Of A Liquid Patents (Class 73/19.1)
  • Patent number: 7059169
    Abstract: A test apparatus for measuring the air entrainment characteristics of a fluid includes a reservoir for containing the fluid, an aerator apparatus to cause air entrainment of the fluid, and a density meter to measure the effects of air entrainment on fluid density. The test apparatus enables in-situ measurement of the transient air entrainment behavior of the fluid. A corresponding method is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jill M. Cummings, Christopher C. Morgan, Jr., Roy Fewkes, James L. Linden, Diana Foghel
  • Patent number: 7017388
    Abstract: Improved control of continuous processes that handle liquids. Data generated by this invention is used to control gas contents of liquids within optimum ranges, for instance in paper coating processes and in the manufacture of food products (ketchup), personal care products (shampoo), paints, and in any industry where information on entrained and/or dissolved gases, and related parameters such as true density of and gas solubility in process liquids, is employed to optimize processing. The amount of gas in a liquid is determined by subjecting a mixture of an incompressible liquid sample and a compressible gas to three or more different equilibrium pressure states, measuring the temperature and volume of the mixture at each of the pressure states, determining the changes in volume of the mixture between at least two different pairs of pressure states, and calculating the amount of gas in the liquid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Appleton Papers, Inc.
    Inventors: Qingyuan Chen, Robert Josef Franda
  • Patent number: 7007541
    Abstract: A plurality of multi-parameter monitoring tool assemblies are connectable over a communications network and are further in communication with a central controller. Each of the tool assemblies is configured to interconnect with one or more sensor head components which may be employable in the monitoring of water quality. According to the system described herein, the central controller may periodically communicate with one or more of the tool assemblies connected in the communications network and extract, process, and display information as to the configuration and operation of one or more tool assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: In-Situ, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent D. Henry, Neal W. Syverson, Ronny D. Harris, Zachary A. Gray, Mark A. Watson, Stanley B. Smith
  • Patent number: 6974705
    Abstract: A method for determining a correction factor for use in analysing the concentration of a gas in a liquid is described. The correction factor is determined by measuring the output concentration of the gas in the liquid as the gases saturation limit in that liquid. The method is useful with gas permeable membrane technology to measure the concentration of the gas in the liquid. The method includes applying a correction factor to give the true concentration of gas in the liquid taking into account both that gas in solution in the liquid and that amount of gas present as entrained bubbles in the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Datalog Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Aurel D. Brumboiu, Darrell A. Norquay
  • Patent number: 6942304
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an electronically controllable brake actuating system for automotive vehicles, including an unpressurized pressure fluid supply reservoir, a pressure source actuatable by an electronic control unit, the pressure of which can be applied to wheel brakes of the vehicle, further including a device for detecting the driver's wish for deceleration as well as valve assemblies inserted upstream of the wheel brakes and connecting the wheel brakes alternatively to the pressure source or the pressure fluid supply reservoir. In order to increase the operational or functional reliability of a system of this type, the present invention discloses the provision of means for detecting gases or air disposed in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co., oHG
    Inventors: Ronald Bayer, Bernhard Schmittner, Christian Albrich Von Albrichsfeld, Ulrich Neumann, Andreas Klein, Johann Jungbecker, Robert Mutschler, Stefan Fritz, Manfred Rüffer
  • Patent number: 6881585
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present method includes the steps of introducing a volume of a sample into a vapor delivery line and volatilizing at least a portion of the volume as it is carried through the vapor delivery line. At least a portion of the volatilized volume contacts a sensor element, which produces a signal that is monitored to reveal information about the sample. All components upstream of the sensor element are substantially free of sorbent materials so that the sample volume does not contact a substantially sorbent material before contacting the sensor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Radislav Alexandrovich Potyrailo, James Claude Carnahan, Ralph Joseph May, John Patrick Lemmon
