Pressure Patents (Class 73/23.27)
  • Patent number: 11137349
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described, and one method includes passing an optical beam through a volume of the gas to a reception surface, applying spectroanalysis to the optical beam received at the reception surface, and determining from the spectroanalysis whether a liquid is carried by the volume of the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Inventor: Sohrab Zarrabian
  • Patent number: 8857463
    Abstract: A sensor system is provided for pressure vessels. In one embodiment, a compressor directs compressed air into a purification chamber for removing carbon monoxide from the air. A sensor system housing is fastened to an opening on the purification chamber. The sensor housing provides an electrochemical sensor driven by an independent power supply and an electronic processor for receiving a signal from the electrochemical sensor. If the carbon monoxide in the purification chamber reaches a predetermined level, the electronic processor is programmed to initiate a shutdown of the compressor utilizing a relay cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: James B. Carruth, James I. Fulton, Christopher B. Bottomy, Thomas M. Hosea, Marshal J. Black
  • Patent number: 8707790
    Abstract: Method for optical pressure measurement of a gas in a closed container by directing a radiation of a radiator through the container and measuring the transmitted radiation by a detector, wherein the radiation of the radiator covers at least one first wavelength range in which there is an absorption of the radiation by the gas, the intensity of the transmitted radiation is detected in a second wavelength range by the detector, wherein the second wavelength range overlaps at least partially with the first wavelength range, and an accumulated intensity of the detected radiation in the second wavelength range is assigned to a pressure of the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Heuft Systemtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Baumann, Marcus Wolff
  • Patent number: 8528383
    Abstract: A pressure sensor and method of sensing pressure is disclosed. An fluid port is coupled to a substrate. A first microchannel within the substrate is in fluid communication with the fluid port. The first microchannel includes a first compressible fluid, a first incompressible fluid and at least one first meniscus. A second microchannel within the substrate is in fluid communication with the fluid port. The second microchannel includes a second compressible fluid, a second incompressible fluid and at least one second meniscus. A pressure of the first meniscus and/or the second meniscus is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Allan T. Evans, Jonathan D. Suter, Jacob M. Fricke, Rebecca L. Erikson
  • Patent number: 8347688
    Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing samples, such as gas samples, are described. One method comprises providing a gas sample, increasing pressure applied to the gas sample to compress the sample to a smaller volume and provide a pneumatically focused gas sample, and analyzing the pneumatically focused gas sample using any of a variety of analytical techniques. Also disclosed are systems for gas analysis, including systems for analysis of pneumatically focused, and thereby concentrated, gas samples and for analysis of particulate matter in gas samples. Analytical systems constructed within personal computer cases also are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: State of Oregon acting by and through the State Board of Higher Education on behalf of Portland State University
    Inventor: Robert O'Brien
  • Patent number: 8210026
    Abstract: A detector in a gas chromatograph includes a detector inlet configured to receive a chromatographic column, the chromatographic column having a column entrance and a column exit, the column exit coupled to the detector inlet, a restriction integrated within the detector, the restriction located to receive an output of the chromatographic column, at least one pressure regulated gas source provided for normal gas chromatograph operation and arranged to provide at least one gas to a location between the integrated restriction and the column exit, and a backflush controller coupled to the pressure regulated gas source, the backflush controller configured to control a pressure differential between the column exit and the column entrance such that the at least one gas backflushes the chromatographic column when a pressure at the column exit exceeds a pressure at the column entrance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Klee, Lawrence John Gajdos, Bruce Douglas Quimby
  • Patent number: 7801693
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving accuracy of measurement of fluid pressure at a fluid port, such as at a supply port or control port of a fluid control valve, involves a closed-loop precision pressure measurement method with barometric pressure and temperature compensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Saturn Electronics & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Seid, Timothy M. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7752884
    Abstract: A method of analyzing a gas specimen mixture includes measuring the concentrations of inert components in the gas specimen mixture and the pressure and temperature of the gas specimen mixture. A number of sample gas mixtures are generated with varying percentages of hydrocarbon gases, each including the measured inert component concentrations. For each generated sample gas mixture, the method includes calculating the speed of sound therein based on the measured pressure and temperature and the particular percentages of hydrocarbon gases therein, measuring the speed of sound in the gas specimen mixture, and iteratively comparing the measured speed of sound with the calculated speed of sound in different sample gas mixtures until convergence for a particular sample gas mixture. The molecular weight of the particular sample gas mixture is calculated, and set the molecular weight of the gas specimen mixture to the calculated molecular weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Yufeng Huang
