With Other Measuring Device Patents (Class 73/291)
  • Patent number: 11274029
    Abstract: Described herein is a fuel authorization program that vehicles enrolled in the fuel authorization program to provide fuel tank sensor data in each fuel authorization request, so that an amount of fuel authorized will be limited to the amount needed to fill the vehicle's fuel tank, reducing a likelihood that fuel will be diverted. In at least some embodiments, the fuel authorization controller at the vehicle automatically uses the fuel tank sensor data and known tank size to include in a fuel authorization request sent to a fuel vendor data defining how much fuel is required to fill the vehicle fuel tanks. In at least some embodiments, the fuel vendor consults data from a source other than the vehicle (such as records maintained by the fuel authorization program) to determine how large the vehicles fuel tanks are, and to calculate how much fuel is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Zonar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick Fadler, Charles Michael McQuade, Michael Charles King
  • Patent number: 10978489
    Abstract: To provide a novel semiconductor device that is highly convenient or reliable, a novel display panel that is highly convenient or reliable, or a method for manufacturing a novel semiconductor device that is highly convenient or reliable. The semiconductor device includes an insulating film having an opening, a first connection portion penetrating the opening, a terminal that is in contact with one surface of the insulating film and is electrically connected to the first connection portion, and a circuit that is electrically connected to the first connection portion on the opposite surface of the insulating film. The terminal has a region embedded in the insulating film and a region not covered with the insulating film. The circuit includes a semiconductor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Hirakata
  • Patent number: 10533709
    Abstract: The present invention provides a control system (10) for managing the supply of bottled gas to users (12), the system comprising: a gas cylinder system (14) having a gas cylinder (15) for receiving and distributing gas contained therein; a first electronic monitoring system (16) associated with said gas cylinder system (14) and operable to monitor parameters associated with said cylinder system (14); a second monitoring system (18) associated with one or more locations (A-F) in which said cylinder may reside and being operable to monitor the presence or absence of said cylinder within said one or more locations (A-F); and a computer system (20) in communication with each of said second monitors (18) for receiving information therefrom relating to the presence or absence of said cylinder system (14) in said one or more locations (A-F).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Brian Jacobsen, Mandip Thind, Raj Gupta, Rigoberto Perez de Alejo, Piers Lambert
  • Patent number: 10488385
    Abstract: A system includes a sensor configured to be disposed within a reservoir of a machine having moving parts that are lubricated by a liquid in the reservoir. The sensor is configured to obtain a measurement of the liquid that is representative of at least one of a quantity or quality of the liquid in the reservoir. The system also includes a device body operably coupled to the sensor. The device body has a processing unit that is operably coupled to the sensor and configured to generate first data signals representative of the measurement of the liquid. The device body also includes a transmitter that is configured to wirelessly communicate the first data signals to a remote reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: GE GLOBAL SOURCING LLC
    Inventors: Bret Dwayne Worden, Mahalakshmi Shunmugham Balasubramaniam, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Jingjun Zhang, Jennifer Lynn Coyne, Sachidananda Chinagudi Jagadeesha
  • Patent number: 10274355
    Abstract: A method of measuring liquid level in a tank. An electromechanical liquid level gauge (ESG) is provided including a processor, a displacer suspended on a wire from a grooved drum having a servo motor coupled thereto to rotate the drum for balancing the displacer. A change in liquid level causes a change in a counterforce to move the ESG out of balance. The processor monitors a torque sensor output, and controls movement of the motor using a programmed apparent weight (AW) setpoint to raise or lower the displacer based on an AW derived from the torque. An associated memory stores a density compensated fixed immersion depth level gauging algorithm. The algorithm implements obtaining a density reading for the liquid, continuously corrects an immersion depth of the displacer for changes in density to provide an essentially fixed immersion depth, and calculates the liquid level from the density reading and immersion depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Frank Van Bekkum
  • Patent number: 10223609
