Liquid Analysis Or Analysis Of The Suspension Of Solids In A Liquid Patents (Class 73/53.01)
  • Patent number: 8246909
    Abstract: A method measures a property of a germicidal solution in an endoscope processor spectroscopically by placing a quantity of the solution into a cuvette and passing a light therethrough. A reservoir receives a quantity of the solution and bubbles are filtered out via a cross-flow filter prior to putting a sample therefrom into the cuvette for measuring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Hal Williams, Yan Fang, Richard Jackson
  • Patent number: 8242919
    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: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Shinji Oguri
  • Publication number: 20120198919
    Abstract: A method for metering two or more liquids in controlled proportions in a liquid supply system and for supplying a resultant mixture, in which the liquid supply system includes a plurality of solvent supply lines, a proportioning valve interposed between the solvent supply lines and an inlet of a pumping unit, the method includes drawing in a first liquid into the pumping unit via a first solvent supply line; determining one or more switching points of time for switching between different solvent supply lines, the switching points of time being determined in a way that at said switching points of time, the liquid supplied to the pumping unit is in a predefined pressure range; switching from the first solvent supply line to a second solvent supply line at one of said switching points of time; drawing in a second liquid into the pumping unit via the second solvent supply line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Klaus Witt, Konstantin Choikhet, Philip Herzog
  • Patent number: 8236567
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated determining of the chemical oxygen demand of a liquid sample, comprising steps as follows: mixing the liquid sample with sulfuric acid; introducing a carrier gas, especially air, into the liquid sample-sulfuric acid mixture; adding an oxidizing agent to the liquid sample-sulfuric acid mixture to form a reaction mixture; heating (especially under reflux conditions) the reaction mixture at the boiling temperature of the reaction mixture for a predetermined time period; photometrically determining consumption of an oxidizing agent in the reaction mixture; and ascertaining therefrom the chemical oxygen demand of the liquid sample, wherein all steps are automatedly performed in an analytical system with the assistance of an evaluating and control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellshaft fur Mess-und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Ulrich Kathe, Kristoff Kley, Thomas Schipolowski, Lydia Hoppe
  • Publication number: 20120192617
    Abstract: A method for determining a physical property of an object or fluid in a dynamic multi-path clutter environment comprises transmitting an RF interrogation signal to a wireless sensor physically coupled to the object or fluid (gas or liquid) in the dynamic multi-path clutter environment, wherein the wireless sensor is operable to receive the RF interrogation signal, produce a reference signal and a measurement signal, and retransmit the reference signal and the measurement signal in the dynamic multi-path clutter environment. The reference signal and measurement signal are delayed by the wireless sensor by an amount of time that may be a function of the unknown physical property. The method also comprises receiving the retransmitted reference signal and the retransmitted measurement signal and comparing them in the time domain in order to determine the unknown physical property of the object or fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicants: SYNTONICS, LLC, THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Eric K. Walton, Yakup Bayram, Orbay Tuncay, Bruce G. Montgomery, Gary W. Bruce, Douglas E. Crowe, Steven E. Gemeny
  • Publication number: 20120183947
    Abstract: The invention provides a method, apparatus and system for separating cellular components, and can be combined with holographic optical trapping manipulation or other forms of optical tweezing. One exemplary method includes providing a first flow having a plurality of components; providing a second flow; contacting the first flow with the second flow to provide a first separation region; and differentially sedimenting a first cellular component of the plurality of components into the second flow while concurrently maintaining a second cellular component of the plurality of components in the first flow. The second flow having the first cellular component is then differentially removed from the first flow having the second cellular component. Holographic optical traps may also be utilized in conjunction with the various flows to move selected components from one flow to another, as part of or in addition to a separation stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: ARRYX, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel MUETH, Joseph PLEWA, Jessica SHIREMAN, Amy ANDERSON, Lewis GRUBER, Neil Harris ROSENBAUM
  • Publication number: 20120174655
    Abstract: This novel device and method provide immediate, direct, reliable, continuous and inexpensive warnings of potential contamination of a water supply to the user. It uses but is not limited to individual or a cascade of water pressure, turbidity, and total dissolved solids detectors to trigger audible and visual alarms and warn the user at the point of use and at remote sites, of damage to or intrusion into their water distribution system and thereby their water supply. It can be installed into any existing or new system with minimal expertise. It can be used to notify authorities of such problems without any action on the part of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Eberhard Essich
