Liquid Level Or Volume Measuring Apparatus Patents (Class 73/1.73)
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Publication number: 20140256056Abstract: An analytical system includes a laser disposed to direct light toward a microfluidic feature disposed in a feature layer of a multiple layer test cartridge, a sensor to receive reflections from capping layers disposed about the microfluidic feature in the feature layer, and a controller to determine a depth of the microfluidic feature as a function of the received reflections.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2013Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: Honeywell International IncInventor: Tzu-Yu Wang
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Patent number: 8813563Abstract: A measuring cup and funnel system includes a measuring cup and a funnel portion formed within the measuring cup. The measuring cup includes measurement indicators based on volume within an interior of the measuring cup considering displacement of the funnel portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Evriholder Products LLCInventors: Bruce Mitchell Tharp, Stephanie M. Tharp
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Publication number: 20140202559Abstract: Fill level monitoring relates to a method for controlling the fill level of a collecting vessel, wherein the collecting vessel could be filled with a dielectric medium. A fill level is monitored by a monitoring circuit with a measuring capacitor, the capacity of which changes steadily in correlation with the fill level, at least beyond a fill level range of the collecting vessel. The method includes: determining a capacity of the measuring capacitor; determining the quality of the measuring capacitor; determining a permissivity of the dielectric medium on the basis of the quality of the measuring capacitor; determining a fill level of the collecting vessel on the basis of the determined capacity of the measuring capacitor and the permissivity of the dielectric medium; and fill level-dependent drainage of the dielectric medium from the collecting vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2012Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: BEKO TECHNOLOGIES GMBHInventors: Martin Feltgen, Johannes Sinstedten
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Patent number: 8776574Abstract: A fluid level measurement apparatus supports multiple fluid level sensors of different types, each of which detects a level of fluid and produces an output indicative of the detected fluid level in a different way. The fluid level measurement apparatus is connected to any one of the supported fluid level sensors to measure the fluid level. The fluid level measurement apparatus includes a calculation circuit, multiple output circuits, a determination circuit, and a selection circuit. The calculation circuit calculates the fluid level from a detection voltage. Each output circuit generates the detection voltage based on the output of a corresponding fluid level sensor. The determination circuit determines the connected fluid level sensor. The selection circuit selects the output circuit corresponding to the determined fluid level sensor and allows the calculation circuit to obtain the detection voltage generated by the selected output circuit.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Isao Miyagawa
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Patent number: 8776594Abstract: An electronics unit and a method for a filling-level measuring device for determining a filling level. The unit including an arithmetic unit determining a functional relationship between a distance between a filling material surface and the filling-level measuring device and an amplitude of a signal component reflected by the filling material surface and received by the filling-level measuring device; an amplitude profiler creating a profile of amplitude values of filling level echoes which have been measured so far; and an amplitude evaluator determining an expected amplitude of the filling level echo at a particular location with help of the profile of amplitude values.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: VEGA Grieshaber KGInventors: Roland Welle, Karl Griessbaum, Juergen Motzer, Martin Gaiser, Christian Hoferer, Manuel Kaufmann, Joachim Benz
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Patent number: 8746030Abstract: A rationality diagnosis method and a rationality diagnosis apparatus for a sensor inside a tank are provided. The rationality diagnosis method and the rationality diagnosis apparatus can accurately and easily perform a diagnosis to determine whether rationality of all sensors is maintained. The rationality diagnosis method for the sensor inside the tank performs a rationality diagnosis of a concentration sensor, a liquid level sensor and a temperature sensor that are provided inside the tank that stores liquid. The rationality diagnosis method is characterized by diagnosing whether the rationality is lost in one of the concentration sensor, the liquid level sensor and the temperature sensor by determining whether there exists any contradiction between respective sensor values of the concentration sensor, the liquid level sensor and the temperature sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2008Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Bosch CorporationInventor: Hiroyuki Kasahara
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Patent number: 8747747Abstract: A reader for mechanical actuation of fluids within a test cartridge. The instrument interface including multiple independently-controlled plungers aligned to respective fluidic pouches on a test cartridge that is inserted into a testing apparatus embodying the instrument interface. The plungers include tips for applying mechanical force to the respective fluidic pouches.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Abbott Point of Care Inc.Inventor: Seth Hunter