  • Patent number: 7752885
    Abstract: A gas specimen mixture analysis system includes at least one sensor for measuring the concentrations of inert components in the gas specimen mixture, a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the gas specimen mixture, and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the gas specimen mixture. A subsystem measures the speed of sound in the gas specimen mixture, and a processing subsystem, responsive to the at least one inert component sensor, the pressure sensor, the temperature sensor, and the subsystem for measuring the speed of sound, is configured to generate a number of sample gas mixtures with varying percentages of hydrocarbon gases, each including the measured inert component concentrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Yufeng Huang
  • Publication number: 20100139363
    Abstract: A detector in a gas chromatograph includes a detector inlet configured to receive a chromatographic column, the chromatographic column having a column entrance and a column exit, the column exit coupled to the detector inlet, a restriction integrated within the detector, the restriction located to receive an output of the chromatographic column, at least one pressure regulated gas source provided for normal gas chromatograph operation and arranged to provide at least one gas to a location between the integrated restriction and the column exit, and a backflush controller coupled to the pressure regulated gas source, the backflush controller configured to control a pressure differential between the column exit and the column entrance such that the at least one gas backflushes the chromatographic column when a pressure at the column exit exceeds a pressure at the column entrance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Matthew S. Klee, Lawrence John Gajdos, Bruce Douglas Quimby
  • Patent number: 7621171
    Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing samples, such as gas samples, are described. One method comprises providing a gas sample, increasing pressure applied to the gas sample to compress the sample to a smaller volume and provide a pneumatically focused gas sample, and analyzing the pneumatically focused gas sample using any of a variety of analytical techniques. Also disclosed are systems for gas analysis, including systems for analysis of pneumatically focused, and thereby concentrated, gas samples and for analysis of particulate matter in gas samples. Analytical systems constructed within personal computer cases also are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: State of Oregon acting by and through the State Board of Higher Education on behalf of Portland State University
    Inventor: Robert O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7508521
    Abstract: A system includes a light source, a detector, at least one pressure sensor, and a control unit. The light source emits light at a wavelength substantially corresponding to an absorption line of a target gas. The detector is positioned to detect the intensity of light emitted from the light source that has passed through the target gas. The pressure sensor detects the pressure of the target gas. The control circuit is coupled to the detector and the light source to adjust the modulation amplitude of the light source based on the pressure detected by the at least one pressure sensor. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: SpectraSensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiang Liu, Xin Zhou, Alfred Feitisch, Greg Sanger
  • Patent number: 7474965
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying molecules. Molecules are identified from a gaseous matter having the molecules and flowing at two different flow rates. A system and method for identifying a substance. A particle which is indicative of a substance is identified from matter having the particle and flowing at two different flow rates. After the particle is identified, the substance is identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Bradley Johnson, Rehan M. Khan, Noam Sobel
  • Publication number: 20080313896
    Abstract: A thin film sensor, such as a glucose sensor, is provided for transcutaneous placement at a selected site within the body of a patient. The sensor includes several sensor layers that include conductive layers and includes a proximal segment defining conductive contacts adapted for electrical connection to a suitable monitor, and a distal segment with sensor electrodes for transcutaneous placement. The sensor electrode layers are disposed generally above each other, for example with the reference electrode above the working electrode and the working electrode above the counter electrode. The electrode layers are separated by dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Rajiv Shah, Rebecca K. Gottlieb
  • Publication number: 20080282682
    Abstract: An integrated DPF loading and failure sensor with two particulate matter sensors one located upstream of the filter and the other located downstream of the filter. The sensors are integrated into the leading and trailing edges of the filter. Integrating two particulate matter sensors with the DPF will allow the proper interval between reconditioning of DPF, since the particulate matter collected on the filter is measured and not estimated. The upstream sensor determines the amount of particulate matter entering the filter. In addition to using the first sensor for loading, the second sensor, at the trailing face of the filter, can be used to determine break-through of the DPF. The second sensor measures the particulate matter escaping the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Brian Krafthefer C., Michael L. Rhodes, Bradley R. Postage
  • Patent number: 7437906
    Abstract: A flow regulator device for an analytical circuit, characterised by comprising: a fluid restriction (R) of defined characteristics related to the field of application of the analytical circuit, a direct-pressure regulator (2) positioned upstream of said restriction (R), a back pressure regulator (4) positioned downstream of said restriction (R).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Dani Instruments S.p.A.
