Gas Patents (Class 73/1.06)
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Patent number: 7290434Abstract: An exemplary method is disclosed which serves to determine a condition of at least one measuring probe which is integrated in a process vessel of a process system with one or more system stages and which is cleaned from time to time using, for example, CIP- and SIP processes, without uninstalling the measuring probe for the cleaning. The temperature of the measuring probe or of the medium surrounding the measuring probe can be measured by a measuring sensor arranged inside or outside the measuring probe, and the condition of the measuring probe can be determined based on a record of the temperature (TS/M) measured over the time when the measuring probe is in operation. In some cases, the method can include monitoring correct execution of the CIP- and SIP processes.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2004Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AGInventors: Jürgen Ammann, Alfred Peer, René Oberlin, Klaus-Dieter Anders, Christian Zwicky
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Publication number: 20070240485Abstract: A gas sensor is disclosed having a gas sensing element, an insulating element holder and a housing. The insulating element holder has a stepped engaging shoulder and the housing has an outer periphery, formed with a tool-fitting portion adapted to engage a mounting tool, and an inner peripheral wall having a holder rest shoulder facing the stepped engaging shoulder. A packing element is interposed between the stepped engaging shoulder and the holder rest shoulder so as to provide a hermetically sealing effect between an atmospheric side ambience of the gas sensor and a measuring gas side ambience thereof. The holder rest shoulder is formed at an opening angle, representing an angle defined with a pair of profile lines on a plane including a center axis of the gas sensor in cross section thereof, which is set to be less than 100°.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2007Publication date: October 18, 2007Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Keiji Kanao
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Patent number: 7281405Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for calibrating sensors, which sensors are arranged on semiconductor chips and are e.g. to be used for detecting a substance in a fluid. The sensors are calibrated while they are still assembled on a semiconductor wafer by exposing the wafer to a calibration fluid containing a known amount of the substance to be measured. Hence, rather than first cutting the wafer, the sensors are calibrated at an early stage. For this purpose, they are placed on a chuck below a lid. The calibration fluid with known parameters is introduced between the wafer and the lid. This allows to test and calibrate a large number of sensors quickly.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2005Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Sensirion AGInventors: Felix Mayer, Mathias Deschler, Urs Rothacher, René Hummel
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Patent number: 7281404Abstract: An apparatus for providing a test gas to a gas monitoring instrument having a window for admitting gas to a gas sensor therein, is formed from a mechanical adaptor open at a portion thereof and having walls constructed and arranged such that the mechanical adaptor removably fits over the window to form a substantially gas tight chamber of predefined volume defined by the walls of the mechanical adaptor and the instrument, means disposed in the mechanical adaptor for receiving a vial of test gas and breaking a seal in the vial to admit the test gas to the chamber. The invention is also directed to a kit including the vial of test gas, and a method for testing a gas detection instrument utilizing the apparatus and a vial of test gas.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2004Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Industrial Scientific CorporationInventors: Wenfeng Peng, Thomas M. Cunningham
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Patent number: 7275411Abstract: An apparatus for providing a test gas to a gas monitoring instrument having a window for admitting gas to a gas sensor therein, is formed from a mechanical adaptor open at a portion thereof and having walls adapted to the gas monitoring instrument such that the mechanical adaptor removably fits over the window to form a substantially gas tight chamber of predefined volume defined by the walls of the mechanical adaptor and the instrument, means disposed in the mechanical adaptor for receiving a vial of test gas and breaking a seal in the vial to admit the test gas to the chamber. The invention is also directed to a kit including the vial of test gas, and a method for testing a gas detection instrument utilizing the apparatus and a vial of test gas.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Industrial Scientific CorporationInventor: Wenfeng Peng