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Patent number: 8733167Abstract: A method for detecting the tank fuel level of a motor vehicle includes: ascertaining the tank level sensor signal (UTSG) of a tank level sensor, determining a calculated tank level (Fcalc) as a function of a fuel quantity consumed by the internal combustion engine, and providing a corrected tank level signal as a function of the tank level sensor signal (UTSG) and the calculated tank level (Fcalc).Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2008Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Thor Windbergs, Andreas Posselt, Marko Lorenz
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Publication number: 20140137632Abstract: Device (1) for checking the calibration of catching instruments measuring rainfall intensity, which comprises a plurality of containers (2a, 2b, 2c) having a predetermined internal volume (V1, V2, V3), the volume of at least two of said containers being different from each other, said containers being intended to contain respective amounts of a liquid, wherein each container (2a, 2b, 2c) is provided with a single exhaust nozzle (3a, 3b, 3c) intended to put the internal volume (V1, V2, V3) of said container (2a, 2b, 2c) in fluid communication with an outer environment such to allow said liquid discharged from said nozzle (3a, 3b, 3c) to flow out by gravity in a substantially horizontal direction, each one of said containers (2a, 2b, 2c) further comprising air intake means (4a, 4b, 4c) intended to put the internal volume (V1, V2, V3) in fluid communication with the outer environment in order to define a compensation of the air pressure inside the container, such to make piezometric head constant at the height oType: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: UNIVERSITA' DEGLI STUDI DI GENOVAInventors: Luca Giovanni Lanza, Luigi Stagi
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Publication number: 20140137631Abstract: A liquid proving system is provided with a small volume liquid prover draining into a liquid holding tank that has capacity for multiple proving measurements. The small volume liquid prover is top-filled and bottom-drained. A liquid holding tank baffle assembly contains saturated vapor from an initial number of fills of the liquid holding tank within the small volume prover to improve overall accuracy of the proving measurements. When liquid is pumped into the prover evaporation of the liquid being pumped into the prover, and release of vapors from the prover and into the entire holding tank, is inhibited due to the saturated vapor environment established by a saturated vapor volume in the prover, which results in a more accurate prover measurement of liquid pumped into the prover.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2013Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: Pemberton Fabricators, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. MURNANE, Jr., Christopher Lewis BRADLEY, Henry Vernon OPPERMANN, Daniel L. CLEMENS
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Publication number: 20140109644Abstract: An apparatus, method and system providing for calibration and/or control of a liquid dispensing system is disclosed. The hand-held calibration auditing tool includes a flow meter (36-37) with inlets adapted for quick connection to one or more liquid inputs and/or liquid outputs of a liquid dispensing system (10). A sensor (94-95) having a data output of liquid flow information for a liquid input to the dispensing system (10) is operably connected to a controller (12) to receive the liquid flow information for the liquid input. The controller (12) provides a dilution rate and other liquid flow information for a liquid product input to a dispenser. The tool may include any number of flow meters, and may also include a flow meter connected to an outlet of a dispenser (22) for providing flow information.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.Inventors: Henry L. Carbone, II, Richard J. Mehus, Kevin C. Tauer, Anatoly Skirda, Eugene Tokhtuev, William M. Christensen
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Patent number: 8686867Abstract: An abnormal discharge alarm device is applied in a steam trap. The steam trap is installed in a pipeline of a steam system. The abnormal discharge alarm device includes a power generation component and a control circuit. The power generation component receives a fluid discharged from the steam trap and generates a self-generated electric power. The control circuit receives and detects the self-generated electric power to obtain a detection result. The control circuit sends an alarm signal when the detection result is greater than a predetermined threshold value. In addition, the abnormal discharge alarm device may further include a monitoring unit. The control circuit transmits the detection result to the monitoring unit. The monitoring unit obtains an updated threshold value according to accumulated detection results, and determines whether to send an alarm after comparing the updated threshold value with a real-time detection result.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Jung-Huang Liao, I-Te Huang, Jing-Lyang Jeng