    Abstract: A system, a method, and a non-transitory computer readable recording medium for recognizing a passenger vehicle make and model are disclosed, which includes a make and model recognition (MMR) database, which is constructed from rear view videos of passenger vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Bir Bhanu, Ninad Thakoor
  • Patent number: 10217240
    Abstract: A controller/application analyzes image data from a camera to determine the distance to an object in an image based on the size of the object in the image and based on a known focal length of a camera that captured the image and based on a known dimension of the actual object. The known dimension of the object may be retrieved from a database that is indexed according to outline shape, color, markings, contour, or other similar features or characteristics. The distance determined from analysis of the image and objects therein may be used to calibrate, or to verify the calibration of, complex distance determining systems that may include LIDAR. Object distance determinations in different image frames, whether to the same or different object, taken a known time apart may be used to determine speed of the camera that took the images, or speed of a vehicle associated with camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: AUTONOMOUS FUSION, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas Steven Taylor
  • Patent number: 9919594
    Abstract: In a method for operating a fuel tank system for a motor vehicle, with the fuel tank system having a fuel tank and an accumulation tank to which a suction side of a fuel pump is connected, at least one sensor determines a geodetic orientation of the fuel tank when a fill level of the fuel tank is below a predetermined minimum fill level. A fueling parameter is read out from a characteristic curve field based on the geodetic orientation, and the fueling parameter is displayed by a signaling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Florian Bauer
  • Patent number: 9810059
    Abstract: Wireless power transmission to downhole well installations is provided using acoustic guided Lamb waves and a tubular conduit (production tubing, casing) as the power transmission medium. A phased array of acoustic transmitters is present at the transmitting end (surface) and an array of acoustic receivers at the receiving end (downhole). Both transmitter and receiver arrays are coupled to the tubular conduit. Beamforming techniques are used along with power amplifiers to generate directional, high power and low frequency acoustic guided Lamb waves along the wellbore to transmit power over long distances. A downhole multi-channel acoustic energy collecting system receives the transmitted acoustic signal, and generates electrical power and stores the power in downhole electrical power storage. This power is used to operate downhole well equipment including sensing, control and telemetry devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Talha Jamal Ahmad
  • Patent number: 9593975
    Abstract: A method for determining a liquid level in a boiler of an apparatus having a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature which is indicative of a temperature of the liquid inside the boiler, includes inducing a temporary deflection of the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor; determining an evaluation temperature sensed by the temperature sensor after inducing the deflection; and determining the liquid level from at least the evaluation temperature. The evaluation temperature is determined by monitoring the deflection and by defining an extreme value of the deflection as the evaluation temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Taikang Xiao, Tamilselvan Thirumazhisai Sankaralingam, Jose Luis Estrada, Hock Soon Tiew, Chaithra Belle, Jasmeet Singh Chadha, Barry Eng Keong Tay
  • Patent number: 9520064
    Abstract: A train-of-vehicle travel support device which enables a train-of-vehicle travel of a plurality of vehicles even on a running road in which no magnetic marker is embedded. The train-of-vehicle travel support device includes a sensor unit obtaining road line shape data of a feature on a road surface, a processor unit obtaining running control data based on comparison of the road line shape data obtained by the sensor unit and reference data which has been previously stored, and an inter-vehicle communication device transmitting wirelessly the running control data obtained by the processor unit to a following vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Tsuda
  • Patent number: 9254899
    Abstract: A buoyancy-based lifting system can be dynamically controlled to lift, move, or hold a load an object of arbitrary size at a fixed depth. The control system can control the trajectory of a flexible gas-filled lift bag and attached load by opening or closing inflation and deflation valves based on ambient pressure readings obtained during a lift. Stable control can be achieved and maintained without having to directly measure the actual volume of gas in the lift bag, and without having to accumulate measurements of gas flows into and out of the bag. A controller can pre-determine limits of instability and lift control parameters, then use this information in conjunction with ambient pressure readings to prevent the system from becoming unstable during a lift. User intervention is generally unnecessary to maintain the system's instability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Scuba Lab LLC
