Gas Analysis Patents (Class 73/23.2)
  • Patent number: 11885741
    Abstract: A measurement device includes: a container into which sample gas is to be injected; a liquefaction mechanism configured to liquefy the sample gas in the container; a near-infrared probe extending from inside to outside the container; and a near-infrared measuring instrument configured to measure an absorbance spectrum of the sample gas in a state of being liquefied by the liquefaction mechanism, via the near-infrared probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Ryota Sakai, Hideko Tanaka, Youko Nozawa, Toshiki Ohara
  • Patent number: 11789005
    Abstract: A device for determining degradation rate of biodegradable polymers in soil, including a micro compressed air pump, a first CO2 absorption vessel filled with dry soda lime or an aqueous strong alkali solution, a CO2 indicator vessel filled with a barium hydroxide solution, a hollow leaching device, a second CO2 absorption vessel and a third CO2 absorption vessel connected in sequence through connecting pipes. A top of the hollow leaching device is provided with an end cover. An external water distributor filled with a leaching solution and a mechanical stirring device is arranged above the end cover. The external water distributor is in communication with an inner cavity of the hollow leaching device through a pipeline. A stirring shaft of the mechanical stirring device extends into the inner cavity. A stirring shaft is provided with a stirring paddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignees: NORTH UNIVERSITY OF CHINA, SHANXI ZHONGBEI NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yaqing Liu, Taian Chen, Yang Xiang, Guizhe Zhao
  • Patent number: 11764377
    Abstract: A fuel cell system mounted on a vehicle includes a fuel cell, a humidity sensor configured to detect a humidity in a vehicle cabin of the vehicle, a cathode off-gas exhaust passage through which cathode off-gas emitted from the fuel cell is exhausted to outside the vehicle, an introducing port for cathode off-gas, provided in the cathode off-gas exhaust passage, a cathode off-gas introducing unit configured to introduce cathode off-gas emitted from the fuel cell, into the vehicle cabin of the vehicle via the introducing port, and a cathode off-gas introducing amount control unit configured to control an amount of the cathode off-gas introduced into the vehicle cabin of the vehicle in accordance with a humidity in the vehicle cabin of the vehicle, detected by the humidity sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shigetaka Hamada, Fumihisa Ishiguro, Kiyoshi Yoshinaga
  • Patent number: 11750958
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing including a first surface facing in a first direction, a second surface facing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a side surface member enclosing the first surface and the second surface, a display visible through at least a portion of the first surface, an opening formed on a portion of the first surface, a speaker positioned within the housing, a sensor positioned within the housing, and a first path configured to guide a sound of the speaker to the opening, and a second path configured to guide the sound of the speaker to the opening and to avoid overlapping the first path, and at least a portion of the sensor is positioned between the first path and the second path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sungsoo Jun, Namjun Kim, Sejin Kim, Youngmoon Park, Youngkyu Kim, Jongchun Wee, Hwanseok Choi, Byounguk Yoon
  • Patent number: 11733226
    Abstract: A device can provide an air state detection floating device capable of remaining in the air, the device comprising: a power supply unit; at least one memory for storing instructions; at least one processor; a communication unit for transmitting and receiving data; a driving unit for generating a driving force; a first sensing unit for detecting information on an air state of an enclosed space; and a second sensing unit for generating location information, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor so as to the processor to perform operations, and the operations comprise: an operation that generates a control signal for movement in the enclosed space on the basis of the data; and an operation that controls the driving unit based on the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Gun Sik Jeong, KyungSu Lee, Sung Geun Bae, Da jin sol Kim, Tae Wook Lee, Hyunju Kim
  • Patent number: 11644393
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a low-energy-consumption in-situ extraction system for lunar rare gas and an extraction method. The system includes a screening device, a grinding device and a heating device. The method includes: a. using a robot arm to collect lunar soil and put into the screening device, and screening lunar soil with a particle size below 100 ?m; b. adding and grinding screened lunar soil in the grinding device; c. adding and heating ground lunar soil in the heating device to 150-250° C., and releasing rare gases adsorbed. The present disclosure uses screening, grinding combined with traditional heating methods to achieve low power consumption in extracting rare gases on the surface of the moon, and extraction power consumption is only 10-30% of the power consumption of hot-melt extraction at 900° C. in the prior art, which is beneficial to promote the lunar resource utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignees: Institute Of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Fei Su, Huaiyu He, Ranran Liu, Ziheng Liu, Jiannan Li