  • Publication number: 20040261495
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the amount of gas contained in a liquid are provided. Air or gas is introduced into a stripping chamber to thereby produce an air or gas atmosphere in the chamber. Liquid in which gas is dissolved is sprayed via a stripping nozzle into the air or gas atmosphere of the stripping chamber to strip gas from the liquid. Air or gas containing gas stripped from the liquid is withdrawn from the stripping chamber. The stripped gas in the withdrawn air or gas is sensed and measured. Liquid remaining in the stripping chamber is withdrawn therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Lawrence B. Kilham
  • Patent number: 6834536
    Abstract: A probe (1) for quantitatively measuring volatile components of a liquid (2) includes a measurement gas space (3) separated from the liquid (4) by a permeation membrane (5). The membrane (5) is permeable for the volatile component, however nonpermeable for liquid. A selective gas detection system is arranged in the measurement gas space (3) for a defined volatile component. The gas detection system has an IR light source (6), an IR filter (7), (7′) and an IR-sensitive light sensor (8), (8′). Light falls through the IR filter on the light sensor (8), (8′). The IR filter (7), (7′) comprises a transmission window in the range of an alcohol-specific absorption band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Biotechnologie Kempe GmbH
    Inventor: Eberhard Kempe
  • Publication number: 20040231407
    Abstract: This invention concerns a module (10) for extracting samples in gas phase of compounds present in an underground working liquid, the extractor module (10) comprising: a receptacle (16) for said liquid, associated with means (28, 29, 32, 33, 34) for stirring the liquid, a liquid inlet duct (9), a liquid evacuation duct (37), an auxiliary gas admission duct (50, 43), and an outlet duct (11) for delivering auxiliary gas and gas extracted from the liquid. The auxiliary gas admission duct (50, 43) and the evacuation duct (37) include a common segment (51), means (45-48) for preventing the auxiliary gas from passing being provided in the evacuation duct (37) downstream from said common segment (51) in the liquid-passing direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Jerome Breviere, Jean-Francois Evrard
  • Publication number: 20040177672
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for monitoring the subsurface at facilities for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A surface penetration is made in a facility surface providing access to the subsurface soil beneath the facility. A soil probe is placed in communication with the soil beneath the facility surface and used to withdraw samples of soil gas from the pore space within the soil. The soil probe includes a monitoring port configured to seal the surface penetration and minimize the movement of undesirable materials between the facility and the subsurface via the monitoring port. The soil probe has an end filter in communication with the subsurface under the facility. The monitoring port is coupled to a sampling pump used to withdraw the soil gas sample. Soil gas samples are periodically obtained and analyzed for the presence of VOCs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Clifford T. Schmitt, Richard W. McManus, Peter D. Jewett, J. Riley Conkin
  • Patent number: 6766680
    Abstract: Improved control of continuous processes that handle liquids. Data generated by this invention is used to control gas contents of liquids within optimum ranges, for instance in paper coating processes and in the manufacture of food products (ketchup), personal care products (shampoo), paints, and in any industry where information on entrained and/or dissolved gases, and related parameters such as true density of and gas solubility in process liquids, is employed to optimize processing. The amount of gas in a liquid is determined by subjecting a mixture of an incompressible liquid sample and a compressible gas to three or more different equilibrium pressure states, measuring the temperature and volume of the mixture at each of the pressure states, determining the changes in volume of the mixture between at least two different pairs of pressure states, and calculating the amount of gas in the liquid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Appleton Papers, Inc.
