Detector Detail Patents (Class 73/29.05)
  • Patent number: 11997371
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a camera module mounted at an in-cabin side of a windshield of a vehicle. The camera module includes a windshield-interfacing portion that, with the camera module mounted at the in-cabin side of the windshield, interfaces with the in-cabin side of the windshield. A thermally conductive tape is disposed at the windshield-interfacing portion. A thermally conductive connecting element thermally conductively connects to (i) the thermally conductive tape and (ii) at least one component of the camera module. When electrically operated, the at least one component generates heat at an interior portion of the camera module and heat generated by the at least one component of the camera module is dissipated at the windshield of the vehicle via the thermally conductive connecting element and the thermally conductive tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Nagender Reddy Kasarla
  • Patent number: 11181435
    Abstract: A sniffer probe is provided for a leak detector for checking the leak-tightness of gat object to be tested by means of a tracer gas. The sniffer probe includes a sniffer end piece that is configured to be connected to a pumping device of the leak detector, and a handle bearing the sniffer end piece, a capacitive proximity sensor including at least one handling detection electrode that is arranged in a grip portion of the handle, the capacitive proximity sensor being configured to send a handling detection signal that is associated with the at least one handling detection electrode to a processing unit of the leak detector in order to control the suction into the sniffer end piece according to the handling detection signal. A leak detector and a leak detection method for checking the leak-tightness of an object to be tested by means of a tracer gas are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: PFEIFFER VACUUM
    Inventor: Pascal Jourdan
  • Patent number: 10345160
    Abstract: A method for optimizing the design of a device includes interrogation means and a differential passive sensor, including a generator connected directly or indirectly to a reader antenna, a passive sensor including at least two resonators, a sensor antenna connected to the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: SENSEOR
    Inventors: Manuel Monedero Miranda, Luc Chommeloux
  • Patent number: 9581470
    Abstract: A sensor device for measuring at least one property of a fluid medium, in particular of an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. The sensor device includes at least one protective housing for accommodating at least one sensor element; within the protective housing, at least one flow path being provided that allows flow therethrough by the fluid medium. The flow path has a number of at least three deflection points, where the fluid medium undergoes a directional change about an angle of at least 90°. The sensor device is highly resistant to thermal shock, while, at the same time, the sensor element has a high dynamic response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Simon Rentschler, Christopher Holzknecht, Marc Brueck
  • Patent number: 9236622
    Abstract: A fuel cell system may have at least one sensor including a pair of electrodes disposed on a substrate. The sensor may be configured to produce an output signal having a magnitude that is proportional to a relative humidity in a vicinity of the sensor and, if liquid water is on the sensor, proportional to an amount of the liquid water on the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tie Wang, Chendong Huang, James A. Adams, Shinichi Hirano, George S. Saloka, Mark S. Sulek, James Waldecker, Alireza Pezhman Shirvanian
  • Patent number: 9140658
    Abstract: Provided is a fluid detection device. The fluid detection device may be used to detect body fluids, for example, blood or urine. The fluid detection device includes a first conductive member on a first side of a non-conductive member which is fluid absorbent, and a second conductive member on a second side of the non-conductive member, wherein the first and second conductive members are arranged across a thickness of the non-conductive member. A voltage is applied across the two conducting members. When body fluid is absorbed by the non-conductive member, its resistance decreases so that measurable current flows between the conducting members and can be sensed and used for alarm or other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Enuresis Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Kaiomars P. Anklesaria
  • Publication number: 20150107337
    Abstract: A circuit system for measuring a sensor element capacitance of a sensor element, in particular of a capacitive humidity sensor, including: the sensor element, which has the sensor element capacitance; a charge storage element, which is connected directly, or only via a resistor element, in series to the sensor element; and a control unit, which is configured to charge the charge storage element to a reference voltage and to successively transfer the charge via the sensor element capacitance until the charge storage element has reached a particular comparison voltage, the sensor element number of transfer processes thus ascertained representing information about the sensor element capacitance of the sensor element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Metin Guere, Norbert Schneider, Karl Wenzel, Axel-Wermer Haag, Rolf Reischl