  • Patent number: 11609173
    Abstract: The invention relates to a particle detection device and a method for detecting particles in a fluid by means of separation. A channel structure is arranged for separating an incoming flow into a major flow comprising a minor portion of particles above the first predetermined size and a minor flow comprising a major portion of particles above the predetermined size. One or more detectors are arranged for detecting particles in the major flow and minor flow. The channel structure further comprises a choked flow restriction arranged for enabling a constant flow independent of pressure conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNO
    Inventor: Arjen Boersma
  • Patent number: 11609220
    Abstract: A sensor assembly for monitoring gas concentration and a method of the same are provided. The sensor assembly includes a start-up sensor and a long-run sensor. The start-up sensor is characterized by a first power-on period and the long-run sensor is characterized by a second power-on period that is longer than the first power-on period. The sensor assembly also includes a controller in communication with the start-up sensor and the long-run sensor. The controller is configured to cause the start-up sensor and the long-run sensor to power on. The controller is further configured to power off the start-up sensor and monitor the gas concentration via the long-run sensor upon the expiration of the second power-on period. A corresponding method of monitoring gas concentration is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Alfredo Flores Gutierrez, Keith Francis Edwin Pratt, Lamar Floyd Ricks
  • Patent number: 11592364
    Abstract: To provide an exhaust gas analysis apparatus that, without the need to greatly change the flow rate of diluted exhaust gas passing through a filter, can change the flow rate of exhaust gas in the diluted exhaust gas passing through the filter with good followability to reflect weighting, and accurately measure PM, the exhaust gas analysis apparatus is adapted to include: a collection part that collects particulate matter in sampling exhaust gas partially splitting from original exhaust gas or in the diluted exhaust gas resulting from diluting the sampling exhaust gas with diluent gas; and a split flow ratio control mechanism configured to, in accordance with a vehicle driving mode set in compliance with predetermined regulations, change a split flow ratio that is the ratio of the split flow rate of the sampling exhaust gas to the total flow rate of the original exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Inventor: Yoshinori Otsuki
  • Patent number: 11501962
    Abstract: A mass spectrometer collision cell system, comprising: a gas containment vessel comprising an internal chamber having ion inlet and ion outlet ends and a cross-sectional area, Achamber; a gas inlet aperture; first and second gas outlet apertures that are disposed at or proximal to the ion inlet and outlet ends, respectively, and that have respective outlet aperture cross-sectional areas, Aaperture1 and Aaperture2, and an average outlet aperture cross-sectional area, Aapertureave; a longitudinal axis of the chamber extending from the ion inlet end to the ion outlet end and having a length, Lchamber; and a set of multipole rod electrodes, at least a portion of each multipole rod electrode being within the chamber, wherein the values of Achamber, Lchamber and Aapertureave are such that the combined gas conductance of the chamber and the gas outlet apertures is not greater than 95 percent of the gas conductance of the gas outlet apertures alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Thermo Finnigan LLC
    Inventors: Scott T. Quarmby, Joshua T. Maze
  • Patent number: 11493494
    Abstract: System and method for detecting the presence at a distance of materials utilizing the atomic structure and characteristics of the elements in the chemicals comprising the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: USA SANDS, LLC
    Inventors: Richard D. Wilson, Axel James Perez, Dennis Duke
  • Patent number: 11441969
    Abstract: A method for determining the relative orientation of a gas leak relative to a sniffer leak detector includes a handpiece with a sniffer probe and a test gas inlet, a reference gas inlet disposed at the handpiece remote from the test gas inlet, a gas analyzer, and a switching valve. The switching valve is configured to alternately connect the test gas inlet and the reference gas inlet with the gas analyzer. Either gas is analyzed by the gas analyzer. Steps include supplying gas sucked in through the test gas inlet to the gas analyzer, determining the test gas concentration, switching the switching valve, supplying gas sucked in through the reference gas inlet to the gas analyzer, analyzing the test gas concentration, forming a differential signal, changing the spatial orientation of the handpiece, repeating the first through sixth steps, and determining whether the differential signal has changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: INFICON GmbH
