Gas Analysis Patents (Class 73/23.2)
  • Patent number: 9011778
    Abstract: A hydrogen sensitive composite sensing material based on cerium oxide with or without additives to enhance sensitivity to hydrogen, reduce cross-sensitivities to interfering gases, or lower the operating temperature of the sensor, and a device incorporating these hydrogen sensitive composite materials including a support, electrodes applied to the support, and a coating of hydrogen sensitive composite material applied over the electroded surface. The sensor may have in integral heater. The sensor may have a tubular geometry with the heater being inserted within the tube. A gas sensor device may include a support, electrodes applied to the support, and a dual sensor element to cancel unwanted effects on baseline resistance such as those resulting from atmospheric temperature changes. The hydrogen sensitive composite material or other gas sensitive materials may be used in the dual element gas sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: NexTech Materials, Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher T. Holt, Stephen R. Cummings, Scott L. Swartz, Lora B. Thrun
  • Publication number: 20150101392
    Abstract: Sampling systems for use on production lines with the capability to measure chemical components of a gas, vapor, or liquid sample taken from a product on the line and at a faster rate than the individual sensors alone are capable of. In one embodiment, the system detects the presence of insoluble hydrocarbons in the gas vapor present inside refillable water bottles that have been returned by the consumer. Each sampling system—apparatus—comprises two or more sub-systems each comprising: one or more sensors for performing a measurement of interest on a gas, vapor, or liquid sample, valves and a pump for directing the flow of samples, optionally an enclosed volume to hold the sample, and all under the direction of a control system. The sampling system also automatically acts on the measurement to detect when defective goods have reached a point where they can be ejected from the production line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Steven R. Foote
  • Patent number: 9003866
    Abstract: A gas sensor including a detecting element; and a protector having a tube portion surrounding the detecting portion, and a bottom portion the protector having a first opening disposed at the tube portion and a second opening at the bottom portion. The bottom portion includes first and second bottom wall portions, the second bottom wall portion protrudes toward the leading end side, and at least a part of the inner face thereof is located at the leading end side with respect to the outer face of the first bottom wall portion. The second opening is provided on a side opposite the inner space of the tube portion in a communication passage formed by the inner face of the second bottom wall portion, and an opening area of the second opening is larger than an area of the largest imaginary circle that can be placed inside the first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Tsuzuki, Takaya Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 8991234
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a valproic acid biosensor. In some embodiments, the valproic acid biosensor may comprise a microcantilever, a self-assembly monolayer, and a valproic acid antibody layer. The self-assembly monolayer may immobilize on the microcantilever surface. The valproic acid antibody layer may immobilize on the self-assembly monolayer. The valproic acid antibody layer may be used to bind with valproic acid drug samples. The present disclosure further relates to methods for measuring the concentration of valproic acid drug samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Long-Sun Huang, Kai-Fung Chang, Yu-Chen Chang
  • Publication number: 20150068277
    Abstract: Active compensation designs to offset the impact of gas diffusion sources and sinks in a photosynthesis and transpiration measurement system are disclosed. A sensor head for use in a gas exchange analysis system includes an active, piezoelectric flow splitting device for splitting a flow between a sample chamber and bypass pathway. The active flow splitting device is controlled by feedback from a downstream flow meter. A continuous measurement system for rapidly and accurately surveying large numbers of samples is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Johnson, Robert D. Eckles, Dayle K. McDermitt
  • Publication number: 20150068276