  • Publication number: 20150075255
    Abstract: A moisture concentration detecting device including a gas chamber; a pair of porous electrodes facing each other in the gas chamber; a solid electrolyte membrane sandwiched between the electrodes; a case which covers the electrodes and the solid electrolyte membrane and on a surface of which a pleated portion is provided; an impedance measuring circuit measuring an AC impedance between the electrodes by applying an AC voltage to the electrodes; a storage device storing therein conversion information for converting an AC impedance between the electrodes into a moisture concentration in the insulating gas; and a computing unit obtaining a moisture concentration in the insulating gas from a measured value of the AC impedance by referring to the conversion information stored in the storage device with respect to the measured value of the AC impedance input from the impedance measuring circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuya Yabe, Yoshiyuki Tamura
  • Patent number: 8955368
    Abstract: An apparatus for aerosol collection and fluid analysis includes a rotary motor, an aerosol-collection disk configured for mounting on the rotary motor, and a fluid-analysis disk that is also configured for mounting on the rotary motor. The aerosol-collection disk includes at least one interior inlet, at least one peripheral outlet and a passage coupling the interior inlet with the peripheral outlet, and a particle collector opposite the peripheral outlet. The fluid-analysis disk includes at least one fluid in each of a first reservoir and in a second reservoir on or in the fluid-analysis disk and offset from a central axis of the disk, wherein each reservoir has an outlet and a stopper in the outlet of each reservoir to seal the reservoirs; and release of the fluids from the reservoirs is spin-induced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: John P. D'Angelo
  • Patent number: 8914197
    Abstract: There is provided an optical raindrop detector including a light source, a light guide, an image sensor and a processing unit. The light source alternatively emits light with different brightness values. The light guide has an incident surface, a detection surface and an ejection surface, wherein the light source emits incident light into the light guide via the incident surface, and a plurality of microstructures are formed on the ejection surface to reflect the incident light to become scattered light toward the detection surface. The image sensor receives reflected light formed by raindrops in front of the detection surface reflecting the scattered light to penetrate the light guide and eject from the ejection surface, and generates image frames corresponding to the different brightness values of the light source. The processing unit calculates differential images of the image frames to accordingly identify rain intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: PixArt Imaging Inc.
    Inventors: Hsin-Chia Chen, Horng-Goung Lai, Feng-Cheng Yang, Hui-Hsuan Chen, Ching-Lin Chung, Ming-Tsan Kao
  • Patent number: 8869596
    Abstract: A sensor device determines an amount of liquid contained or stored in an object to be tested. The sensor device contains at least one heating element and at least one humidity sensor. When operated, the sensor device defines at least one volume which can be sealed off by placing the device on the surface of the object to be tested. The heating element is configured to heat at least part of a surface of the object delimiting the volume, the humidity sensor measuring the humidity in the interior of the volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Peter Hagl
  • Patent number: 8857278
    Abstract: A sampling system that contains filter components for collecting and concentrating vapor and particles in high-volume flows. The sample is then vaporized and delivered to a detector at a low-volume flow. The invention also has a sampling probe that contains an air-jet to help dislodge particles from surfaces and a heating lamp to help vaporize compounds on surfaces or objects. The sampling system is especially useful for screening for explosives and other illicit chemicals and toxins on people, baggage, cargo, and other objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Morpho Detection, LLC
    Inventor: Jack A. Syage
  • Patent number: 8783101
    Abstract: A rapid response relative humidity sensor based on nano-structured aluminum oxide thin film is disclosed. The main body of the sensor is an anodic aluminum oxide thin film of about 2-20 ?m thick formed from an Al substrate which serves as one electrode. A porous metal layer of about 20-200 nm thick is formed over the anodic aluminum oxide thin film and functions as a second electrode. The alumina thin film contains nano-sized channels of about 10-100 nm in diameter, serving as a capacitive relative humidity sensor having high sensitivity and short response time. Thermal annealing at elevated temperature improves the linearity of the capacitance versus humidity curve, giving a full range humidity sensing range. Hysteresis and degradation are negligible for the humidity sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Nano and Advanced Materials Institute Limited
    Inventors: Chun Zhang, Jianying Miao, Ning Wang
  • Patent number: 8671741