    Inventors: Marcel Ruth, Daniel Wetzig
  • Patent number: 11408875
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting and identifying toxic and harmful gases based on machine olfactory. Information about the toxic and harmful gases is firstly collected through the machine olfactory system and then analyzed through a Selected Linear Discriminate Analysis (SLDA) combined with a Markov two-dimensional distance discriminant method to identify various toxic and harmful gases. The algorithm disclosed in the invention extracts the characteristic information of the sample data, and then fast processes and identifies the information as a linear recognition algorithm does, having wide applications in the field of machine olfaction, especially in detecting and identifying the toxic and harmful gases in real-time based on machine olfaction. The algorithm involves low complexity and high recognition efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: GUANGZHOU DEXIN SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD
    Inventors: Yunlong Sun, Dehan Luo, Hui Li
  • Patent number: 11393321
    Abstract: A gas detecting system includes a detector having a housing, a sensor module, a controller, energy storage, and a photoelectric conversion component. The photoelectric conversion component may be mounted in or on the housing to provide electrical power to the energy storage while the energy storage powers the detector. Accordingly, the photoelectric conversion component can extend working time of the detector beyond the normal capabilities of the energy storage alone. The gas detecting system may further include a charger that provides concentrated light for charging or operation of the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: mPower Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Yiqing Hang, Peter C. Hsi, Hong T. Sun
  • Patent number: 11391708
    Abstract: An actuating and sensing module is provided. The actuating and sensing module includes at least one sensor, at least one actuating device and a power storage member. The sensor is disposed for measuring fluid. The actuating device is disposed proximate to the sensor and is disposed for transporting the fluid. The power storage member is configured as a graphene battery and is disposed for providing power to the at least one sensor and the at least one actuating device for driving the at least one sensor and the at least one actuating device. The actuating device is driven to transport the fluid toward the sensor so as to make the fluid measured by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hao-Jan Mou, Ta-Wei Hsueh, Li-Pang Mo, Shih-Chang Chen, Ching-Sung Lin, Yung-Lung Han, Chi-Feng Huang, Chang-Yen Tsai
  • Patent number: 11313821
    Abstract: A sensor for the in situ detection of a target chemical species, comprising a gas permeable membrane having a sampling side and an opposing analytical side, wherein the sampling side of the membrane is capable of receiving a sample and the membrane is permeable to target chemical species present in the sample. A weak acid or a weak base is in contact with the analytical side of the membrane, and a conductivity detector is in contact with the weak acid or weak base. In use, target chemical species present in the sample permeate through the membrane and react with the weak acid or weak base, producing ionic species and changing the conductivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Huijun Zhao
  • Patent number: 11293397
    Abstract: A method for transmitting data from a sensor to a receiver by means of an analog interface, whereby, during a first period of time, the sensor transmits identifier data for identifying the type of the sensor and/or for identifying the type of a component associated with the sensor, and measurement signals of the sensor are only transmitted after the first period of time. In this context, it is also provided that the transmission of the identifier data serves to identify a specific sensor from a group of multiple sensors and/or a specific component that is associated with the sensor from a group of multiple components, whereby the multiple sensors of the appertaining group and/or the multiple components of the appertaining group have mechanically identical interfaces and consequently can fundamentally be employed alternatingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Per Ulrich, Marijo Topcic
  • Patent number: 11255706
    Abstract: An intelligent sensing device and a sensing system are disclosed. The sensing device comprises a sensor unit provided with a plurality of sensors, and a wireless communication module, a memory module and a processing module connected with a data platform, wherein the processing module is connected with the sensor unit, the wireless communication module and the memory module; the processing module acquires the motion condition of a user by means of a preset detection algorithm according to a detection result of the acceleration sensor; and the sensing device has multiple different modes corresponding to different preset detection algorithms, and the user selects the preset detection algorithm by setting the mode of the sensing device. The sensing device is extremely low in power consumption, good in stability and sensitivity and high in storage capacity, can be interconnected with the data platform, and allows various sensors to be accessed thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Dalian Cloud Force Technologies CO., LTD
