Liquid Analysis Or Analysis Of The Suspension Of Solids In A Liquid Patents (Class 73/53.01)
  • Patent number: 8557588
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for sampling and diluting concentrated emulsions, which may be oil-in-water emulsions, water-in-oil emulsions, or other concentrated emulsions. One method embodiment of the invention comprises obtaining a sample of a concentrated emulsion comprising a dispersed phase and a continuous phase fluid; measuring droplet concentration of the dispersed phase in the sample; and for droplet concentration of the sample greater than about 1000 ppm, diluting the sample with substantially pure continuous phase fluid, forming a first diluted emulsion. Methods of the invention include those wherein the obtaining of a sample comprises opening a fluid connection to a flowing stream comprising the concentrated emulsion, wherein the obtaining and diluting steps occur in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignees: Schlumberger Technology Corporation, Total S.A.
    Inventor: Gary Martin Oddie
  • Patent number: 8555705
    Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring fluid in a fluid supply vessel during operation including dispensing of fluid from the fluid supply vessel. The monitoring system includes (i) one or more sensors for monitoring a characteristic of the fluid supply vessel or the fluid dispensed therefrom, (ii) a data acquisition module operatively coupled to the one or more sensors to receive monitoring data therefrom and responsively generate an output correlative to the characteristic monitored by the one or more sensors, and (iii) a processor and display operatively coupled with the data acquisition module and arranged to process the output from the data acquisition module and responsively output a graphical representation of fluid in the fluid supply vessel, billing documents, usage reports, and/or resupply requests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: James Dietz, Steven E. Bishop, James V. McManus, Steven M. Lurcott, Michael J. Wodjenski, Robert Kaim, Frank Dimeo, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130263649
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve (10, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 150, 210), comprising a first valve element (12, 42, 62, 82, 102, 122, 152, 212) and a second valve element (14, 44, 64, 84, 104, 124, 154, 214), wherein the first valve element comprises a first carrier part (13, 43, 63, 83, 103, 123, 153, 213) which is made of plastic material and a first surface element (16, 46, 66, 86, 106, 126, 158) which is made of silicon or silicon oxide and is fastened to the first carrier part, and the second valve element comprises a second carrier part (15, 45, 65, 85, 105, 125, 155, 215) made of plastic material and a second surface element (18, 47, 67, 87, 107, 127, 159, 218) which is made of silicon or silicon oxide and is fastened to the second carrier part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: PARItec GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhold Storch, Martin Lang, Joseph Lass
  • Patent number: 8522602
    Abstract: A system is provided for detecting a liquid sample, and includes: a flow cell assembly formed with a sample receiving space therein, and inlet and outlet channels extending to the sample receiving space for guiding the liquid sample into and away from the sample receiving space; a sensor device including a sample detecting unit that is disposed in the sample receiving space, and that is operable to detect the liquid sample and to generate a detection signal accordingly, and a signal conducting unit that is connected electrically to the sensor device for conducting the detection signal therefrom; and a liquid introducing unit and a liquid discharging unit coupled to the inlet and outlet channels and cooperating therewith to form an introducing path and a discharging path for introducing the liquid sample into and for discharging the liquid sample from the sample receiving space, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: I Shou University
    Inventors: Chi-Yen Shen, Ke-Nung Huang, Shen-Li Fu, Jian-Jhong Chen, Yu-Fong Huang
  • Publication number: 20130219997
    Abstract: Systems and methods of determining fluid properties are disclosed. An example apparatus to determine a saturation pressure of a fluid includes a housing having a detection chamber and a heater assembly partially positioned within the detection chamber to heat a fluid. The example apparatus also includes a sensor assembly to detect a property of the fluid and a processor to identify a saturation pressure of the fluid using the property of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Matthew T. Sullivan, Christopher Harrison, Robert J. Schroeder, Ahmad Latifzai, Elizabeth Smythe, Shunsuke Fukagawa, Douglas W. Grant