    Inventors: Stefano Boursier Niutta, Michele Gentile
  • Patent number: 7360434
    Abstract: A pressure tap probe having a flexible probe tip that is flexible enough to seal a film cooling hole having a roughened surface such as a TBC applied around the hole. The flexible probe tip is flexible enough to deform around the film cooling hole such that an accurate pressure reading can be observed for the film cooling hole. The flexible pressure tap is used to measure the pressure at a plurality of film cooling holes on a turbine airfoil when a pressure and a flow rate of cooling air is passed through the airfoil. A plurality of film cooling holes are measured by using the flexible pressure tap to determine if the cooling passages and film cooling holes are properly sized to provide adequate cooling for the airfoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Hayes, John E. Ryznic
  • Publication number: 20080011297
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a physiologic condition includes suspending, via trans-tracheal implantation, a dual pressure sensor for exposure to a bidirectional airflow within the trachea. A respiratory parameter is measured via the dual pressure sensor based on an airflow-induced pressure differential sensed by the dual pressure sensor, and a physiologic condition is determined via the measured respiratory parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Scott Thomas Mazar, Stanley Eugene Kluge, Thomas Mark Suszynski, Lynn Marlo Zwiers, Scott Robert Tiesma
  • Patent number: 7225085
    Abstract: A precision gas flow meter that is capable of measuring small flow rates of gasses precisely in the range of 0.01 to 10 L per minute. The meter is designed to measure the gas flow in small volume increments of predetermined value, and therefore can be used to measure a gas flow that is continuous or discontinuous. The flow meter can be used to measure the gas production rates from many processes, including biological reactors, chemical reactors, and thermal-chemical reactors. The device can also be used to meter the gases that are required in small or minute volumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Ruihong Zhang, Zhongli Pan
  • Patent number: 7207224
    Abstract: A combination vacuum gauge provides simultaneous absolute and differential pressure measurements over a wide range of pressures ranging from atmospheric pressures to ultrahigh vacuum by processing the readings from an absolute high vacuum gauge (e.g., an ionization gauge and/or a heat-loss sensor), a differential low vacuum gauge providing a differential relative to ambient pressure (e.g., a diaphragm sensor), and a barometric absolute pressure sensor exposed to the ambient atmosphere outside the measurement region. The barometric absolute pressure sensor reading is used to convert the differential vacuum gauge reading from uncalibrated differential pressure to calibrated absolute pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Rutt, Michael D. Borenstein
  • Patent number: 7145467
    Abstract: A medical gas alarm system for use in a healthcare facility having a medical gas system and having a network of computer devices is provided. The alarm system includes at least one area alarm controller adapted to receive a first signal indicative of a condition of a first portion of the medical gas system. The area alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the network. The alarm system also includes at least one master alarm controller adapted to receive a second signal indicative of a condition of a second portion of the medical gas system. The master alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the network. The area alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the master alarm controller through the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Beacon Medical Products LLC
    Inventors: Joseph H. Abel, William C. Bohlinger, Stanton H. Breitlow, Edward W. Catton, Thomas J. Dubisar, James P. Hentges, Richard E. Hoffman, William J. Kaht, Nick D. LaBare, Robert O. Moran, Thomas R. Pfingsten, Phillip B. Plyler, John M. Sharer, John B. Wilker, Sr., Dale T. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 6987448
    Abstract: A medical gas alarm system for use in a healthcare facility having a medical gas system and having a network of computer devices is provided. The alarm system includes at least one area alarm controller adapted to receive a first signal indicative of a condition of a first portion of the medical gas system. The area alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the network. The alarm system also includes at least one master alarm controller adapted to receive a second signal indicative of a condition of a second portion of the medical gas system. The master alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the network. The area alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the master alarm controller through the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward W. Catton, John M. Sharer, John B. Wilker, Sr., Phillip B. Plyler, Joseph H. Abel, William J. Kaht, James P. Hentges, Thomas R. Pfingsten, Stanton H. Breitlow, William C. Bohlinger, Thomas J. Dubisar, Robert O. Moran, Dale T. Wolfe, Nick D. LaBare, Richard E. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6865926
    Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing samples, such as gas samples, are described. One method comprises providing a gas sample, increasing pressure applied to the gas sample to compress the sample to a smaller volume and provide a pneumatically focused gas sample, and analyzing the pneumatically focused gas sample using any of a variety of analytical techniques. Also disclosed are systems for gas analysis, including systems for analysis of pneumatically focused, and thereby concentrated, gas samples and for analysis of particulate matter in gas samples. Analytical systems constructed within personal computer cases also are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: State of Oregon Acting by and through the State Board of Higher Education on behalf of Portland State University
    Inventors: Robert J. O'Brien, Thomas R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040237627
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring fluid flow within a high pressure liquid chromatography system. The apparatus includes a pump for supplying a system flow of eluent to the system, a chromatography column, a flow splitting device having a first restrictor fluidly connecting the pump and the chromatography column, a second restrictor fluidly connecting the pump to a waste line, a first fluid pressure sensor monitoring a system fluid pressure upstream of the first restrictor, and a second fluid pressure sensor monitoring a column fluid pressure downstream of the first restrictor. A method of using the apparatus for fluid flow control is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Peter S. Jochum
  • Patent number: 6813929
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring fluid flow within a high pressure liquid chromatography system. The apparatus includes a pump for supplying a system flow of eluent to the system, a chromatography column, a flow splitting device having a first restrictor fluidly connecting the pump and the chromatography column, a second restrictor fluidly connecting the pump to a waste line, a first fluid pressure sensor monitoring a system fluid pressure upstream of the first restrictor, and a second fluid pressure sensor monitoring a column fluid pressure downstream of the first restrictor. A method of using the apparatus for fluid flow control is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Dionex Corporation
    Inventor: Peter S. Jochum, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6779405
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fast and accurate method of measuring the vacuum pressure in a sealed glass vial or other electrically non-conductive vessel. In the method the vial or vessel to be tested is placed between a pair of electrodes. The gas contained within the vial or vessel is ionized by applying a high frequency, high voltage potential across the electrodes. The voltage is progressively decreased once ionization has occurred and the termination of ionization is detected by registering either the sudden drop in electrode current or the termination of light emission from the vial. The gas pressure within the vial or vessel is derived as a function of the electrode voltage at the point at which ionization terminates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: David John Powell
  • Patent number: 6494078
    Abstract: A method applies retention-time locking to the retention times and/or the column(s) void times of a target analyte(s) being eluted thru a multidimensional gas chromatography system. Retention time locking is applied to both standard and comprehensive multidimensional gas chromatography via the steps of adjusting column(s) head pressure in a locking multidimensional gas chromatograph system such that the measured retention times and/or void times match the known accepted. Retention time locking may be applied to either or both of the columns in a multidimensional gas chromatography system. Additionally, if the multidimensional system contains more than two columns in series, retention time locking can be applied to any or all of the columns as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew S. Klee
  • Patent number: 6386014
    Abstract: A system for determining the energy and volume delivered by a flowing natural gas carried within a pipeline based on BTU content analysis of the natural gas using a micro-miniature gas chromatograph. By monitoring key parameters of the flowing natural gas, such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, and BTU content, the system 110 accurately determines the total energy and total volume delivered by the flowing natural gas over a programmable duration of time. Micro-miniature fabrication of the gas chromatograph imparts important advantages to the system 110, including small size, modular design, low power consumption, fast BTU analysis times, and low consumption of consumable carrier and reference gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Eagle Research Corporation
    Inventor: James N. Butch