    Inventors: Yang Li, Mao Wang, Chang Wang, Ting Zhang
  • Patent number: 11255322
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a casing, a speaker enclosure and an actuating and sensing module. The casing has an opening. The speaker enclosure is disposed within the casing to enclose a speaker, in communication with the opening of the casing and divided into a first speaker compartment and a second speaker compartment by a partition plate disposed corresponding to the opening, so that the opening of the casing is in communication with the first speaker compartment and the second speaker compartment. The actuating and sensing module is disposed within the first speaker compartment. The speaker is disposed within the second speaker compartment. The actuating and sensing module comprises a fluid transportation device and a sensor. The fluid transportation device is driven to transport a fluid from outside the casing into the first speaker compartment through the opening of the casing to make the fluid sensed by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hao-Jan Mou, Ta-Wei Hsueh, Shih-Chang Chen, Li-Pang Mo, Chi-Feng Huang, Yung-Lung Han, Chang-Yen Tsai
  • Patent number: 11199276
    Abstract: A handheld-sized, single-hand-holdable, single-hand-operable battery-powered digital backflow prevention assembly testing gage capable of measuring a differential pressure between high and low side fluid sources, providing a capture value function for easily recording pressure values while continuing display of live pressure measurements, and providing a rate of change graph display for immediate visual indication of changes in the differential pressure being sensed. The design utilizes a true differential pressure sensor for more accurate measurements, provides for use as a 5-valve, 3-valve, or 2-valve tester conforming to standard industry field testing procedures, and permits wireless transmission of measurement and related data as well as remote wireless calibration of the testing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Arbiter Incorporated
    Inventors: Demian Mendez, Adolfo Jose Wurts
  • Patent number: 11193917
    Abstract: A composition analysis apparatus for analyzing a composition of a gas includes: a first measurement part measuring concentrations of gases included in a gas to be analyzed; a part calculating converted calorific values, the part including a second measurement part measuring a refractive index of the gas and a speed of a sound propagating through the gas and calculating a converted calorific value of the gas for the refractive index and the sound speed; a part calculating a base miscellaneous gas total error calorific value, the part calculating, based on the converted calorific values, a base error calorific value of an error calorific value attributable to miscellaneous gases included in the gas; and a part calculating a concentration of a first gas not to be measured, the part calculating the concentration of the first gas based on the concentrations of the measured gases and the base error calorific value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Inventors: Kenichi Kojima, Tomoo Ishiguro
  • Patent number: 11145497
    Abstract: A method of analysing a target is disclosed comprising ablating a portion of a target so as to cause an aerosol plume to be produced and light or other electromagnetic radiation to be emitted. The aerosol plume is analysed using mass spectrometry and/or ion mobility spectrometry and the emitted light or other electromagnetic radiation is analysed using optical spectroscopy in order to determine one or more regions of interest of the target and/or one or more margins or bounds of a region of interest of the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Micromass UK Limited
    Inventors: Steven Pringle, Emrys Jones, Mike Morris, Keith Richardson, Zoltan Takats
  • Patent number: 11079321
    Abstract: The device is formed in a casing including a support, a spacer body, and a mirror element fixed together. A light-emitting element and a light-receiving element are arranged on a bearing surface of the support and face a reflecting surface of the mirror element. The light-emitting element is configured to generate infrared radiation, and the light-receiving element is configured to receive light radiation reflected by the reflecting surface. The spacer body has an emission opening housing the light-emitting element and a reception opening housing the light-receiving element; the reception opening comprises a radiation-limitation portion configured to enable entry of reflected light radiation having an angle, with respect to a normal to the bearing surface, of less than a preset value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.r.l.