  • Patent number: 8210021
    Abstract: An Aromas kit uses containers of certain discrete molecules to provide odors suitable for an olfactory education of wine properties. The disclosed molecules may be found within certain wines and provide a useful olfactory reference when smelling a finished wine sample, even when the wine sample contains a myriad of other conflicting or competing molecule smells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventors: Veronica L Bustos, Alexandre Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20120160329
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a fluid that is to be transported through a fluid conduit within a hydrocarbon exploration and production installation is described. A monitoring zone is established upstream of the fluid conduit configured such the fluid supply to the fluid conduit is introduced via the monitoring zone. The fluid supply within the monitoring zone is monitored for the occurrence of events detrimental to the flow of the fluid supply through the fluid conduit. Monitoring the fluid supply prior to entering the fluid conduit allows for the early detection of an event detrimental to the flow of the fluid supply e.g. a chemical reaction indicative of corrosion of the fluid conduit or the formation of a potential blockage within the fluid conduit. In this way the risk of costly blockages or structural failure occurring within the fluid conduit is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Paradigm Flow Solutions Limited
    Inventors: Hugh MacKenzie, Robert Bain
  • Patent number: 8206986
    Abstract: Markers are provided that are predictive of Alzheimer's disease. Levels of these markers, when different from a standard, are indicative of a patient being at risk of having or developing Alzheimer's disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: BG Medicine, Inc.
    Inventors: Doris Damian, Amir Handzel, Aram Adourian
  • Patent number: 8198658
    Abstract: A device for detecting biomolecules includes: a semiconductor substrate; a source region and a drain region separately provided at the substrate; a chamber formed at the substrate including a region between the source region and the drain region, the chamber configured to contain a sample including the biomolecules; and an electrode which applies a voltage to the sample in the chamber. The biomolecules are mobile with respect to the electrode and sample. Methods for detecting biomolecules are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeo Young Shim, Kyu Tae Yoo, Won Seok Chung, Jung Im Han
  • Publication number: 20120142111
    Abstract: Compositions containing a transporter component and a signaling component and a method for using said compositions for analyzing porous media and flowing liquid streams, specifically for measuring pressure, temperature, relative abundance of water, pH, redox potential and electrolyte concentration. Analytes may include petroleum or other hydrophobic media, sulfur-containing compounds. The transporter component includes an amphiphilic nanomatenal and a plurality of solubilizing groups covalently bonded to the transporter component. The signaling component includes a plurality of reporter molecules associated with the transporter component. Said reporter molecules may be releasable from the transporter component upon exposure to at least one analyte. The reporter molecules may be non-covalently associated with the transporter component, or the reporter molecules are covalently bonded to the transporter component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: James M. Tour, Dmitry Kosynkin, Michael Wong, Mason Tomson, Jacob Berlin, Ashley Leonard, Jay Lomeda, Wei Lu, Jie yu, Lunliang Zhang, Amy Kan
  • Publication number: 20120131990
    Abstract: A fluid monitoring apparatus, including a circuitry housing containing circuitry for processing fluid sensing signals and responsively transmitting an output, with a sensor assembly adapted for mechanical and electrical coupling to the circuitry housing. The sensor assembly includes at least one sensing member arranged to respond to a fluid species of interest in the monitored fluid, for generation of an output. The apparatus includes at least one of (A) a printed circuit board adapted to engage the circuitry housing and to mechanically couple to the sensor assembly, (B) the sensor assembly including a base and sensing element removably connected to the base by press-fit coupling elements, and (C) the sensor assembly including a base and a sensing filament connected thereto, and a filament guard to protectively circumscribe the sensing filament.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Baum, Ing-Shin Barry Chen, Richard D. Chism
  • Patent number: 8168437
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for quantitatively determining risedronate in a urine sample by adding an internal standard to the urine sample, applying the urine sample to a polymeric water-wettable reverse-phased sorbent preconditioned with methanol, washing the sorbent with TEA in water and formic acid in methanol, eluting risedronate with a mixture of methanol and water containing EDTA under vacuum, evaporating the eluted solution and reconstituting with a mixture of methanol and NH4OH buffer and analyzing the sample with a LC-MS/MS system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Liduo Shen, Yongyi Luo
  • Patent number: 8168133