    Inventors: Qingyuan Chen, Robert Josef Franda
  • Publication number: 20040139791
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide methods, apparatus, and systems for determining void fractions of individual phase components of a multiphase mixture. The void fractions may be determined based on measured parameters of the mixture as a whole, such as differential pressure, bulk velocity of the mixture and speed of sound in the mixture. According to some embodiments, the mixture parameters may be measured using non-intrusive fiber optic based sensors. Various other parameters may also be derived from the void fractions, such as individual phase flow rates, liquid holdup and watercut parameters (for oil and gas mixtures).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Espen S. Johansen
  • Publication number: 20040110306
    Abstract: A method for measuring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of a material produced in a process system is disclosed. The method involves an enclosed bag into which a sample of material is placed, after which the bag is stored at a predetermined temperature such that the contents reach equilibrium. The storage temperature is the mean exit temperature of the effluent from the process system for which a VOC measurement is required. Samples from the headspace in the bag are inputted into a flame ionization detector to provide the VOC level. A kit for using the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Wayne Edward Beimesch
  • Publication number: 20040107763
    Abstract: The present invention continuously monitors the amount of oxygen dissolved in a beverage in a beverage storage tank in a beverage filler. Gas is continuously sampled via the vent holes 28 and the vent pipe 29 from the space part inside the beverage storage tank 1 of the beverage filler and is supplied to the oxygen measuring apparatus 40. The oxygen measuring apparatus 40 includes the oxygen measuring device 45 and measures the concentration of oxygen gas of the delivered gas. Based on the concentration of oxygen gas, it is monitored whether or not the amount of oxygen dissolved in the beer inside the storage tank is at or below a predetermined level. Further, the beverage is sampled from a supply channel supplying the beverage to the beverage storage tank so that the concentration of oxygen in the beverage is measured and monitored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: SAPPORO BREWERIES LIMITED
    Inventors: Daisaku Kurokawa, Satoshi Sekibata, Mitsushiro Saito, Rikiya Goto
  • Patent number: 6746863
    Abstract: An improved tube probe for measuring volatile compounds in a liquid or gas contained in a reactor or in any other environment is disclosed. The probe is made of a single piece of metal, to one end of which is attached a gas permeable tubing, threaded on a supporting plate. The plate permits to use of a variety of tube lengths and diameters while protecting the tube from mechanical stress due to agitation and aeration. Furthermore, the plate gives the possibility to have a longer permeable tube than the single loop probe approach. The probe is designed so that when in use, substantially only the tube is located inside the reactor. The volatile compounds permeate into the tube into the carrier gas and the carrier gas+volatiles mixture is carried to a detector through a channel provided in the probe body. The probe is economical to make and to maintain, while achieving high performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: National Research Council of Canada
    Inventor: Mario Béland
  • Patent number: 6679097
    Abstract: The present invention continuously monitors the amount of oxygen dissolved in a beverage in a beverage storage tank in a beverage filler. Gas is continuously sampled via the vent holes 28 and the vent pipe 29 from the space part inside the beverage storage tank 1 of the beverage filler and is supplied to the oxygen measuring apparatus 40. The oxygen measuring apparatus 40 includes the oxygen measuring device 45 and measures the concentration of oxygen gas of the delivered gas. Based on the concentration of oxygen gas, it is monitored whether or not the amount of oxygen dissolved in the beer inside the storage tank is at or below a predetermined level. Further, the beverage is sampled from a supply channel supplying the beverage to the beverage storage tank so that the concentration of oxygen in the beverage is measured and monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Sapporo Breweries Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisaku Kurokawa, Satoshi Sekibata, Mitsushiro Saito, Rikiya Goto
  • Patent number: 6679096
    Abstract: A method measures the concentration of the partial pressure of gases, particularly oxygen, in fluids. Know methods for measurements under rough conditions, e.g., measurement of the oxygen partial pressure in grounds, dumps or in the ground water are completely unsuitable. In the present method as described, in the internal area of a hollow vessel closed off to the outside, whose wall consists at least partially of a gas-specific permeable synthetic material that is in contact with the fluid with its external side, the partial pressure change proportional to the gas concentration is measured as a time-scanning of pressure change or as a change of a pressure-dependent physical variable. The measuring principle is very simple and is particularly suitable for the determination and long-time monitoring of the oxygen concentration and of further gases and can also be used in problematic locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventors: Detlef Lazik, Helmut Geistlinger