    Abstract: A moisture content sensing system is described comprising a collar mechanically coupled with a clean grain transport system. An extendable support extends through the collar and has an extendable capacitive sensor element disposed at one end. The extendable support is configured to be located at a first position in which the extendable capacitive sensor element is disposed adjacent to clean grain conveyed by the clean grain transport system and moved to a second position wherein the extendable capacitive sensor element is disposed at least partially within the clean grain of the clean grain transport system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Michael Cash, D'Anne Beukelaur Hanks, Arthur F. Lange, Brian Jackman, Brian A. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20140069170
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor for humidity, etc. which has high precision, very small electrical power consumption and simplified composition, and a management system therefor. The sensor and the management system therefor according to the present invention are also economical. The sensor according to the present invention comprises two electrode pads and an absorption layer for absorbing moisture, etc. between them, and detects a capacitance variation and a resistance variation between the electrode pads, measuring humidity, etc. in real time. In the sensor, one or both of the electrode pads can be made by printing or coating a conductive material on a paper pad or a fabric pad in a mesh shape of fine lines. Or the electrode pads can be fabrics with fine thread of a mesh-type electric conductor coated by an absorptive material having an insulating property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Se Yeol Seo
  • Patent number: 8621923
    Abstract: A humidity sensor has, on a substrate, at least one voltage sensor with a sensor region and at least one control electrode. The control electrode is connected to a signal source which is designed such that a variable control voltage can be applied to the control electrode. A moisture-permeable sensor layer whose dielectric constant depends on humidity is located on the sensor region. The control electrode is adjacent to the sensor layer in such a manner that the measured voltage signal of the voltage sensor depends on the control voltage and the humidity. The voltage sensor is connected to an analysis unit for ascertaining the humidity on the basis of the measured voltage signal. In the vertical projection onto the plane in which the substrate extends, the control electrode is located laterally next to the sensor region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Micronas GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz-Peter Frerichs
  • Patent number: 8572993
    Abstract: A fog sensing apparatus for vehicle windows is provided. The fog sensing apparatus includes: a temperature/humidity sensor module including a glass surface temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of a glass surface of the vehicle window, and a humidity sensor for measuring relative humidity around the glass surface of the vehicle window; a flexible printed circuit board on which the temperature/humidity sensor module is mounted, which a temperature measurement part of the glass surface temperature sensor contacts, and on which a conductive pattern is formed to be connected to electrode terminals of the glass surface temperature sensor and electrode terminals of the humidity sensor; a substrate assembly having a through hole for the temperature/humidity sensor module to pass through, and connection terminals connected to the conductive pattern; and a case covering the substrate assembly, the substrate assembly interposed between the case and the flexible printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Auto Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Hag-chul No, Kyung-sun Kim
  • Patent number: 8525535
    Abstract: A test body for use in determining moisture content in a laminated insulation of a power transformer by measuring a dielectric frequency response of the test body. The test body has a laminated structure of the same material as the laminated insulation, and has a shape and a size to obtain moisture content characteristics that resembles the moisture content characteristics of the laminated power transformer insulation. The test body further includes electrodes, which are embedded in the laminated structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: ABB Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas Eriksson, Uno Gafvert
  • Patent number: 8434375
    Abstract: A sampling system that contains filter components for collecting and concentrating vapor and particles in high-volume flows. The sample is then vaporized and delivered to a detector at a low-volume flow. The invention also has a sampling probe that contains an air-jet to help dislodge particles from surfaces and a heating lamp to help vaporize compounds on surfaces or objects. The sampling system is especially useful for screening for explosives and other illicit chemicals and toxins on people, baggage, cargo, and other objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Morpho Detection, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack A. Syage
  • Publication number: 20120234079