    Inventors: Maria Eloisa Castagna, Salvatore Cascino, Viviana Cerantonio, Antonello Santangelo
  • Patent number: 11054406
    Abstract: According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided analyzing fault gas concentrations in a liquid. Concentration of at least one dissolved fault gas in the liquid is measured at least at two temperatures. Disturbing gas contribution is determined in at least one temperature on the basis of the fault gas concentration measurements. Fault gas concentrations are analyzed by compensating fault gas concentrations on the basis of the determined disturbing gas contribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Vaisala Oyj
    Inventor: Sami Virtanen
  • Patent number: 11047839
    Abstract: Embodiments are described of a sensing network including one or more sensor nodes, wherein each of the one or more sensor nodes includes a gas sensor that can measure the presence, concentration, or both, of one or more airborne pollutants in a nodal coverage area surrounding the sensor node. A sensor base that can measure the presence, concentration, or both, of one or more airborne pollutants is positioned in the nodal coverage area of each of the one or more sensor nodes, wherein the sensor base includes a gas sensor with higher accuracy, higher sensitivity, or both, than the gas sensors of the one or more sensor nodes. One or more servers communicatively coupled to the sensor base and the one or more sensors nodes. The sensor base and the sensor nodes can communicate their measurements to the server and the measurements of the sensor base are used by the server as a reference to correct the measurements of the one or more sensor nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: TRICORNTECH TAIWAN
    Inventor: Tsung-Kuan A. Chou
  • Patent number: 10928842
    Abstract: Environmental characteristics of habitable environments (e.g., hotel or motel rooms, spas, resorts, cruise boat cabins, offices, hospitals and/or homes, apartments or residences) are controlled to eliminate, reduce or ameliorate adverse or harmful aspects and introduce, increase or enhance beneficial aspects in order to improve a “wellness” or sense of “wellbeing” provided via the environments. Control of intensity and wavelength distribution of passive and active Illumination addresses various issues, symptoms or syndromes, for instance to maintain a circadian rhythm or cycle, adjust for “jet lag” or season affective disorder, etc. Air quality and attributes are controlled. Scent(s) may be dispersed. Hypoallergenic items (e.g., bedding, linens) may be used. Water quality is controlled. Noise is reduced and sounds (e.g., masking, music, natural) may be provided. Passive and active pathogen controls are employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Delos Living LLC
    Inventors: Dana S. Pillai, Nathan B. Stodola, Renato P. Termale, Richard A. Macary
  • Patent number: 10928287
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the composition of a gas mixture containing known components, including a first gas density sensor configured and arranged to measure the density of a first mixture made by combining a gaseous first component and a gaseous second component; a second gas density sensor configured and arranged to measure the density of a second mixture made by combining the first mixture with a gaseous third component; and a processor programmed to determined based on data from the first gas density sensor the relative compositions of the first component and the second component in the first mixture, and to determine based on the data from the second gas density sensor the relative compositions of the first mixture and the third component in the second mixture, and thus to determine the relative compositions of the first component, the second component, and the third component in the second mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc
    Inventors: Liang He, Ranajit Ghosh, Donald James Bowe, Reed Jacob Hendershot
  • Patent number: 10914702
    Abstract: A gas sensor combines two separate measurement methods in one shared structure. By way of the gas sensor, a qualitative or quantitative measurement of gases based on measurement of a variation in electrical conductivity, and a measurement of a change in work function based on a variation in the capacitance or impedance between two electrodes, can be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Schreivogel
  • Patent number: 10881805
    Abstract: A drug delivery device is provided comprising a container, a first product and a second product. The device is configured to mix the first product and the second product with each other within the container for forming a drug mixture. The device is further configured for dispensing the drug mixture. The device comprises a mixing member. The device is switchable from a first state, in which the first product and the second product are separated, into a second state, in which the first product and the second product are mixed. The mixing member is configured to exert a force onto the container in order to move the container to mix the first product and the second product with each other. Furthermore, a method for maintaining a predetermined property of a drug mixture to be dispensed from a drug delivery device is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Schabbach, Graham Jay
  • Patent number: 10859424
    Abstract: A flowmeter with a drainable fitting assemble is presented. The flowmeter includes an inner tube providing a flow path for pressurized fluid, a housing assembly for receiving the inner tube, and a fitting assembly for securing the inner conduit and the housing assembly in-line within a pipeline path. The fitting assembly includes a tap for draining the reservoir fitting of liquid. The tap can mateable with either a removable or adjustable plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Jan Willem van Voorst, Jan Willem van Rijswijk
  • Patent number: 10845829
