Thermometer Patents (Class 73/292)
  • Patent number: 11906109
    Abstract: A method for displaying a fill level of a pressure vessel includes measuring an actual fill level of the pressure vessel, calculating a displayable fill level based on the actual fill level, and displaying the displayable fill level via a display device. In the method, during refueling between a first filling point (FP1) and a second filling point (FP2), the displayable fill level is increased in relation to the actual fill level in accordance with a predefined characteristic curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Markus Koban, Andreas Pelger
  • Patent number: 11572820
    Abstract: A cover for a DEF assembly with openings dimensioned to receive various components that are positioned in the DEF holding tank and associated seals for closing the openings and retaining the components is disclosed. The seals are fixed to the cover by a sonic weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: RB Distribution, Inc.
    Inventors: James K. McMahon, James J. Rivera, Stephen C. Trance, Todd M. Wilson
  • Patent number: 10975950
    Abstract: Gearing for a motor-gearing combination with a gearing output shaft, having: a drive interface; an output interface on the gearing output shaft; a transmission device configured for wireless bidirectional data transmission between the drive interface and the output interface and configured for wireless energy transmission from the drive interface to the output interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Wittenstein SE
    Inventors: Sebastian Matich, Philipp Guth, Jan Wettlaufer
  • Patent number: 10274357
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigeration cycle apparatus including: a refrigerant circuit formed by connecting, by a refrigerant pipe, a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, an evaporator and a liquid reservoir; a liquid level detection sensor including a plurality of heat generating units and a plurality of temperature detection units, the heat generating units being paired with the temperature detection units, and provided in the liquid reservoir, the liquid level detection sensor being configured to detect a liquid level of a refrigerant accumulated in the liquid reservoir, based on a temperature of each of the heat generating units, in which the liquid reservoir includes a container for accumulating the refrigerant, an inlet pipe connected to the refrigerant circuit and configured to allow a portion of the refrigerant flowing out of the container to flow into the container, and in which in the container, a shielding portion is provided between an discharge outlet for the refrigerant of the inlet pipe and the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yasutaka Ochiai, Makoto Saito, Masaki Toyoshima
  • Patent number: 9546894
    Abstract: A method for a fuel system, comprising: monitoring a fuel tank pressure during a refueling event; determining a fuel flow rate based on a steady-state portion of the monitored fuel tank pressure; and indicating an amount of fuel added to a fuel tank based on the fuel flow rate. In this way, a fuel tank fill level can be determined following a refueling event, even in a scenario where the fuel level indicator is stuck or malfunctioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Patent number: 9212619
    Abstract: A method for preventing misdiagnosis of an oil level sensor may include determining whether a driving status of a vehicle satisfies a first diagnosis condition, a second diagnosis condition or both. When the first diagnosis condition is satisfied, the method may include measuring oil levels, calculating a first average of the measured oil levels, and comparing the calculated first average of the measured oil levels with a predetermined reference oil level. When the second diagnosis condition is satisfied, the method may include measuring oil levels, calculating a second average of the measured oil levels, and comparing the calculated second average of the measured oil levels with the predetermined reference oil level. The method may also include warning an excess of oil when the first, the second or both first and second averages of the measured oil levels are higher than the predetermined reference oil level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Min Gyun Chae, Jong Kil Lim, Hong Woon Jang
  • Patent number: 9163973
    Abstract: A method for identifying an undesired condition in the function of a floating roof of a tank, the method comprising determining a filling level of a product in the tank, detecting a reference distance between a reference position on the roof and the surface using a level gauge mounted on the roof, forming a reference distance deviation as a difference between the reference distance and an expected value, and comparing the reference distance deviation with a specified range. If the reference distance deviation is outside the specified range, a data set including the reference distance deviation and the filling level is stored. These steps are repeated for a plurality of points in time, and the undesired condition is then identified based on stored data sets of reference distance deviations and filling levels. The present invention thus provides an economical method to provide diagnostics of a floating tank roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: ROSEMOUNT TANK RADAR AB
    Inventor: Lennart Hagg
  • Patent number: 9035800