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor for detecting a component (20) of an atmosphere, the sensor comprising a sensing surface (14, 16) covered by a barrier layer (18) of a material switchable between respective layer orientations that have permeability to the component. A NFC device comprising such a sensor, a package incorporating the NFC device and a method of manufacturing the sensor are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Aurelie Humbert, Dirk Gravesteijn, Pit Teunissen, Cornelis Wilhelmus Maria Bastiaansen
  • Patent number: 8225641
    Abstract: A self-cleaning humidity sensor based on Mg2+/Na+-doped TiO2 nanofiber mats is provided. Examples show the response and recovery characteristic curves for ten circles with the RH changing from 11% to 95%. The nanofibers are manufactured by mixing together a metal salt comprising titanium, a magnesium compound, a sodium compound, and a high molecular weight material to form a mixture, electrospinning the mixture to form composite nanofibers, and calcining the composite nanofibers to yield a TiO2 nanofiber material doped with magnesium and sodium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Headwaters Technology Innovation, LLC
    Inventors: Ce Wang, Hongnan Zhang, Zhenyu Li, Wei Zheng, Wei Wang, Changkun Liu, Bing Zhou
  • Patent number: 8186234
    Abstract: A hand held detector system that has a housing with a passage that can receive a sample, and a concentrator that captures the sample. The hand held system further includes a single detector coupled to the concentrator and a fluid system that provides fluid communication between the housing passage and the concentrator, and between the concentrator and the detector. The system is powered by a battery. The system may include a controller that heats the concentrator with a temperature profile that causes a first trace molecule to desorb at a time different from the desorption of a second trace molecule. The system and components may be powered by a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Morpho Detection, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack A. Syage, Paul T. Chaney, Alan K. Junor
  • Publication number: 20120130330
    Abstract: A stacked moisture sensing device and urinary continence monitoring system are disclosed. The stacked moisture sensing device has at least a first media-sensor arrangement adjacent to a second media-sensor arrangement. In one embodiment, each of the media-sensor arrangements has a media layer with a first face, a second face and a side edge that extends between the faces wherein the media layers have differing hydrophilicities. Embedded in each media layer is a moisture sensor which can be a wired type tensor or a wireless RFD type sensor. The stacked moisture sensing device can be used in a variety of applications, such as for use in urinary continence monitoring and for use in shipping containers. In urinary continence monitoring applications, a data collection unit can be provided to acquire data from the sensors, which are located in an absorbent undergarment. Methods for locating the sensors within the absorbent undergarment are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Richard R. Wilson, Douglas R. Oudekerk, Douglas P. Wilson, Karia M. Fogel, Rebecca Neth Townsend
  • Patent number: 8105720
    Abstract: A humidity sensing device for measuring a humidity of a reactant stream in a fuel cell system is provided. The humidity sensing device includes a humidity sensor coupled to a sensor housing. The sensor housing is adapted to selectively move the humidity sensor to an operating position and to a non-operating position in the fuel cell system. A fuel cell system and a method employing the humidity sensing device in the fuel cell system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Christian Koenig, Ulrich Dumke, Rocco Schoene
  • Publication number: 20110320135
    Abstract: A system and method for quantitatively characterizing moisture content of an at least partially hydrophobic fluid sample. The method includes providing a dry solution of an aprotic solvent, adding at least a part of the fluid sample to the solvent to produce an extract-sample, performing infrared spectroscopic testing on the extract-sample to generate absorbance data representing at least one absorbance characteristic of the extracted sample, and generating moisture data for the sample based on the extracted sample data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Frederik R. van de Voort, David Pinchuk
  • Patent number: 8050847
    Abstract: A method for operating an exhaust gas mass flow sensor which is used, in particular, in exhaust gas mass flows of motor vehicles has an operating mode and a cleaning mode. In an operating mode, the exhaust gas mass flow sensor is operated at an operating temperature. In a cleaning mode, the exhaust gas mass flow sensor is changed over for the purpose of cleaning a measurement region and is cleaned at a cleaning temperature which is higher than the operating temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Pierburg GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Heinrich Losing, Sven Nigrin, Karsten Grimm, Heinrich Dismon, Andres Tonnesmann
  • Publication number: 20110167894
    Abstract: Disclosed is a devvpoinl and icing condition detection apparatus that includes a sensor, a signal conditioner and a data acquisition device. The sensor is a carbon nanotube sensor having a resistance that varies in proportion to a change in humidity of a gas flow across the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Vladimir Samuilov
  • Patent number: 7882725