    Abstract: Environmental characteristics of habitable environments (e.g., hotel or motel rooms, spas, resorts, cruise boat cabins, offices, hospitals and/or homes, apartments or residences) are controlled to eliminate, reduce or ameliorate adverse or harmful aspects and introduce, increase or enhance beneficial aspects in order to improve a “wellness” or sense of “wellbeing” provided via the environments. Control of intensity and wavelength distribution of passive and active Illumination addresses various issues, symptoms or syndromes, for instance to maintain a circadian rhythm or cycle, adjust for “jet lag” or season affective disorder, etc. Air quality and attributes are controlled. Scent(s) may be dispersed. Hypoallergenic items (e.g., bedding, linens) may be used. Water quality is controlled. Noise is reduced and sounds (e.g., masking, music, natural) may be provided. Passive and active pathogen controls are employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Delos Living LLC
    Inventors: Dana S. Pillai, Nathan B. Stodola, Renato P. Termale, Richard A. Macary
  • Patent number: 10823724
    Abstract: A system and method of trailing a wounded animal includes sensing a chemical component of mammalian blood and other bodily fluids in the air using a sensing device. The sensing device comprises a housing configured to be held in a hand of a person trailing the wounded animal. An audible and/or visual indication is provided based on the sensed chemical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Inventor: Jeff Love
  • Patent number: 10808960
    Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a refrigeration cycle circuit which includes a plurality of load-side heat exchangers; a plurality of indoor units which accommodate the plurality of load-side heat exchangers, respectively; and a controller which controls the plurality of indoor units. Each of the plurality of indoor units includes an air-sending fan. At least one of the plurality of indoor units includes a refrigerant detection unit. The controller divides the plurality of indoor units into one or more groups. The controller is set such that when refrigerant is detected by the refrigerant detection unit included in any of the plurality of indoor units, the controller causes the air-sending fans included in all the indoor units which belong to a same group as the indoor unit which includes the refrigerant detection unit which detects the refrigerant to be operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Suzuki, Masahiko Takagi, Kenyu Tanaka, Kazuki Watanabe, Naoya Matsunaga, Teppei Higuchi
  • Patent number: 10802046
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a measurement arrangement including a sensor, an electronics module, a signal cable having a cable circuit, and a superordinate unit. The sensor is releasably pluggable to the electronics module which itself is releasably pluggable to the signal cable. The signal cable is connected with the superordinate unit. The plug connections between the sensor and the electronics module and between the electronics module and the signal cable may be galvanically isolated. The sensor outputs digital data in a first format to the electronics module. The electronics module outputs digital data in a second format to the signal cable. The superordinate unit is configured to receive and to process the digital data in the second format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta GmbH+Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Kirst
  • Patent number: 10794611
    Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a refrigeration cycle circuit that includes a plurality of load-side heat exchangers and a plurality of indoor units that accommodate the plurality of load-side heat exchangers. Each of the plurality of indoor units includes an air-sending fan. At least one of the plurality of indoor units includes a refrigerant detection unit. When refrigerant is detected by the refrigerant detection unit included in any one of the plurality of indoor units, the air-sending fans included in all of the plurality of indoor units operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Company
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Suzuki, Masahiko Takagi, Kenyu Tanaka, Kazuki Watanabe, Naoya Matsunaga, Teppei Higuchi
  • Patent number: 10753916
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for detecting leaks in chromatography systems are disclosed. The leak detection system includes a sealable compartment disposed to surround at least one component of a chromatography system. The detector is in communication, e.g., fluid communication, with an interior of the sealable compartment and configured to detect the leak by various mean including the presence of liquid or the presence of vapor, or both within the sealable compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Moon Chul Jung, Jonathan L. Belanger, Xiangjin Song, Abhijit Tarafder, Joseph A. Jarrell, Wade P. Leveille
  • Patent number: 10746400
    Abstract: A system for flare combustion control includes a sound speed measurement device for measuring sound speed in a flare vent gas, and a flare combustion controller including a memory and a processor. The processor is configured to receive the measured sound speed and determine, based on the measured sound speed, a molecular weight of the flare vent gas. The processor is further configured to determine, based on the determined molecular weight, a net heating value of the flare vent gas, and adjust the net heating value of the flare vent gas by regulating an amount of a supplemental fuel gas in the flare vent gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel Robert Johnson, Chong Tao, Joshua Daniel Brooks, Randy Scott Pfenninger, Lei Sui
  • Patent number: 10732011
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed herein including a monitoring system for a building including an in-wall guide for a drone, the in-wall guide extending behind at least one wall from a first location to a second location and a power delivery circuit in, or adjacent, the in-wall guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Browning, Kevin J. Doran, Gabriel Cox, Jose Ignacio Parra Vilchis, Rafael De La Guardia González, David I. Gonzalez Aguirre
  • Patent number: 10697947
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting and reporting pollution at an oil facility are disclosed. The technology utilizes a logic control system to read from a pollution sensor and present the sensed data as a pollutant from a leak. The pollution leakage can be further managed and reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: PROJECT CANARY, INC.