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Publication number: 20140047896Abstract: An offset determination apparatus and a method are for correcting an offset by supplying a switch-off signal outside a predefinable measuring range of time-expanded sampling values of a reflection signal, which switch-off signal can deactivate a transmitter device at least intermittently in order to generate a predefinable quiescent range within the time-expanded sampling values of the reflection signal and in that, by evaluating at least one sampling value of the time-expanded sampling values which is determined within the quiescent range, a value of an amplitude offset of the time-expanded sampling values of the reflection signal from a normal value is determined and is supplied at an output of the offset provision device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: VEGA Grieshaber KGInventor: VEGA Grieshaber KG
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Patent number: 8650949Abstract: A liquid level sensor frequency output system for efficiently communicating a liquid level with reduced power and increased accuracy. The liquid level sensor frequency output system generally includes a sensor that determines a liquid level, a transmitter in communication with the sensor that converts the level data to a signal having a frequency representing the liquid level, and a receiver that receives the signal, wherein the receiver calculates the liquid level based on the frequency of the signal. The calculated liquid level by the receiver can be transmitted to an output device such as a display, switch, warning system or pump.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: S.J. Electro Systems, Inc.Inventors: Mark R. Ostlie, Lou R. Calkins
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Patent number: 8644993Abstract: Integrated, stand-alone, multiple-purpose pump stands are provided for controlled pumping of different liquids from a stand-mounted tank to a downstream use location, e.g., a seed treating device. The pump stands are equipped with an operating assembly including a liquid tank, a powered pump, a liquid flow line equipped with a flow meter from the tank and pump to the use location, and a programmable digital control device. During operation, the control device serves to approach and maintain the flow rate from the pump stand at or about a desired setpoint flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2013Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: USC, L.L.C.Inventors: Timothy A. Craft, Daniel M. Tramp, Lynn E. Strahm
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Patent number: 8590375Abstract: A method of determining level of a liquid between empty and full conditions within a container includes: providing first and second elongate capacitors, each capacitor being independently capable of measuring the liquid level at least between the empty and full conditions within the container, with the second capacitor being longer than the first capacitor; determining first and second capacitance values for the first and second capacitors, respectively, based on the liquid level height; and dividing the first capacitance value by a difference between the second and first capacitance values to thereby obtain a liquid level value independent of the dielectric constant.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Rochester Gauges, Inc.Inventor: Gagik Farmanyan
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Patent number: 8594954Abstract: Method of estimating the volume (Vtk) of a tank (1), comprising: a step of calculating the volume (Vtk) of the tank (1) by applying the law of conservation of enthalpy (H) of the gas, considering that the transfer of the checking stream of gas is adiabatic (Ttk(t1)=Ttk(t2) and Tsi(t1)=Tsi(t2)), expressing the enthalpy of the gas in the tank as a function only of the temperature Ttk(ti) of the gas and the pressure Ptk(ti) of the gas (Htk=function of (Ttk(ti); Ptk(ti)), using the perfect gas law or a Van der Waals equation of state expressing the volume of the tank Vtk(ti) (in cubic meters) only as a function of the known or previously estimated variables.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Jonathan Macron, Loïc Damongeot
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Patent number: 8580198Abstract: An automatic analyzer analyzes a measurement item by making a sample and reagent react with each other and measuring the reaction result. This apparatus allows parameters associated with reagent dispensing executed by a reagent dispensing mechanism to be set as a dispensing condition for each measurement item or each type of reagent, and controls the reagent dispensing mechanism on the basis of the dispensing condition.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2005Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Takehiko Onuma
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Patent number: 8566057Abstract: A method for self-adjustment of a triaxial acceleration sensor during operation includes: calibrating the sensor; checking the self-adjustment for an interfering acceleration, with the aid of a measurement equation and estimated values for sensitivity and offset; repeating the adjustment if an interfering acceleration is recognized; and accepting the estimated values for sensitivity and offset as calibration values if an interfering acceleration is not recognized. The step of checking the self-adjustment includes: estimating sensitivity and/or offset and the variance thereof; determining an innovation as the difference between a measured value of the measurement equation and an estimated value of the measurement equation; testing the innovation for a normal distribution; and recognizing the interfering acceleration in the event of a deviation from the normal distribution.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Axel Franke, Alexander Buhmann