    Abstract: An energy-autonomous sensor for detection of physical environmental parameters, having at least one sensor element, one storage element and one control circuit, with a timer circuit which is activated on reaching a predetermined electrical voltage on the storage element, activates the sensor and the control circuit at predetermined time intervals, and deactivates them after a predetermined operating time, such that this results in a time duration of sensor operation and a sensor operation pause.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Enocean GmbH
    Inventors: Wolf-Eckhart Bulst, Frank Schmidt, Oliver Sczesny
  • Patent number: 7864062
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for detecting a change in a specific gravity of a fluid surrounding the apparatus wherein the fluid moves upwardly and downwardly with respect to the apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing having a top and a plurality of openings for allowing the fluid to enter the housing. A first floatation device is provided having a first specific gravity and being located within the housing. The first floatation device includes a magnet. A second floatation device is provided having a second specific gravity and located within the housing adjacent said first floatation device. The said second floatation device includes a magnet aligned to have the same polarity as the magnet of the first floatation device. A switch fixedly attached to said top, the switch having an open state and a closed state where when one of said magnets is in proximity to the switch, the switch is in a closed state and wherein when both of said magnets are in proximity to said switch, the switch is in an open state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Kinetico Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen W. Cook, Michael A. Hemann, Steven M. Hoopes, Jerome P. Kovach
  • Patent number: 7832269
    Abstract: A combinational sensor system for measuring multiple measurands includes a flow transducer, a pressure transducer and a humidity transducer. The pressure and humidity transducers are provided with independent access to sensed media and are ratiometric to a supply voltage, whereas the flow sensor is sensitive to openings to the flow path. The combinational sensor system utilizes elastomeric seals that include patterned electrically conductive and non-conductive seals. An ASIC is generally associated with the combinational sensor, and is located on a patterned electrically conductive substrate lead frame or for signal conditioning in order to detect any of the sensed measurands. The transducers can be arranged in a manner that distributes the transducers to optimize the accuracy and response time of the combinational sensor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Paul P. Bey, Jr., Craig S. Becke, Jamie W. Speldrich, Christopher M. Blumhoff
  • Patent number: 7793664
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for detection and segregation of faulty cigarettes in a production/packaging installation for cigarettes having an apparatus by means of which faulty cigarettes are segregated from the conveyed sequence of cigarettes, wherein the apparatus and method use a generator and evaluation circuits for radio-frequency electromagnetic fields and use a sensor past whose end surface the ends of the cigarettes are passed and which applies the radio-frequency electromagnetic fields to the end surface of the sensor, whose size corresponds approximately to the size of the end surface of the cigarettes, with the changes in the electromagnetic fields as a cigarette passes being evaluated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: TEWS Elektronik Dipl.-Ing. Manfred Tews
    Inventors: Rainer Herrmann, Udo Schlemm, Hendrik Richter
  • Patent number: 7770433
    Abstract: The humidity detector comprises a housing adapted to hold a humidity sensor towards the windscreen of a vehicle or any other type of window. A flexible printed circuit board is arranged between the humidity sensor and the windscreen and provides a connection between the humidity sensor and further circuitry of the detector. The humidity sensor is located under a cap, which is engaged by a glider member. A spring pushes the glider member towards the windscreen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Sensirion AG
    Inventors: Urs Rothacher, Felix Mayer, Moritz Lechner, Vincent Hess
  • Patent number: 7726175
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing chemical and/or biological analytes includes a deflectable arm of a microcantilever at least partially embedded within a sensing element. A gaseous or liquid medium which may include the analyte being detected is introduced to the sensing element. The sensing element undergoes volumetric expansion or contraction in the presence of the analyte sought to be detected, typically by adsorbing the analyte. The volumetric change of the sensing element causes the deflectable arm to deflect. The deflectable arm includes at least one measurable physical property which changes when the arm deflects. Detecting means are provided to measure the change in the physical property to determine the presence and amount of analyte present. An array of microcantilevers in which each microcantilever is dedicated to detecting a particular analyte which may be included in the medium, is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents, A Body Corporate of the State of Arizona, acting for Northern Arizona University