    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: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: David J. Beebe, Ivar Meyvantsson
  • Publication number: 20120090385
    Abstract: A system is provided herein by which underwater characteristics may be easily checked for evaluation. The system may be configured to include: a housing; an arrangement for detecting a characteristic of the water disposed in or on the housing; a buoy; an arrangement for transmitting data disposed in the buoy; an anchor for tethering the housing to a bottom of a body of water; an arrangement for transmitting data collected by the detecting arrangement to the arrangement for transmitting data disposed in the buoy; and, a second anchor for tethering the buoy to the housing. Advantageously, with the subject invention, the level of clarity of water, and/or other water characteristics, may be detected and transmitted to a remote location so as to be accessible over a network of computers, such as the Internet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: UTMOST TECH LLC
    Inventors: Marcin Michel, Jakub Goryszewski
  • Publication number: 20120090384
    Abstract: A carbon deposit simulation bench for evaluating effects of an engine system liquid on an engine surface that experiences an engine pressure and an engine temperature includes a test chamber having a high surface area test specimen positioned therein. The carbon deposit simulation bench also includes an air supply system including an air supply conduit fluidly connecting an air supply source with the test chamber, and a liquid circulation loop configured to circulate the engine system liquid through the test chamber. A temperature control subsystem simulates the engine temperature within the test chamber, and a pressure control subsystem simulates the engine pressure within the test chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventor: Orhan Altin
  • Patent number: 8156791
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing fluids to be used when drilling in unconsolidated sand formations includes a container having a first port and a second port and a plurality of perforations through which fluid can be communicated, a bore holder slidingly retained through a portion of the container between the first port and the second port, wherein the bore holder has a feed end and a discharge end, a bed of unconsolidated sand contained in the container in a compacted state surrounding the bore holder, a fluid distribution nozzle at the discharge end of the bore holder, a fluid source in fluid communication with the discharge end of the bore holder, wherein the fluid source provides a test fluid to the fluid distribution nozzle through the bore holder, wherein the bore holder is withdrawn from the container at a predetermined speed as the test fluid is communicated through the fluid distribution nozzle, thereby leaving a simulated well bore in the unconsolidated sand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael A. Freeman
  • Patent number: 8158008
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a device for detecting an analyte in a sample. The device comprises a fluidic network and an integrated circuitry component. The fluidic network comprises a sample zone, a cleaning zone and a detection zone. The fluidic network contains a magnetic particle and/or a signal particle. A sample containing an analyte is introduced, and the analyte interacts with the magnetic particle and/or the signal particle through affinity agents. A microcoil array or a mechanically movable permanent magnet is functionally coupled to the fluidic network, which are activatable to generate a magnetic field within a portion of the fluidic network, and move the magnetic particle from the sample zone to the detection zone. A detection element is present which detects optical or electrical signals from the signal particle, thus indicating the presence of the analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Xing Su, David J. Liu, Kenneth B. Swartz, Kai Wu, Mineo Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 8151632
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for defining particle and/or mineral content in real time in a mineral separation process from finely divided particle material flowing either in solid or slurry-like form, so that from the particle material, there is extracted a representative sample, which sample is then subjected to grain size analysis, on the basis of which there is calculated the element and/or mineral content of the particle material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Christian Von Alfthan, Kari Saloheimo
  • Patent number: 8150615
    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 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Richard L. Humphrey
  • Patent number: 8146406
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transmitter for consistency measuring of pulp suspensions at first hand, comprising a measuring body (1), shaped such as a blade, suspended in a vibration-producing apparatus. The measuring body (1) shaped such as blade (I?) shows wave-shaped side surfaces (9, 10) in its transverse direction and is vibratable in a frequency of oscillation between 20-80 Hz and with a predetermined amplitude of +/?2-8 mm, that provides a combination of both shearing force measurement and a measurement of the resistance of conveyance of liquid through a fiber netting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: BTG Pulp & Paper Sensors AB
    Inventors: Peter Lundberg, Joakim Kullander
  • Publication number: 20120067110