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of preparing a reference solution of a gaseous substance necessary for calibration of various measuring instruments used in measurement of the gaseous substance, such as radon (Rn-220) or a volatile substance, contained in seawater, subsurface water, surface water or the like. An apparatus of preparing a reference solution according to the present invention includes a gas component detector having two ports and configured to measure a concentration of a predetermined gaseous substance; a gas vessel having two ports and configured to accommodate the predetermined gaseous substance; a reference solution preparation vessel having two ports and configured to accommodate a predetermined liquid substance; pipe lines connecting the ports of the gas component detector, the gas vessel and the reference solution preparation vessel; and valves installed on the pipe lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCES
    Inventors: Kilyong LEE, Yoonyoel YOON, Sooyoung CHO
  • Publication number: 20150052973
    Abstract: A protector (42) of a full-range-air-fuel-ratio sensor (2) is made of a material having an Ni content of 30.0 to 35.0 wt %, a Cr content of 19.0 to 23.0 wt %, an Al content of 0.15 to 0.60 wt %, and containing at least Fe as balance. The material of the protector may further contain Ti in an amount of 0.15 to 0.60 wt %.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi NAKASHIMA, Kensuke MIZUTANI, Makoto HIRASAWA
  • Patent number: 8956571
    Abstract: A miniature lower cost optical sensing apparatus and method are provided for determining the concentration and/or hazard from a target gas by means of IR or visible photon monitoring one or more sensors that responds to carbon monoxide. The apparatus comprises a photon source optically coupled to the sensor and at least a portion of the photon intensity passing through the sensor is quantified by one or more photodiode(s) in a system, so that the photon flux is a function of at least one sensor's response to the target gas, e.g., transmits light through the sensor to the photodiode. The photo current from the photodiode is converted to a sensor reading value proportional to the optical characteristics of the sensors and is loaded into a microprocessor or other logic circuit. In the microprocessor, the sensor readings may be differentiated to determine the rate of change of the sensor readings and the total photons absorbed value may be used to calculate the CO concentration and/or dose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Quantum Group Inc.
    Inventors: Mark K. Goldstein, Michelle S. Oum
  • Patent number: 8950240
    Abstract: An acetone gas sensor apparatus, including: a chamber, used for containing a gas sample taken from a breath of a person; and an acetone gas sensor, placed in the chamber for generating an output current in response to an acetone concentration of the gas sample, the acetone gas sensor including: a substrate; a buffer layer, deposited on the substrate; an InN epilayer, deposited on the buffer layer for providing a current path for the output current; a first conductive contact, deposited on the InN epilayer for providing a drain contact; and a second conductive contact, deposited on the InN epilayer for providing a source contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventors: Jer-Liang Andrew Yeh, Shang-Jr Gwo
  • Patent number: 8950237
    Abstract: A gas analyzer system to determine the concentration of gases in an automotive air conditioning system comprising: an infrared multi-detector device equipped with a gas analysis chamber; an emitter source emitting infrared radiation in the analysis chamber; infrared multi-detectors generating an electrical measurement quantity based on the absorption of radiation by the gas; a suction pump creating a depression inside the analysis chamber; and an electronic control unit determining a main automotive refrigerant gas concentration and the contaminant gases concentration, based on electrical measurement quantities provided by the multi-detectors and a reference electrical quantity. The control unit controls the pump to suck the gases in the analysis chamber until a condition of absence of gases is achieved, wherein the internal pressure of the chamber reaches a minimum pressure, and then determines the reference electrical quantity, based on the electrical quantity generated in the condition of absence of gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Texa S.p.A.