    Inventors: Shannon Patrick Sparks, Timothy Lee Earles
  • Patent number: 9007073
    Abstract: Provided are a method of measuring a degree of degradation of a lubricating oil and a measuring device therefor, in which (a) acidity is measured through use of an ISFET of hydrogen ion sensitive type and (b) dielectric constants or electrostatic capacitances at two or more different frequencies are obtained, to thereby determine a degradation state of the lubricating oil based on the acidity and a plurality of values of the dielectric constants or the electrostatic capacitances. Accordingly, the degree of degradation of the lubricating oil can be measured easily and precisely and a degradation mechanism of the lubricating oil can be predicted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Katafuchi
  • Patent number: 8978492
    Abstract: A sampling container having a bottle connected to a cap with the cap in communication with a one-way valve for the transport of fluid into the bottle; and the one-way valve configured to receive fluids there through into the opening of the bottle. Further optional embodiments also include a vacuum adapter for attaching the cap to a vacuum pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Des-Case Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan L. Haworth, Cody Curtsinger, Aaron Holmes, Brian Swain
  • Publication number: 20140318480
    Abstract: A magnetic liquid level gauge for measuring a boiler drum water level comprises an external cylinder body having a first upper portion and a first lower portion, and an internal cylinder body having a second upper portion and a second lower portion, the first upper portion and the second upper portion are connected to the boiler drum through a steam side sampling pipe, the second lower portion is connected to a water portion of the boiler drum through the water side sampling pipe, the external cylinder body and the internal cylinder body define a steam heat tracing chamber therebetween. A float inside the internal cylinder body is connected to a magnetic component in a magnetic component cylinder body. A display indicator is connected to a magnetic transmitter and a boiler drum pressure transmitter. A waveguide tube is disposed outside the magnetic component cylinder body and connected to the magnetic transmitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Jichuan Liu, Shengli Yu, Dong Han
  • Patent number: 8833157
    Abstract: An ultrasonic liquid sensor for detecting liquid in a tube having sidewalls includes a first intermediate mounting plate held in physical communication with a first sidewall of the tube, a second intermediate mounting plate held in physical communication with the second sidewall of the tube. The plates are configured to allow the ultrasonic signal to pass therethrough. The sensor also includes a first and a second transducer element. The first and second transducer elements are mounted to the intermediate mounting plates and are configured to receive the ultrasonic signal passing through the sidewalls of the tube as well as the intermediate mounting plates to determine the presence or absence of liquid in the tube. The sensor can be enclosed in a self-contained unit and a support assembly can be used and formed of metal material or non-metal material to interface with the sensor and a secondary circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Bremigan, III, Kenneth A. Albrecht
  • Patent number: 8757549
    Abstract: An amount of fuel in a fuel bladder of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is determined based on a deformation of the bladder. In some examples, a fuel system for a UAV includes a bladder, a proximity sensor, a fuel gauge, and a controller. The bladder is deformable based on the amount of fuel in the bladder. The proximity sensor may output a signal that varies as a function of the deformation of the bladder. The controller may determine the amount of fuel in the bladder based on the signal output by the proximity sensor and control the fuel gauge to indicate the determined amount of fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Erben, Michael W. Moore, Justin J. Ebaugh
  • Patent number: 8714234
    Abstract: A sensor for measuring the surface level of a liquid phase metal includes an air excitation coil and lower and upper air reception coils. Excitation coil is perpendicular to an upper surface of an ingot mold and powered by a current for generating a magnetic field. Magnetic field lines propagate along upper field lines away from the ingot mold and along lower field lines covering the upper surface and the molten metal surface. Lower air coil is parallel to the excitation coil, whereby an induced voltage is generated by the lower field lines, the latter being modified by varying the level of the metal surface. Upper air coil is parallel to the excitation coil, vertically adjacent to the lower air coil, with a shape and characteristics identical to the lower air coils. Upper field lines generate the induced voltage and are substantially free of disturbances generated by the metal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Avemis