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Patent number: 7260976Abstract: A calibration checking device, and methods of mandating its use at regular time intervals, to ensure maintenance of the accuracy of gas analyzers, especially for use with breath tests. Each calibration checking device is designed to be used for a predetermined number of tests. After first connection of a new calibration checking device, a volume of known calibration checking gas is released into the instrument, and a calibration checking measurement is initiated. A signal is sent to a counting mechanism which both enables the use of the instrument, and commences a count of the number of tests performed by the breath tester. When the number of tests is exceeded, the instrument is disenabled. The device can include a moisture filter having an interface with the instrument, which prevents its operation if the filter is used beyond the recommended number of times, or if excess moisture renders it saturated.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2005Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: BreathID LtdInventors: Lewis Colman, Gershon Levitsky, Ilan Ben-Oren
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Publication number: 20070169534Abstract: A method of confirming reception of a drop of water has the steps of applying a powder on a surface of a gas sensing element, placing the element in a gas passage so as to expose the surface of the element to the gas passage, causing a measured gas to flow through the gas passage, receiving drops of water included in the measured gas on limited areas of the surface of the element such that the drops of water take out the powder applied on the limited areas from the element, and confirming the reception of the drops of water on the surface of the element. The powder has a melting point or a sublimation temperature equal to or higher than 1000° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2007Publication date: July 26, 2007Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Motoaki Satoh, Kouhei Yamada
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Patent number: 7242309Abstract: A gas detection system capable of suppressing the power consumption of the system using gas sensors required for heating for measurement at high accuracy, comprising a server and a plurality of gas sensors connected by way of wireless communication with the server, in which each of the gas sensors is provided with a heater, a controller for controlling the ON-OFF for the power supply to the heater and a comparator for comparing the detected gas concentration with a predetermined threshold value. In the gas detection system, electric power is not usually supplied to the heater in each of the gas sensors and the gas sensor measures the gas concentration at a low accuracy and always compares it with the threshold value. In a case where the gas concentration exceeds the threshold value in one of the gas sensors, it turns the heater of its own to ON thereby switching the measurement to that at high accuracy and turns the heater to OFF upon completing the measurement.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2005Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Koichi Yokosawa, Sadaki Nakano, Yasushi Goto
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Patent number: 7216527Abstract: A gas detector capable of accurately measuring particular components (odors or the like) contained in an ambient gas to be measured, being compact, and capable of being easily formed to be portable, or producing low noise and capable of being small-sized. Having zero gas cylinder (9) as a supplying unit of a zero gas and component parts disposed within its enclosure (2) and using syringe (3) as a gas intake/exhaust unit, it alternately introduces a test gas, i.e., an ambient gas taken in from outside enclosure (2) through piping (12a), and the zero gas supplied from zero gas cylinder (9) into sensor unit (7) and measures the test gas, while having operation of each unit controlled by data processor (11). Thus, accurate measurement of the test gas is achieved by relatively comparing results of measurement on the gases at each measurement. In addition, gas detector (1) can be moved to a spot where measurement is to be made to have the test gas there measured.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2003Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Tsutomu Imoto
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Patent number: 7174766Abstract: A self-calibrating carbon dioxide sensor that includes a carbon dioxide detector and a carbon dioxide gas generator. In some embodiments, the carbon dioxide gas generator includes a heating element and a carbon dioxide gas releasing solid material in thermal communication with the heating element. The carbon dioxide gas releasing solid material releases carbon dioxide when heated by the heating element. Methods of calibrating a self-calibrating carbon dioxide sensor are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Steven J. Eickhoff, Roland A. Wood
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Patent number: 7168288Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of internally-generated hydrogen sulfide as a calibration gas for hydrogen sulfide sensors. The present invention also relates to an apparatus and methods for self-calibration of hydrogen sulfide sensors.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2006Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Steven Eickhoff, Yuandong Gu
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Patent number: 7167098Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 16, 2004Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Bernd Siber, Ulrich Oppelt