  • Patent number: 8513020
    Abstract: A system for sulfide stress cracking testing comprises an enclosed testing chamber including a fluid bath comprising a liquid saturated with hydrogen sulfide gas. In addition, the system comprises a test fixture disposed in the testing chamber and at least partially submerged in the fluid bath. The test fixture includes a housing having an internal chamber in fluid communication with the fluid bath and a test assembly disposed in the internal chamber. The test assembly comprises a first upper support and a second upper support, a first lower support and a second lower support, and a first platen engaging each of the upper supports and adapted to transfer an applied vertical load to the upper supports. Further, the system comprises a test specimen mounted in the test assembly between the upper supports and the lower supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Lucien Hehn, Kevin J. Wyble, Kenneth E. Casner, Jr., Kenneth E. Casner, Sr., Joseph Casner, George M. Waid
  • Patent number: 8504294
    Abstract: An improved system for delivering propane or other consumable liquid to remotely located storage tanks including a novel combination of remote monitoring of customer tanks and an improved method of using the remote monitoring data to optimally schedule deliveries, improve safety, and more efficiently operate a propane dealership. More accurate and timely information concerning the status of customer tanks serves to improve operational efficiencies and increase safety. Data received from remote sensors can be collected and organized so that it is easily understood and utilized through the implementation of a user interface accessible via the Internet that allows the information to be presented in an efficient graphical and contextual fashion. Operational efficiencies can also be improved by taking historical propane usage for each tank, weather conditions, and projected fuel usage into account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Richard L. Humphrey
  • Publication number: 20130192350
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for a gate valve including a body, a stem, and a sensing bore. A subassembly includes a body, a stem, and a sensing bore; a bonnet contacting the body; and at least one of a vein and a plug in the sensing bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: MUELLER INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventor: Mueller International, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130192348
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for a gate valve including a body and a sensing bore. A subassembly includes a body with a sensing bore; a bonnet contacting the body; and at least one of a vein and a plug in the sensing bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: MUELLER INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventor: Mueller International, LLC
  • Patent number: 8496816
    Abstract: A fuel heater module and a water-in-fuel sensor module are disclosed that are configured to be connected to an outside surface of a filter assembly. The fuel heater module includes an inlet port and an outlet port with a heating element positioned in the fluid path between the inlet and outlet. A thermostat is included for controlling operation of the heating element. The water-in-fuel sensor module is configured to detect water in the filter housing that it may be drained from the filter housing. Both modules are configured to be attached to an outside surface of the filter housing thereby being readily replaceable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Abby True-Dahl, Gerard Malgorn, Arnuad LeVen, Gildas LeMen, Mark Wieczorek, Zemin Jiang, Jeffrey A. Husband, Ismail C. Bagci, Charles W. Hawkins, Chad M. Thomas, Mark Johnson, Ted Loftis, Robert A. Bannister
  • Patent number: 8495906
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a deaerator 2 including: a liquid flow space; reduced-pressure spaces 25A, 25B, and 25C; gas permeable films 21A, 21B, and 21C that separate these spaces; and a pump for discharging gas from within the reduced-pressure spaces 25A, 25B, and 25C to the outside, and to a liquid chromatograph equipped with the deaerator 2. The deaerator 2 further includes gas partial pressure variation suppression means 23A, 23B, 23C, 25Ab, 25Bb, 25Cb, 29A, 29B, and 29C for suppressing variations in partial pressures of a specific gas in the reduced-pressure spaces 25A, 25B, and 25C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Arkray, Inc.
