Thermometer Patents (Class 73/292)
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Patent number: 11906109Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 8, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Markus Koban, Andreas Pelger
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Patent number: 11572820Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 21, 2022Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: RB Distribution, Inc.Inventors: James K. McMahon, James J. Rivera, Stephen C. Trance, Todd M. Wilson
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Patent number: 10975950Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 26, 2019Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: Wittenstein SEInventors: Sebastian Matich, Philipp Guth, Jan Wettlaufer
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Patent number: 10274357Abstract: 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 theType: GrantFiled: October 16, 2014Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Yasutaka Ochiai, Makoto Saito, Masaki Toyoshima
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Patent number: 9546894Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Aed M. Dudar
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Patent number: 9212619Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 16, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Min Gyun Chae, Jong Kil Lim, Hong Woon Jang
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Patent number: 9163973Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: ROSEMOUNT TANK RADAR ABInventor: Lennart Hagg
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Patent number: 9035800Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 12, 2012Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jason Philip Bommer, Andrew M. Robb
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Publication number: 20150047429Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2013Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventor: LONG VAN HA
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Patent number: 8950255Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 3, 2012Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Finetek Co., Ltd.Inventors: Liang-Chi Chang, Cheng-Lun Chang, Ching-Jui Chen, Chao-Kai Cheng
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Patent number: 8875570Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 14, 2010Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Grayden Outdoor LLCInventors: Trevor J. Sumption, William Hughes
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Patent number: 8875571Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 16, 2012Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Electricite de FranceInventor: Pierre Langry
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Publication number: 20140318237Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2012Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Hiroaki Kenjyo, Yasushi Goto, Toshiaki Ito
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Publication number: 20140298903Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2012Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Yasushi Goto, Yuka Takada, Fujio Shiraishi, Koichiro Isoda, Toshiaki Ito
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Patent number: 8739621Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 26, 2010Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Areva GmbHInventors: Sacha Kaercher, Wolfgang Vogt, Stefan Pfleger, Wilfried Harfst
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Patent number: 8627718Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 31, 2008Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Markus Ulrich, Vlatko Babic, Guenther Krenz, Rainer Haeberer, Wolf-Ingo Ratzel, Bruno Hezel, Michael Gerlach, Vaclav Straus
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Publication number: 20130270351Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventor: Christopher L. Murray
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Patent number: 8550704Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 16, 2011Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Norris, Peter Couto
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Publication number: 20130220012Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2011Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Terence J. Knowles, Brian J. Truesdale, Kenneth A. Albrecht, Charles F. Bremigan, III
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Publication number: 20130180473Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2012Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: R.W. Beckett CorporationInventors: Theodore Olszewski, John E. Bohan, JR., Timothy O. Beight
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Publication number: 20130174637Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: HITACHI-GE NUCLEAR ENERGY, LTD.Inventor: Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd.
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Patent number: 8479572Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignees: 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
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Publication number: 20130131580Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2010Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: FISHER & PAYKEL HEALTHCARE LIMITEDInventors: Michael Joseph Blackhurst, James Alexander Gordon, Jonathan David Harwood, David John Bain
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Publication number: 20130104647Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Sergej Lopatin, Martin Urban
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Patent number: 8381939Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 19, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Power Panel, Inc.Inventors: Garth J. Schultz, Ken Buttery, Scott Leslie
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Patent number: 8365593Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 11, 2008Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Politecnico di MilanoInventors: Alfredo Cigada, Francesco Ballio, Fabio Inzoli
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Publication number: 20120192646Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: ENVICOR, LLCInventors: Gary Steven Arnold, Stephen Butts
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Patent number: 8225653Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 6, 2007Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co. KGInventor: Gert Krammer
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Publication number: 20120017675Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2010Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.Inventors: Richard W. Phillips, Chansay Em
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Publication number: 20120011930Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2010Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: GRAYDEN OUTDOOR LLCInventors: Trevor J. Sumption, William Hughes
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Publication number: 20110100119Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventor: John F. Justak
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Publication number: 20110063628Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2008Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventors: Zhi Xie, Zhenwei Hu, Ying Ci, Da Zhang
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Patent number: 7882736Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 12, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Rosemount Inc.Inventor: Mark S. Schumacher
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Patent number: 7874724Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 11, 2007Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventors: Ronald W. Okoren, Jerry E. Brown, Joel C. VanderZee, Charles E. Nelson, Steven K. Klingemann, Jeffrey J. DeGroot
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Publication number: 20110011178Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2008Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventors: Markus Ulrich, Vlatko Babic, Guenther Krenz, Rainer Haeberer, Wolf-Ingo Ratzel, Bruno Hezel, Michael Gerlach, Vaclav Straus
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Patent number: 7852201Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 10, 2008Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Rains, Brett R. Caldwell
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Patent number: 7832980Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 23, 2008Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Jens Demtroder, Steen Lund, Lars Skifter
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Patent number: 7765867Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 23, 2005Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Joseph A. Schaffer, Craig McIntyre, Dieter Schmidt
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Patent number: 7721601Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 18, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Packer Engineering, Inc.Inventors: David W. Yen, JingYing Zhang, Peter J. Schubert
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Publication number: 20100094468Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Applicant: Deeya Energy, IncorporatedInventors: Saroj Kumar SAHU, Bruce CONWAY
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Patent number: 7681446Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 29, 2007Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: ALLGO Corp.Inventors: Hideki Morimoto, Noriyuki Nakagawa, Yoshihiro Iwamoto
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Publication number: 20100024542Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2007Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicant: PACKER ENGINEERING, INC.Inventors: David W. Yen, JingYing Zhang, Peter J. Schubert
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Publication number: 20090288483Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2008Publication date: November 26, 2009Inventors: Jeffrey Alfred Varga, Joan Marie Varga
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Publication number: 20090223278Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2008Publication date: September 10, 2009Inventors: Anthony R. Cowburn, David F. Davies, Jonathan H. Gilby
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Publication number: 20090139324Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2007Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: ALLGO Corp.Inventors: Hideki Morimoto, Noriyuki Nakagawa, Yoshihiro Iwamoto
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Publication number: 20090126483Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2007Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventors: Lawrence Blendinger, Robert M. Ryan
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Publication number: 20090120181Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2007Publication date: May 14, 2009Applicant: Rosemount Inc.Inventor: Mark S. Schumacher
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Publication number: 20090093983Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2008Publication date: April 9, 2009Inventor: Mark Trafford
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Patent number: 7509753Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.Inventors: Tony Nicosia, Craig DeRuyter, Jeffary R. Sonnentag
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Patent number: 7487676Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 7, 2006Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hee-Seok Shin