  • Publication number: 20030205077
    Abstract: A continuous on-line combustion-type carbon analyzer for water applications is provided. The analyzer receives a continuous stream of sample and carbon dioxide-free gas. The analyzer includes control components to limit sample flow into a combustion furnace such that excessive pressures and thermal stresses are minimized. The sample specimen is oxidized within the combustion furnace and the oxidized sample is conveyed to a detector that provides a continuous read-out of carbon quantity in the sample stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen Staphanos
  • Patent number: 6629449
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for a non-invasive bubble measuring instrument operable for detecting, distinguishing, and counting gaseous embolisms such as bubbles over a selectable range of bubble sizes of interest. A selected measurement volume in which bubbles may be detected is insonified by two distinct frequencies from a pump transducer and an image transducer, respectively. The image transducer frequency is much higher than the pump transducer frequency. The relatively low-frequency pump signal is used to excite bubbles to resonate at a frequency related to their diameter. The image transducer is operated in a pulse-echo mode at a controllable repetition rate that transmits bursts of high-frequency ultrasonic signal to the measurement volume in which bubbles may be detected and then receives the echo. From the echo or received signal, a beat signal related to the repetition rate may be extracted and used to indicate the presence or absence of a resonant bubble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Robert Kline-Schoder, Patrick J. Magari
  • Publication number: 20030172715
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new concept in measuring the dissolved gas levels in supersaturated liquid streams. In particular, the new device is specifically applicable to the measurement of carbonation levels in soft drinks. The measurement is made by permitting the beverage to escape from the pressurized container to atmospheric pressure through a thin tubing. The gas escaping from the supersaturated beverage separates the liquid stream into alternating gas and liquid segments. The relative long term average length of the segments is directly related to the CO2 content of the beverage. The instrument is simple to operate, inexpensive, and needs no calibration; it is easily adaptable to presently used laboratory equipment, and is useful in production process control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Peter A. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20030172716
    Abstract: The invention relates to method for monitoring dissolved gases in liquid-filled high-voltage installations comprising a sealed separating vessel communicating with a liquid tank, wherein an equilibrium state of the liquid with the gas state prevails in the separating vessel during normal operation and liquid is pumped off from the separating vessel with a pump as to keep the liquid level at a predetermined height, including the following steps; Short-time interruption of the pumping action as to leave the equilibrium state and to increase the pressure in the separating vessel, and withdrawal of a gas sample from the gas phase above the liquid level in the separating vessel for the analysis thereof. The invention moreover relates to a method for monitoring dissolved and undissolved gases, wherein the method for monitoring dissolved gases is performed and undissolved gas is fed back into the separating vessel, and to a device for performing the methods according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Eckhard Braesel, Ute Sasum
  • Publication number: 20030145646
    Abstract: A plurality of multi-parameter monitoring tool assemblies are connectable over a communications network and are further in communication with a central controller. Each of the tool assemblies is configured to interconnect with one or more sensor head components which may be employable in the monitoring of water quality. According to the system described herein, the central controller may periodically communicate with one or more of the tool assemblies connected in the communications network and extract, process, and display information as to the configuration and operation of one or more tool assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Kent D. Henry, Neal W. Syverson, Ronny D. Harris, Zachary A. Gray, Mark A. Watson, Stanley B. Smith
  • Patent number: 6598458
    Abstract: A chamber for trapping soil gases as they evolve from the soil without disturbance to the soil and to the natural microclimate within the chamber has been invented. The chamber opens between measurements and therefore does not alter the metabolic processes that influence soil gas efflux rates. A multiple chamber system provides for repetitive multi-point sampling, undisturbed metabolic soil processes between sampling, and an essentially airtight sampling chamber operating at ambient pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Nelson T. Edwards, Jeffery S. Riggs