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Patent number: 7152454Abstract: A method for calibrating a plurality of gas analyzers includes providing gas analyzers that measure the concentrations of gases. A span gas includes a mixture of the gases. A calibration mixture is supplied to the gas analyzers that includes the span gas and a non-reactive zero gas. At least one of a concentration of the non-reactive zero gas and a concentration of the span gas is varied in the calibration mixture as a function of time. The gas analyzers generate sets of readings of the concentrations of the gases. A controller generates response functions of the gas analyzers based on the sets of readings. The controller determines exact concentrations of the gases in the calibration mixture based on a set of readings from a gas analyzer with a predetermined response to a gas. The controller calibrates the gas analyzers based on the response functions and the exact concentrations.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2003Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Donald B. Nagy, Steven S. De Carteret
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Patent number: 7146841Abstract: An apparatus is described for calibrating at least one sensor within a gas detector (22), which detector has a gas inlet in fluid communication with the or each sensor, the apparatus comprising a housing (10) that contains: a) a surface (24) for abutting against the detector (22); b) a holder (14) for holding the gas detector (22) with respect to the housing (10) in such a manner that a region of the detector containing the gas inlet abuts against the surface (24) of the housing to form a sealed gas interface between the surface (24) and the detector (22); c) a connector for connecting a source of pressurised calibration gas (12) to the apparatus, d) a conduit (32) for delivering a calibration gas from the connector (34) to the interface between the detector and the apparatus housing, e) electrical connections (40) within the holder for forming electrical connections between the apparatus and a detector held within the holder, and e) a flow controller (34, 36) within the conduit for providing calibration gasType: GrantFiled: December 11, 2001Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Honeywell Analytics LimitedInventor: Steven Gerard Forrest
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Patent number: 7104110Abstract: A control device determines whether or not the detected value of a unit conducting current output from a current sensor at least plural times is equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit current at time of the start of the actuation of a gas sensor, and furthermore, determines that each of the units of the gas sensor is set in an abnormal state if a duration for a state in which it is determined that the detected value of the unit conducting current is equal to or greater than the predetermined upper limit current is equal to or longer than a predetermined upper limit time.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hidetoshi Oishi, Hirotoshi Inoue, Takashi Saito, Takashi Sasaki
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Patent number: 7090755Abstract: A test signal is applied in parallel with an electrochemical gas sensor for about ten seconds, while an amplifying circuit is turned off. After turning off the test signal, the amplifying circuit is turned on. If the gas sensor outputs an waveform of a predetermined shape in a predetermined period after the turning-on, the gas sensor will be judged to be normal.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2005Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Figaro Engineering Inc.Inventors: Tomohiro Inoue, Yuki Fujimori
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Patent number: 7073368Abstract: A gas sensor includes a gas detector, a reference gas generator, and a circuit. The reference gas generator includes a heater and a gas releasing material. The gas releasing material is in proximity to the heater such that, when the heater is energized during calibration, the gas releasing material releases an overpressure of a reference gas to the gas detector and such that, when the heater is not energized, the gas releasing material releases no substantial overpressure of the reference gas to the gas detector. The circuit energizes the heater during calibration and is responsive to an output of the gas detector during the period when the gas detector is provided the reference gas so as to calibrate the gas sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2004Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Roland A. Wood, James Liu
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Patent number: 7055364Abstract: A vehicle exhaust measurement system is provided includes that a conduit having a conduit inlet and a conduit outlet. A make-up air tube is connected to and is in fluid communication with the conduit inlet. The make-up air tube provides make-up air for mixing an exhaust gas. A mixed gas tube is connected to and is in fluid communication with the conduit outlet. The mixed gas tube conveys a mixture of make-up air and exhaust gas to analysis equipment. In the preferred embodiment, the exhaust gas tube extends through an outer wall of the conduit. A mixing plate is arranged in either the conduit or the mixed gas tube with the exhaust gas tube extending to a position adjacent to the mixing plate. The exhaust gas tube conveys the exhaust gas to the mixing plate to mix the exhaust gas and the make-up air at the mixing plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2004Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: AVL North America, Inc.Inventors: William Martin Silvis, Norbert Kreft, Gerald Marek, James Williamson