    Inventor: Michel Dussud
  • Patent number: 8616053
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the fill level of a liquid in a liquid container, in particular for monitoring the coolant fill level in a reactor pressure vessel of a pressurized water reactor system, wherein a determination is made about the drop in the liquid level below the installed height of a heated thermal element by way of the temperature difference measured between said heated thermal element and an unheated thermal element associated therewith, both of said elements being disposed in the liquid container, said method comprising the especially reliable triggering of an alarm with a short response time while maintaining a low level of physical and controls engineering complexity when the liquid level to be monitored falls below a critical value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Areva GmbH
    Inventor: Günter Niedzballa
  • Patent number: 8474314
    Abstract: A fill level switch (1) for measuring the fill level of a medium in a container (2), having a sensor element (3) for contacting the medium, a sender (4) for applying an electromagnetic emission signal to the sensor element (3) and an evaluation unit (5) for detecting a received signal from the sensor element (3). The sensor element (3) includes at least one cable (6) for guiding the emission signal. To provide a fill level switch, which is based on a sturdy measuring principle and which allows for reliable cleaning, the fill level switch uses a delay line as the cable (6) of the sensor element (3) and the sensor element (3) has a window (7) facing the medium in the mounted position of the fill level switch and at least a part of the cable (6) can be electrically influenced by the medium via the window (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Krohne Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Neuburger, Thomas Musch
  • Patent number: 8447367
    Abstract: A process measurement instrument adapted for wireless communication, comprising a measurement unit (7) arranged to determine a measurement value of a process variable, a memory (21) arranged to store a current measurement value of the process variable, a wireless communication unit (8), arranged to access the current measurement value and communicate the current measurement value over a wireless communication channel according to a protocol with intermittently active communication, and arbitration logic (22), in communication with the measurement unit and the wireless communication unit, and arranged to ensure that active periods of the measurement unit occur when the wireless communication is inactive. The measurement unit and communication unit are thus able to share information via the common memory, e.g. by sequential read/write access. This avoids the need for simultaneous activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Rosemount Tank Radar AB
    Inventor: Fabian Wenger
  • Patent number: 8413504
    Abstract: Capillary depth gauge (1) including at least one capillary tube (2) of triangular section arranged against a background (3) opposite an observation surface (5) and visible by transparency from the observation surface when the tubular section is substantially filled with water, at least one reflection surface (4), visible by reflection from said observation surface when the tubular section is substantially filled with air, said tube forming an isosceles triangle whose equal angles (?) have an angular value of between 48 and 60 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Nicolas Rebeaud, Michel Sagardoyburu
  • Patent number: 8356515
    Abstract: Method for measuring a rheological transition level between a first layer with first rheological properties, typically a fluid mud layer, and a second layer lying thereunder and having different, second rheological properties, typically a solid mud layer, wherein using a cable an object is lowered through the first layer into the second layer lying thereunder. A dynamic quantity of the moving cable with object, influenced by the rheological properties, or a change of this quantity, is measured. It is determined on the basis of this measurement when the object is located at the rheological transition level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: M.D.C.E. BVBA and Demco NV
    Inventor: Marcus Philippus Maria Druyts
  • Patent number: 8319680
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for accurately determining the level L of a liquid by means of radar signals emitted to the liquid surface and radar signals reflected from the liquid surface. The invention further relates to a device for accurately determining the level of a liquid by means of the method according to the invention, which device comprises at least a radar antenna disposed above the liquid for emitting radar signals to the liquid and receiving radar signals reflected from the liquid surface, as well as means for determining the liquid level on the basis of the emitted radar signals and the reflected radar signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Enraf B.V.