  • Patent number: 6598457
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for measuring the amount of entrained gases in a liquid sample. A conduit defining a volume is provided. The conduit has an inlet at a lower end thereof and an outlet at an upper end thereof. Liquid sample is made to flow into the inlet, through the conduit, and out of the outlet. The weight of the liquid sample in the conduit is determined during a flow of liquid sample through the conduit to obtain a first measurement. Thereafter, a difference between the first measurement and a predetermined weight value representing a weight of the same liquid sample flowing through the conduit but containing no entrained gases is determined to obtain a calculated weight of entrained gases in the liquid sample flowing through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Buckman Laboratories International, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond D. Sullivan, Billy R. Landreth
  • Publication number: 20030136174
    Abstract: A chamber for trapping soil gases as they evolve from the soil without disturbance to the soil and to the natural microclimate within the chamber has been invented. The chamber opens between measurements and therefore does not alter the metabolic processes that influence soil gas efflux rates. A multiple chamber system provides for repetitive multi-point sampling, undisturbed metabolic soil processes between sampling, and an essentially airtight sampling chamber operating at ambient pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Nelson T. Edwards, Jeffery S. Riggs
  • Publication number: 20020178781
    Abstract: The present invention continuously monitors the amount of oxygen dissolved in a beverage in a beverage storage tank in a beverage filler. Gas is continuously sampled via the vent holes 28 and the vent pipe 29 from the space part inside the beverage storage tank 1 of the beverage filler and is supplied to the oxygen measuring apparatus 40. The oxygen measuring apparatus 40 includes the oxygen measuring device 45 and measures the concentration of oxygen gas of the delivered gas. Based on the concentration of oxygen gas, it is monitored whether or not the amount of oxygen dissolved in the beer inside the storage tank is at or below a predetermined level. Further, the beverage is sampled from a supply channel supplying the beverage to the beverage storage tank so that the concentration of oxygen in the beverage is measured and monitored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Daisaku Kurokawa, Satoshi Sekibata, Mitsushiro Saito, Rikiya Goto
  • Patent number: 6485688
    Abstract: An on-line sparging sampling system and method sparges polar and non-polar volatile organic compounds from aqueous discharge. The system comprises a network of tubular members that are interconnected to each other to define a fluid passage, in which the network of tubular members comprises an inlet for influent aqueous discharge into the network of tubular members and an outlet for discharge of aqueous discharge from the on-line sparging sampling and monitoring system; a sparger disposed in the network of tubular members, in which the sparger is disposed between the inlet and the outlet of the aqueous discharge so that aqueous discharge flows by the sparger, the sparger providing inert non-reactive gas to the on-line sparging sampling and monitoring system; and at least one analytic device connected to the on-line sparging sampling and monitoring system for analyzing volatile organic compounds in the aqueous discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Timothy Mark Sivavec, Sunita Singh Baghel, Angelo Anthony Bracco, Don Royall Houston
  • Publication number: 20020144536
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for measuring the amount of entrained gases in a liquid sample. A conduit defining a volume is provided. The conduit has an inlet at a lower end thereof and an outlet at an upper end thereof. Liquid sample is made to flow into the inlet, through the conduit, and out of the outlet. The weight of the liquid sample in the conduit is determined during a flow of liquid sample through the conduit to obtain a first measurement. Thereafter, a difference between the first measurement and a predetermined weight value representing a weight of the same liquid sample flowing through the conduit but containing no entrained gases is determined to obtain a calculated weight of entrained gases in the liquid sample flowing through the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: Raymond D. Sullivan, Billy R. Landreth
  • Patent number: 6457346
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for a non-invasive bubble measuring instrument operable for detecting, distinguishing, and counting gaseous embolisms such as bubbles over a selectable range of bubble sizes of interest. A selected measurement volume in which bubbles may be detected is insonified by two distinct frequencies from a pump transducer and an image transducer, respectively. The image transducer frequency is much higher than the pump transducer frequency. The relatively low-frequency pump signal is used to excite bubbles to resonate at a frequency related to their diameter. The image transducer is operated in a pulse-echo mode at a controllable repetition rate that transmits bursts of high-frequency ultrasonic signal to the measurement volume in which bubbles may be detected and then receives the echo. From the echo or received signal, a beat signal related to the repetition rate may be extracted and used to indicate the presence or absence of a resonant bubble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Robert Kline-Schoder, Patrick J. Magari