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Patent number: 7043957Abstract: An element impedance detection apparatus for an oxygen sensor is provided with a first switching device, a second resistor, first resistor, and a first condenser for application of a sweep voltage to the oxygen sensor. The first switching device is switched to ON and the sweep voltage applied; a sensor current I that flows in the oxygen sensor along with application of the sweep voltage is then detected. Element impedance is calculated based on the sweep voltage and the sensor current. The second resistor, the first resistor and the first condenser are connected to the oxygen sensor such that a time constant of the sweep voltage increases as the element impedance becomes larger.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazutaka Hattori
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Patent number: 7043963Abstract: A sealed housing evaporative determination (SHED) apparatus and method for practically zero emission vehicles (PZEV) provides periodic sampling of ambient air within a substantially air-tight testing structure enclosing a vehicle under test. Pressure drops within the testing structure are compensated by injecting air substantially free of hydrocarbons into the testing structure. Pressure increases within the testing structure are reduced by withdrawing ambient air from the testing structure. Hydrocarbon content of any withdrawn ambient air is determined from the latest sample, and cumulative evaporative emissions are adjusted accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Dennis M Blumke, Ron Berndt, Amin Haj-Ali
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Patent number: 7033482Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor is self-diagnosed on the basis of an output waveform that is generated when a power source of said gas sensor is turned on after said power source has been turned off for a short time and an output waveform that is generated when said power source is turned on after said power source has been turned off for a long time. In a normal gas sensor, when the power source is turned on after the power source has been turned off for the short time, a bottom will be generated in the potential of the sensing electrode side, and when the power source is turned on after the power source has been turned off for the long time, a peak will be generated in the potential of the sensing electrode side. A self-diagnosis of the electrochemical gas sensor can be done without pulse power source for self-diagnosis, and the dead time from self-diagnosis until start of detection can be shortened.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2005Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Figaro Engineering Inc.Inventor: Tomohiro Inoue
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Patent number: 7029852Abstract: The present invention is drawn to the detection of harmful agents, known or previously unknown, using a biosensor. The biosensor makes use of non-living biological or biochemical sensor molecules for detecting and classifying chemicals, poisons, particles, vira, and bacteria in fluids. In a preferred embodiment, the bioreceptor comprises sensor molecules packaged in a collection device and treated to evoke an optical response to the presence of harmful agents, allowing for photocell detection and signal processing. The sensor molecules are selected from the group of biological molecules consisting of aptamers, single-chain nucleic acids, double-chain nucleic acids, hybridized chemicals incorporating these molecules and combinations thereof that bind with harmful agents. The harmful agents can also be collected in this manner for further analysis, and antibodies produced by the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2002Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Inventors: Stephen W. Liebholz, John Maniello
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Patent number: 7017386Abstract: A self-testing and self-calibrating detector utilizing an internally produced reference gas. A detector that is sensitive to a target analyte as well as a reference gas can be utilized. A gas releasing material, such as a heated metal hydride, releases the reference gas. The partial pressure of the reference gas is known as a temperature dependent physical property of the gas releasing material. During calibration, the material can be heated to release reference gas and a calibration measurement of the gas' partial pressure can be made and compared to an expected value. The comparison can then be utilized to calibrate the detector.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2005Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: James Z. Liu, Andrew Wood
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Patent number: 7013700Abstract: A measuring device for measuring the moisture in gases comprises the following features: a moisture sensor and an evaluation unit connected thereto to provide a measured quantity representing a relative moisture in a gas, and a heating device which is thermally coupled to the moisture sensor. Said heating device is adapted to keep the moisture sensor at an operating temperature that is higher than the ambient temperature of the moisture sensor by an at least approximately constant difference in temperature.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2001Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Testo AGInventor: Martin Rombach