    Inventors: Timothy L. Porter, Michael P. Eastman
  • Publication number: 20100095743
    Abstract: A method of vapor sampling and its delivery to the porous sensory element(s) employed in chemical detectors/sensors for vapor(s) identification and quantification. The sampling and delivery system comprises a flow cell in which a sensory membrane is placed parallel to the flow, while an additional flow normal to the membrane is introduced using the Bernoulli effect. The bi-directional flow of vapors increases the interactions between the sensory material and vapor molecules, and enhances sensitivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: EMITECH, INC.
    Inventors: Igor A. Levitsky, Young-Bin Park
  • Patent number: 7658096
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for sensing a condition, such as humidity, through an opening (20) in a surface (12) such as a duct or wall. A housing (14) includes an outer section (16) mounted on the surface and a probe section (18) extending into the duct or wall. A circuit board assembly (32) is mounted within the housing and includes a user interface section (34) within the housing outer section and a sensor section (36) rigidly connected to the user interface section and extending into the housing probe section. The sensor section may be integrated into the circuit board assembly by a rigid connector (42) allowing easy removal and field replacement of the sensor section. A sealing device (56) isolates the housing outer section from the air within the duct or wall. A flexible grounding connection (66) provides electrical grounding of the circuit board assembly and a degree of mechanical support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Setra Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gino Amaro Pinto, Craig Robert Halloran, Been-Chyuan Lin, Tiago Braz Anes
  • Publication number: 20090136788
    Abstract: A humidity sensing device for measuring a humidity of a reactant stream in a fuel cell system is provided. The humidity sensing device includes a humidity sensor coupled to a sensor housing. The sensor housing is adapted to selectively move the humidity sensor to an operating position and to a non-operating position in the fuel cell system. A fuel cell system and a method employing the humidity sensing device in the fuel cell system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Christian Koenig, Ulrich Dumke, Rocco Schoene
  • Patent number: 7509838
    Abstract: A method for correcting humidity measurement results of a radiosonde, especially for errors resulting from radiative heat exchange. Environmental humidity Um is measured with a humidity sensor in the radiosonde, a current value of at least one environmental condition parameter is determined, and error-corrected humidity U is calculated directly or indirectly utilizing the measured environmental humidity Um and a correction value corresponding to the at least one current environmental condition parameter value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Vaisala Oyj
    Inventor: Ari Paukkunen
  • Publication number: 20090003408
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting icing conditions in an airstream includes a flow housing mounted on an aircraft and in which one or more probes are mounted. At least one of the probes subjected to impingement of the airstream and liquid moisture droplets in such airstream. The heat removal, or cooling effect on the probe in the airstream carrying liquid droplets is determined. A temperature signal indicating the airstream temperature is combined with signals from the at least one probe for determining whether or not icing conditions are present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Rosemount Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Severson
  • Patent number: 7415877
    Abstract: To provide a gas sensor in which connection terminals are stably brought into contact with electrode terminal portions of a sensor element without superfluous load applied on the sensor element. A pair of element guide portions 33 are provided in a sleeve 30 in which a plate-like sensor element 10 is inserted. The pair of element guide portions 33 protrude from an opening end surface on a rear end side of an axial hole 31, store either of widthwise opposite side ends of the sensor element 10 and restrain the sensor element 10 from being inclined. The sensor element 10 is positioned coaxially with the sleeve 30 by the element guide portions 33. Electrode holders 40 in which electrode fitments 60 are held are fitted to the element guide portions 33 so that the electrode fitments 60 are brought into contact with electrode terminal portions 15 and 16 of the sensor element 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Okumura, Tomohiro Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20080163687
    Abstract: The MEMS Sensor Suite on a Chip provides the capability, monolithically integrated onto one MEMS chip, to sense temperature, humidity, and two axes of acceleration. The device incorporates a MEMS accelerometer, a MEMS humidity sensor, and a MEMS temperature sensor on one chip. These individual devices incorporate proof masses, suspensions, humidity sensitive capacitors, and temperature sensitive resistors (thermistors) all fabricated in a common fabrication process that allows them to be integrated onto one micromachined chip. The device can be fabricated in a simple micromachining process that allows its size to be miniaturized for embedded and portable applications. During operation, the sensor suite chip monitors temperature levels, humidity levels, and acceleration levels in two axes. External circuitry allows sensor readout, range selection, and signal processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: Morgan Research Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Scott Kranz, Robert Faye Elliott, Michael Ray Whitley, Marty Ray Williams, Philip John Reiner
