety Distribution AGInventors: Martin Willett, Keith Francis Edwin Pratt
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Publication number: 20120167656Abstract: A method is described for diagnosing a heatable exhaust gas sensor of an internal combustion engine, in which a predefined chronologically varying or constant voltage or a predefined chronologically varying or constant current is generated with the aid of a voltage source, the voltage or the current is applied to terminals of the exhaust gas sensor, a current or applied voltage, which flows through the voltage source when the voltage or the current is applied, is detected, and the current or the voltage is analyzed to diagnose the exhaust gas sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2010Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Cyril Verdier, Stefan Klein, Gerhard Lemke, Karsten Glashoff, Peter Brida, Frank Meier, Thomas Seiler
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Patent number: 8211208Abstract: A method for purifying polluted air having particle phase pollutants and gaseous phase pollutants is provided. The method comprising: separately purifying and treating particle phase and gaseous phase pollutants present in the air; providing a dust cleaning apparatus, a catalytic filter core and a valve for controlling an airflow path within an air purification apparatus; controlling the airflow path for the air to bypass the catalytic filter core in a way that: if the amount of particle phase pollutants is above a predetermined value, the valve is moved to the open position to enable the air to bypass the catalyst filtering core; if the amount of particle phase pollutants is less than a predetermined value, the valve is moved to the closed position to force the air to pass through the catalyst filtering core.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2011Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Akos Advanced Technology Ltd.Inventors: Yiu Wai Chan, Sui Chun Law
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Patent number: 8205478Abstract: An apparatus to aid in the testing of smoke detectors comprises a rifle-shaped design which holds and dispenses aerosol cans of smoke and air is herein disclosed. The apparatus is approximately four (4) feet long and includes additional extension tubes approximately three (3) feet long. In such a manner the apparatus is capable of reaching smoke detectors that are seven (7) feet or more above the users head. In addition to dispensing smoke for testing and air for purging, the apparatus also includes a magnetic adapter for testing smoke detector switches, a mechanical probe attachment for smoke detector activation, and a holder for electronic devices such as barcode scanners. In such a manner the testing and maintenance of most smoke detectors can be performed safely from ground level without the use of ladders or other assistance.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2008Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Inventor: Richard D. Hallisey
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Publication number: 20120151986Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas regulating device (2A-E) for use in calibration of a gas analyzer (4). The gas regulating device comprises an inlet (8A) and an outlet (8B), a valve arrangement comprising at least one valve (11; 11A, 11B), and valve regulating means for regulating the at least one valve. The gas regulating device is intended to be connected between a calibration gas supply (3) and a gas analyzer (4) that is to be calibrated and the valve regulating means is configured to regulate the at least one valve such that gas is allowed to flow through a gas flow path (5B) between the inlet and outlet only when a gas pressure (P1) in the gas flow path, between the at least one valve and the outlet, falls below a predetermined threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2009Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventors: Pär Emtell, Mikael Kock
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Publication number: 20120144894Abstract: A method for start-up of a measuring device, which is embodied to monitor by means of at least one measuring transducer in contact with the interior of a process container, especially of a single-use container, a measured variable of a medium contained in the process container, wherein, for ascertaining a measured value, at least one measurement signal of the measuring transducer is mapped to a measured value of the measured variable according to a predetermined characteristic curve, wherein the method includes: introducing a process medium into the process container; bringing the measuring transducer in contact with the process medium; and performing a one-point calibrating of the measuring device based on a measurement signal registered by the measuring transducer in the process medium or a measured value derived therefrom based on the characteristic curve.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft fur Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KGInventors: Thilo Trapp, Torsten Pechstein
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Publication number: 20120136588Abstract: Computer systems and software for controlling an endoscope integrity tester. The pressurization and humidity measurement and calculations, and the resulting determination of passage or failure is automated and controlled to eliminate concerns of human error in the detection process. Further, the computer system is capable of adapting its calculations to specific endoscopes and particular testing changes to further improve accuracy by being context-sensitive.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2012Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: MINNTECH CORPORATIONInventor: Melissa Kubach
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Publication number: 20120125076Abstract: A portable metered flow apparatus for accurately providing calibration gas from a calibration gas source to a gas monitoring instrument in order to permit calibration/bump testing of the instrument comprising a regulator and a gas delivery device that includes a solenoid valve, an electronic timing circuit, means for providing power to the solenoid valve and the electronic timing circuit, a power switch for activating the electronic timing circuit, means for activating the release of calibration gas; and optionally one or more LED lights. A method for calibration/bump testing of a gas monitoring device utilizing the portable metered flow apparatus is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2012Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: Air Liquide Advanced Technologies US LLCInventors: Andrew Tryfonos, Eric E. Brooking, Robert A. DeNicola, Ryan W. Kauler, Joshua D. Treisner, Kayla R. Burnim, Ryan B. Adelman