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Patent number: 7013701Abstract: Provided is an inspection method for a multilayer gas sensing device, capable of certainly and easily detecting a defective product originating from faults such as gaps or cracks. For the inspection of the gas sensing device including a sensor cell in which a measured gas side electrode is coated with a porous diffusion resistance layer in a stacked condition and the diffusion resistance layer is further coated with a dense protective layer in a stacked condition, in a state where the gas sensing device is immersed in a conductive inspection solution and a reference electrode of the sensor cell is placed into a non-contact with the solution, a voltage is applied between the solution and the reference electrode to measure a current flowing therebetween. On the basis of the measured current value, a decision is made as to whether or not the insulation is kept between the solution and the reference electrode.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2003Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Yukio Kawashima
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Patent number: 7000449Abstract: A vehicle exhaust measurement system is provided includes that a conduit having a conduit inlet and a conduit outlet. A make-up air tube is connected to and is in fluid communication with the conduit inlet. The make-up air tube provides make-up air for mixing an exhaust gas. A mixed gas tube is connected to and is in fluid communication with the conduit outlet. The mixed gas tube conveys a mixture of make-up air and exhaust gas to analysis equipment. In the preferred embodiment, the exhaust gas tube extends through an outer wall of the conduit. A mixing plate is arranged in either the conduit or the mixed gas tube with the exhaust gas tube extending to a position adjacent to the mixing plate. The exhaust gas tube conveys the exhaust gas to the mixing plate to mix the exhaust gas and the make-up air at the mixing plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2004Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: AVL North America Inc.Inventors: William Martin Silvis, Norbert Kreft, Gerald Marek, James Williamson
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Patent number: 6978653Abstract: In an abnormality detection system that detects abnormality in an oxygen sensor including a detection element for outputting a current value corresponding to an oxygen concentration upon receipt of a voltage application, a negative value is applied to the oxygen sensor so as to obtain an impedance of the detection element. Then a difference between the obtained impedance of the oxygen sensor upon application of the negative voltage and the impedance of the oxygen sensor upon application of a positive voltage prior to the negative voltage application is calculated. It is determined whether there is abnormality in the oxygen sensor based on the calculated difference.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2004Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazutaka Hattori
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Patent number: 6976382Abstract: At a time point at which an ignition switch is made OFF and an engine is stopped, an output of a downstream gas sensor is read, thereafter, at a time point at which a predetermined time period has elapsed from stopping the engine, the output of the downstream gas sensor changed by flowing the atmosphere back into an exhaust pipe is read. Thereafter, a change in the output of the downstream gas sensor until the predetermined time period has elapsed from stopping the engine is calculated, the change in the output is compared with an abnormality determinant and when the change in the output is smaller than the abnormality determinant, response of the downstream gas sensor is determined to be abnormal.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: DENSO CorporationInventors: Hisashi Kadowaki, Syujiro Morinaga, Yukihiro Yamashita, Hideyuki Maeji
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Patent number: 6975967Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a predictive warning system of the failure of O2 and CO2 sensors, which are particularly suited for an incubator environment are, disclosed. An application of the predictive failure of O2 and CO2 sensor method and apparatus to incubators is also disclosed. The method and apparatus includes a gas sensor, an embedded controller for analyzing the gas sensor and an interface for indicating a gas sensor failure to a user.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Revco Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bryan Elwood, David J. Cartwright, Earl Robertson, Richard H. Bair, III
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Patent number: 6973818Abstract: A vehicle exhaust measurement system is provided includes that a conduit having a conduit inlet and a conduit outlet. A make-up air tube is connected to and is in fluid communication with the conduit inlet. The make-up air tube provides make-up air for mixing an exhaust gas. A mixed gas tube is connected to and is in fluid communication with the conduit outlet. The mixed gas tube conveys a mixture of make-up air and exhaust gas to analysis equipment. In the preferred embodiment, the exhaust gas tube extends through an outer wall of the conduit. A mixing plate is arranged in either the conduit or the mixed gas tube with the exhaust gas tube extending to a position adjacent to the mixing plate. The exhaust gas tube conveys the exhaust gas to the mixing plate to mix the exhaust gas and the make-up air at the mixing plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2002Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: AVL North America, Inc.Inventors: William Martin Silvis, James Williamson