    Inventors: Koji Sugiyama, Akira Sezaki, Takanori Kamada, Yoshikiyo Hongo
  • Patent number: 8490291
    Abstract: A hand drying apparatus has a casing, a cavity formed in the casing for receiving a user's hands, a fan located in the casing and creating an airflow, and a plurality of openings communication with the fan and arranged to direct an airflow transversely across the cavity. The cavity has an entrance delimited by a front edge and a rear edge in which the openings are located. The shape of the front and rear edges is such that, when in use the user's hands are introduced to the cavity, the distance between the user's hands and the nearest opening is substantially uniform. Alternatively, one of the edges is substantially straight and the other of the said edges is curved so that the distance between the edges varies along the length of the cavity entrance. These arrangements enhance the drying efficiency of the dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: John Churchill, James Dyson, Peter David Gammack
  • Patent number: 8481987
    Abstract: Devices and methods for degrading contaminants that may foul a sensor. A photocatalyst associated with the sensor is capable of interacting with a light source to prevent contamination of the sensor and/or to facilitate decontamination of the sensor by contaminants such as, but not limited to, organic compounds, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), organometallic compounds, soot, organic matter, bacteria, algae, eggs of aquatic organisms, planktonic larvae, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Ryo Omoda
  • Patent number: 8482298
    Abstract: An automotive urea solution monitoring device is deployed in conjunction with the urea tank of a selective catalytic reduction vehicle. An RF signal of a constant frequency may be generated across a resonant circuit, which may be comprised of an inductor and a PCB trace capacitor, or the like. Electromagnetic radiation is propagated into the automotive urea solution in the urea tank. The conductivity and dielectric properties of the liquid change the impedance of the discrete/trace capacitor and or the discrete/trace inductor. These changes are proportional to ammonia content, temperature, and/or level of the automotive urea solution in the urea tank and are preferably detected by a microcontroller, or the like, and then transmitted to a selective catalytic reduction vehicle engine management system, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Schrader Electronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Idir Boudaoud, Alan Kenneth McCall, Adrian M. Page
  • Patent number: 8475732
    Abstract: In some aspects, a modular analyte measurement system having a replaceable strip port module is provided to permit contaminated modules to be replaced. Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to barriers for strip ports or the sealing of strip ports and/or analyte measurement devices to maintain a clean strip port and/or enable the strip port to be cleaned for reuse. Cleaning tools are also provided. Also provided are strip port interfaces that guide fluid away from the strip port opening, as well as absorptive elements that prevent fluid from entering a strip port. Analyte measurement devices with gravity sensors or accelerometers are also provided, along with methods related thereto. Also provided is a docking station that serves as an information server and provides storage and recharging capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Simmons, Cherie Bulala, Christopher Myles, Bonita Song
  • Publication number: 20130160527
    Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, apparatus including a position sensitive layer configured for position sensitivity; and a superliquidphobic layer configured for superliquidphobicity, the superliquidphobic layer positioned with a surface proximal to a surface of the position sensitive layer; wherein the position sensitive layer is configured to detect the position of a liquid droplet situated on a surface of the superliquidphobic layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Chris BOWER, Jani Kivioja, Richard White, Antti Niskanen
  • Patent number: 8471693
    Abstract: When biomass fuel reacts with oxygen for a long period of time, an amount of acid ions in a tank is increased with time. However, when metallic ions are generated for some reason and the reaction proceeds to change the acid ions into metallic salts, the increase rate of the amount of the acid ions in the fuel tank becomes slow. When the metallic salt forming reaction proceeds rapidly, the amount of the acid ions may even be reduced. Therefore, in the embodiment, the change of the acid ions into the metallic salts in a fuel is detected. Unless the fuel is newly supplied by refueling, the decrease of the amount of acid ions in the fuel can be considered as a change into metallic salts. Accordingly, the generation of metallic salts can be detected by monitoring the decrease of the amount of acid ions in the fuel. Thus, clogging of a fuel supply system or the like caused by the metallic salt forming reaction can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 8468871
    Abstract: A system for measuring parameters in a container is disclosed. A system for measuring multiple parameters includes a container having a solution, at least one sensor in conjunction with a tag is in proximity to an impedance analyzer and a reader that constitute a measurement device. The at least one sensor is configured to determine at least one parameter of the solution. The tag is configured to provide a digital ID associated with the sensor, where the container is in proximity to the reader and an impedance analyzer. The impedance analyzer is configured to send and receive a given range of frequencies from the sensor, based on the parameter and calculate parameter changes based on the response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences Corp.