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Publication number: 20130269414Abstract: A measuring device featuring ascertaining and monitoring optimized orientation of the measuring device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2011Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: ENDRESS + HAUSER GMBH + CO. KGInventors: Franco Ferraro, Harald Faber, Steffen Markoni
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Patent number: 8555697Abstract: The invention relates to the method and apparatus for forming the calibration chart used to measure the amount of fuel inside the fuel tanks (1) which comprises at least one laser distance measurement device (2) positioned inside said fuel tank (1) and measuring the distance between itself and the inner wall of said fuel tank (1) at separate points, at least one main shaft (14) providing said distance measurement device (2) with rotational movement circularly in the direction of B through up to 360 degrees and in the upward-downward direction of A through up to 270 degrees and at least one inclinometer (4) positioned on the surface (9) and measuring the angle X between said fuel tank (1) and the ground on which it is located.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2007Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Asis Akaryakit Servis Istasyon Sistemleri Ve Insaat Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited SirketiInventor: Yusuf Kaya
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Publication number: 20130233047Abstract: A liquid consumption device includes a replaceable liquid container, a sensor, a fault finding section, an estimation section and a determination section. The sensor detects whether or not liquid has reached a predetermined amount. The fault finding section finds whether there is a fault in the sensor. The estimation section calculates an estimated value of a consumption amount of the liquid. The determination section carries out determination based on the estimated value of the liquid container and a threshold value which is specified based on threshold value information when a fault in the sensor has been found. The determination section carries out the determination based on the sensor when a fault in the sensor has not been found and to calculate the threshold value information based on the estimation value when the sensor detects that the liquid has reached the predetermined amount.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2012Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventor: Jun SATO
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Patent number: 8491854Abstract: A test tube insert includes a flange having a width greater than a width of a mouth of a larger test tube into which the insert is to be inserted. The flange defines a first central opening. An annulus extends integrally downward from the flange. The annulus includes a fenestrated wall and a floor defining a second central opening. A small test tube body, smaller than the larger test tube, extends integrally downward from the floor of the annulus with the second central opening forming a mouth of the small test tube body. The test tube insert is disposed in the mouth of the larger test tube. Fluid is transferred through the central opening and the fluid fills the small test tube body of the test tube insert and flows through the fenestrated wall once the small test tube body is full into the larger test tube.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: King Saud UniversityInventor: Abdullah Khalid Al-Rasheed
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Patent number: 8486714Abstract: The invention concerns reagent delivery system for an apparatus for processing of biological samples arranged on microscope slides, comprising a reagent section having one or more reagent containers; a slide section in which at least one microscope slide is arranged; a probe for dispensing a portion of reagent onto a predetermined microscope slide, and means for handling the probe. The probe comprises a continuous prove tubing element extending through a rigid probe member and connecting the probe tip to a pneumatic pressure regulation device. The reagent containers are adapted for cooperation with the probe tip. In this manner a high though-put and a very low carry over of fluid residues is achieved since there is no assembled parts making up the inside volume of the probe in which the fluid may be retained.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2008Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: DAKO Denmark A/SInventors: John A Favuzzi, Merritt M Martin, Jonathan R Sweda, Lauren Bland, Robert L Lathrop, John E Van Bosch, Kristopher S Buchanan
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Publication number: 20130174637Abstract: An ultrasonic reactor water level measuring device and an evaluation method are provided and prevent a reduction in the measurement accuracy of a water level that is in a wide measurement range. The ultrasonic reactor water level measuring device includes an upper tube extending from a gas phase portion in a reactor, a lower tube extending from a liquid phase portion in the reactor, measurement tubes connected to each other and arranged at multiple stages between the upper tube and the lower tube, and units for generating and receiving ultrasonic waves, the units being arranged at bottom portions of the measurement tubes. The ultrasonic reactor water level measuring device measures levels of water within the measurement tubes and calculates a water level within the reactor from the sum of the measured water levels, the sum excluding an overlapped part of the measurement tubes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: HITACHI-GE NUCLEAR ENERGY, LTD.Inventor: Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd.