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Patent number: 6969419Abstract: A method for removing bubbles adhering to the interior wall of a fluid-filled chamber through which a fluid flows, and a related method and apparatus for removing bubbles from a chamber having medical sensory equipment such as a blood gas and chemistry analyzer. The method includes drawing a quantity of gas into the chamber to empty the chamber of fluid, maintaining the chamber in an empty state for a predetermined period of time, and then refilling the chamber with fluid at a rate low enough to remove remaining bubbles and to prevent the formation and trapping of new bubbles within the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2000Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Segars California Partners LPInventor: James H. Macemon
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Patent number: 6960290Abstract: A testing and calibrating device for an evaluation circuit of a linear oxygen probe (S) of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. Said device comprises a probe equivalent circuit (SES) having the same terminals (Vs+, Vs?/Vp?, Vp+ and Rc) as the oxygen probe (S). The probe equivalent circuit can largely emulate the electrical and chemical behaviors of the oxygen probe (S) and simulate probe faults and, at least during a testing and calibrating process, is connected to the evaluation circuit in place of the oxygen probe (S) or is connected parallel to said oxygen probe.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2002Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Dariusch Akhavan, Stephan Bolz
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Patent number: 6957563Abstract: A novel abnormality detection device for an air-fuel ratio sensor able to more accurately detect an abnormality, provided with an air-fuel ratio sensor arranged in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine for detecting an air-fuel ratio based on a current generated in accordance with a concentration of oxygen in the exhaust gas along with application of voltage and an air-fuel ratio sensor activating means for activating the air-fuel ratio sensor, wherein the activity of the air-fuel ratio sensor is maintained even after the internal combustion engine is stopped and an abnormality of the air-fuel ratio sensor is detected based on an output of the air-fuel ratio sensor upon and/or after the elapse of a first predetermined time after the internal combustion engine is stopped.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2004Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazutaka Hattori
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Patent number: 6957562Abstract: An engine exhaust sensor diagnostic system includes an oxygen sensor and a controller. The controller monitors a signal generated by the oxygen sensor, determines a rate of change of the signal, and computes diagnostic parameters. The controller indicates malfunction of the oxygen sensor if the diagnostic parameters are smaller in magnitude than corresponding thresholds.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2003Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Igor Anilovich, Thomas L. Ting
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Patent number: 6948352Abstract: The self-calibrating carbon monoxide detector and method of the present invention utilize the gas for which the detector was designed to detect as the calibration gas. Specifically, a carbon monoxide gas generator is included in the detector assembly, and is controller to produce a known amount of CO. The sensor response to the quantity of CO generated is monitored, and the calibration thereof adjusted as necessary. The operation of the gas generator is also monitored, and any failures are flagged for user attention. The gas generator specifically suppresses the generation of hydrogen through the materials used in its construction. Temperature effects may also be compensated either through control of gas generation control parameters or compensation of the sensor output in view of the generator temperature effects.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2002Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: Walter Kidde Portable Equipment, Inc.Inventors: Michael David Rabbett, Ann Marie Harvey
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Patent number: 6935155Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a failure of an exhaust gas sensor disposed in an exhaust manifold is provided. The apparatus comprises a control unit. The control unit compares detection values of the exhaust gas sensor detected under different element temperatures of the exhaust gas sensor. The control unit detects a failure of the exhaust gas sensor based on the comparison result. In one embodiment, the different states include a state in which the element temperature is maintained at higher level and a state in which the element temperature is maintained at lower level. The element temperature can be controlled by a response assignment control scheme. In one embodiment, the detection values are subjected to a filtering process and/or a statistical process using a successive least squares method. The control unit compares the statistically processed detection values to detect a failure of the exhaust gas sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2003Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushkiki KaishaInventors: Yuji Yasui, Hiroshi Kitagawa
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Patent number: 6918281Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Zellweger Analytics LimitedInventors: Michael Sussman, Charles Edward Downs, Tom Ford, David Smith