  • Patent number: 6450006
    Abstract: A method for the control of actuation force in apparatus for determining entrained gas-phase content of process streams wherein the apparatus comprise compression of the process stream, measurement of the compressive behavior, and calculation of the volume of the entrained gas phase. In the apparatus, a piston device is rapidly translated into the process stream. The inertia of the liquid adjacent to the end of the piston causes the volume of fluid close to the end of the piston to be compressed by the movement of the piston. A pressure sensor integrally incorporated in the end of the piston measures the pressure pulse caused by the rapid movement of the piston. The pressure pulse is inversely proportional to entrained gas phase content. An accelerometer incorporated within the piston measures the acceleration of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Steven J. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 6436710
    Abstract: A headspace sampling system monitors materials in wastewater. The headspace sampling system comprises a sample receptacle that can contain a wastewater sample; a sparger chamber vapor column; a sample receptacle cover assembly that connects the sparger chamber vapor column to the sample receptacle; a sparger tube; at least one sensing device; and at least one analytic device. The sparger tube and the sample receptacle define a headspace. The sparger chamber vapor column is in communication with the sample receptacle and is closed by a sparger chamber vapor column cover at a second end that is opposed to the sample receptacle. The sparger tube extends into the sample receptacle and the wastewater sample in the sample receptacle. The sparger tube is connected to a source of inert gas at a first end opposed to the sample receptacle and comprises a dispersion device at an end opposed to the first end. The sensing device is disposed in the headspace sampling system in the headspace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Timothy Mark Sivavec, Sunita Singh Baghel, Don Royall Houston, Angelo Anthony Bracco
  • Patent number: 6422066
    Abstract: A sensor capsule to facilitate positioning of an analyte sensitive element such as a CO2 sensor at the end of a fiber optic probe, which discloses a dye layer defined by a dye well, fluorescent dye solution and apertures formed in a silicone sensor membrane. A TEFLON® covering membrane is positioned over the silicone membrane to retain the dye layer within the well, and perforated metal disc is positioned beneath the silicone membrane to provide support and resist swelling of the dye layer. The perforated metal disc, silicone membrane and TEFLON® membrane define a sandwich sensor structure which is positioned within an outer housing. An insert member is positioned over the sandwich sensor structure and is snap fit into outer housing to provide a sensor capsule which may be removeably positioned/replaced in association with a probe tip used for forming the fiber optic CO2 SENSOR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Yellow Spring Optical Sensor Co. PLL
    Inventors: Michael J. Cordonnier, H. Ping Wu, Robert B. Spokane, Jamie N. Lussier
  • Patent number: 6420187
    Abstract: The present invention is an improvement to the method and apparatus for measuring volatile compounds in an aqueous solution. The apparatus is a chamber with sides and two ends, where the first end is closed. The chamber contains a solution volume of the aqueous solution and a gas that is trapped within the first end of the chamber above the solution volume. The gas defines a head space within the chamber above the solution volume. The chamber may also be a cup with the second end. open and facing down and submerged in the aqueous solution so that the gas defines the head space within the cup above the solution volume. The cup can also be entirely submerged in the aqueous solution. The second end of the. chamber may be closed such that the chamber can be used while resting on a flat surface such as a bench. The improvement is a sparger for mixing the gas with the solution volume. The sparger can be a rotating element such as a propeller on a shaft or a cavitating impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Tyler J. Gilmore, Kirk J. Cantrell, George R. Holdren, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6412351
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the volumetric gas content in a two-phase flow of a medium comprising a gas phase and a liquid phase which has an unknown flow shape are provided. Simple and reliable measurements are achieved by converting the two-phase flow into a droplet flow by vortexing the gas phase and the liquid phase, such that the determination of the volumetric gas content may be carried out in the droplet flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft-und Raumfahrt e.V.