    Inventors: Radislav A. Potyrailo, Vincent F. Pizzi, Hua Wang
  • Patent number: 8464576
    Abstract: To provide an engine oil degradation-estimating device and a device for estimating antioxidant performance of engine oil which are capable of determining degradation and an antioxidant performance of engine oil inexpensively and accurately, thereby making it possible to properly determine degradation of the engine oil and the time for replacement of the engine oil. The engine oil degradation-estimating device includes an ECU 2. The ECU 2 estimates an antioxidant performance OIT and a cleanliness preservation performance TBN of engine oil, and determines degradation of engine oil based on the estimated antioxidant performance OIT and cleanliness preservation performance TBN. The device for estimating antioxidant performance of engine oil also includes an ECU 2. The ECU 2 acquires concentration [FUEL] of fuel in engine oil, and estimates the antioxidant performance of the engine oil based on the acquired fuel concentration [FUEL].
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yosuke Okuyama, Masashi Maruyama, Koichiro Aikawa, Wataru Hoshikawa
  • Patent number: 8459100
    Abstract: An automatic system for monitoring chemistry information for a body of water comprises a sensor for determining chemistry information, a microprocessor for processing chemistry information, and a housing coupled to at least one of the sensor and the microprocessor. Preferably the housing is floatable or mountable. The method of providing chemistry information of a body of water comprising the steps of obtaining a sample of the body of water and determining chemistry information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Hitek Aqua Systems
    Inventor: Maximilian A. Biberger
  • Patent number: 8463585
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method of estimating fluid flow contribution from each producing zone of multi-zone production well is provided, which method may include: defining a wellhead pressure; determining a first inflow performance relation (IPR1) between pressure and fluid inflow rate at a first producing zone and a second inflow performance relation (IPR2) between pressure and fluid inflow rate at a second producing zone; determining a combined performance relation (IPRc) between pressure and fluid inflow rate at a commingle point; defining an initial fluid flow rate into the well from the first zone and an initial fluid flow rate from the second zone; generating a first fluid lift performance relation (TPR1) between pressure and total fluid flow corresponding to the commingle point using the initial fluid flow rates from the first and second production zones and at least one fluid property; and determining contribution of the fluid from the first zone and the second zone at the commingle point using IPRc and TPR1
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Kai Sun, Jesse Constantine, Craig Coull
  • Patent number: 8443835
    Abstract: A measurement channel for use in a microfluidic system, particularly a lab-on-chip system, having a first end at which a first gas permeable but liquid impermeable wall section is disposed which makes available a gas conduit, and a second end at which the measurement channel is connectable to at least one fluid conduit and at which an isolation or cutoff device is disposed, wherewith in the measurement channel a defined volume is included between the wall section and the isolation or cutoff device. A microfluidic structure is disclosed having a plurality of fluid conduits, and further having a valve for selectively connecting and/or blocking the fluid conduits, at least one of which fluid conduits is in the form of a measurement channel. A method of measuring and/or positioning a volume of a liquid in a microfluidic system, by a measurement channel is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Institut fur Mikrotecknik Mainz GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Gransee, Tina Röser
  • Patent number: 8441362
    Abstract: Provided is a moisture detection device including: a moisture detection label that has at least a pair of detection terminals and a pattern, the detection terminals being provided on a base material with an insulated front surface, the pattern being provided on the surface of the base material and formed between the detection terminals with water-dispersible and conductive paint; and detection circuit which detects an electrical connection state between the detection terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Shinji Oguri
  • Patent number: 8429952
    Abstract: A probe with antifouling components. The probe includes a sensor for measuring attributes of a fluid such as liquid or gas. The probe includes antifouling components to prevent or inhibit fouling. The antifouling components include material components, antifoulant components such as biocide, scaling inhibitors, etc., and wiper/shutter components that are arranged to collectively prevent or inhibit fouling of the probe or of the sensor included in the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Campbell Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Boyd T. Bringhurst, Craig B. Christensen, Daniel W. Ewert, R. Joseph Thurston, John P. Downing, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8421486