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Patent number: 6912887Abstract: An oxygen sensor abnormality detecting device has first and second offset circuits for applying first and second offset voltages to a ground line and an output line of an oxygen sensor. The device compares the voltage of the output line with a high voltage-side shorting determination value, a low voltage-side shorting determination value and a break determination value to detect a high voltage-side shorting, a low voltage-side shorting and a line break.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Toshiaki Ikeda
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Patent number: 6894297Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-component gas analyzing method using FTIR, which can correct for an influence of a coexistent gas due to an intensity change in the spectrum itself that occurs depending on the base gas composition so that it is possible to carry out, a measurement with high precision. A plurality of components in a sample are quantitatively analyzed based upon an absorption spectrum obtained by FTIR. After having calculated multi-component concentrations from a mixed gas spectrum by using a quantitative algorithm, calculations are further carried out so as to correct for a change in spectrum due to a coexistent gas component with respect to part of target components.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2000Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Horiba, Ltd.Inventors: Kaori Inoue, Masayuki Adachi
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Patent number: 6877354Abstract: To balance ozone sensors for the onboard diagnosis of a catalytic element which is arranged in a vehicle and is exposed to an ambient airstream, for breaking down ozone, predetermined enable conditions allowing the sensor balancing to be carried out are checked, and if the enable conditions are fulfilled the values of the output signals from the ozone sensors are recorded and compared with one another. This comparison gives a deviation value which is characteristic of the deviation between the two values, and the deviation value is used to decide whether sensor balancing is required and indeed possible. If sensor balancing is required and possible, the values of the output signals from the ozone sensors are compared with a threshold value and depending on the result of this comparison either an additive or a multiplicative correction of the values of the output signals is performed.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Klaus Bayerle, Frank Hacker, Hong Zhang
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Patent number: 6856147Abstract: An improved system for determining the value of a resistive load is provided. The system includes: a reference voltage source; a reference resistor of known value having a first and second terminal, the first terminal connected to the reference voltage source and the second terminal connected to the resistive load; and a software program stored in a control unit connected to the first and second terminal, the control unit operative to read a value of the reference voltage source and a voltage at the second terminal of the predetermined reference resistor and to calculate the value of the resistive load as a function of the readings of the reference voltage source and the second terminal voltages.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2003Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Mikhail Zarkhin, Timothy P Philippart, Roger A. Moon
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Publication number: 20040237625Abstract: For calibrating a moisture sensor (1), the latter is used to measure the relative moisture (U1, U2) at each of two known gas pressure values (P1, P2), likewise to be measured if necessary. At the same time, other ambient conditions are kept constant. A correction value for correction of the measured values of the moisture sensor to be subtracted from the latter is then obtained from the formula: k=((P1/P2)*U2−U1)/(P1/P2−1). The moisture sensor (1) is thus capable of calibration without measurement of the actual moisture value.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2003Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventors: Martin Rombach, Markus Langenbacher
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Patent number: 6812834Abstract: A reference sample for testing fire detectors and a method of testing utilizing the reference samples. The reference sample comprises a fused mixture of pellets of the plastics usually found in aircraft cargo holds, with a heating element embedded in the sample. The pellets are in a plurality of layers with the composition of each layer being homogeneous but the thicknesses and porosities of the layers differing from each other. When the heating element is energized the layers of pellets, which have previously been fused into porous masses, begin to smolder, thereby generating a smoky atmosphere that as nearly as possible simulates the atmosphere in an aircraft cargo hold when there is a fire in the hold. In addition, a flammable liquid can be poured onto the sample and ignited, simultaneously with the energization of the heating element, by a separate ignition source to provide a flaming fire atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of TransportationInventors: Richard E. Lyon, David R. Blake