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Publication number: 20120120981Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring a sensor unit (20) that is arranged in the exhaust gas region of an internal combustion engine (10). According to the invention, a sensor temperature (31, 32) is directly or indirectly determined by the sensor unit (20), and is compared to an exhaust temperature (33) that is determined by a further sensor unit and/or to model variables and/or to defined threshold values, whereby a dismounting and/or an inappropriate mounting of the sensor unit is indicated.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Inventors: Andreas Genssle, Enno Baars, Markus Eitel
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Patent number: 8161790Abstract: A measurement system for a dry powder agent includes a sensor system which includes at least one sensor head at least partially within a powder calibration column and a control system in communication with the sensor system.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Kidde Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Scott Ayers
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Patent number: 8156782Abstract: A test adapter for the saturated vapor calibration of gas-measuring devices. The test adapter (2) has, in an adapter housing (15), a peripheral edge (7) for receiving a gas-measuring device and has a depression (10) for receiving the sample liquid in the area of the gas-sensitive surface of the gas-measuring device.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaAInventors: Matthias Studer, Mladen Schlichte, Markus Wansing, Volker Kuhn
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Publication number: 20120085143Abstract: A NOX sensor degradation detection system includes: a three-way catalyst disposed in an exhaust passageway of an internal combustion engine; a selective reduction catalyst disposed in the exhaust passageway downstream of the three-way catalyst; a NOX sensor disposed in the exhaust passageway downstream of the selective reduction catalyst; and a controller configured to execute a rich-shift process that is a process for causing air/fuel ratio of exhaust gas that flows into the three-way catalyst to become rich, and to determine that the NOX sensor has degraded on a condition that a measurement value from the NOX sensor does not reach nor exceed a threshold value within a prescribed time that follows start of the rich-shift process. A degradation detection method for use in the system is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kenji Sakurai, Toru Kidokoro
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Patent number: 8148691Abstract: A method for calibrating a dual-beam NDIR gas sensor for detecting water vapor by obtaining a variant sensor components domain (“G0”) when there is no water vapor gas in the sample chamber, obtaining a physics measurement domain (“G”) for a set of known concentrations of the water vapor gas in the sample chamber, the known concentrations being measurable quantities exceeding zero, using G to calculate a G0i from a known concentration of water vapor in the sample chamber for each of multiple master calibration curves, and then selecting the master calibration curve with the lowest difference between its G0i and the G0 of the NDIR gas sensor as the calibration curve.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2011Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Inventor: Jacob Y Wong
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Patent number: 8141433Abstract: A method of measuring the gas flow of an incondensable gas in a flowing mixture of said incondensable gas and a condensable gas comprising the steps of calibrating a leak detector; injecting a known quantity of gauge gas at a known mass flow rate into said flowing mixture of gases; drawing a sample of the said gauge mix off at a sample point; passing said sample through a condenser so as to remove said condensable gas from the gauge mix, resulting in a test mix; passing the said test mix into the leak detector so as to measure the concentration of the gauge gas within the test mix; and calculating the mass flow rate of said incondensable gas within said flowing mixture. There is also provided a method of measuring the rate of ingress of an incondensable gas at an ingress point along a flow path of a flowing mixture of said incondensable gas and a condensable gas.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2009Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Plant Test Services Ltd.Inventors: Charles Michael Nadin, David Cook
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Patent number: 8122753Abstract: A portable metered flow apparatus for accurately providing calibration gas from a calibration gas source to a gas monitoring instrument in order to permit calibration/bump testing of the instrument comprising a regulator and a gas delivery device that includes a solenoid valve, an electronic timing circuit, a device for providing power to the solenoid valve and the electronic timing circuit, a power switch for activating the electronic timing circuit, a device for activating the release of calibration gas; and optionally one or more LED lights. A method for calibration/bump testing of a gas monitoring device utilizing the portable metered flow apparatus is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Air Liquide Advanced Technologies U.S. LLCInventors: Andrew Tryfonos, Eric E. Brooking, Robert A. DeNicola, Ryan W. Kauler, Joshua D. Treisner, Kayla R. Burnim, Ryan B. Adelman
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Patent number: 8122711Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure to ascertain a concentration of sooty particles in an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine or a depletion of an emission control system of the internal combustion engine due to the loading of sooty particles, whereby the sooty particle concentration in the exhaust gas system is determined by means of a collecting particle sensor, which emits a sensor signal and whereby the depletion of the emission control system due to the loading of sooty particles is determined from the sooty particle concentration. The task is thereby solved, in that the sensor signal is corrected by means of predetermined corrections with regard to a sensor temperature and/or an exhaust gas temperature and/or a flow velocity of the exhaust gas and/or a voltage applied at the particle sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2007Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Ralf Schmidt, Helmut Marx, Henrik Schittenhelm