    Inventors: Manuele Cavalli, Roberto Giudici
  • Publication number: 20150033942
    Abstract: A system and method for regenerative air purification technology use in residential or commercial HVAC systems that includes a set of gas sensors and processor, a set of filters including the pre-particles filter; HEAP particles filters and the adsorption gas filters with TiO2 (or TiO2 mixed activated carbon material) coated on the outer surface, a set of auto valves, a set of UV Lamps on the boundaries of device compartment, a set of heater located in the central of a cylinder type of adsorption filter. The air is ventilated through the pre-particle filter, “HEPA” filter or a high efficiency filter with nano-material fibers (HENF) and combined activated carbon adsorption filter via a well designed manifold tube, in which the particles will be captured on the pre-particle filter and “HEPA” or “HENF” filter materials and VOCs are trapped by the adsorption filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Wei Zhang
  • Publication number: 20150027202
    Abstract: A system and method for recovering high value gas from a process stream, material or environment containing same, e.g., xenon by contacting gas from the process stream, material or environment with a carbon adsorbent effective to sorptively capture same, free of or with reduced concentration of fluid species present with the high value gas in the high value gas-containing gas in the process stream, material or environment. Other aspects of the disclosure include a radon detection method and product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Baum, J. Donald Carruthers, Richard Fricke, Joshua B. Sweeney, James V. McManus, Edward A. Sturm
  • Patent number: 8938973
    Abstract: An aircraft air system includes a gas turbine engine, a bleed air duct directing compressed air bled from a compressor to an inner compartment within the aircraft, and an air contamination detector located downstream of the gas turbine engine compressor. The air contamination detector includes a visual indicator which detects the presence of a fluid contaminant within the bleed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Kevin Allan Dooley, Kiritkumar Patel
  • Publication number: 20150020573
    Abstract: This invention relates to impact absorbing foams. These foams comprise a polymeric foam and ceramic particulates dispersing the foam. These foams have numerous uses, including, for example, as interior pads for football helmets, and the like, for reducing head injuries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Schofalvi, Ji Seung Kim, Christopher James Durning
  • Patent number: 8935950
    Abstract: A sensor for the measurement of the hydrocarbon content in a flow of gas in a purge line. The sensor can measure the hydrocarbon content in the flow of gas in the purge line from a hydrocarbon storage device to an internal combustion engine. The sensor has at least one heating element and at least one thermal detector, with the heating element heating the flow of gas while the thermal detector determines the temperature of the flow of gas, which temperature is evaluated as a measurement of the hydrocarbon content in the flow of gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Bierl, Philippe Grass, Stephan Heinrich, Manfred Weigl, Andreas Wildgen
  • Publication number: 20150007636
    Abstract: A measuring arrangement, which includes: a sensor, wherein the sensor is embodied to produce a measurement signal correlated with a measured variable, a first interface, an evaluation circuit least one computer system and a memory associated with the computer system, as well as a third interface, especially a third interface embodied as a fieldbus interface, a first superordinated data processing system, with which the evaluation circuit is connected via the third interface, wherein in the memory associated with the computer system of the evaluation circuit a computer program executable by the computer system is stored, wherein the computer program serves for additional processing of the measurement signal as well as serving for transmission of the further processed measurement signal via the third interface to the first superordinated data processing system; and a second superordinated data processing system connected wirelessly, especially via a radio connection, with the evaluation circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Tilman Benkert, Bjorn Haase, Gunter Jahl, Stefan Robl
  • Publication number: 20150011852
    Abstract: An optical sensor unit (10) for measuring a concentration of a gas is provided, comprising at least one sensing layer (122) adapted to be irradiated with a predetermined radiation; at least one gas-permeable layer (121) adjacent to one side of the at least one sensing layer (122) and adapted to pass gas which concentration is to be measured through the gas-permeable layer (121) towards the sensing layer (122); a removable protective layer (150) covering at least the gas-permeable layer (121) and adapted to be removed before use of the optical sensor unit (10), wherein the optical sensor unit (10) is adapted to measure an optical response of the at least one sensing layer (122), which optical response depends on the concentration of the gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Hans Willem Van Kesteren, Josephus Henricus Henricus Maria Kahlman, Nicolaas Lambert
  • Publication number: 20150000372