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Patent number: 6802200Abstract: An impact force is applied to a sensing element to enlarge the size of a hidden crack to a visible level to reveal the presence of a hidden crack. To apply the impact force to a sensing element, a gas sensor is supported by a holder which is fixed to a distal end of a shaft. The shaft swings about a proximal end thereof serving as a pivot. The holder, with the gas sensor held at its end, is released from a predetermined higher position so as to swing downward about the pivot of the shaft due to gravity. The holder hits a striking plate disposed on a swing path of the holder.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2002Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Yasushi Kawamura
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Publication number: 20040187554Abstract: In an abnormality detection system that detects abnormality in an oxygen sensor including a detection element for outputting a current value corresponding to an oxygen concentration upon receipt of a voltage application, a negative value is applied to the oxygen sensor so as to obtain an impedance of the detection element. Then a difference between the obtained impedance of the oxygen sensor upon application of the negative voltage and the impedance of the oxygen sensor upon application of a positive voltage prior to the negative voltage application is calculated. It is determined whether there is abnormality in the oxygen sensor based on the calculated difference.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kazutaka Hattori
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Publication number: 20040182133Abstract: A combustion gas analyzer for measuring the concentration of a gas constituent in an exhaust gas stream is provided. The gas analyzer includes a sensor cell assembly coupled to a transmitter having electrical circuitry configured to provide an output of the concentration of the gas constituent as sensed by the sensor cell assembly. The combustion gas analyzer also includes a filter substantially enclosing the sensor cell assembly and a conduit coupled to the filter at a first end of the conduit and coupled to a valve assembly at a second end of the conduit. The conduit is used for supplying a calibration gas to the sensor cell assembly or for supplying a blow-back gas used to purge the filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2003Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventors: Stephen J. Staphanos, Marion A. Keyes
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Patent number: 6781695Abstract: An improved light source for use in an opacity monitor (transmissometer) that reduces the variation in light intensity across a projected light beam to enable a more accurate and stable method for measuring the opacity of gases in a stack/duct, especially at low values (e.g., <10%) of opacity while operating within specific performance requirements.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2001Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Land Instruments International, Inc.Inventors: Richard Hovan, Stuart F. Metcalfe, Derek D. Stuart
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Patent number: 6769285Abstract: A device for testing a fire alarm including a smoke alarm and at least one gas sensor, has a testing pot fittable over a fire alarm, a first gas container with aerosol for operational testing of the smoke alarm, the first gas container having a first valve and a first gas outlet opening, the first gas outlet opening extending into the testing part, and means for making available a testing gas for at least one gas sensor available in the testing pot.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2001Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Joachim Schneider, Anton Pfefferseder, Bernd Siber, Andreas Hensel, Ulrich Oppelt
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Patent number: 6766702Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for investigating the behavior of particles or droplets in a gas-vapor mixture inside a flow device, which is useful for studying cloud dynamical and microphysical processes. The invention allows adjustment and/or control of the thermodynamic system parameters based on the observed behavior of an internal standard with known properties, thus achieving a well-defined vapor concentration and saturation field inside the flow device. By injecting particles or droplets to be investigated into this well defined flow device, and measuring the size of the particles or droplets, the activation and growth or shrinking behavior of the particles or droplets may be determined using a mathematical model of the fluid, thermodynamic, and chemical conditions of the flow device.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2001Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Institute for Tropospheric Research, a German non-profit organizationInventors: Jost Heintzenberg, Robert J. Charlson, Frank Stratmann, Manfred Wendisch, Sabine Wurzler
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Patent number: 6764462Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is disclosed to provide vacuum therapy to a wound associated with a patient. The wound treatment apparatus comprises a control unit comprising an alarm and a display displaying an alarm log providing information associated with each activation of the alarm. The display also displays information to instruct a user how to operate the wound treatment apparatus. A method of calibrating the control unit is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Hill-Rom Services Inc.Inventors: James R. Risk, Jr., Robert Petrosenko