    Abstract: An oil-degradation detecting apparatus that can more accurately judge oil degradation and a mechanical system having a rotating part or a sliding part and including the oil-degradation detecting apparatus are provided. Two plates (21, 22) are disposed in an oil flow path (11) so as to be parallel to each other, an ammeter (24) measures a current that flows when an AC voltage is applied between the two plates (21, 22), a voltmeter measures the voltage between the plates (21, 22), and a signal processor (processor) (31) determines the electrical conductivity and the dielectric constant of the oil (10) based on the measurement results from the ammeter (24) and the voltmeter (25) and judges degradation of the oil (10) based on the electrical conductivity and the dielectric constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yo Akiyama, Akihiko Yano, Junichi Kaga, Yoshihiro Deguchi, Taketoshi Yamaura
  • Patent number: 8408048
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for monitoring the soft water conducted in a main flow, which includes a hardness measuring cell, a first secondary flow line branching off from the main flow and leading to the hardness measuring cell, and a second secondary flow line leading away from the hardness measuring cell and feeding into the main flow, wherein the two secondary flow lines and the hardness measuring cell are connected to a multiway valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Karl Spiegl, GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Peter Spiegl
  • Publication number: 20130080074
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing a porous medium is provided. The apparatus includes a liquid processing subsystem and a liquid weighing subsystem. The liquid processing subsystem is interfaced with the medium in a manner that establishes liquid contact there-between. The liquid processing and liquid weighing subsystems are sealably interconnected via an interconnecting liquid tube. The liquid weighing subsystem stores a liquid which flows therefrom, through the tube, through the liquid processing subsystem, and into the medium until it is saturated with the liquid. The liquid weighing subsystem automatically measures the weight of the liquid stored therein on an ongoing basis and uses these measurements to determine one or more hydraulic properties of the medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: SOILMOISTURE EQUIPMENT CORP.
    Inventors: Ali Farsad, Thomas G. Macfie, Whitney Skaling, Gregory T. Hart
  • Publication number: 20130067999
    Abstract: A method of determining the suitability of a surfactant for use in a formation can include sampling water in the formation, providing at least two surfactants, and mixing each of the surfactants with the formation water to form surfactant/water samples. The method can further include determining the solubility of each surfactant with the formation water, comparing the solubility of each surfactant with the other surfactant, and assigning a solubility performance value for each surfactant based on its solubility in the formation water sample compared to the other surfactant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Multi-Chem Group, LLC
    Inventors: Liang Xu, Qiang Fu
  • Patent number: 8394645
    Abstract: A device and method is provided for performing a high throughput assay. The device includes a plate structure having a plate and a plurality of microfluidic structures positioned thereon. Each microfluidic structure defines a channel having an input and an output. At least one of the input and the output of the channel of each of the plurality of mircofluidic structures includes a first plurality of ports. In operation, the channels are filled with fluid and pressure gradients are generated between the fluids at the inputs and the fluids at the outputs of the channels. As a result, fluid flows through the channels toward the outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: David J. Beebe, Ivar Meyvantsson
  • Publication number: 20130042671
    Abstract: A method of determining the functional activity of the MRP2 and/or MRP3 efflux pathway of a human or animal subject was disclosed. The method comprises (i) determining the level of a bile acid derivative in the blood of said human or animal subject at a predetermined time interval after introducing an amount of the bile acid derivative into the subject, and (ii) using the determination obtained in step (i) to indicate the functional activity of the MRP2 and/or MRP3 efflux pathway of the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: NORGINE BV
    Inventor: NORGINE BV
  • Patent number: 8377375
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining an effective dose of monochromatic or polychromatic light from one or more light sources to inactivate microorganisms present in a biological fluid, preferably a non-transparent fluid. Moreover, there is provided a method for the inactivation of microorganism in a biological fluid in a flow-through-reactor. Moreover, the invention advantageously provides a flow-through-reactor with one or more thermostated light sources. The invention further provides a method of controlling the light sum dose of monochromatic or polychromatic light emitted from one or more light sources to effectively inactivate microorganisms present in a biological fluid in a batch reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Heinz Anderle, Peter Matthiessen, Hans-Peter Schwarz, Peter Turecek, Thomas Kreil, Daniel R. Boggs
  • Patent number: 8375772