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring an interior of a fuel tank. Information about a fuel level and moisture in the interior of the fuel tank of a platform is generated using a fuel sensor unit in the interior of the fuel tank. The fuel sensor unit comprises a sensor configured to be located in the interior of the fuel tank and generate information about the fuel level in the fuel tank and the moisture in the fuel tank and a wireless unit electrically connected to the sensor. The wireless unit is configured to receive the information from the sensor and transmit the information using wireless signals. A number of actions is identified based on the information about the interior of the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jason Philip Bommer, Andrew M. Robb
  • Publication number: 20150047429
    Abstract: A fluid monitoring apparatus to simultaneously detect the temperature and level of fluid within a container includes a translucent tube with a proximal end, a distal end, an aperture within the wall of the tube proximate the proximal end of the tube, the distal end able to extend into the fluid container, a thermocouple secured within the tube and tethered via a wire disposable through the aperture in the tube wall, the wire including a first end secured to the thermocouple and a second end secured to a display device to display the temperature of the fluid, and a cap secured to the proximal end of the tube to create a pressure within the tube sufficient to cause the fluid that fills the distal end of the tube to remain in the tube, thereby permitting a user to determine the fluid level of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: LONG VAN HA
  • Patent number: 8950255
    Abstract: A sensing device can detect material depth, liquid-level, and temperature. The sensing device has a probe, a control module, a volume sensing module, a thermal sensing module, an output module, and a power module. The probe has two material electrodes connected to the volume sensing module and a thermal electrode connected to the thermal sensing module. A rated voltage is applied at the material electrodes based on radio frequency admittance. A current deviation of the material electrodes is obtained by the volume sensing module, and calculated via the control module by material characteristics to obtain a correct storage amount of material. A temperature at each material depth is correctly detected by the thermal electrode. Steel cable is used as the material of the material electrodes of the probe to detect material depth or liquid level with high impact resistant ability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Finetek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Liang-Chi Chang, Cheng-Lun Chang, Ching-Jui Chen, Chao-Kai Cheng
  • Patent number: 8875570
    Abstract: A probe for measurement of water temperature profiles is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the probe may include an electronic assembly and a housing over-molded upon at least portions of the electronic assembly to sealingly enclose the portions of the electronic assembly. The electronic assembly may include a pressure sensor to measure a pressure value indicative of a water depth, and a temperature sensor to measure a water temperature value indicative of a water temperature, a communication interface. Methods of manufacture of the probe are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Grayden Outdoor LLC
    Inventors: Trevor J. Sumption, William Hughes
  • Patent number: 8875571
    Abstract: A detector for detecting the presence of a liquid comprising a probe sensitive to the presence of the liquid on contact with it, and a casing surrounding the probe comprising: a) an opening for receiving the liquid in the casing; b) an inlet distinct from the opening for the admission of a test liquid into the casing in contact with the probe, the placing of the test liquid in contact with the probe in the casing causing the presence of the test liquid to be detected if the probe operates correctly and causing no detection in the contrary case; and c) an outlet for the discharge of a portion of the test liquid from the casing after the test liquid has been placed in contact with the probe, the discharge being sufficient for the probe to no longer detect the test liquid remaining in the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Electricite de France
    Inventor: Pierre Langry
  • Publication number: 20140318237
    Abstract: It is provided with a reactor water-level measurement system being possible to measure water-level in a reactor core regardless of a state in the reactor core. The reactor water-level measurement system includes a core bottom water-level measuring device that includes a heating element, a heat insulating element installed by surrounding part of the heating element in a height direction of the heating element, and a temperature difference measuring element that measures a temperature difference between an insulated portion of the heating element surrounded by the heat insulating element and a non-insulated portion not surrounded by the heat insulating element, a water-level evaluation device that evaluates a water level of a reactor based on the temperature difference, wherein the core bottom water-level measuring device measures at least a water level from a lower end of a reactor core contained in a reactor pressure vessel to a bottom of the reactor pressure vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kenjyo, Yasushi Goto, Toshiaki Ito
  • Publication number: 20140298903
    Abstract: The water-level and temperature measurement apparatus 10 includes monitoring devices 121, - - - , 12n that receives n water-level information and n temperature information, measures n water-levels and n temperatures, and determines whether a water-level detection function and a temperature detection function in each channel are lost or not based on electrical physical quantities, by using water-level and temperature detection devices 111, 112, 113, 114 which includes a detection unit 20 to detect water-level information and temperature information from thermocouple and heater wire, and a calculation processing device 13 that obtains at least one water-level measurement result and at least one temperature measurement result by using n water-level measurement results, n temperature measurement results, water-level detection function loss determination result in each channel, and temperature detection function loss determination result in each channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Yasushi Goto, Yuka Takada, Fujio Shiraishi, Koichiro Isoda, Toshiaki Ito