    Inventor: Bin Sai
  • Patent number: 8297131
    Abstract: A flow rate meter that includes a container of known and fixed volume. Electrodes, or sensors, are placed inside the container at several different heights. An electronic circuit uses the electrodes, or sensors, to measure the time it takes this container of known and fixed volume to fill a certain distance with water or water-based solution. The electronic circuit calculates the flow rate in engineering units from this elapsed time by knowing the volume of the container between the fixed electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Innoquest, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Hughes
  • Patent number: 8225653
    Abstract: A filling level detector for cryogenic liquids which are located in a container (1) uses a probe with a superconductor. In order to provide a filling level detector which is insensitive and costs little, the probe (11) is a flat conductor (20) which comprises a plurality of conductors which are routed parallel in a plastic matrix (21), of which a first conductor (23) is a super conductor, second conductors (24) are used to supply heating current to the first conductor (23), and third conductors (25; 25, 26) are used for voltage measurement, with the conductors in one pair (24, 25, 26) each being connected to points (27, 28 and 29, 30) which are at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction of the probe. The probe is guided in a guide in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gert Krammer
  • Patent number: 8229687
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention may incorporate a physics based approach (hereinafter “model”) to determine the level of the liquid. The model may incorporate the physical properties of the fluids within the container, and measurements of the fluid under consideration. The model may also incorporate data from measuring devices, such as, but not limiting of, a delta-pressure (DP) transmitter. The model may then calculate, within a reasonable level of accuracy, the level of the fluid within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William F. Seely, Jonathan C. Thatcher, Steve W. Backman
  • Publication number: 20120123630
    Abstract: A method is provided for detecting a level of diesel-exhaust-fluid (DEF) in a reservoir that is operatively connected to a catalyst for a diesel engine. The method is employed in a vehicle in order to facilitate a refill of the reservoir. The method includes sensing a level of diesel fuel in a fuel tank via a sensor operatively connected to the tank. The method also includes determining whether the vehicle is on an incline using the sensed level of diesel fuel in the fuel tank. The method additionally includes determining the level of DEF in the reservoir if the vehicle is determined to be substantially not on an incline. A system is also provided for detecting a level of DEF in the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew King, Rebecca J. Darr
  • Publication number: 20120097567
    Abstract: The present invention proposes an apparatus (100) and method for managing the liquid volume in a container. The apparatus (100) comprises a detector (101) for detecting liquid volume changes in said container during a first preset period, a first determiner (102) for determining whether said changes are lower than said first preset threshold value and a presenter (103) for presenting the first prompt information in the case of said changes being lower than said preset threshold value. The apparatus and method provided in the present invention can prompt people to drink drinkable liquids such as water in time, enable people to control their drinking intake and are beneficial to their health.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Ying Zhao, Jun She
  • Patent number: 8161813
    Abstract: A fill level in a mobile container or in a transport silo is determined using a position sensor that measures the angle of inclination of the container. The fill level data is acquired using a fill level sensor. On the basis of the measured data of the position sensor it is possible to detect whether or not the fill level measuring is valid. In this way incorrect readings may be rejected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: VEGA Grieshaber KG
    Inventor: Fridolin Faist
  • Patent number: 8146625
    Abstract: A method for preventing either the introduction of air into a liquid aspirated from a container through an aspiration line passing through a container cap, or the over-filling or non-filling of a container by a liquid dispensed through a dispensing line passing through a container cap. Such method comprises the steps of simultaneously detecting that (a) the container cap is properly positioned on and secured to a liquid container from which liquid is to be aspirated, or into which a liquid is to be dispensed, and (b) detecting that the level of liquid in the container is either above or below a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Rongchang Xin, Eric M. Grace, William W. Li, Santos Vargas
  • Publication number: 20120036927
    Abstract: A redundant level measuring system comprises a chamber for fluidic coupling to a process vessel whereby material level in the vessel equalizes with material level in the chamber. A float including a magnet in the chamber rises and falls with material level in the chamber. A magnet actuated visual indicator is mounted to the chamber for indicating level of the magnet in the chamber. A measurement instrument includes an antenna and a measurement circuit. The instrument is mounted atop the chamber with the antenna extending downwardly into the chamber. The measurement circuit measures time of flight of a through air signal representing level of the material in the chamber. A shield in the chamber isolates the float from the antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Don Patrick Sanders, Michael J. Mulrooney, Boyce Carsella
  • Patent number: 8104500
    Abstract: The filling noise generated inside a pressurized container when liquid is injected into the container is detected at the outer end of a vent tube which extends into the container. When the level of liquid in the container reaches the lower end of the vent tube, the filling noise detected at the outer end is abruptly diminished. This abrupt change is detected and used to automatically terminate filling of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Institute of Science, Inc.