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to improve the accuracy in analysis repeatability of a liquid chromatography apparatus that feeds different eluent by use of a plurality of pumps and achieves the mixture of eluent. Each of the pumps includes means for notifying an automatic sampler and a higher-level control unit that the specified timing of a liquid feeding cycle is reached. A pump whose liquid feeding cycle is the slowest transmits own information so that analysis is synchronized with a liquid feeding cycle. Moreover, a cycle position of a liquid feeding cycle at the end of analysis is expected, and the analysis time is automatically adjusted so that the wait time until the start of the next analysis becomes the shortest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Fukuda, Hiroyuki Wada, Masahito Ito, Hironori Kaji, Kosaku Toyosaki
  • Patent number: 8368412
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a water content in a multiphase fluid flow stream is provided. The apparatus includes a measurement section configured to obtain a series of electrical measurements of the multiphase fluid flow stream over a first predetermined time interval, and determine a minimum electrical measurement Fmin_baseline from the series of electrical measurements. The measurement section also is configured to calculate a running average of the frequency (Fmin_gas_pattern) from the series of electrical measurements indicative of a change in a gas flow pattern of the multiphase fluid flow stream over a second predetermined time interval. The measurement section further is configured to calculate a corrected electrical measurement F_calc_WC for determining the water content in the multiphase fluid flow stream by subtracting the running average of the frequency. Fmin_gas_pattern from the minimum electrical measurement Fmin_baseline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Phase Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Bentley N. Scott
  • Publication number: 20130014564
    Abstract: Very accurate measurements of mass transfer can be made rapidly by permitting diffusion of an agent desired to be measured into or out of a small, very precisely known volume of a microdialysis probe, then rapidly pumping or flushing (“pulsing”) the probe with a known volume of fluid as a single pulse. The diffusion and pulsing may be repeated. The method, hereinafter called pulsatile microdialysis (PMD) to distinguish it from prior art continuous flow microdialysis, is useful for measurements in a number of processes, including protein binding, adsorption to binding agents such as activated charcoal, release from microemulsion drug delivery systems, determination of drug diffusion coefficients and concentrations, and for various other purposes. The method is based on mathematical manipulation of Fick's Laws. Resulting equations were verified against experimental data using methazolamide, warfarin and benzocaine as test drugs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Robert A. Bellantone
  • Patent number: 8340909
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for monitoring the levels of propane or other consumable liquid in remotely located storage tanks and coordinating delivery of liquid to those tanks, including an improved method of using the remote monitoring data to identify out-of-ordinary conditions at remote tanks, optimally schedule purchases or deliveries, improve safety, and more efficiently operate a propane dealership. More accurate and timely information concerning the status of customer tanks serves to improve operational efficiencies and increase safety. Data received from remote sensors can be collected and organized so that it is easily understood and utilized through the implementation of a user interface accessible via the Internet that allows the information to be presented in an efficient graphical and contextual fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Richard L. Humphrey
  • Patent number: 8334702
    Abstract: The invention relates to a detection device of small size, allowing direct in situ detection of particles with no labelling, enabling the particles to be rapidly analysed, and having both a specificity and a sensitivity that are at least equivalent to the existing devices. In one embodiment, the invention provides a device having a nanowire, intended for interacting with the particles of interest, which is suspended between two anchors that define a source and a drain, the source and the drain are configured to be connected to an AC voltage generator and to a DC voltage generator, respectively, in order to generate a first input signal; an excitation electrode, placed laterally facing the nanowire and configured to be connected to an AC voltage generator, in order to generate a second input signal; and a measurement electrode placed opposite the excitation electrode relative to the nanowire and generating a single output signal representative of the particles of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Vincent Agache, Guillaume Delapierre
  • Patent number: 8330603
    Abstract: A dewatering system includes a selective calibrating sensor circuit configured to receive sensor readings from an electronic sensor, to determine if the electronic sensor is immersed in water, to allow a user to adjust a pump down time in the field, and to generate a control output signal accordingly. The selective calibrating sensor circuit periodically performs a self-calibration when the electronic sensor is not immersed in water to cancel the effect of potential contaminants deposited on the electronic sensor over its operating life. The selective calibrating sensor circuit inhibits calibration when the electronic sensor is immersed in water. In some applications with multiple electronic sensors, the selective calibrating sensor circuit disconnects from one of the electronic sensors before performing the self-calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: SEEwater, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert F. Gibb