  • Patent number: 8739621
    Abstract: A pencil-shaped electrical heating element, in particular for application in a device for measuring filling level in a liquid container, in particular in a reactor chamber of a nuclear plant, contains an electrically-conducting sleeve and at least one electric line embedded therein which is in conducting contact with the sleeve. The electrical line has at least two line sections with differing electrical properties and/or thermal conductivities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Areva GmbH
    Inventors: Sacha Kaercher, Wolfgang Vogt, Stefan Pfleger, Wilfried Harfst
  • Patent number: 8627718
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor arrangement for determining a tank fill level of a liquid, especially a reducing agent for removing nitrogen from the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine, which liquid is contained in a tank, at least two electrically conductive measuring electrodes being at least partially embedded in a carrier that is produced of an electrically non-conductive material. The sensor arrangement includes a temperature sensor, especially a resistor with negative temperature coefficient being used as a temperature sensor, which is integrated into the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Ulrich, Vlatko Babic, Guenther Krenz, Rainer Haeberer, Wolf-Ingo Ratzel, Bruno Hezel, Michael Gerlach, Vaclav Straus
  • Publication number: 20130270351
    Abstract: A dual functionality temperature control measurement and low water cutoff measurement system is taught within a single tapping to a boiler. This dual functionality combines a low water cutoff and temperature sensor into one control utilizing a sensing element suitable for use in a single existing tapping for a boiler. Independent of low water functionality, the temperature sensor is also capable of monitoring temperature as a replacement probe in an existing temperature sensor-only well. A conductive member provides a compression fit inside the probe well for thermistors, while simultaneously providing conduction with the well interior for a low water cutoff signal in a two-conductor well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Christopher L. Murray
  • Patent number: 8550704
    Abstract: A method of detecting an omission to fill an automobile differential housing with fluid in the course of an assembly procedure is carried out using an infrared sensor to read differential housing temperature. The camera produces an electrical signal that is processed to provide an indication as to whether or not the differential housing has been properly filled. An infrared sensing camera is the preferred thermal detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Norris, Peter Couto
  • Publication number: 20130220012
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor for detecting the presence or absence of an aerated fluid includes a probe having a first solid portion and a second hollow portion. The probe has a closed end at the hollow portion. The solid portion and the hollow portion define an interface therebetween. A transducer element is mounted to the probe at about the solid portion. The transducer element is configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal through the solid portion into the hollow portion and to receive reflections of the ultrasonic signal to determine the presence or absence of a fluid and/or an aerated fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Terence J. Knowles, Brian J. Truesdale, Kenneth A. Albrecht, Charles F. Bremigan, III
  • Publication number: 20130180473
    Abstract: Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a sensor probe kit that has an electrical connection that ensures a sensor probe has been properly positioned in a boiler well. In some embodiments, the sensor probe kit has a seating mechanism that positively positions a sensor probe at a predetermined position within a boiler well. In many instances, the seating mechanism provides tactile feedback to an installer when the sensor probe is properly positioned within the boiler well. These features can help ensure the sensor probe is properly installed, and helps keep the sensor probe electrically connected to the well at all times after installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: R.W. Beckett Corporation
    Inventors: Theodore Olszewski, John E. Bohan, JR., Timothy O. Beight
  • Publication number: 20130174637
    Abstract: An ultrasonic reactor water level measuring device and an evaluation method are provided and prevent a reduction in the measurement accuracy of a water level that is in a wide measurement range. The ultrasonic reactor water level measuring device includes an upper tube extending from a gas phase portion in a reactor, a lower tube extending from a liquid phase portion in the reactor, measurement tubes connected to each other and arranged at multiple stages between the upper tube and the lower tube, and units for generating and receiving ultrasonic waves, the units being arranged at bottom portions of the measurement tubes. The ultrasonic reactor water level measuring device measures levels of water within the measurement tubes and calculates a water level within the reactor from the sum of the measured water levels, the sum excluding an overlapped part of the measurement tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: HITACHI-GE NUCLEAR ENERGY, LTD.