    Inventor: David L. Armitage
  • Patent number: 10691148
    Abstract: Environmental characteristics of habitable environments (e.g., hotel or motel rooms, spas, resorts, cruise boat cabins, offices, hospitals and/or homes, apartments or residences) are controlled to eliminate, reduce or ameliorate adverse or harmful aspects and introduce, increase or enhance beneficial aspects in order to improve a “wellness” or sense of “wellbeing” provided via the environments. Control of intensity and wavelength distribution of passive and active Illumination addresses various issues, symptoms or syndromes, for instance to maintain a circadian rhythm or cycle, adjust for “jet lag” or season affective disorder, etc. Air quality and attributes are controlled. Scent(s) may be dispersed. Hypoallergenic items (e.g., bedding, linens) may be used. Water quality is controlled. Noise is reduced and sounds (e.g., masking, music, natural) may be provided. Passive and active pathogen controls are employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Delos Living LLC
    Inventors: Dana S. Pillai, Nathan B. Stodola, Renato P. Termale, Richard A. Macary
  • Patent number: 10690621
    Abstract: A sensor element for detecting at least one property of a measuring gas in a measuring gas chamber, in particular for detecting a proportion of a gas component in the measuring gas or a temperature of the measuring gas, includes a ceramic layer construction that includes at least one electrochemical cell, the electrochemical cell having at least one first electrode, a second electrode, and at least one solid electrolyte connecting the first electrode and the second electrode. The second electrode is situated in the layer construction facing an electrode cavity that is in the layer construction. The second electrode has at least one outer diameter that is greater than a corresponding outer diameter of the electrode cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Diehl, Gaetan Deromelaere, Michael Piwonski, Peter Raffelstetter, Thilo Lehre, Thorsten Sahm
  • Patent number: 10655207
    Abstract: The Invention relates to an atmospheric-pressure acetylene carburizing furnace, comprises a reaction chamber, an acetylene intake duct, an exhaust gas duct, a control and metering apparatus, an exhaust gas measurement apparatus, and a computer controller. The computer controller calculates a total amount of carbon in the furnace and an enrichment rate of a workpiece, and adjusts an acetylene intake volume according to the calculation result until process requirements are met. The Invention realizes carburizing with acetylene under atmospheric pressure and reduces the usage costs while improving the equipment efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Shanghai Yibai Industrial Furnaces Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jingfeng Yang, Peng Shen, Fan Yang
  • Patent number: 10620145
    Abstract: A method of determining asphaltene stability within a crude oil sample that includes obtaining a crude oil sample and performing a fractional analysis of the crude oil sample. The method further includes measuring, via a cylindrical capacitor, a dielectric constant of the crude oil sample and its fractions. Responsive to the measured dielectric constant, the stability of the asphaltenes within crude oil sample is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Berna Hascakir, Abhishek Punase
  • Patent number: 10598601
    Abstract: A gas concentration measuring device including a light emitter and a light receiver which are disposed so as to be opposed to each other with a hollow tube-like measurement pipe interposed therebetween. The device is configured to measure concentration of target gas passing through the measurement pipe using light applied from the light emitter, transmitted through the inside of the measurement pipe, and received by the light receiver. Purge gas guide pipes through which purge gas is introduced into optical systems of the light emitter and the light receiver are connected to a side wall of the measurement pipe. The measurement pipe includes a gas entrance portion having a tapered shape widening from a gas supply port toward a downstream side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignees: YANMAR CO., LTD., FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Fukui, Ryota Kobayashi, Tetsuya Yokoyama, Tsuyoshi Inoue, Yusuke Oda, Michiyasu Okada, Kozo Akao, Ryouichi Higashi
  • Patent number: 10591433
    Abstract: A gas sensor, having: a substrate; a heatable membrane configured on a substrate front side of the substrate; at least three electrodes disposed on a membrane surface of the membrane; a first coating configured on an area of the membrane surface, at least two of the at least three electrodes contacting the first coating; a second coating configured on the first coating and on an area of the membrane surface, at least two of the at least three electrodes contacting the second coating, and at least one of the at least two electrodes that contact the second coating being different from the at least two electrodes that contact the first coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Krauss