    Abstract: A vented fuel sensor comprising a fitting arranged to be mounted to a mating fitting on a fuel tank associated with a hole in the fuel tank, a fuel sensing mechanism, a sensor head extending from the fitting, including sensor electronics coupled to the fuel sensing mechanism and a cavity, the vented fuel sensor having an interior passage configured to interconnect the cavity with the interior of the fuel tank when the vented fuel sensor is installed on the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: StarTrak Information Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Herbert Perten
  • Patent number: 8133439
    Abstract: A sensor array comprising a series connection of parallel GMR sensor stripes provides a sensitive mechanism for detecting the presence of magnetized particles bonded to biological molecules that are affixed to a substrate. The adverse effect of hysteresis on the maintenance of a stable bias point for the magnetic moment of the sensor free layer is eliminated by a combination of biasing the sensor along its longitudinal direction rather than the usual transverse direction and by using the overcoat stress and magnetostriction of magnetic layers to create a compensatory transverse magnetic anisotropy. By making the spaces between the stripes narrower than the dimension of the magnetized particle and by making the width of the stripes equal to the dimension of the particle, the sensitivity of the sensor array is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: MagIC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Po-Kang Wang, Xizeng Shi, Chyu-Jiuh Torng
  • Patent number: 8117901
    Abstract: A method for determining the concentration of a chromatographic medium in a liquid slurry comprises the steps of: providing a column (1) having a top end (3) and a bottom end (2) and adapted to retain a chromatographic medium therein; introducing a defined volume of the slurry (15) into the column (1); providing a liquid flow through the column (1) from the top end to the bottom end of the column to settle the chromatographic medium in the column; measuring the bed height of the consolidated chromatographic medium or a value related thereto; and determining from the measured bed height or value related thereto the concentration, or a value related to the concentration of the chromatographic medium in the slurry. A device for performing the method as well as the use of the method in packing of especially large scale columns are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB
    Inventors: Joakim Svensson, Hanno Ehring, Esfir Lofman, Lars Andersson
  • Patent number: 8119419
    Abstract: A method of using a fluid transfer collection assembly includes providing an assembly including a base, a test media carried by the base, an inlet for receiving a sample fluid, an outlet, a fluid transfer path located between the inlet and the outlet, a movable first finger mechanism, a movable second finger mechanism operatively coupled to the movable first finger mechanism; first moving at least one of the first mechanism and the second mechanism relative to the path so that at least one of the first mechanism and the second mechanism engage the path to draw the sample fluid into the path; and then moving at least one of the first mechanism and the second mechanism relative to the path so that at least one of the first mechanism and the second mechanism engage the path to transfer the sample fluid through the path to the test media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Infusion Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: David Karl Stroup
  • Patent number: 8109132
    Abstract: The apparatus (1) comprises a sensor (3) having a sensor axis (A), for monitoring at least one property of a fluid; a body (2) for comprising said fluid; and a connecting system for detachably connecting said sensor to said body; wherein said connecting system comprises a fixing member (9) arranged at said body, rotatable around an axis (R) of rotation; and a retaining member (6) arranged at said sensor, interacting with said fixing member; wherein said axis of rotation is arranged substantially perpendicular to said sensor axis. The method is a method for detachably connecting a sensor (3) for monitoring at least one property of a fluid to a body (2) containing said fluid, said sensor having a sensor axis (A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Swan Analytische Instrumente AG
    Inventor: Heinrich Maurer
  • Publication number: 20120006100
    Abstract: Subject matter disclosed herein relates to monitoring and/or controlling blood glucose levels in patients. In particular, times for obtaining metered blood glucose samples of a patient may be altered based, at least in part, on a blood glucose level of said patient observed from a blood glucose sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Rebecca K. Gottlieb, Meena Ramachandran
  • Patent number: 8092079
    Abstract: A stirring determination method uses an analyzer in which a liquid contained in a vessel is stirred by an acoustic wave generated by an acoustic wave generating unit attached to the vessel, optical characteristics of a reaction solution obtained by stirring the liquid are measured, and the reaction solution is analyzed based on the optical characteristics of the reaction solution. The method includes measuring a temperature of the liquid in a position where the temperature of the liquid is different before and after the liquid is stirred; and determining whether the liquid is properly stirred based on a rate of increase in the measured temperature of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Takahiro Misu
  • Patent number: 8089366