    Inventor: Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8479572
    Abstract: There is provided a bubble column type hydrocarbon synthesis reactor which synthesizes a hydrocarbon compound by a chemical reaction of a synthesis gas including hydrogen and carbon monoxide as main components, and a slurry having solid catalyst particles suspended in liquid. The hydrocarbon synthesis reactor includes a reactor main body which accommodates the slurry, a synthesis gas supplying section which supplies the synthesis gas to the slurry; one pressure sensor which is arranged higher than the liquid level of the slurry to measure the pressure of the synthesis gas above the liquid level, another pressure sensor which is arranged lower than the liquid level of the slurry to measure the pressure of the slurry, and a liquid level detecting device which detects a liquid level position of the slurry on the basis of measurement results of the pressure sensors. A plurality of the other pressure sensors are provided at arbitrary intervals in an axial direction of the reactor main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignees: Nippon Steel Engineering Co. Ltd., Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, Inpex Corporation, Nippon Oil Corporation, Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd., Cosmo Oil Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Onishi, Yuzuru Kato, Eiichi Yamada
  • Publication number: 20130131580
    Abstract: This invention relates to a surgical smoke evacuation system for use in removing gases and smoke created in surgical procedures from within an insufflated surgical cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: FISHER & PAYKEL HEALTHCARE LIMITED
    Inventors: Michael Joseph Blackhurst, James Alexander Gordon, Jonathan David Harwood, David John Bain
  • Publication number: 20130104647
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium in a container which comprises a mechanically oscillatable structure, which has at least one oscillation characteristic dependent on the process variable, an electromechanical transducer having at least one piezoelectric element, which excites the structure, by means of an excitation signal supplied to the transducer, to execute mechanical oscillations, and which converts the resulting oscillations of the structure into a received signal, which corresponds to a superpositioning of the excitation signal and a wanted signal representing the oscillation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Sergej Lopatin, Martin Urban
  • Patent number: 8381939
    Abstract: An insulated storage tank incorporating modular panels includes a structural rigidity to store large volumes of hot and cold liquids. The insulated storage tank includes a plurality of insulating panels disposed on an insulation substrate in a circumferential pattern, the insulating panels each in proximate contact with two other panels forming a cylindrical wall. The insulating panels are a rigid structure and provide structural support to an inner liner disposed within the cylindrical wall and operable to be filled with a hot or cold liquid. The cylindrical wall of insulating panels is further supported by a thin outer support jacket. The insulated storage tank has a lid disposed on the insulating panels thereby sealing the contents of the insulated storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Power Panel, Inc.
