With Magnetic Or Optical Sensor Patents (Class 73/1.22)
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Patent number: 12178989Abstract: A wearable infusion pump assembly. The wearable infusion pump assembly includes a reservoir for receiving an infusible fluid and a fluid delivery system configured to deliver the infusible fluid from the reservoir to an external infusion set. The fluid delivery system includes a controller, a pump assembly for extracting a quantity of infusible fluid from the reservoir and providing the quantity of infusible fluid to the external infusion set, the pump assembly comprising a pump plunger, the pump plunger having distance of travel, the distance of travel having a starting position and an ending position, at least one optical sensor assembly for sensing the starting position and ending position of the pump plunger distance of travel and sending sensor output to the controller, and a first valve assembly configured to selectively isolate the pump assembly from the reservoir, wherein the controller receives the sensor output and determines the total displacement of the pump plunger.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2023Date of Patent: December 31, 2024Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Gregory R. Lanier, Larry B. Gray, Richard J. Lanigan, Dean Kamen, Stephen L. Fichera, John M. Kerwin
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Patent number: 12007308Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for inspecting a tank containing a flammable fluid are provided. The system includes a vehicle having a propeller, a latch mechanism, a pressure switch, and an inspection device. The system includes a control unit in communication with the propeller, the latch mechanism, and the inspection device, and electrically connected to the pressure switch. The control unit powers on responsive to the pressure switch detecting an ambient pressure greater than a minimum threshold. The control unit receives, from the latch mechanism, an indication of a state of the latch mechanism. The control unit determines that the cable used to lower the vehicle into the tank containing the flammable fluid is detached from the vehicle. The control unit commands the propeller to move the vehicle through the flammable fluid. The control unit determines a quality metric of a portion of the tank.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2022Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: Square Robot, Inc.Inventors: Jerome Vaganay, Eric Levitt, William O'Halloran
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Patent number: 11906466Abstract: A measurement method performed by a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus including a chamber is provided. In the measurement method, first measurement data including a signal of a resonance frequency of the chamber is acquired as reference data, in response to transmitting an electrical signal into the chamber while a jig capable of performing wireless communication is not placed in the chamber. Subsequently, second measurement data including the signal of the resonance frequency of the chamber and including a signal of a resonance frequency of a sensor installed in the jig is acquired, in response to transmitting an electrical signal into the chamber while the jig is placed in the chamber. By subtracting the reference data from the second measurement data, third measurement data is calculated.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Takayuki Hatanaka, Tong Wu, Satoshi Nomura
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Patent number: 11633538Abstract: A system for modulating delivery of a fluid medium includes an injector for injecting the fluid medium during an injection cycle, a delivery catheter including a conduit for delivering the fluid medium, a manifold disposed in a fluid medium flow path between the injector and the delivery catheter, and a pulsatile generator. The pulsatile generator is configured to apply a pulsatile force to the fluid medium defined by a plurality of duty cycles during the injection cycle, each of the duty cycles including a first pressure level and a second pressure level that is lower than the first pressure level.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2020Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: Osprey Medical, Inc.Inventors: Matthew M. Burns, Tuan M. Doan, Rodney L. Houfburg, David M. Kaye, Todd J. Mortier
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Patent number: 11507104Abstract: A robotic cleaner may include a body, an optical receiver, the optical receiver being configured to detect an optical signal generated by an external device, and an optical pattern generator configured to emit light according to an optical pattern that extends at least partially around the body, wherein, when the optical pattern intersects an obstacle, at least a portion of the light incident on the obstacle is reflected towards the optical receiver, the optical receiver being configured to detect the reflected light.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2020Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLCInventor: Isaku D. Kamada
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Patent number: 10861686Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an automatic calibration device for an ion migration spectrometer and an ion migration spectrometer. The automatic calibration device includes: a reservoir configured to store liquid calibration sample therein; and an automatic transfer portion communicated with the reservoir and configured to transfer the liquid calibration sample in the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2018Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: Nuctech Company LimitedInventors: Yangtian Zhang, Guangqin Li, Bin Xue, Zhanhong Jia
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Patent number: 10677636Abstract: A method for calibrating flow meters for fluid media comprises the steps of guiding a medium (102) through a reference measuring section (101-1) and a test measuring section (101-2) which has a flow meter to be calibrated, establishing at least approximately identical and constant pressure and flow conditions for the medium (102) in both measuring sections (101-1, 101-2), detecting a reference throughflow of the medium (102) through the reference measuring section (101-1) and throughflow values which correspond temporally thereto and are measured by the flow meter (125) to be calibrated of the test measuring section at a preset medium temperature, comparing the detected reference throughflow through the reference measuring section (101-1) with the throughflow values which correspond temporally thereto of the flow meter (125) to be calibrated, in order, based on this, to determine at least one correction value for the calibration of the flow meter (125) at the preset medium temperature, and determining of theType: GrantFiled: April 14, 2015Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Karl Weindl