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Publication number: 20130167613Abstract: A hematology instrument with liquid level detection for liquid in a container is provided. The hematology instrument includes a probe disposed next to a container site. The probe is displaceable relative to the container site to enter a container when positioned at the container site. Further, the probe is electrically grounded. The hematology instrument includes a capacitive sensor having at least one capacitive electrode disposed next to the container site. The capacitive sensor also has a detection module to detect capacitive changes at the at least one capacitive electrode when the probe contacts liquid in the container. The hematology instrument also includes a calibration module configured to calibrate the capacitive sensor a plurality of times as the probe displaces relative to the container site to enter the container. Kits and methods related thereto are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: ABBOTT LABORATORIESInventor: Abbott Laboratories
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Patent number: 8475740Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus is provided which makes it possible to correctly and easily detect a dispensing operation judgment failure with high accuracy without particularly using a complicated detection mechanism or means. The liquid dispensing apparatus includes a nozzle which sucks a solution in a cassette and dispenses the sucked solution into another cassette; and a cassette holder which holds the another cassette, and the nozzle is used as a first electrode and the cassette holder as a second electrode. Further, the liquid dispensing apparatus has measurement means for measuring a capacitance between the first and second electrodes during a solution dispensing operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2008Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Atsushi Watanabe, Shigeki Matsubara, Takuya Yamaguchi, Masaaki Odakura
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Patent number: 8454893Abstract: A fluid sampling system for sampling the contents of a container of fluid includes an elongate hollow sampling conduit extending between a first end for withdrawing the fluid from the container and a second end for returning the fluid to the container, pump means for circulating the fluid between the container and the sampling conduit, a sample probe having a tip extending into the sampling conduit so as to contact the fluid within the sampling conduit, and a controller unit for controlling flow of the fluid within the sampling conduit and monitoring the properties of interest of the fluid within the sampling conduit via signals received from the sample probe. The present invention also provides an in-line pH probe.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2008Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Helle, Jay Reed, Michael T. Schneider
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Patent number: 8452255Abstract: A field device for use in an industrial process control or monitoring system includes terminals configured to connect to a two-wire process control loop configured to carry data and to provide power. In one embodiment, RF circuitry in the field device is configured for radio frequency communication having variable power consumption. In another embodiment, the RF circuitry is coupled to the field device through a separate digital communication bus. A method of modulating the power of RF communication based upon a process communication signal is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2006Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Rosemount Inc.Inventor: Kelly M. Orth
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Patent number: 8443650Abstract: A temperature compensated pressure switch (“TCPS”) with thermal lag compensation, trend indication, and forecast analysis. The TCPS has a first control unit, a pressure sensor connected to the first control unit outputting a first pressure data, a temperature sensor connected to the first control unit outputting a first temperature data, and a first storage unit connected to the first control unit storing: minimum and maximum pressure data corresponding to temperature data and rate of temperature change values. The first control unit can substitute a second temperature data, for the first temperature data for a period of time. The first control unit also outputs a first signal indicating the amount of material is acceptable when the first pressure data is above the minimum pressure data and outputs a second signal indicating the amount of material is unacceptable when the first pressure data is not above the minimum pressure data.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Mass Systems, A Unit of Ameron Global, Inc.Inventors: Abdul N. Sitabkhan, Michael A. Mallari
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Patent number: 8434345Abstract: An apparatus for improving the procedure for quantifying the volume of liquid dispensed by a liquid-dispensing mechanism of an analytical instrument. The apparatus of this invention comprises (a) at least one weigh cup; (b) at least one standard mass; (c) at least one transducer assembly to convert a value of weight to an electrical response; and (d) at least one electronic circuit for converting the electrical response to a measurement of volume. This invention provides a method for calibrating readings of the volume of liquid dispensed by a liquid-dispensing mechanism of an analytical instruments so that absolute measurements of the volume of liquid dispensed can be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2006Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Kurt M. Klosterman, Ganesh Rajagopal, Larry R. Jibson, James L. Dempski, Paul A. Matuszewski, Jeffrey W. Stewart, Jeffrey R. Swanson, David M. Tipotsch, Randall E. Youngs, Noman A. Abunimeh