    Abstract: An inspection apparatus used for an article storage facility includes an inactive gas supply portion provided with a supply nozzle provided in a placement support portion. A transport container having a supply port for an inactive gas is formed at a bottom portion thereof for accommodating substrates in a sealed state. The nozzle is joined to the supply port by a self weight of the transport container supported on the placement support portion so as to inject the inactive gas to an interior of the transport container. An inspection supply port is joined to the supply nozzle by a self weight of the inspection apparatus supported on the placement support portion, and is configured such that a gravity center position is supported on the placement support portion and coincides with a gravity center position of the transport container, the supply port inspects a state of supply of the inactive gas in the state of being supported on the placement support portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Hiroshi Otsuka, Shinsuke Kawamura, Tadahiro Yoshimoto
  • Publication number: 20140379299
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system and method to detect hydrogen leakage. The system uses a fluid sensing apparatus (104), a light source (120) and a photo detector (122). The nano-crystallized palladium gratings (118) are used as sensors which expand sensitively upon exposure to the hydrogen (H2). In an embodiment, the hydrogen sensing is based on monitoring the changes in the diffraction efficiency (DE) which is defined as the ratio of the first and the zeroth order diffracted beam intensities. The diffraction efficiency undergoes large and sudden changes as the nano-crystalline Pd grating becomes highly disordered due to PdHx formation. An embodiment of the present disclosure also relates to producing nanocrystalline Pd diffraction gratings along with the design and fabrication aspects of an indigenously built optical diffraction cell for H2 sensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research
    Inventors: Giridhar U. Kulkarni, Ritu Gupta, Abhay A. Sagade
  • Publication number: 20140366608
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for implementing an advanced monitoring scheme to detect a localized presence of particular target substances, including toxic chemical agents, in a space, and particularly for detecting and monitoring a presence of chemical agents that are absorbed into porous or semi-porous products and surfaces in the space when it is determined that potential chemical agent exposure has occurred. A heated vaporizer inlet apparatus provides a sensor source that is optimized for the detection of less volatile chemical agents, and particular less volatile chemical agents, that have been absorbed by materials with porous compositions or surfaces. The heated vaporizer inlet apparatus is used for heating architectural surfaces that were exposed to chemical agents in an effort to substantially increase a vapor pressure of a target substance disposed on or absorbed in a particular target surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: John WOOD
  • Patent number: 8910506
    Abstract: Active compensation designs to offset the impact of gas diffusion sources and sinks in a photosynthesis and transpiration measurement system are disclosed. A sensor head for use in a gas exchange analysis system includes an active, piezoelectric flow splitting device for splitting a flow between a sample chamber and bypass pathway. The active flow splitting device is controlled by feedback from a downstream flow meter. A continuous measurement system for rapidly and accurately surveying large numbers of samples is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: LI-COR, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Johnson, Robert D. Eckles, Dayle K. McDermitt
  • Patent number: 8910507
    Abstract: A gas measurement system is provided that includes a mechanism for customizing gas supplied to the system. The system further includes a plurality of test locations that can be serviced by a common vessel portion and common sampling and testing infrastructure. The system further includes a controller that is able to control the customization of the supply gas and the location of the common vessel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Dow AgroScience, LLC.
    Inventors: Pradeep Setlur, Yang Yang, Kirsti A. Golgotiu
  • Patent number: 8904849
    Abstract: A novel gas analysis system and method of identifying analytes in a gas sample are provided. The system uses multiple gas analysis technologies and uses the combined qualitative and quantitative data obtained from the multiple gas analysis technologies to analyze a gas sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Smiths Detection Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Norman, Terence W. Sauer, David R. St. Pierre, Greger Andersson, Eric G. Diken
  • Patent number: 8895916
    Abstract: In various embodiments of the invention, a cargo container can be monitored at appropriate time intervals to determine that no controlled substances have been shipped with the cargo in the container. The monitoring utilizes reactive species produced from an atmospheric analyzer to ionize analyte molecules present in the container which are then analyzed by an appropriate spectroscopy system. In an embodiment of the invention, a sorbent surface can be used to absorb, adsorb or condense analyte molecules within the container whereafter the sorbent surface can be interrogated with the reactive species to generate analyte species characteristic of the contents of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Ionsense, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian D Musselman