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Patent number: 8091404Abstract: An NOx catalyst of storage reduction type and an after-catalyst NOx sensor are provided in an exhaust passage in an internal combustion engine. The after-catalyst NOx sensor detects the NOx concentration on the downstream side of the NOx catalyst. The NOx concentration on the upstream side of the NOx catalyst is detected or estimated. The possible abnormality of the after-catalyst NOx sensor is determined by comparing the NOx concentration on the upstream side of the NOx catalyst detected or estimated and the NOx concentration detected by the after-catalyst NOx sensor, under the condition that the NOx catalyst does not substantially absorb NOx in exhaust gas. Abnormality diagnosis is performed with the possible impact of the NOx catalyst inhibited.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Sawada, Shinichiro Imamura
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Patent number: 8093055Abstract: A calibration tool for use in combination with a photoluminescent oxygen-sensitive working probe and an analytical instrument capable of reading the working probe. The calibration tool is effective for achieving two-point calibration of the analytical instrument, and includes at least first and second solid state compositions having different sensitivities to oxygen. The first composition is an oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye that is the same as that in the working probe, embedded within an oxygen-permeable carrier matrix that is the same as that in the working probe. The second composition is an oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye that is the same as that in the first composition, embedded within a carrier matrix that is different from that in the first composition. The oxygen sensitivity of the second composition is less than the oxygen sensitivity of the first composition.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2009Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignees: Mocon, Inc., Luxcel Biosciences, Ltd.Inventors: Daniel W. Mayer, Dmitri Boris Papkovsky
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Publication number: 20110314892Abstract: A method for the dynamic monitoring of a first lambda probe arranged in an exhaust-gas duct of an internal combustion engine upstream of an exhaust-gas purification system. A period of an output signal of the first lambda probe is determined in a controller of the internal combustion engine, and a lambda regulating signal is determined from an output signal of a second lambda probe connected downstream of the exhaust-gas purification system. A first threshold value for a lengthening of the period of the output signal of the first lambda probe is predefined, in that a characteristic signal (46) is derived from the lambda regulating signal, in that a second threshold value for an inadmissible deviation of the characteristic signal (46) is predefined, and in that an inadmissible asymmetric delay of the first lambda probe is inferred if the lengthening of the period exceeds the first threshold value and the characteristic signal (46) deviates from the second threshold value outside predetermined limits.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2011Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Kersten Wehmeier, Michael Pfeil, Siyun Chu, Albrecht Clement
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Publication number: 20110314893Abstract: In control over an oxygen sensor, a temperature of the oxygen sensor, which detects a concentration of oxygen in exhaust gas from a combustion chamber in which anode off-gas of a fuel cell is burned, is adjusted to a target temperature, and an output of the oxygen sensor is calibrated. When the temperature of the oxygen sensor is adjusted to the target temperature, a plurality of the target temperatures are set, a calibration target temperature higher than or equal to a first predetermined temperature is selected from among the plurality of target temperatures when the output of the oxygen sensor is calibrated, and a target temperature, which is lower than the calibration target temperature, is selected from among the plurality of target temperatures during power generation of the fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Takatoshi Masui
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Patent number: 8086418Abstract: An imperfect combustion detecting device includes a destructive current supplying means which supplies, under a condition that it is determined by a useful life determining means that a deterioration status corresponding value matches a use limit value, destructive current to a sensor in order to melt down a part of a circuit that configures the sensor. When it is determined that the sensor is no longer capable of performing a normal CO level detecting function, the sensor is destroyed to the extent rendering the CO level detecting function of the sensor lost to an unrecoverable level.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2009Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Rinnai CorporationInventor: Hideo Okamoto
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Publication number: 20110289999Abstract: A tank ventilation system having an intake tract, the tank ventilation system including a hydrocarbon reservoir, a sensor, and a valve. The valve and the sensor are arranged in a fluid line that couples the hydrocarbon reservoir to the intake tract. The sensor captures a hydrocarbon concentration of a fluid in the fluid line. A captured value of the hydrocarbon concentration is measured using the sensor. When the open valve, a mass flow of the fluid flowing through the fluid line into the intake tract is captured or determined. An air/fuel ratio of an air/fuel mixture fed to the internal combustion engine is determined. An estimated value of the hydrocarbon concentration in the fluid line is determined according to the mass flow of the fluid and the air/fuel ratio. The sensor is calibrated according to the captured value of the hydrocarbon concentration and the estimated value of the hydrocarbon concentration.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2009Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Rudolf Bierl, Stephan Heinrich, Andreas Wildgen