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Patent number: 8366690Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment system is provided that includes a canister that is fluidly connected to a tissue site and is configured to receive fluid drawn from the tissue site under the influence of a reduced pressure. A reduced pressure source provides the reduced pressure and is fluidly connected to the tissue site by a fluid communication path, which may include a source conduit, the canister, and a target conduit. A sensing device communicates with the source conduit and is configured to sense a pressure in the source conduit. A valve communicates with the source conduit and is configured to vent the reduced pressure. A processing unit communicates with the sensing device and the valve and is configured to open the valve for a selected amount of time, determine a decay of reduced pressure, and determine a fill status of the canister based on the decay of reduced pressure.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2007Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, Timothy Mark Robinson, David Robson Blandford
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Patent number: 8365574Abstract: A method for minimizing stray current in capacitive sensor data includes receiving a first input from a first wire of a wire harness, the wire harness comprising a plurality of twisted wires, the first input comprising a first signal comprising first sensor data and stray current; receiving a second input from a second wire of the wire harness, the second input comprising a second signal comprising stray current; and subtracting the second signal from the first signal to determine the first sensor data. A system for minimizing stray current in capacitive sensor data is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2009Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Dennis E. Schmidt, Joseph A. James, Lawrence A. Cogsdill
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Patent number: 8345924Abstract: An electronic device with a water level monitoring system monitors a buoy to determine if a water level is acceptable. The device separates level markers of the containment facility and the buoy floating therein. The device traces a trace of the movement of the buoy and compares the trace and security lines to determine if the water level is acceptable or not. If the water level is unacceptable, the device sends an alarm to an alarm mainframe to display a warning on a monitor array.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignees: GDS Software (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chi-Chih Wang, Quan-Zhong Zhang, Fei Huo, Hao Tan
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Publication number: 20120324995Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the levels of product in a chemical dispensing system. A probe assembly is operatively disposed in a container holding product to be dispensed. A detection circuit including an oscillator sensitive to the impendence coupled to the detector is selectively coupled to the probe assembly and produces a signal in response to the impedance of the probe assembly indicating if the level of product in the container has dropped below the probe assembly. The probe assembly includes conductive probes formed from corrosion resistant material infused with carbon and separated by an angle. The level of the first and second conductive probes is adjustable to provide control over the level of product to be detected. Multiple probe assemblies may be selectively coupled to the detection circuit in a repeating sequence by a multi-probe monitoring unit to allow monitoring of multiple containers by a single remote alarm.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: DELAWARE CAPITAL FORMATION, INC.Inventors: Terry Tincher, William Sand
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Patent number: 8330603Abstract: A dewatering system includes a selective calibrating sensor circuit configured to receive sensor readings from an electronic sensor, to determine if the electronic sensor is immersed in water, to allow a user to adjust a pump down time in the field, and to generate a control output signal accordingly. The selective calibrating sensor circuit periodically performs a self-calibration when the electronic sensor is not immersed in water to cancel the effect of potential contaminants deposited on the electronic sensor over its operating life. The selective calibrating sensor circuit inhibits calibration when the electronic sensor is immersed in water. In some applications with multiple electronic sensors, the selective calibrating sensor circuit disconnects from one of the electronic sensors before performing the self-calibration.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: SEEwater, Inc.Inventor: Robert F. Gibb
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Publication number: 20120304732Abstract: A device has at least one channel for detecting the phase boundary between media in a liquid container and has a probe which can be fed in the direction of the phase boundary and a circuit which processes a signal of the probe to detect a capacitance change. The device includes a testing module which executes an infeed movement of the probe. The testing module performs an analysis of the signal of the channel, and makes a connection statement about the electrical connection between the probe and the measuring circuit. The testing of the electrical connections is performed in a dry manner, i.e., a phase boundary does not have to be searched for or penetrated for the testing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Inventors: Sarah MARKI, Nicolas Cors, Thomas Struchen