  • Publication number: 20140331737
    Abstract: A gas application device (2) for gas measuring apparatuses (5) has a test chamber device (58) for providing a test gas. A predetermined positive pressure is applied in the line system that connects the test chamber device (58) to one or more test-gas containers (PG) such that a constant test-gas supply (flow) to the test chamber device (58) can be ensured. A method for testing gas measuring apparatuses (5), and a calibration measuring apparatus for testing and calibrating gas measuring apparatuses (5) are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Ingo Kaneblei, Stefan Barten
  • Patent number: 8884763
    Abstract: A sensor suite for a vehicle, the sensor suite comprising a 3D imaging system, a video camera, and one or more environmental sensors. Data from the sensor suite is combined to detect and identify threats during a structure clearing or inspection operation. Additionally, a method for detecting and identifying threats during a structure clearing or inspection operation. The method comprises: gathering 3D image data including object range, volume, and geometry; gathering video data in the same physical geometry of the 3D image; gathering non-visual environmental characteristic data; and combining and analyzing the gathered data to detect and identify threats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: iRobert Corporation
    Inventors: Edison Hudson, Scott Lenser, Ivan Kirigin
  • Patent number: 8881574
    Abstract: A shipping container interrogation apparatus and method that utilizes the tubular frame members of the container to deliver input air to the interior of the container, and to receive sample air from the interior of the container. A detection apparatus may be used to detect an unauthorized material in the sample air that is received from the interior of the container. Sample air from the detection apparatus may be recycled back into the container by use of a tubular frame member of the container. Input air may be delivered to the interior of the container with turbulence and in any desired direction or pattern for better interrogation of the interior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Research International, Inc
    Inventor: Elric W. Saaski
  • Publication number: 20140326041
    Abstract: Provided is medical equipment for gas monitoring having a gas treatment system, including a first gas monitoring module and an integrated gas circuit board. A first gas circuit that may be a through passage with both inlet and outlet can be arranged inside the integrated gas circuit board. A gas outlet, at least one gas inlet and at least one monitoring interface can be arranged on a surface of the integrated gas circuit board. The gas inlet may include a first gas inlet, and the first gas inlet and the gas outlet can communicate with two ends of the first gas circuit. The monitoring interface may include a first monitoring interface for communication between the first gas circuit and the first gas monitoring module, and an internal gas inlet interface and an internal gas outlet interface for communication between the first gas circuit and a second internal gas monitoring module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Xuegang Zhang, Zhonghua Liu, Guangqi Huang, Meng Zhu, Jian Cen
  • Publication number: 20140326046
    Abstract: Provided are gas treatment devices and medical equipment thereof. The gas treatment device can include at least a first gas monitoring module and a second gas monitoring module, a master control module and an integrated gas circuit board. A gas outlet, at least one gas inlet and a monitoring interface can be arranged on a surface of the integrated gas circuit board, while a first and a second gas circuits may be arranged inside the integrated gas circuit board. The gas inlet can include a first gas inlet and a second gas inlet. The gas outlet and the first gas inlet can communicate with first and second ends of the first gas circuit, and the second gas inlet can communicate with one end of the second gas circuit. The first and the second gas circuits can communicate with the first and the second gas monitoring modules through corresponding monitoring interfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Xuegang Zhang, Zhonghua Liu, Meng Zhu, Weidong Zhou, Jian Cen, Shuangtao Xiong, Guangqi Huang, Joakim Carl Gabrielsson, Johan Nils Ernst Werner
  • Publication number: 20140318215
    Abstract: A sensor of the type for liquid and/or gas analysis, which is connected to a measuring and/or evaluating system or, respectively, to a higher-ranking control system and has a sensor housing. The circuit for the collecting, processing and transmitting measured values to the measuring and/or evaluating system or to the control system (19) are provided in the sensor housing (2). This circuit has analog sensor electronics (3), an analog-digital converter (14) for converting the detected analog measured values into digital measured values, a processing unit (15) and communication device (17) for processing and transmitting the digital measured values to the measuring and/or evaluating system or to the control system (19) according to a standard communication protocol of process technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Babel