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Patent number: 9825641Abstract: A reconfigurable sensor monitoring system includes software tunable filters, each of which is programmable to condition one type of analog signal. A processor coupled to the software tunable filters receives each type of analog signal so-conditioned.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2014Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Dean C. Alhorn, Kenneth R. Dutton, David E. Howard, Dennis A. Smith
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Patent number: 9035781Abstract: A gas appliance monitoring apparatus for automatically detecting and alerting to a “gas-out” condition of a gas appliance during operation, and/or for alerting to the presence of prolonged “gas-on” conditions of an appliance. The apparatus utilizes a highly sensitive low loss and low flow gas flow indicator with multiple flow sensors to monitor the gas flow characteristics of the appliance during use. A gas flow analyzer and alarm timing mechanism analyzes the gas flow characteristics and sounds an alarm at the appliance or wirelessly at a remote location upon detection of either of the above conditions. A biasing attraction magnet is incorporated in the fluid flow indicator to offset either the force of gravity or a return spring in low flow/low pressure applications. The piston is sealed for use in high pressure/low flow applications, and provided with a vent hole for residual gas bleed-off upon a stoppage of gas flow.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2012Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: WATERSTRIKE INCORPORATEDInventor: David A. Struyk
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Patent number: 8915115Abstract: A piston prover comprises a measurement cylinder; a hydraulic cylinder coupled with a downstream end of the measurement cylinder; a measuring piston that moves a predetermined distance through the measurement cylinder during a measurement due to a fluid flow to eject a reference volume of fluid; and a piston rod that is movably in the hydraulic cylinder, wherein the measuring piston and the piston rod are separately constructed. When returning the measuring piston to a predetermined upstream measurement standby position, the piston rod moves the measuring piston to set the measuring piston at the predetermined measurement standby position, and thereafter only the piston rod is moved from upstream to downstream and is accommodated in the hydraulic cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2011Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Oval CorporationInventors: Hirokazu Kuge, Hajime Iida
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Patent number: 8826717Abstract: A small volume prover (SVP) apparatus and method for providing variable volume calibration. The apparatus includes a precision bore cylinder and a piston configured with a valve arrangement in order to permit fluid to pass through an annular passage when the piston is traveling from one position to an opposite position. A position sensor and a pair of optical slot detectors can be integrated in association with the piston for continuously sensing an accurate position and stroke of the piston. The position sensor verifies the optical slot detectors at every run and provides calibration of flexible volumes as the fluid travels via the annular passage. The position sensor also checks the correct return of the piston after the flow stroke and detects the stuck mechanics. Such small volume prover apparatus associated with the position sensor can be employed for precise and fast position sensing of the piston and variable volume calibration of a fluid flow sensor.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Frank Van Bekkum
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Patent number: 8783088Abstract: Apparatus and methods for proving a flowmeter. In one embodiment, a flowmeter prover includes a flow tube, a displacer, and a signal analyzer. The displacer is moveable in a flow passage of the flow tube. A magnetic target is disposed on the displacer. One or more inductive transducers are disposed on the flow tube and configured to detect the magnetic target as the displacer moves in the flow tube. The signal analyzer is configured to detect a maximum slope of rising and falling edges of a signal generated by the transducer responsive to the magnetic target traversing the transducer. The signal analyzer is further configured to determine displacer velocity based on the detected maximum slope.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Daniel Measurement and Control, Inc.Inventor: Drew S. Weaver
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Patent number: 8739597Abstract: Apparatus and methods for proving a flow meter at low temperatures. A flow meter measuring low temperature fluids (e.g., less than about ?50° F., or less than about ?220° F.) must still be proved. Low temperature fluids can be destructive to piston or compact provers, or may require indirect proving methods. The apparatus disclosed is a low temperature prover directly coupled into the pipeline carrying the low temperature fluids. In some embodiments, a magnetic pickup coil and a magnetic member communicate between the displacer and the flow tube. The magnetic target member may be carbon-free. In some embodiments, a pair of ultrasonic transceivers coupled to the flow tube communicate a signal across the flow tube and a displacer is moveable to interrupt the signal. In some embodiments, the flow tube includes an inner surface having a microfinish for lubrication. The displacer may be a piston rotatable while being moved axially.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2009Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Daniel Measurement and Control, Inc.Inventor: Donald Day
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Patent number: 8590562Abstract: A fluid flow detection device includes a housing of non-magnetic metal, a flow passage through the housing and a valve seat in the flow passage. A magnetic valve element emits a magnetic field. The valve element is movable relative to the valve seat between a closed position blocking fluid flow through the flow passage and an open position allowing fluid flow through the flow passage. The magnetic valve element is biased toward the closed position. A magnetic field enhancer is movable with the magnetic valve element for enhancing the magnetic field. A magnetic field sensor on the housing is operable to signal a change in position of the valve element as it moves between its open and closed positions.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Lincoln Industries CorporationInventors: Canlong He, Paul G. Conley
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Patent number: 8369990Abstract: A robot platform is provided, which is intended in particular for remotely controlled and/or autonomous inspection of technical facilities, in particular in power stations, and comprises at least a drive mechanism configured to move the robot platform, an inspection device configured to inspect the technical facility and a communication device for exchanging measurement and/or control data. Particular flexibility in use and extended areas of use are achieved in that the robot platform is modular and the communication device operates in accordance with a uniform standard.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2011Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventors: Wolfgang Zesch, Markus Wiesendanger