    Inventors: Garth J. Schultz, Ken Buttery, Scott Leslie
  • Patent number: 8365593
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a device (1) for measuring the position of the bed and surface of a river, in which the device comprises a support (2) along which a plurality of measurement areas (5) and means (3, 5) suitable for determining the local heat dissipation in each measurement area (5) are defined; the present invention also concerns a method for determining the position of such interfaces, in which a device (1) according to the present invention is arranged so that it intersects the interface, ensuring that one or more measurement areas (5) are immersed in each of the means constituting the interface and finding the value of the power dissipated in the measurement areas (5) from the temperature measured at said means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Politecnico di Milano
    Inventors: Alfredo Cigada, Francesco Ballio, Fabio Inzoli
  • Publication number: 20120192646
    Abstract: A storage tank and method for monitoring thereof is provided. The tank includes a first panel that defines a mounting surface for carrying a heating element. The heating element extends into the tank for heating liquids stowed therein. A sidewall interconnects the first panel and a spaced-apart second panel. A support extends from a bottom-facing surface of the second panel for supporting the tank in a spaced-apart relation from a nearby surface. The support further defines an upward-facing pocket for receiving a portion of the heating element. A control system may monitor the storage tank and alert a service provider of operative conditions thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: ENVICOR, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Steven Arnold, Stephen Butts
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120017675
    Abstract: A liquid level sensing system including a housing configured to hold a liquid, a first temperature sensor connected to the housing and configured to output a first signal representing a first temperature measured at the first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor connected to the housing and configured to output a second signal representing a second temperature measured at the second temperature sensor, and a circuit configured to receive the first and second signals as input and to provide an output signal proportional to the time rate of change of the difference between the first signal and the second signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Phillips, Chansay Em
  • Publication number: 20120011930
    Abstract: A probe for measurement of water temperature profiles is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the probe may include an electronic assembly and a housing over-molded upon at least portions of the electronic assembly to sealingly enclose the portions of the electronic assembly. The electronic assembly may include a pressure sensor to measure a pressure value indicative of a water depth, and a temperature sensor to measure a water temperature value indicative of a water temperature, a communication interface. Methods of manufacture of the probe are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: GRAYDEN OUTDOOR LLC
    Inventors: Trevor J. Sumption, William Hughes
  • Publication number: 20110100119
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the mass of liquid within collapsible, bulk fabric storage containers is provided wherein a deflection member arranged in a grid pattern supports the container and undergoes deflection creating an increase in the pressure of fluid within its interior which may be measured and correlated to the mass of the liquid within the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: John F. Justak
  • Publication number: 20110063628
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the liquid level of molten metal comprises an image measuring device (5), a measuring probe (6), a lifting mechanism (1), a displacement sensor (11), an data processing system (4) and a correction marker(7). The lifting mechanism (1) is fixed to the molten metal container (10) or is independent of the molten metal container, the image measuring device (5) and the measuring probe (6) are installed on the lifting mechanism (1) or are independent of the lifting mechanism, and the optical axis of the image measuring device (5) is set at an angle with the geometric axis of the measuring probe (6), the measuring probe (6) is located within the field of view of the image measuring device (5), the image measuring device (5), the lifting mechanism (1) and the displacement sensor (11) are connected to the data processing system (4) respectively. A method for measuring the level of molten metal is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Zhi Xie, Zhenwei Hu, Ying Ci, Da Zhang
  • Patent number: 7882736
    Abstract: A process fluid level measurement system is configured to measure a level of at least one process fluid in a vessel. The vessel has a cage with at least one annular isolator located inside the cage. The at least one annular isolator has a band-shaped isolator diaphragm. A differential pressure transmitter is operably coupled to the annular isolators) and is configured to generate a level output based, at least in part, upon pressure measured relative to the annular isolator(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventor: Mark S. Schumacher
  • Patent number: 7874724