    Inventor: Laslo Olah
  • Patent number: 8103462
    Abstract: A system and method for accurately calculating the oil quantity and oil consumption rate of an aircraft engine detects the level of oil in an oil tank, calculates the oil quantity in the oil tank by compensating for the acceleration of the aircraft, as well as changes in the pitch, yaw and roll of the aircraft. The oil consumption rate of the aircraft is also calculated by calculating the oil quantity at different times, and dividing the difference in oil quantity by the difference in times. The percentage change in oil consumption of the aircraft engine is also calculated. The oil quantity and oil consumption rate can be reported during and after the aircraft's flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Liu, Paul J. Vasques
  • Patent number: 7942042
    Abstract: An apparatus, configured to estimate quantity of fuel stored in a vehicle, includes: a fuel tank; a fuel quantity measure; a filtering processor; a filter gain setter, configured to set a filter gain; and a vehicle status detector, configured to detect which one of a starting state, a halted state, a state achieved immediately after stoppage of the vehicle, and a traveling state, wherein the filter gain setter sets: a first gain as the filter gain when the vehicle is the starting state; a second gain as the filter gain, which is larger than the first gain, when the vehicle is in the traveling state or the state achieved immediately after stoppage of the vehicle; and a third gain as a filter gain, which is larger than the first gain and smaller than the second gain, when the vehicle is in the halted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Kawakita, Katsunori Ueda, Toshiyuki Miyata, Hiroki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7926341
    Abstract: In a liquid sensing system, an RF signal is applied to a series-resonant circuit. The coil of the resonant circuit is placed proximate to a fuel tank, causing electromagnetic radiation to propagate into the fuel space. The fuel acts as an electrical load to the resonant circuit in a manner proportionate to the volume of fuel in the tank and/or to variations in electrical properties of the fuel itself. The loading effect of the fuel can change the resonant frequency and/or the Q of the resonant circuit. The loading effect of the fuel is determined by monitoring a change in one or more electrical parameters associated with the excited resonant circuit, such as a voltage across the resistor in the resonant circuit. Changes in this voltage are analyzed by a controller, the result of which is used to output a value indicative of level and/or composition of the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Schrader Electronics, Ltd.
    Inventors: Idir Boudaoud, William Stewart, Alan McCall
  • Publication number: 20110067491
    Abstract: An assembly structure of a liquid level detecting apparatus includes a sliding arm having a junction for electrically contacting a resistor and an arm holder attached to the sliding arm. The sliding arm moves according to a liquid level so that the junction slides on the resistor. The sliding arm includes a sliding portion extending in a direction from a base end portion of the sliding arm to the junction, and a pawl portion extending from the base end portion. The arm holder includes a slit into which the pawl portion is inserted and a face on which the sliding portion is mounted. The face is inclined at an angle with respect to an insertion direction of the pawl portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshiaki Fukuhara
  • Patent number: 7895890
    Abstract: The liquid depth sensing and identification system determines both the pressure head or depth, and therefore the quantity, of a liquid in a tank, as well as determining the characteristics of the liquid at the bottom of the probe. Two principles of operation are disclosed herein. The system may use a gas bubble collector about the outlet end of the purge tube, with the difference in height of the collector and purge tube mouths defining the very small difference in pressure head required to resolve the bubble emission characteristics produced in different liquids. Alternatively, the system incorporates a mass flow sensor capable of detecting minute changes in mass flow as bubbles are emitted from the purge tube in order to determine the type and characteristics of the liquid. The system operates using an open loop principle of operation, with no feedback provided to control the purge pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: William J. Van Ee
  • Patent number: 7891241
    Abstract: An apparatus for remote inspection of fire extinguishers at one or a system of fire extinguisher stations includes, e.g., at each fire extinguisher station: a detector for lack of presence of a fire extinguisher in its installed position at the fire extinguisher station; a detector for out-of-range pressure of contents of the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station; a detector for an obstruction to viewing of or access to the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station; and a device for transmission of inspection report information from the fire extinguisher station to a remote central station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: en-Gauge, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. McSheffrey, Brendan T. McSheffrey