  • Patent number: 8869591
    Abstract: A method for sensing analyte. The method includes the steps of sensing one or more parameters in reaction to the presence of one or more analytes and outputting a current therefrom in accordance with level of the sensed parameter by each of a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors being provided in one or more sensor array columns, selectively heating one or more of the sensor array columns by a heating element, and receiving an output current from one of the plurality of sensors from each of the plurality of sensor arrays by a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) arranged in a VCO array. The method further includes the steps of generating an output oscillation frequency by each VCO in accordance with the level of the received output current, and counting a number of oscillations over a predetermined time received from each of the plurality of VCOs in the VCO array by a plurality of counters arranged in a counter array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Sensorbit Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Klaus Dimmler, Thomas Moss, III
  • Publication number: 20140311213
    Abstract: A sampling system for collecting periodic composite and/or non-composite samples of vaporized gas during a transfer process from a vaporizer of a cryogenic hydrocarbon liquid including 1) a direct sample pathway to a gas analyzer for instantaneous, real-time vaporized gas analysis, 2) a speed loop pathway for directly collecting fresh vaporized gas samples for subsequent analysis, and 3) a composite sample pathway including a pressurized sample accumulator for collecting a plurality periodically obtained samples of a select volume during the transfer process to create a composite sample of the vaporized gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Mustang Sampling, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth O. Thompson, Claude A. Rolston, Timothy Layne Querry
  • Publication number: 20140311212
    Abstract: A gas sensor includes a gas sensing element positioned at least partially within a body and exposed at a first end to measure a gas in contact with the first end. The gas sensing element defines an axial direction. A flange extends from the body in a direction transverse to the axial direction. The flange has a first side facing toward the first end and a second side facing toward a remote end of the gas sensor. An O-ring is configured to sealingly position the gas sensor within a bore. An insertion portion of the gas sensor is defined by a wall and configured to hold the O-ring. The wall of the insertion portion is spaced a distance from the body at an axial position of the O-ring to provide a gap therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: David Boyd, Craig Magera
  • Publication number: 20140311211
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for determining end of service life for a respirator cartridge by comparing the gas levels sensed at two or more sample points within the cartridge. Sample streams may run from the sample points to a gas sensor, wherein a valve may control the flow between the sample streams and the gas sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Scott Larsen, Peter Tobias, Andrew McIntosh
  • Publication number: 20140305188
    Abstract: A protector (160) is inserted into a metallic shell (110) such that at least a portion of each gas introduction hole (167) is located on the base end side with respect to the forward end (110b) of the metallic shell. The metallic shell has a gas introduction space S2 defined by a forward-end-side inner surface (113b) of the metallic shell and an outer surface (160d) of the protector and which guides a gas-to-be-detected (exhaust gas G) from a region on the forward end side of the metallic shell into the gas introduction holes of the protector. The base end of the forward end portion (121) of the detection element (120) is located on the base end side with respect to the forward end (167b) of each gas introduction hole, and the forward end of the forward end portion is located on the forward end side with respect to the base end (167c) of each gas introduction hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto KUME, Shingo ITO, Daisuke TAHIRA, Takehiro OBA, Yuichi YAMADA
  • Patent number: 8857281
    Abstract: A probe for use in determining the amount of a first gas component in a combustion gas containing the first gas component and a second gas component which is obtainable from the first gas component by reduction or oxidation, the probe comprising: a first component probe for taking a first sample of the gas and converting the first gas component present in the first sample to the second gas component, the first component probe including a first passage for conveying the first sample, the wall of the first passage in contact with the first sample being made of a material that converts the first gas component to the second gas component; and a second component probe for taking a second sample of the gas, the second component probe including a second passage for conveying the second sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Robert Edmund Pearce
  • 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: 8850869