    Abstract: Two vertically offset thermistors for sensing a fluid such as oil and refrigerant in a compressor shell are monitored by a method that takes into account rapidly changing conditions within the shell. The system can determine the fluid's sump temperature, high/low liquid levels, and can determine whether the thermistors are sensing the fluid as a liquid, gas, or a mixture of the two, such as a foam or mist of liquid and gas. For greater accuracy, thermistor readings can be dithered and filtered to provide temperature or voltage values having more significant digits than the readings originally processed through a limited-bit A/D converter. For faster response, limited microprocessor time is conserved by sampling thermistor readings at strategic periods that enable the microprocessor to identify certain conditions and temperatures via simple delta-temperature ratios and undemanding equations rather than resorting to exponential functions or lookup tables to determine time constants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald W. Okoren, Jerry E. Brown, Joel C. VanderZee, Charles E. Nelson, Steven K. Klingemann, Jeffrey J. DeGroot
  • Publication number: 20110011178
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor arrangement for determining a tank fill level of a liquid, especially a reducing agent for removing nitrogen from the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine, which liquid is contained in a tank, at least two electrically conductive measuring electrodes being at least partially embedded in a carrier that is produced of an electrically non-conductive material. The sensor arrangement includes a temperature sensor, especially a resistor with negative temperature coefficient being used as a temperature sensor, which is integrated into the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Markus Ulrich, Vlatko Babic, Guenther Krenz, Rainer Haeberer, Wolf-Ingo Ratzel, Bruno Hezel, Michael Gerlach, Vaclav Straus
  • Patent number: 7852201
    Abstract: A vehicle has a transmission, a transmission filter, and a controller having an algorithm or method for predicting the remaining useful life of the filter. The algorithm or method uses a sensor to detect an operating event of the transmission, such as a completed shift event or zero transmission output speed event, and increases a stored value of an accumulated distance and time variable. A shift sensor is operable for comparing a detected speed ratio of the transmission to a stored threshold speed ratio for determining the completed shift event. The remaining useful filter life is predicted using one or more look up tables using the values of the accumulated distance and time variables. The accumulated distance is calculated in part by dividing a prior recorded accumulated distance value by a ratio of an output speed of the transmission to an actual vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Rains, Brett R. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 7832980
    Abstract: A wind turbine comprising a system for monitoring at least one wind turbine component including a closed fluid circulating system with a fluid reservoir. The monitoring system comprises establishing a level value of the fluid systems reservoir, and establishing at least one environmental value of the fluid systems reservoir or the surroundings of the system. The level value and the at least one environmental value contributing to defining the fluid systems functionality, and the monitoring system further comprises establishing a monitoring value on the basis of the level value and the at least one environmental value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Jens Demtroder, Steen Lund, Lars Skifter
  • Patent number: 7765867
    Abstract: A transmitter for providing inventory or inventory transfer information on industrial sites is described, for measurement of mass (M), weight (W), volume (V), level (L) and/or density (p) of a product (1) in a vessel (3) comprising: a level sensor (5), comprising: a conductive probe (9) extending into the vessel (3), means (11, 13) for generating and sending short electromagnetic pulses (S) down the probe, means (15) for reception of echoes (E) of the pulses (S) reflected at a surface of the product (1), means (17) for determining a time of flight (t) needed for a pulse (S) to travel down the probe (9) and its echo (E) to return, a pressure sensor (7), mounted on the probe (9), and a signal processing unit (45) for determining mass (M), weight (W), volume (V), level (L) and/or density (p) based on measurement signals supplied by the level sensor (5) and the pressure sensor (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Joseph A. Schaffer, Craig McIntyre, Dieter Schmidt
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100094468
    Abstract: A sensor for measuring a level of a conductive liquid, is provided. The sensor includes at least two electrodes that can be positioned in a holding tank so as to be partially submerged in the conductive liquid, sensor leads coupled to the at least two electrodes, and circuitry and a controller for determining the properties of the electrolyte, the circuitry being coupled to the at least two electrodes via the sensor leads, and the controller being coupled to the circuitry. The sensor may be used as an electrolyte level sensor in a flow battery system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: Deeya Energy, Incorporated
    Inventors: Saroj Kumar SAHU, Bruce CONWAY
  • Patent number: 7681446
    Abstract: Provided is a liquid container having an outer surface and an interior container from which the level of liquid in the container is not visible; the liquid container having a detecting unit having a liquid amount detecting means and a liquid temperature detecting means which are inserted into the inner container and detect a liquid amount and a liquid temperature. A unit outer package located on the outer surface of the container displays the liquid amount and the liquid temperature detected by the detecting means. All detecting and display components are included in a single unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: ALLGO Corp.