    Inventor: Stefan Zunft
  • Patent number: 6401518
    Abstract: A fluid filled transformer including a tank for containing at least primary and secondary windings, a radiator connected to the tank via top and bottom headers, a fluid disposed in the tank, a fluid circulation flow path including passages through the windings, radiator, headers, and at least a portion of the tank, and at least one diagnostic sensor disposed within the fluid circulation flow path for measuring properties of the fluid. By positioning the sensor within the circulation flow path, measured values are more reliable, accurate, and efficiently sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas G. O'Keeffe, Steven H. Azzaro, Vinay B. Jammu, Edward B. Stokes
  • Patent number: 6393893
    Abstract: This invention relates to a measuring apparatus for measuring the gas loading of a liquid, comprising a measuring device which substantially consists of a piston pump, by means of which a sample quantity of the liquid is subjected to a reduced pressure in a measuring cylinder chamber and the dissolved amount of gas is thereby desorbed and can be determined via the gas law by changing the conditions of pressure and/or temperature in the cylinder chamber. The measuring apparatus is of particularly compact construction and for this purpose is provided with a servomotor as an actuating drive for the piston pump, which servomotor not only enables the reduced pressure to be generated in the measuring chamber but also ensures the return of the measured test sample from the measuring cylinder chamber after the measuring operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: EDF Polymer Applikation Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar Fetz, Hannes Hausbichler
  • Patent number: 6363770
    Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the contents of foreign matters in a flowing liquid, in particular a buoyant apparatus, which has a housing (1) of which at least one wall section (2) is intended to be brought into contact with the liquid, and has a preferably spherical arched outer side and in a hole (4) a sensor (9) for the foreign matter. The sensor (9) has on its outer side in the area of the hole (4) a diaphragm (10) which is permeable to the foreign matters that are to be measured and which is arched and flush with the outer side of the wall section (2). In order to increase the flow velocity in the area of the diaphragm so that no contaminations remain adhered to the outer side of the diaphragm (10) thus influencing its permeability and thereby the measuring ability of the apparatus, the arched outer side of the wall section (2) is equipped with guiding surfaces (11) for the liquid, which project from it and extend transversely to the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventor: Ulrik Bruhn
  • Patent number: 6289716
    Abstract: There is described a method of monitoring the fault gases in the headspace of a transformer and providing an indication of transformer conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley R. Lindgren
  • Publication number: 20010016357
    Abstract: Described is apparatus and a process for analyzing a volatile composition such as a perfume composition located on the surface and/or in the interstices of a planar pliable porous substrate such as a towel section. A planar surface of the substrate which contains the volatile composition is initially juxtaposed adjacent a solid wall (e.g., glass frit) porous to a nonreactive carrier gas such as air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide, and fully and tightly covers the porous section of the wall. The carrier gas is passed through the porous section of the wall and then through the pliable porous substrate section which is adjacent to the wall; after which the carrier gas contains molecules of each component of the volatile composition. The composition-carrier gas mixture is then passed through a trapping substance (e.g., TENAX®) which entraps the molecules of each component of the volatile composition. The volatile composition is then analyzed (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventor: Walter O. Ledig
  • Patent number: 6277329
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses and processes for the measurement of hydrogen in aqueous solution at concentrations as low as about 0.1 nM. The present invention is capable of accurately and reproducibly measuring the concentration of dissolved hydrogen in an aqueous solution that also contains other dissolved gases, such as oxygen, carbon monoxide and sulfur compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide. In a presently preferred embodiment of a hydrogen analyzer 38 of the present invention, water containing dissolved hydrogen is equilibrated with a carrier gas by means of gas flow through a mass transfer device 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Camp Dresser & McKee Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick J. Evans
  • Patent number: 6269679