    Abstract: A sensor element for a sensor or measuring device for measuring fluids, with a housing, the interior of which is sealed toward the outside and through which the fluid to measured can flow, and with at least one electrode arrangement in the housing interior, the electrode arrangement having at least one electrode and forming at least one measuring path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: BC Tech Holding AG
    Inventor: Helmut Hartl
  • Publication number: 20140290334
    Abstract: A measurement device and method for detecting the hydrocarbon content in gases includes: devices for subdividing an original gas stream into first and second measuring gas streams; first and reference gas units for producing first and second reference gas streams from a substream of the first and second measuring gas streams, respectively; two sensors for determining the content of hydrocarbon in the two measuring gas streams and generating a corresponding measurement results; and an evaluation unit for evaluating the measurement results of the two sensors. The first sensor is alternately fed the first measuring gas stream or the reference gas stream prepared by the first reference unit, and the second sensor is alternately fed the second measuring gas stream or the second reference gas stream prepared by the second reference gas unit. Because the two cycles are time-offset, a measurement value is continuously available.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: BEKO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventor: Martin Friedrich
  • Publication number: 20140290333
    Abstract: An outer tube and a rubber plug are swaged at two sites, a first swaged section located on the side of connections between contact fittings of a connector and leads and a swaged section located closer to an open end of the outer tube than the first swaged section, such that the inside diameter of a portion of the outer tube is greater than the inside diameter. This prevents reduction of the detection accuracy of a gas sensor because sealing properties can be enhanced by heavily swaging at the second swaged section than the first swaged section. Additionally, excessive force can be prevented on the connections and the leads by lightly swaging the first swaged section rather than the second swaged section. Thus, the disconnection between the connector and the leads can be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: NGK INSULATORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Shodai HIRATA, Takehiro KOGANEI, Nobukazu IKOMA
  • Patent number: 8844337
    Abstract: An apparatus is presented including an input unit for receiving initial breath samples; a breath analysis module for analyzing the initial breath samples; a comparison module for comparing the initial breath samples to subsequent breath inputs; and a breath authorization module for locking and/or unlocking the apparatus in response to results received from the comparison module. The apparatus may also include a storage unit for storing the initial breath samples and the subsequent breath inputs. The breath analysis module is a chemical breath component analyzer configured to: (i) count each of a plurality of select volatile organic compounds from the initial breath samples and the subsequent breath inputs received from the input unit and (ii) determine a concentration of each of the plurality of the select volatile organic compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventors: Theodosios Kountotsis, Agjah Libohova
  • Patent number: 8849541
    Abstract: A method includes i) identifying a period of operation corresponding to a fuel supply requirement; ii) determining at least one ambient air condition in which the machine will operate during the period; iii) determining a duration of time in which, whilst in the ambient air condition, it is required to achieve a predetermined vapor trail characteristic; iv) determining a resultant fuel composition for use by the machine in the ambient air condition to achieve the characteristic, where the resultant fuel composition includes at least one of the first and second fuel compositions; v) determining the ratio of at least the first and second fuel compositions required for sufficient resultant fuel composition for the duration of time determined in step iii); and vi) producing a first signal indicative of the ratio of at least the first and second fuel compositions required for the duration of time determined in step iii).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Peter Swann
  • Publication number: 20140283580
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for analyzing rare gases present in a gaseous fluid (1). According to the invention, initially, the rare gases are extracted from the gaseous fluid by trapping by means of a getterizing substrate (5), then superconcentration of the rare gases is produced before injection (8) into the measuring instruments (9). By virtue of the invention, it is possible to increase the partial pressure of the rare gases in the gases to be analyzed before their injection into the analysis instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: IFP Energies nouvelles
    Inventor: Virgile ROUCHON
  • Publication number: 20140260528