    Inventors: Hideki Morimoto, Noriyuki Nakagawa, Yoshihiro Iwamoto
  • Publication number: 20100024542
    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: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: PACKER ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: David W. Yen, JingYing Zhang, Peter J. Schubert
  • Publication number: 20090288483
    Abstract: A water level and temperature indicating device useful for signaling preset desired water levels in a bath tub and indicating air and bathwater temperature. The device has suction cup means for removably securing the device to the tub ledge. A depending float chamber and temperature probe for projecting into the bathtub, a battery operated audible alarm system and a battery operated digital thermometer device. An interchangeable weighted float of various lengths is housed within a float chamber. The float chamber has a removable screen unit to facilitate float changes which determine desired preset water level. A modified push on switch within the float chamber will complete an electrical circuit and sound an alarm when a desired preset water level is achieved. The thermometer device will indicate air temperature until it makes contact with the water. While in contact with water the thermometer device indicates water temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventors: Jeffrey Alfred Varga, Joan Marie Varga
  • Publication number: 20090223278
    Abstract: A gas sensor includes a gas responsive pellistor and associated information specific to that pellistor. The information can include environmental compensation information, such as temperature or humidity compensation information or other manufacturing information, and is stored in a computer readable medium. Such information can be used by local circuitry in compensating the sensor while making ambient gas level determinations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Anthony R. Cowburn, David F. Davies, Jonathan H. Gilby
  • Publication number: 20090139324
    Abstract: There is provided a liquid container that has solved the problem of the impossibility to easily see a liquid surface within an inner bottle, namely a remaining liquid amount within a container, and the problem of the impossibility to easily check whether a liquid temperature inside the inner bottle being a vacuum double bottle is held at a desired temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: ALLGO Corp.
    Inventors: Hideki Morimoto, Noriyuki Nakagawa, Yoshihiro Iwamoto
  • Publication number: 20090126483
    Abstract: A fluid monitoring apparatus and method is disclosed for use in an underground utility vault. Specifically, a system utilizing multiple sensors to determine the total amount and type of fluid present in a utility vault is disclosed. A first sensor located above the fluid detects and determines the overall depth of fluid present. A second sensor, relying on specific properties of the fluid(s) present, is located in contact with the fluids present. The information regarding specific fluid level and type is conveyed to a central location for monitoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Lawrence Blendinger, Robert M. Ryan
  • Publication number: 20090120181
    Abstract: A process fluid level measurement system is configured to measure a level of at least one process fluid in a vessel. The vessel has a cage with at least one annular isolator located inside the cage. The at least one annular isolator has a band-shaped isolator diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventor: Mark S. Schumacher
  • Publication number: 20090093983
    Abstract: It is described a method to measure a fill level of a material by transmitting an ultrasonic or microwave signal towards a surface of the material using a level gauge arranged above the material surface, receiving in said level gauge an ultrasonic or microwave signal portion reflected from said material surface, measuring a temperature at least one measurement point between the level gauge and the material surface and determining in a calculation unit of the level gauge a temperature-corrected value of the fill level based on the time delay of the received signal portion with respect to the emitted signal and the measured temperature. To provide an improved level measuring method and system with increased reactivity and accuracy in compensating temperature variations at least one non-contact infrared thermometer is used to measure the temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Mark Trafford
  • Patent number: 7509753
    Abstract: A dipstick that measures and externally indicates the temperature and level of a fluid within a fluid reservoir. For example, in one embodiment the dipstick measures and externally indicates the oil temperature and oil level of oil within an oil reservoir of a motorcycle or other vehicle. The fluid temperature and level are indicated on an externally viewable portion of the dipstick, such as an exposed end or cap. The viewable portion indicates the fluid level when the fluid temperature is within guidelines recommended by the manufacturer or when the fluid temperature reaches a minimum threshold temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Nicosia, Craig DeRuyter, Jeffary R. Sonnentag
  • Patent number: 7487676
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for measuring a level of a liquid stored under pressure in a reservoir ensure that the level is measured precisely even when a carrier gas is bubbled through the liquid. A tube extends in the reservoir such that a lower end of the tube is immersed in the liquid and that the liquid occupies a portion of the tube, and a first gas that is insoluble in the liquid is sealed in the upper portion of the tube. A detecting unit detects changes in density of the insoluble gas as the level of the liquid changes. The apparatus is employed in a deposition apparatus where the liquid is used to produce a source gas for forming a layer on a substrate. A carrier gas, bubbled through the liquid in the reservoir, transports gas produced from the liquid to a process chamber in which the deposition process takes place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hee-Seok Shin