  • Patent number: 8322218
    Abstract: A surface acoustic wave device having electrodes disposed on a piezoelectric substrate, comprising a sealing member having a peripheral wall disposed on the piezoelectric substrate in surrounding relation to the electrodes, and a top plate covering the peripheral wall; and a sealing stiffener disposed on the piezoelectric substrate in facing relation to a liquid material imposed on the piezoelectric substrate and which extends parallel to a portion of the peripheral wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Japan Radio Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Kogai, Hiromi Yatsuda
  • Patent number: 8304247
    Abstract: Novel recognitive hydrogels and sensors are provided, as well as methods of fabricating and using such hydrogels and sensors. Such recognitive hydrogels may comprise a molecularly imprinted polymer having a binding cavity specific for a triggering molecule and a conductive polymer associated with the molecularly imprinted polymer. Such sensors may comprise the recognitive hydrogels and an impedance sensing component. Such methods may comprise providing a triggering molecule, providing a sensor comprising a molecularly imprinted polymer having a binding cavity specific for the triggering molecule, a conductive polymer associated with the molecularly imprinted polymer, and an impedance sensing component, introducing the triggering molecule into the sensor, and detecting a change in impedance of the recognitive hydrogel with the impedance sensing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Peppas, Carolyn Bayer
  • Patent number: 8299424
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include, among other things, systems capable of being deployed for long periods of time in oceanic, subsurface and atmospheric environments. The systems typically include mass spectrometers to measure low molecular weight gases dissolved in the water and volatile chemicals in air and water, and can move through the ocean, subsurface and atmospheric environment to take samples over a large geographic area. Additionally, these mass spectrometer devices are small and require little power and thereby facilitate the development of sample collection devices that can be placed at a remote location and operated for a substantial period of time from an on-board power supply such as a battery or a fuel cell. Such small and lightweight mass spectrometer devices when combined with low power AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles) and other manned and un-manned vehicles, can take samples over substantial distances and for a substantial period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Inventor: Richard Camilli
  • Publication number: 20120266663
    Abstract: A device for measuring the activity of a liquid in a complex medium and an associated method, the device comprising a sealed enclosure in which the complex medium is intended to be placed and means for maintaining this enclosure at a constant temperature T, characterized in that it comprises: a means (14) for modifying the total volume of the enclosure; a pressure sensor (22) for measuring the total pressure in the enclosure; and means (24) for calculating the activity of the liquid in the complex medium from the temperature T, from the total volume of the enclosure and from the total pressure in the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicants: UNIVERSITE MONTPELLIER 2 - SCIENCES ET TECHNIQUES, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Benet, Bruno Cousin, Fabien Cherblanc, Samuel Ouoba
  • Patent number: 8291749
    Abstract: An immersion probe for water analysis includes at least one electrode configured to detect an analyte in water, a probe head with a probe head end side on which the at least one electrode is disposed, and a separate protective cap attached to the probe head so as to be removable in a distal direction. The separate protective cap includes a protective cap end side with an electrode opening and an air discharge nozzle. The air discharge nozzle is configured so as to cause air exiting the air discharge nozzle to sweep over the at least one electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Hach Lange GmbH
    Inventors: Axel Leyer, Lothar Heidemanns, Andreas Jonak, Markus Hahn, Michael Kussmann, Heinz Rudde, Claudia Rieger
  • Publication number: 20120260998
    Abstract: A liquid mass measurement and fluid transmitting apparatus includes a container for measurement of a mass of fluid therein. A sensor is coupled to the container which measures a mass of fluid within the container independent of variations of pressure within the container. A diaphragm sensor may be located on the bottom of the container whereby electrical signals representing the mass of fluid within the cylinder are created by movement of the diaphragm caused by the mass of fluid thereon. A pressure equalizer which equalizes the pressure within the container to the pressure on the opposite side of the diaphragm allows the measurement of the mass to occur independent of any variations and pressure within the container. Liquid within the mass of liquid within the container can be accurately measured such that a desired mass of liquid may be transmitted for further use. The liquid may be vaporized and transmitted as a vapor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: PRECISION FLOW TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Donald B. RODGERS