    Abstract: An artificial capillary testing apparatus (ACTA) is provided for evaluation of gas transport/exchange properties of a fluid. A sample fluid, having a known of measured partial gas pressure, is introduced from a gas-tight dispenser into an artificial capillary of known diameter located within an exchange chamber containing a flowing exchange gas. The artificial capillary is formed from a permeable material which permits gas exchange between the interior and exterior of the capillary. After exit from the artificial capillary, the effluent fluid is collected in a gas-tight collection cell, then removed from the apparatus to a gas analyzer to measure partial gas pressure, The dispenser, exchange chamber and collection cell are all enclosed within a temperature controlled cabinet, useful in measurement of oxygen transport properties of hemoglobin in blood or blood-substitutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michael R. McCarthy, Robert M. Winslow, Kim D. Vandegriff
  • Patent number: 6250131
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for use in the area of equalizing and measuring the quality of steam exiting multiple branches in a two-phase distribution system. The system utilizes fluid level elevational differences to provide a self-correcting mechanism so that the system may be utilized regardless of incoming fluid quality or pressure. The system does not require an inlet seperator. A system having a T-junction with upper and lower manifolds is described. Also described is a system having a differential liquid bypass and vapor branch with flow restrictions. The flow restrictions may be an orifice plate, a venturi, or a control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: James Craig Pauley, James Lindsey Gilbert Schrodt, Eric L. Berger
  • Patent number: 6247350
    Abstract: A sensor such as for sensing dissolved oxygen in plural cells spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance includes projection sections provided at intervals spaced according to the predetermined distance on an edge section of a plate shape base body. At least an active electrode and a counter-electrode are at predetermined positions on each projection section, and lead-out terminals are provided at predetermined positions on the substrate facing the substrate portion where the projection sections are formed. The substrate has wiring electrically connecting both the active electrodes and the counter-electrode to the lead-out terminals. This arrangement greatly reduces measurement labor and variance in measurement data results. In addition, it increases the number of objects that can be measured during a measurement operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Daikin Industries Limited
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tsukuda, Chaki Okumura
  • Patent number: 6234004
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a microsensor for measurement of transport coefficients like diffusivity or flow velocity. The microsensor has a reservoir provided with a mouth and a transducer. The transducer has a tip placed in the mouth, which can be provided with a membrane or insert. The reservoir contains one or more gases or one or more liquid-dissolved substances intended for the diffusion through the mouth into an area or field of a medium outside the mouth of the reservoir. The transducer measures the partial pressure of the gas or the concentration of the liquid-dissolved substance in the mouth, whereby transport coefficients of diffusivity or flow velocity are determined. Preferably, the gradient of the partial pressure or the concentration is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Unisense Aps.
    Inventors: Niels Peter Revsbech, Lars Peter Nielsen, Ole Pedersen, Jens Kristian Gundersen
  • Patent number: 6232783
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting contaminants in an aqueous flow. The method includes the steps of providing a conduit having at least one collection portion upon which is disposed a selective film, disposing the aqueous flow through the conduit, attracting contaminants to the collection portion such that they are bonded to the selective film, and detecting a contaminant, or contaminants, based upon a predetermined property of the plurality of contaminants bonded to the ion collection portion. The selective film may include a molecularly imprinted polymer, a crown ether, an antibody selective for biological contaminants, such as Giardia Lamblia and cryptosporidia, or for detecting organics such as dioxin or furan, a cyclodextrin, or a cyclophane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: John H. Merrill
  • Patent number: 6192737
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for measuring the concentration of dissolved gases in a liquid [(39)], especially of CO2 in beverages, in which the liquid [(39)] is passed across the retentate side [(140)] of a membrane [(14)] that is at least partially permeable to the dissolved gas, and [in which] the volumetric flow of the permeated gas on permeate side [(16)] of the membrane [(14)] is determined, the temperature of the liquid [(39)] is measured, and the concentration of the dissolved gas in the liquid [(39)] is calculated from these values. In this, the thickness of the membrane [(14)] can be pre-selected as a function of the flow rate of the liquid [(39)] flowing along the retentate side [(140)].
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignees: Rosemount Analytical Inc., GKSS-Forschungszentrum Geesthacht GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Ohlrogge, Carsten Hasler, Jan Wind, Dieter Cegla, Franz Josef Steffens