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Patent number: 8289175Abstract: A fluid level sensor for generating a warning upon, e.g., low fuel conditions in a vehicle gas tank. A vacuum conduit is disposed in the tank. The vacuum conduit has first and second vacuum openings and an actuation opening into which the fuel pump can pump fluid through a Venturi conduit to induce a vacuum. A first conduit extends from the first vacuum opening to a vacuum sensor outside the tank and a second conduit extends from the second vacuum opening. The second conduit extends down into the tank and terminates in an open end. When fluid in the tank drops below the opening the vacuum sensor senses a change in vacuum in the tank, triggering a low level alarm.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2007Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Roberto Morelli, Luis M. Porras
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Publication number: 20120253706Abstract: A system for monitoring level of a liquid in a reservoir of a machine is provided. The system includes a liquid sensor (112) that measures said level of said liquid in said reservoir, a fixed voltage feed (110) that generates a regulated voltage, a sampling unit (114) that samples one or more parameters of the machine and a calibration unit (124) that calibrates the system for monitoring the level of said liquid in a reservoir of a machine in one or more modes to obtain a mathematical relation between the parameter and the level of the liquid. The calibration unit executes a calibration process during a first mode and obtains a calibrated data that corresponds to the parameter during a second mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventors: Ranjit Abhyankar, B.M. Dharshan, Shah Mihir Paresh
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Patent number: 8273009Abstract: A device for aspirating sample media into a pipette for use in a micro-manipulation procedure includes a ring member having an opening sized for receiving a digit of an operator, and an aspirating bulb engaged with the ring member. The aspirating bulb has an open end sized for receiving an end of the pipette, and includes a compressible chamber capable of creating a suction force suitable for aspirating the sample media into the pipette. The aspirating bulb is oriented along the ring member such that the chamber is compressible by a digit on the same hand of the operator as the digit receivable in the ring member.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2009Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLCInventors: Dustin John Arabia, Chad E. Unger
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Publication number: 20120234074Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement device (12) for determining a fluid fill level (14) in a fuel tank (10) for a vehicle. The position of a float (18) in relation to a signal generating unit (22) which can be attached on the fuel tank (10) can hereby be converted into a signal that is correlated with the fill level (14) of the undeformed fuel tank (10). A correction device (48, 54, 56) is designed for measuring a deformation of the fuel tank (10) and is used for correcting the signal. The invention also relates to a method for determining a fluid fill level (14) in a fuel tank (10) for a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2011Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: Audi AGInventor: HARALD HAGEN
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Patent number: 8229687Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention may incorporate a physics based approach (hereinafter “model”) to determine the level of the liquid. The model may incorporate the physical properties of the fluids within the container, and measurements of the fluid under consideration. The model may also incorporate data from measuring devices, such as, but not limiting of, a delta-pressure (DP) transmitter. The model may then calculate, within a reasonable level of accuracy, the level of the fluid within the container.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: William F. Seely, Jonathan C. Thatcher, Steve W. Backman
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Patent number: 8227258Abstract: A liquid delivery apparatus is provided for depositing liquid materials onto prescribed areas. The apparatus includes a sensing and delivery pin and a photo sensor. The apparatus is sized to deliver a droplet of liquid material to the surface of a target area without coming into contact with the target surface. The apparatus is also capable of drawing geometric features, such as lines and grids of liquid material. The photo sensor measures the intensity of light during a processing cycle. Measured reflected-light intensity can be compared in real-time to a reference curve which is based on test process cycles representing the light intensity expected when the process proceeds in the preferred fashion to produce a normal spot having an expected droplet size. The light intensity measurements can also be fitted with a mathematical function such as an asymmetric double sigmoidal curve.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2009Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: New Jersey Institute of TechnologyInventors: Timothy N. Chang, Qiong Shen