  • Patent number: 7891435
    Abstract: An Apparatus for remote inspection of emergency equipment at one or a system of emergency equipment stations includes, e.g., at each emergency equipment station: a detector for detection of the presence of an obstruction to viewing of or access to the emergency equipment station; and an electronic circuit in communication between the detector and a remote central station for issue of a signal to the remote central station upon detection of the obstruction to viewing of or access to the emergency equipment station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: en-Gauge, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. McSheffrey, John J. McSheffrey, Jr., Brendan T. McSheffrey
  • Patent number: 7814786
    Abstract: A wireless sensing system monitors the level, temperature, magnetic permeability and electrical dielectric constant of a non-gaseous material in a container. An open-circuit electrical conductor is shaped to form a two-dimensional geometric pattern that can store and transfer electrical and magnetic energy. The conductor resonates in the presence of a time-varying magnetic field to generate a harmonic response. The conductor is mounted in an environmentally-sealed housing. A magnetic field response recorder wirelessly transmits the time-varying magnetic field to power the conductor, and wirelessly detects the harmonic response that is an indication of at least one of level of the material in the container, temperature of the material in the container, magnetic permeability of the material in the container, and dielectric constant of the material in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Stanley E. Woodard
  • Publication number: 20100231438
    Abstract: A radar level gauge system, for determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank, comprising a transceiver for generating, transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals; an antenna arranged to direct transmitted electromagnetic signals towards a surface of the product contained in the tank, and to return reflected electromagnetic signals resulting from reflections at impedance transitions encountered by the transmitted electromagnetic signals back to the transceiver; and a hollow waveguide connecting the transceiver and the antenna for guiding the electromagnetic signals therebetween. A sealing member is arranged to seal the waveguide to prevent fluid from passing into the waveguide from an interior of the tank; and the radar level gauge system further comprises processing circuitry connected to the transceiver and configured to determine the filling level based on the reflected electromagnetic signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Magnus Ohlsson, Carl-Johan Roos
  • Patent number: 7778115
    Abstract: The depth measuring device for a diving watch with a chronograph mechanism, includes a plunger moved by external pressure through a rolling membrane against the action of a return element. The plunger acts on cams belonging to a circular slide mounted in a casing ring. The movement of the slide is transmitted by a gear train to a depth needle and to a dead needle. A pressure sensing device has a sliding plunger mounted inside the winding button. This plunger acts on a control device for automatically starting and stopping the chronograph mechanism. A locking device is used to lock and release the control device and displays a diving flag in the released position. The gear chain displays a safety flag at a predetermined depth. A resetting device allows the various mechanisms and devices to be reset to zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Richemont International S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Ruchonnet
  • Patent number: 7730779
    Abstract: A multiphase-liquid level sensing system for sensing a layer depth and thickness of a liquid of a first phase that floats on a liquid of a different second phase includes an elongated stem that defines an elongated cavity. A float, which exhibits a sensible property, is disposed coaxially around the elongated stem and has negative buoyancy relative to the liquid of the first phase and positive buoyancy relative to the liquid of the second phase. A level sensor senses the sensible property and indicates a second phase liquid distance from the float to the bottom of the stem. An overburden sensor extends downwardly from the stem senses total liquid thickness of the liquid above the overburden sensor. A computational circuit calculates a layer depth and thickness of the liquid of the first phase, based on input from the level sensor and the overburden sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Basavaraj Mahadevaiah
  • Patent number: 7726411
    Abstract: An apparatus for remote inspection of fire extinguishers at one or a system of fire extinguisher stations includes, e.g., at each fire extinguisher station: a detector for lack of presence of a fire extinguisher in its installed position at the fire extinguisher station; a detector for out-of-range pressure of contents of the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station; a detector for an obstruction to viewing of or access to the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station; and a device for communication of inspection report information by wireless signal between the fire extinguisher station and a remote central station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: en-Gauge, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. McSheffrey, Jr., Brendan T. McSheffrey