  • Patent number: 8286464
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a device for a fluid enclosure. The device includes a sensing device that responds to a change in distance relative to a fluid enclosure. The change in distance is a function of at least one dimension of the fluid enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventors: Gerard F McLean, Mark Petersen, Clement Fortin, Joerg Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8272251
    Abstract: New methods and apparatus are described for assessing the integrity of a separation module or filtration system. A principle embodiment concerns use of a transient pulse of challenge species to probe a spiral wound module. The resulting time-dependent concentration of challenge species in the permeate is detected, recorded, and compared to a reference. An apparatus is further claimed for detecting permeate conductivity at multiple points within the permeate collection tube of a spiral wound module. Also disclosed is a process whereby the permeate stream from a filtration system is concentration by a high recovery membrane apparatus prior to measurement of challenge species concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Steven D. Jons, Jon E. Johnson, Michael A. Fialkowski
  • Patent number: 8268626
    Abstract: A method of analysis of lipoproteins according to the present invention comprises the steps of: separating a plurality of classes of lipoproteins contained in a subject sample by liquid chromatography and then detecting signals derived from components included in the separated lipoproteins; and assuming that the lipoproteins are constituted of subclasses estimated from component peaks comprising anchor peaks and extra essential peaks and then calculating an approximated curve corresponding to summation of the component peaks using the above described detected signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Mitsuyo Okazaki
  • Publication number: 20120222467
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to make it possible to accurately and easily find out a solution when an error occurs and to make a display on a screen up to attaining the solution to be easily visible for a user, and has a solution display mode of sequentially displaying a plurality of question sentences in accordance with error content together with choices to the respective question sentences and displaying a next question sentence associated with the choice selected by a user and a choice to the next question sentence or a solution to the error content, and the choice to each of the question sentences is displayed together with a diagram showing the content of the corresponding choice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: HORIBA, LTD.
    Inventor: Yuichiro KOMATSU
  • Publication number: 20120222468
    Abstract: An attachment device for identifying one or more constituents within a fluid includes a first end configured to selectively attach to an opening of a container of holding a fluid, and a sensor coupled to the attachment body. The sensor further includes one or more sensor elements positioned to detect and analyze a fluid within the container. The sensor is further configured to perform one or more tests on the fluid, wherein the one or more tests are useful in identifying one or more constituents within the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Elizabeth Nelson, Karthik Ranganathan, Bart D. Peterson, William R. Marshall, David Feygin, Weston F. Harding
  • Publication number: 20120216601
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for analyzing the motility of motile cells, such as neutrophils, are described. The microfluidic devices described herein generally include a main channel and one or more side channels and can be used for causing migration of cells in response to a biochemical gradient. The main channel has an inlet and an outlet and can be sized to receive the cells. The side channels that branch from the main channel terminate in a closed end and are sized such that the cell migrates into and through the side channel in response to a concentration gradient established between the main channel and the interior of the side channels in which the biochemical stimulus is trapped after priming and loading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daniel Irimia
  • Patent number: 8249829
    Abstract: A method for online condition-based monitoring (CBM) of a tank farm including a plurality of storage tanks includes providing a tank model including a diagnostic and/or predictive tank model based on calculated tank metrics that is derived from historical data including tank operation data. The calculated tank metrics include tank operational metrics based on the tank operational data for the storage tanks and tank condition metrics based on tank inspection or maintenance data for the storage tanks. The tank model provides relationships between the tank condition metrics and the tank operational metrics. Results are generated using the tank model including at least one failure indicia for at least a first of the storage tanks using the calculated tank metrics and current measured data for the first tank as inputs to the tank model. The failure indicia is processed for scheduling at least one maintenance task for the first tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jiri Vass, Petr Stluka, Bin Sai