    Abstract: To enable an air velocity of sampling air to be precisely measured, a smoke detector (S) includes: a smoke detection part (22) connected to a sampling pipe (11); a fan (12) that sucks sampling air (SA) into the sampling pipe; and an air velocity sensor (15) that measures an air velocity of the sampling air within the sampling pipe. The air velocity sensor (15) is disposed at a primary side of the fan (12), and a straightening vane (25) is disposed between the air velocity sensor (15) and a suction port (12a) of the fan (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nohmi Bosai Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Yokota
  • Publication number: 20110308303
    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: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: Ryo Omoda
  • Publication number: 20110305639
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for reducing aggregation and inhibiting flocculation of a macromolecule, such as a protein, under physiological conditions, by the addition of certain cyclodextrins (CDs). The invention also provides a method to minimize inflammation at the injection site during subcutaneous administration of a macromolecule and pharmaceutical formulations for such administration. Further the invention provides methods of treating a CD20 positive cancer or an autoimmune disease, comprising administering a humanized anti-CD20 antibody in a pharmaceutical formulation of the invention. The invention further provides an in vitro dialysis method to evaluate the ability of an excipient to reduce aggregation of an antibody or other macromolecule under physiological conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Brian Lobo, Sabrina Lo, Yuchang John Wang, Rita L. Wong
  • Publication number: 20110302996
    Abstract: A device for detecting a property of a fluid includes a body region and a flexible element having a first end and a second end. The first end is fixedly located on the body region. The flexible element is arranged to move from at least a first configuration to a second configuration via bending of the flexible element. The flexible element includes an actuating portion arranged to move the flexible element between the first configuration and the second configuration. The device also includes a movement detector for detecting movement of the flexible element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: MICROVISK LIMITED
    Inventors: Vladislav Djakov, Ejaz Huq, Paul Vernon
  • Patent number: 8069706
    Abstract: The invention relates to a waste water immersion probe (10) comprising a liquid-tight housing (11), a sensor (18) which is disposed in the housing (11) and a sensor window (20) formed on the housing (11). A wiper element (22) for cleaning the sensor window (20) is arranged on the outside of the sensor window (20), and the wiper element (22) is driven by a drive motor (24) which is arranged essentially in the housing (11). The housing is devoid of openings. A magnetic element (36, 37) is associated with the drive motor (24) and a magnetic element (34, 35) is associated with the wiper element (22) in such a manner that the magnetic drive motor element (36, 37) produces a magnetic field which transverses the housing wall and transmits a drive torque to the wiper element (22) without a shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Hach Lange GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Battefeld, Andreas Jonak, Lothar Heidemanns, Axel Leyer, Michael Schuster
  • Publication number: 20110290007
    Abstract: A fish tank apparatus includes a plurality of fish tanks and water measuring apparatus. The water measuring apparatus includes a measuring member for detecting water parameter, and a switchable sample water diverting member having a plurality of inlets and at least one outlet. A central measurement conduit fluidically connects the outlet of the switchable sample water diverting member with the measuring member. A plurality of peripheral measurement conduits fluidically connect the fish tanks with the inlets of the switchable sample water diverting device, which is configured to selectively feed sample water from each one of the peripheral measurement conduits to the central measurement conduit to test the water in the fish tanks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Meik Südkamp
  • Publication number: 20110283778
    Abstract: A micro-structured surface for immersing in a multiphase fluid mixture comprises a substrate having pores and a wetting liquid phase trapped in the pores. The wetting liquid phase is immiscible with all the phases of the multiphase fluid mixture. Alternatively, the wetting liquid phase is miscible with one of the phase of the multiphase fluid mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Dan Angelescu, Tullio Moscato, Frederic Pauchet, Robert Van Kuijk
  • Patent number: 8056795
    Abstract: A fluxometer system and method is provided. The fluxometer comprises a frame, a simulated circuit board disposed in the frame and having a plurality of holes formed therein extending generally transverse to a plane of the board and a cover. The cover is received on the frame over the simulated circuit board and includes several protrusions simulating leads that extend into the holes of the simulated circuit board. The fluxometer further includes an indicator sheet disposed between the simulated circuit board and the cover, the protrusions extending through the indicator sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Corey A. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8037739