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Publication number: 20120260717Abstract: A small volume prover (SVP) apparatus and method for providing variable volume calibration. The apparatus includes a precision bore cylinder and a piston configured with a valve arrangement in order to permit fluid to pass through an annular passage when the piston is traveling from one position to an opposite position. A position sensor and a pair of optical slot detectors can be integrated in association with the piston for continuously sensing an accurate position and stroke of the piston. The position sensor verifies the optical slot detectors at every run and provides calibration of flexible volumes as the fluid travels via the annular passage. The position sensor also checks the correct return of the piston after the flow stroke and detects the stuck mechanics. Such small volume prover apparatus associated with the position sensor can be employed for precise and fast position sensing of the piston and variable volume calibration of a fluid flow sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2011Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventor: Frank Van Bekkum
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Patent number: 7881828Abstract: A bus module for connecting electrically triggerable fluidic valves to a data bus. The bus module has an electrical circuit configuration, which evaluates address data and user data from data telegrams transmitted on the data bus and which triggers a fluidic valve determined by the address data in accordance with the user data of the data telegram. In order to keep the current load on the bus module low particularly when triggering hydraulic valves, the electronic circuit configuration, following the reception of user data in the form of a switch-on command for one of the fluidic valves connected to the bus module, first constantly supplies a supply voltage to the fluidic valve determined by the address data during a gate-controlled rise time of specifiable duration. Following the expiration of the gate-controlled rise time, the electronic circuit configuration supplies the fluidic valve with the supply voltage in a pulse width modulated form having a specifiable pulse control factor.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2005Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Bosch Rexroth AGInventor: Stefan Schmidt
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Publication number: 20090044596Abstract: A piston-and-cylinder gas flow calibrator (prover) having piston and cylinder elements with interface surfaces made of glass, quartz, or alumina. The piston and cylinder are made of the same material so as to have the same coefficient of thermal expansion. In one embodiment, the surface of the piston is ground, while the facing surface of the cylinder is unground. Also, disclosed are movement detectors for detecting movement of the piston in the cylinder.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2008Publication date: February 19, 2009Inventors: Harvey F. Padden, Edward Morrell
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Patent number: 7475586Abstract: A meter calibration apparatus includes a fluid intake conduit, a fluid discharge conduit, and a calibration cylinder connected in fluid communication with the intake and discharge conduits, the calibration cylinder defining a chamber. The apparatus further includes a piston slidable within the cylinder and defining first and second chamber portions on opposite sides of the piston, and at least one valve having an intake port in fluid communication with the intake conduit, a first flow port with a first flow conduit extending therefrom and connected to the first chamber portion for providing fluid communication therebetween, and a second flow port with a second flow conduit extending therefrom and connected to the second chamber portion for providing fluid communication therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2006Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Total Meter Services Inc.Inventor: Dennis Jerome Swanek
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Patent number: 7171285Abstract: In a mobile robot and a method for measuring a moving distance thereof, by including an image capture unit for photographing the bottom surface according to motion of a mobile robot at a certain intervals and capturing images; a displacement measurer for measuring displacement about the captured image; and a microcomputer for outputting an actual moving distance by direction and motion of the mobile robot on the basis of the measured displacement value, it is possible to measure an accurate moving distance of the mobile robot with only one image sensor installed at the center of a body of the mobile robot, and accordingly it is possible to simplify a mechanical structure and facilitate maintenance and repairing.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Se Wan Kim, Chan Hee Hong
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Patent number: 7157054Abstract: A gas sensor includes a semiconductor substrate and a sensing membrane. The sensing membrane is located at the bottom of a recess, which is formed by etching the substrate, and includes a heater, heater extension electrodes, a gas sensitive film, and gas-sensitive-film extension electrodes. A first end of each heater extension electrode is in contact with the heater, and a second end of each heater extension electrode extends outward from the sensing membrane. A first end of each gas-sensitive-film extension electrode is in contact with the gas sensitive film, and a second end of each gas-sensitive-film extension electrode extends outward from the sensing membrane. All of the heater, the heater extension electrodes, and the gas-sensitive-film extension electrodes are made of polycrystalline silicon.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2002Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Inao Toyoda, Yasutoshi Suzuki
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Patent number: 6988423Abstract: A controller for a gradient sequential compression system is provided for inflating a plurality of inflatable chambers of one or more compression sleeves according to several different modes of operation. A mode of operation may define the number and selection of chambers to be inflated, the pressurization levels, the pressurization time, or the sequence of chamber inflation. To enable the controller to automatically perform a designated mode of operation based on the type of compression sleeve connected, a new and improved connecting device is provided. An indicator on an interface connector associates a predetermined mode of operation with the interface connector. A sensor associated with a complementary connector identifies the mode of operation associated with the interface connector. It is contemplated that the universal connecting device can be used for any type of system, not just controllers for a gradient sequential compression system.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2000Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth Michael Bolam, James Arthur Borgen