  • Publication number: 20080154518
    Abstract: A disclosed detector element includes a substrate including a void, a heating unit including a heat generating electrode bridged across the void, and a temperature sensor including a temperature sensor electrode provided above the void. The heat generating electrode and the temperature sensor electrode are warped, cantilevered, and standing up in space. The temperature sensor measures heat quantity transported from the heating unit. Distribution of an atmosphere surrounding an object surface with respect to the object surface, and the transportation state of the atmosphere are measured by using at least one of temperature, humidity, a direction or velocity of flow, pressure, and composition of gas in the atmosphere. Behavior of the gas adhering and aggregating onto the object surface, and behavior of aggregated liquid undergoing transpiration from the object surface are detected, based on the distribution and the transportation state measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Junji Manaka, Kazutoshi Nagai
  • Patent number: 7389674
    Abstract: An energy-autonomous sensor for detection of physical environmental parameters, having at least one sensor element, one storage element and one control circuit, with a timer circuit which is activated on reaching a predetermined electrical voltage on the storage element, activates the sensor and the control circuit at predetermined time intervals, and deactivates them after a predetermined operating time, such that this results in a time duration of sensor operation and a sensor operation pause.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: EnOcean GmbH
    Inventors: Wolf-Eckhart Bulst, Frank Schmidt, Oliver Sczesny
  • Patent number: 7363813
    Abstract: A probe for measuring the temperature and moisture of a gas has an aspirated flow passage with a configuration that causes the gas to have turbulent flow and, therefore, to mix. A dry bulb thermometer and a wet bulb thermometer positioned in the flow passage downstream of the configuration that causes mixing measures the temperature and moisture of the gas. A wick and a water reservoir for keeping the wet bulb thermometer wet are cleaned and refilled by a flow of water through the gas passage. The gas passage is heated to prevent condensation of any moisture in the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: FM Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gunnar Heskestad, Paul A. Croce
  • Patent number: 7360396
    Abstract: In a gas sensor, at least three levels of current are supplied to a heating element successively in a step-like manner for a predetermined time period. An arithmetic unit receives both-end voltages of the heating element for the respective current after elapse of the predetermined time period and calculates temperature from the both-end voltage of the heating element obtained when the lowest current flows. Then, the arithmetic unit corrects the both-end voltages of the heating element using the calculated temperature, a zero-point correction equation and a sensitivity correction equation to obtain respective standardized output values. Subsequently, the arithmetic unit calculates humidity based on the difference between the standardized output values, and corrects the standardized outputs based on the calculated humidity and humidity correction equations. By this method, the arithmetic unit calculates concentration of detection target gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Rihito Shoji
  • Patent number: 7340952
    Abstract: A capacitive humidity sensor includes a printed circuit board having an insulating substrate on which a circuit section is formed, a pair of electrodes formed on a surface of the insulating substrate to be opposite from each other with a space, and a humidity sensitive layer formed on the insulating substrate to cover the electrodes and the surface of the insulating substrate between the pair of electrodes. The relative permittivity of the humidity sensitive layer changes in response to humidity, and the circuit section performs a signal processing of a capacitance change between the electrodes. Furthermore, the electrodes and the circuit section are electrically connected through a wiring section formed in the insulating substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Katsunori Tanida
  • Patent number: 7339168
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for the detection of water vapor in a natural gas background. The system includes a light source operating in a wavelength range such as, 1.877-1.901 ?m, 2.711-2.786 ?m, or 920-960 nm, passes through the natural gas to be detected by a detector. In one embodiment, the light source is a tunable diode laser and the moisture level is determined by harmonic spectroscopy. In other embodiments, a VCSEL laser is utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: SpectraSensors, Inc.