  • Patent number: 10564082
    Abstract: According to improvement of the receptor layer of various sensors of the type for detecting physical parameters (for example, a surface stress sensor, QCM, and SPR), all of high sensitivity, selectivity, and durability are achieved simultaneously. A porous material or a particulate material, e.g., nanoparticles, is used in place of a uniform membrane which has been conventionally used as a receptor layer. Accordingly, the sensitivity can be controlled by changing the membrane thickness of the receptor layer, the selectivity can be controlled by changing a surface modifying group to be fixed on the porous material or particulate material, and the durability can be controlled by changing the composition and surface properties of the porous material or particulate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR MATERIALS SCIENCE
    Inventors: Kota Shiba, Genki Yoshikawa, Yusuke Yamauchi, Norihiro Suzuki, Gaku Imamura, Kosuke Minami, Hamish Hei-Man Yeung
  • Patent number: 10533964
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for analyzing the composition of a gaseous stream comprising at least two gaseous components, one of which is methane; and to a sensor array and a gas sensor comprising such sensor array. The method comprises contacting the gaseous mixture with a sensor, wherein the sensor comprises a sensor array comprising at least two sensor elements, wherein each of said sensor elements comprises a transducer coated with a coating comprising a polymeric material having at least one property that is responsive to one or more of said gaseous components when exposed thereto, wherein said sensor elements differ at least in the composition of the coating, providing an energy input to said transducers that is converted to output signals based on said property, and obtaining said output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie TNO
    Inventors: Dennis Johannes Maria Snelders, Arjen Boersma, Adriaan Jan de Jong
  • Patent number: 10451457
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for of performing a test on a deluge system. The method comprises providing a gas source in fluid communication with a deluge system. A plurality of fluid sensors is installed at a plurality of locations (e.g. nozzles) in the deluge system. The gas source is activated to cause gas to flow through the deluge system during a gas test period, and using the plurality of sensors, at least one fluid parameter during the gas test period is measured to provide a gas test data set. The first gas test data set is stored, transmitted and/or processed to derive information about the condition of the deluge system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: PARADIGM FLOW SERVICES LIMITED
    Inventor: Hugh Mackenzie
  • Patent number: 10427938
    Abstract: A device and method detect cellular targets in a bodily source by utilizing a biofunctional pad comprised of a thin film of carbon nanotubes (CNT's). When antibodies are absorbed by the CNT's, cellular targets having markers matching the antibodies may be detected in a bodily source placed upon the biofunctional pad by measuring the conductivity of the thin film using conductive contacts electrically coupled to the thin film, as the binding of the receptors in the cellular targets to the antibodies changes the free energy in the thin film. In many respects, the device functions as a Field Effect Transistor (FET) with the bodily source, e.g., blood, acting as a polyelectrolyte liquid gate electrode to create a varying electrostatic charge or capacitance in the thin film based upon the binding of cellular targets in the source to the antibodies present on the biofunctional pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventor: Balaji Panchapakesan
  • Patent number: 10408785
    Abstract: A method for determining an internal resistance of a sensor element. The method includes: a) applying a current pulse to the sensor element; the current pulse inducing a charge transfer in the sensor element; the occurrence of the charge transfer causing an increase in the electrical voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode of the sensor element; b) ascertaining a value for the increase in the electrical voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, step b) being performed at least twice at different points in time during the occurrence of the charge transfer; and a value for increasing the electrical voltage being ascertained therefrom at various points in time; and c) determining the internal resistance of the sensor element from the values for increasing the electrical voltage that are ascertained at different points in time during the occurrence of the charge transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Fey