    Abstract: A method for analyzing a sample in a liquid is provided, which is suitable for easily and reliably preventing a liquid for analysis from being evaporated. When the sample in the liquid is observed by using a scanning probe microscope (SPM), a sealing liquid (17) immiscible with a liquid for analysis (16) is filled around the liquid for analysis (16), in which a sample (13) and a probe (15) are immersed, so as to form a sealing state, in which the liquid for analysis (16) is isolated from an external gas. The SPM enables the probe (15) disposed on a front end of a cantilever (14) to approach a surface of the sample (13) immersed in the liquid, scans the surface of the sample, and detects an interaction between the sample (13) and the probe (15), thereby generating an image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Ota, Noriaki Oyabu, Hiroaki Adachi, Masayuki Abe, Seizo Morita, Yusuke Mori, Takatomo Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20110240365
    Abstract: The internal liquid measurement and monitoring system for a three phase separator allows the user to accurately and reliably calculate the volumetric flow rate of the liquids exiting the three phase separator. A differential pressure device is attached to where the extension fitting of each liquid inside of the three phase separator. The differential pressure device creates a differential pressure, which is conveyed to a sensor by means of a pair of sensing lines. The sensor relays the differential pressure reading to an RTU flow computer that calculates the volumetric flow rate of the liquid exiting the three phase separator. The calculation is then sent to a SCADA system, which allows the user to observe the volumetric flow rate in real time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Samuel E. THORNHILL
  • Publication number: 20110246099
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the mass fractions of water and oil in a flowing mixture of oil and water through a pipe includes a sensor portion that measures sound velocity and temperature of the flowing oil water mixture at a first time and at a second time. The apparatus includes a temperature changer in thermal communication with the flowing fluid which changes the temperature of the flowing oil water mixture by a measurable amount between the first time and the second time. A method for measuring water mass fraction in a flowing mixture of oil and water through a pipe includes the steps of measuring sound velocity and temperature of the flowing oil water mixture at a first time with a sensor portion. There is the step of changing the temperature of the flowing oil water mixture by a measurable amount with a temperature changer in thermal communication with the flowing fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Herbert Estrada, Calvin R. Hastings, Donald R. Augenstein
  • Patent number: 8029731
    Abstract: A device for measuring/determining a physical quantity of a medium. The device comprises a sensor part and an electronic part, whereby at least the electronic part is arranged inside a housing and at least one fuel cell is provided which at least partially covers the energy demand of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Krause, Florian Stengele
  • Patent number: 8029744
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for efficiently transporting or dispensing transport objects including not only particles but also liquid samples. A liquid in a first liquid transport pipe (3) is fed at a liquid feed velocity (V1), and a liquid droplet is formed toward an open end of a second liquid transport pipe (4) disposed with an air gap (11) in between. The particle is released into the liquid droplet, so that the particle is enclosed in the liquid droplet. Suction with a liquid feed velocity (V2) is applied to the inside of the second liquid transport pipe. Since the relationship between V1 and V2 is V1<V2, the liquid droplet, after reaching the open end (10) of the second liquid transport pipe, is sheared off by suction, thereby forming a liquid section in the second liquid transport pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Noda, Yoshinobu Kohara, Kenko Uchida
  • Publication number: 20110237917
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatuses, etc. for calibrating glucose monitoring sensors and/or insulin delivery systems. In certain example embodiments, blood glucose reference samples may be correlated with sensor measurements with regard to a delay associated with the sensor measurements. In certain other example embodiments, one or more parameters of a probability model may be estimated based on blood glucose reference sample-sensor measurement pairs. Based on such information, function(s) for estimating a blood-glucose concentration in a patient may be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Anirban Roy, Barry Keenan, Michael Kremliovsky
  • Patent number: 8026105
    Abstract: A method for identifying a lubricant composition that reduces the propensity for knock in an engine. The lubricant composition is mixed with a solvent to reduce the viscosity of the lubricant composition, thereby forming a lubricant-solvent mixture having a viscosity similar to or less than that of engine fuel. A sample of a lubricant-solvent mixture is then subjected to a constant volume combustion test to determine the reactivity associated with the lubricant-solvent mixture. The test is repeated for a range of lubricant-solvent ratios, and statistical methods are used to calculate the reactivity of the lubricant composition without solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Manfred Amann, Terrence F. Alger, II
  • Publication number: 20110200848