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for detecting gas seepage. One of the methods includes obtaining surface gas sensor measurements from each of a plurality of locations within a geographic area prior to shale-gas development; determining whether natural gas seepage is occurring and establishing a corresponding baseline threshold value; obtaining additional surface gas sensor measurements after shale-gas development; determining that the additional gas sensor measurements for one or more of the plurality of locations exceed the baseline threshold level; performing field analysis of the gas sensor measurements that were determined to exceed the specified threshold to determine gas provenance, wherein the analysis distinguishes between natural gas seepage and thermogenic leakage; and presenting data indicating a geographic extent of gas thermogenic leakage based on the analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Martin Schoell
  • Publication number: 20140260531
    Abstract: A gas sensor includes a sensor element having electrode take-out portions; a tubular separator having a flange portion, surrounding the electrode take-out portions, and spaced from a metallic shell; a tubular outer sleeve covering the separator, connected to the metallic shell, and having an inward convex portion that contacts the rearward-facing surface of the separator and restricts rearward movement of the separator; a seal member disposed on the rear of the separator and accommodated in a rear portion of the outer sleeve such that it is spaced from the separator; and an annular retainer fixed to the outer sleeve and in contact with a contact surface which forms at least a portion of the forward-facing surface of the flange portion. The separator has a rotation restriction surface for restricting its rotation in the circumferential direction, and the retainer has an engagement surface which contacts the rotation restriction surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takehiro OBA, Yuichi YAMADA, Shingo ITO, Makoto KUME
  • Publication number: 20140260530
    Abstract: A probe for measuring an agent in gas and liquid form comprising: a body including an inner chamber and comprised of a porous material; and a heating element in thermal communication with the porous material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Mark Dunn Mitchell, Kurt E. Millis, John Forbes Black
  • Patent number: 8828734
    Abstract: Provided are a nitric oxide detection element capable of detecting NO gas contained in a mixed gas at a high speed even when the amount thereof is a super trace amount of ten and several parts per billion; and a process for producing the element. In a nitric oxide detection element having a substrate 12 and a sensing film 11 formed on a surface of the substrate, the sensing film is composed of nitric oxide sensing particles and a polymer adhesive. The nitric oxide sensing particles are produced by adsorbing a dye having a porphyrin skeleton and having, as a central metal, divalent cobalt onto surfaces of inorganic particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignees: Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd., National University Corporation Ehime University
    Inventors: Kouichi Hiranaka, Toyofumi Nagamatsu, Yoshihiko Sadaoka, Yoshiteru Itagaki
  • Patent number: 8821797
    Abstract: A hydrogen detection system can include an exposed detection element made of a catalytic metal which burns hydrogen so as to generate combustion heat. A hydrogen sensor can detect a hydrogen concentration based on a detected value of the detection element. A heating unit can heat the detection element. A hydrogen storage unit is included, and a hydrogen guiding pipe can guide the hydrogen from the hydrogen storage unit to the detection element. A flow rate adjusting device is attached to the hydrogen guiding pipe, and adjusts a flow rate of the hydrogen. A first dilution unit can dilute the hydrogen from the hydrogen storage unit with a dilution gas, and a controller can control the heating unit and the flow rate adjusting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunji Tsukabayashi, Hidetoshi Oishi, Kazuhiro Okajima
  • Publication number: 20140238105
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for manufacturing Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) display panel, and in particular to a device and a method for detecting evaporation source. Through installing a mobile detector above a linear evaporation source, the vapor-deposition rate of the whole linear can be timely and effectively detected. The feedback of uniformity of vapor-deposition can be effectively given, and at the same time the abnormity of the vapor-deposition can be found. Meanwhile, in order to increase the yield and quality of product as well as prevent the evaporation source pollution caused by the dropping of some defects such as organic material or dust, the mobile detector is locked in one side of the evaporation source when it does not work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: EverDisplay Optronics (Shanghai) Limited
    Inventors: ChungChe SOU, WeiMeng LEE
  • Publication number: 20140238106
    Abstract: Provided is a technique to identify a sample substance attached to an inspection target easily and precisely, while improving the rate of operation and reducing the number of persons required for inspection. A trace detecting system includes detection means to detect the size (vertical and horizontal dimensions) of an inspection target, and selects an air nozzle capable of spraying air jet at 15 m/s or more to the surface of the inspection target for air jet spraying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Hideo Kashima, Masakazu Sugaya, Koichi Terada, Yasunori Doi, Yasutaka Suzuki, Hisashi Nagano, Yuichiro Hashimoto, Yasuaki Takada