  • Patent number: 7726180
    Abstract: In a liquid container used in an automatic analyzer, a float that makes it possible to prevent liquid from making contact with a liquid collection opening of the liquid container to form a film thereon is provided. A float is floated on the liquid surface of a reagent placed in a reagent container for use with an automatic analyzer. The float is equipped with a float body and a required number of buoyancy adjusters. The float body is equipped with a liquid surface cover that covers substantially the entire liquid surface, and a side wall portion positioned so as to project beneath the liquid surface from the liquid surface cover. The side wall portion constitutes a device for the purpose of suppressing swaying motions of the liquid surface cover by making contact with or engaging an inner wall of the reagent container when the reagent sways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Kurume University
    Inventor: Masaaki Kanahara
  • Patent number: 7721601
    Abstract: A hydrogen storage tank for containing solid-state hydrogen storage media, and method for determining the hydrogen fill level in the tank. The tank has at least one compartment for storing the storage media, passages for transporting hydrogen gas to and from the compartment, and a heat distribution system for establishing a substantially uniform temperature in the storage media. A look-up table is generated for the tank that relates hydrogen pressure changes in the tank versus hydrogen fill levels in the tank as a function of temperature. The tank is filled to full capacity by adsorbing hydrogen on the storage media. Thereafter, hydrogen is released from the storage media for a time period during which there is a substantially constant demand on the tank, the change in pressure of the released hydrogen gas is measured, and the look-up table is applied to determine the hydrogen fill level in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Packer Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Yen, JingYing Zhang, Peter J. Schubert
  • Patent number: 7725273
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a height of liquid in a liquid storage tank is provided, the apparatus includes a first rotatable element rotatable in response to a change of a liquid level in a liquid storage tank and including a first magnetic component having a first magnetic field, and a second rotatable element rotatable in response to the rotation of the first rotatable element and including a second magnetic component having a second magnetic field. The apparatus further includes a sensor assembly which includes a first sensor component located within range of the first magnetic field and structured to be effective in providing a first signal indicative of a position of the first magnetic component, and a second sensor component located within range of the second magnetic field and structured to be effective in providing a second signal indicative of a position of the second magnetic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Louis J. Jannotta
  • Patent number: 7690252
    Abstract: A flooded bin measurement system is provided that includes a submarine sampler for ascending and descending within a liquid of a bin and for measuring the depth of fluid at the submarine sampler's location. In one embodiment, the submarine sampler may ascend and descend along a vertical guide based on adjustments to it buoyancy compared with the liquid in the bin, which may be controlled manually and/or automatically. The measurement system may include a bubbler system for measuring hydrostatic pressure at the submarine sampler for determining its depth within the fluid of the bin. The submarine sampler may include a device having a hollow interior, an open bottom and an air supply line connected to the hollow interior. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the submarine sampler may be fixed to a line that is connected to a counterweight at its opposite end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: The Mosaic Company
    Inventor: Victor M Reeves
  • Patent number: 7688200
    Abstract: A container with functions of level, crud and temperature detections, comprises: a hollow casing having a receiving space at an upper side thereof; the casing being formed with a hollow space; a vent hole being formed at a bottom side of the casing for communicating the hollow space and exterior of the casing, an electric heating source installed in the hollow space of the casing and being tightly adhered to a wall of the hollow space below the receiving space; and a sensing and control circuit installed at a lower outer side of the casing; the sensing and control circuit including a microcontroller, an analog/digital converter, a gain amplifier, and a trigger circuit; and the wall of the casing being installed with at least one over level detection point, at least one level alarm detection point, at least one safety level detection point, at least one liquid temperature detection point, and at least one crud detection point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Wei-Ting Huang