    Abstract: Redox flow devices are described in which at least one of the positive electrode or negative electrode-active materials is a semi-solid or is a condensed ion-storing electroactive material, and in which at least one of the electrode-active materials is transported to and from an assembly at which the electrochemical reaction occurs, producing electrical energy. The electronic conductivity of the semi-solid is increased by the addition of conductive particles to suspensions and/or via the surface modification of the solid in semi-solids (e.g., by coating the solid with a more electron conductive coating material to increase the power of the device). High energy density and high power redox flow devices are disclosed. The redox flow devices described herein can also include one or more inventive design features. In addition, inventive chemistries for use in redox flow devices are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicants: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 24-M Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yet-Ming Chiang, W. Craig Carter, Bryan Y. Ho, Mihai Duduta, Pimpa Limthongkul
  • Publication number: 20110197660
    Abstract: A method of determining the TOC of a purified water stream is disclosed comprising at least the steps of: passing a supply water stream through a water purification apparatus including an oxidiser to provide a purified water stream, and dispensing at least a portion of the purified water stream; stopping the dispense of the purified water stream and recirculating the purified water stream as a recirculating water stream through at least a portion of the water purification apparatus including the oxidiser to provide a re-oxidised water stream; and measuring the conductivity value of the re-oxidised water stream to determine the TOC of the purified water stream. In this way, a determination of the TOC of the purified water stream of can be provided without requiring a dedicated TOC monitor at the point of dispense of the purified water stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Lee Underwood, Paul Whitehead
  • Patent number: 7993525
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a device for detecting an analyte in a sample. The device comprises a fluidic network and an integrated circuitry component. The fluidic network comprises a sample zone, a cleaning zone and a detection zone. The fluidic network contains a magnetic particle and/or a signal particle. A sample containing an analyte is introduced, and the analyte interacts with the magnetic particle and/or the signal particle through affinity agents. A microcoil array a mechanically movable permanent magnet is functionally coupled to the fluidic network, which are activatable to generate a magnetic field within a portion of the fluidic network, and move the magnetic particle from the sample zone to the detection zone. A detection element is present which detects optical or electrical signals from the signal particle, thus indicating the presence of the analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Xing Su, David J. Liu, Kenneth B. Swartz, Kai Wu, Mineo Yamakawa
  • Publication number: 20110186436
    Abstract: Devices, apparatus and methods are disclosed for non-contact pneumatic sampling and sampling of surfaces, persons, articles of clothing, buildings, furnishings, vehicles, baggage, packages, mail, and the like, for contaminating aerosols indicative of a hazard or a benefit, where the contaminating aerosols are chemical, radiological, biological, toxic, or infectious in character. In a first device, a central orifice for pulling a suction gas stream is surrounded by a peripheral array of convergingly-directed gas jets, forming a virtual sampling chamber. The gas jets are configured to deliver millisecond pneumatic pulses that erode particles from solid surfaces at a distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: ENERTECHNIX, INC
    Inventors: Igor V. Novosselov, Peter C. Ariessohn, Evan D. Dengler, Michelle Hickner
  • Publication number: 20110185794
    Abstract: A method of determining if phase separation into an upper layer of a first fluid and a lower layer of a first fluid has occurred in a tank containing a first fluid, the method including determining a first density of the first fluid adjacent a top surface of the first fluid, determining a second density of the first fluid adjacent a bottom of the tank, and comparing the first density of the first fluid to the second density of the first fluid to determine if the first fluid has separated into the upper layer of the first fluid and the lower layer of the first fluid separated by a phase separation boundary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: VEEDER-ROOT COMPANY
    Inventor: Robert A. Moss
  • Patent number: 7987700
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus (Oscosurvismeter) for measuring osmotic pressure, surface tension, viscosity and conductance. Oscosurvismeter is made of Borosil glass material for measuring osmotic pressure, specific conductance, viscosity and surface tension of solutions. Solutions of different strengths are taken in two cells/compartments, partitioned by semi permeable membrane (SPM), respectively. Concentration gradient makes the solvent move towards concentrated solution to establish equilibrium that measures osmotic pressure. The Oscosurvismeter saves time and material, and enhances accuracy and precision in measurements, the instrument consists of six parts: Survismeter, Osmometer, Electrode, Metallic clamp, Semipermeable membrane (SPM), and High Potential metallic springs. The high accuracies data are noted with the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Man Singh