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Publication number: 20120167660Abstract: A capacitive transducer for detecting the level of liquids and other materials has one or more antenna probes connected to an integrated chip normally associated with touch-screen displays. Each antenna probe operates independently and senses the level condition of wet or dry flowable materials such as water, oil, fuel, grain, and so on. The antenna probes may be formed as insulated conductive wires or conductive traces between layers of a stiff or flexible substrate, such as a PCB, with the substrate material serving as the insulating layers. Each antenna probe has a different length representing different depths of the material being measured to provide dynamic calibration of the level condition independent of the material type and ambient conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2012Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: LUNA LABS, INC.Inventor: Clyde Calcote
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Patent number: 8181502Abstract: There is provided a method of calibrating a measurement system for measuring a position (h) of a meniscus of a liquid fuel included within a marine fuel tank and therefrom generating a corresponding content signal indicative of a proportion of the tank filled with fuel.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2005Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: AB Volvo PentaInventor: Pål Loodberg
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Patent number: 8184848Abstract: A liquid level detection method includes capturing an image of a liquid surface, a structural surface, and graduation markings provided on the structural surface using an image-capturing device to thereby obtain an initial image. Subsequently, the initial image is processed so as to generate a processed image, and a level reference value of the liquid surface is obtained from the processed image. The level reference value represents a height of the liquid surface in terms of inherent characteristics of the processed image. Lastly, a liquid level of the liquid surface is calculated based on a relative proportional relation among the level reference value, an overall height of the processed image in terms of the inherent characteristics of the processed image, and dimensions of any one of the initial and processed images relative to the graduation markings.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2009Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: National Applied Research LaboratoriesInventors: Jyh-Hong Wu, Fang-Pang Lin, Yi-Hao Hsiao, Te-Lin Chung
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Patent number: 8161810Abstract: A syringe imaging system for a syringe infusion pump is provided. The system comprises an imaging device configured to capture one or more images of a syringe, and a processor, which is configured to determine, based on the one or more captured images, an internal diameter of the syringe and a distance between a bung and a bottom of the syringe, and to calculate a remaining volume of the syringe based upon the determined internal diameter and distance. A syringe infusion pump is also provided. The pump comprises a housing having a bracket configured to receive a syringe, a syringe driver configured to actuate a plunger of the syringe, an imaging device configured to capture one or more images of the syringe, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine, based on the one or more captured images, an internal diameter of the syringe and a distance between a bung and a bottom of the syringe, and to calculate a remaining volume of the syringe based upon the determined internal diameter and distance.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Carefusion 303, Inc.Inventors: Ian Cadieux, Matthew Gerald Morris
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Patent number: 8151621Abstract: A device attached to a fluid-level sensing probe used in association with the primary drain pan located inside an air conditioning unit or other condensate-producing unit, which provides quick testing for proper sensing probe function without its removal from the condensate-producing unit. A tester can simply press a different finger against each of two electrically-conductive rods attached to an inverted U-shaped mount that is typically fixed to the upper perimeter edge of a secondary drain pan positioned underneath at least a portion of the condensate-producing unit. If the sensing probe is properly functioning, the tester will immediately know, as a circuit will be completed and the condensate-producing unit will be shut off and/or a pump activated to assist removal of collected condensate from the secondary drain pan. For user convenience, an optional quick disconnect can be provided between the sensing probe and the inverted U-shaped mount.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Inventor: Christopher Ralph Cantolino
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Patent number: 8147774Abstract: There is provided by the present invention a novel micro passage chip having such a structure that a fluid can be transferred without using a physical or mechanical squeezing means that is applied from above the substrate of the micro passage chip.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2007Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Aida Engineering, Ltd.Inventors: Hisashi Hagiwara, Yoshinori Mishina
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Publication number: 20120073354Abstract: A method includes initiating a test of a servo gauge by causing the servo gauge to attempt to move a displacer of the servo gauge, where the servo gauge uses a drum to move the displacer in a tank. The method also includes measuring a torque associated with the drum during or after the attempt to move the displacer and identifying a mechanical problem with the servo gauge based on the measured torque. For example, a stuck displacer can be identified when the measured torque exceeds an upper expected value. A lost displacer or a stuck drum can be identified when the measured torque is below a lower expected value.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2010Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: John Joosten, Paul De Bruin