    Inventor: Randy Dean May
  • Patent number: 7332013
    Abstract: An air/gas-driven tool with an integrated air/gas dryness indicator. The tool includes a housing that defines a cavity. An air/gas dryness detector is disposed in the cavity. An air/gas flow passage is situated to provide a stream of compressed air/gas to the dryness detector. A visual indicator is adapted to provide an indication of compressed air/gas dryness detected by the dryness detector. The tool can be constructed so that the air/gas dryness indicator is provided by way of a removable indicator cartridge containing a dryness-indicating material such as a color changing desiccant or moisture sensitive paper. The indicator cartridge can be sized and configured to be received in a cavity formed in a housing of the air/gas-driven tool, so as to be viewable through a view port formed in the tool. Alternatively, the indicator cartridge can be configured with its own view port and mounted on a surface of the tool while being partially received in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventors: Michael J. Arno, Daniel Blaszkowiak, Allan R. Blount, Raymond L. Cahill
  • Patent number: 7299710
    Abstract: A sampling system that contains filter components for collecting and concentrating vapor and particles in high-volume flows. The sample is then vaporized and delivered to a detector at a low-volume flow. The invention also has a sampling probe that contains an air-jet to help dislodge particles from surfaces and a heating lamp to help vaporize compounds on surfaces or objects. The sampling system is especially useful for screening for explosives and other illicit chemicals and toxins on people, baggage, cargo, and other objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Syagen Technology
    Inventor: Jack A. Syage
  • Publication number: 20070266769
    Abstract: A device for the selective determination of the quantity of oil mist includes an impactor (1) with a micronozzle (4) for dispensing a predetermined volume of a gas to be tested, a baffle plate (5) arranged downstream of the micronozzle (4) for depositing oil particles. A window (7) is provided on the side of the baffle plate (5) facing away from the micronozzle (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: DRAEGER SAFETY AG & CO. KGAA
    Inventors: Christian Luebbert, Harald Heyer, Andreas Mohrmann
  • Patent number: 7297932
    Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor for sensing wetting of a windshield includes a first circuit, and a radiation emitter and a radiation detector both arranged on the first circuit to emit radiation toward the windshield and to detect radiation reflected from the windshield. Beam shapers parallelize the emitted radiation toward the windshield and focus radiation reflected from the windshield toward the detector. A coupling element couples the emitted radiation into the windshield and couples the reflected radiation out of the windshield. A structural element is arranged between the lens holder and the coupling element. The structural element may have retaining elements for positioning a second circuit arranged between the lens holder and the structural element relative to the windshield. The structural element may have support elements for adjustably positioning the lens holder and thereby the beam shapers relative to the first circuit and the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christos Georgiadis, Michael Röhr, Frank Hagen, Thomas Weber, Matthias Richwin