By Thermal Measurement Patents (Class 73/61.76)
  • Patent number: 11692859
    Abstract: Methods for determining phase fractions of a downhole fluid via thermal properties of the fluids are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes measuring a temperature of a fluid flowing through a completion string downhole in a well and heating a resistive element of a thermal detector at a position along the completion string downhole in the well by applying power to the resistive element such that heat from the resistive element is transmitted to the fluid flowing by the position. The method also includes determining, via the thermal detector, a flow velocity of the fluid through the completion string and multiple thermal properties of the fluid, and using the determined flow velocity and the multiple thermal properties to determine phase fractions of the fluid. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Patrice Ligneul, Mustapha Abbad, Nicolas Renoux, Marian Faur
  • Patent number: 11590433
    Abstract: A method and system for solid phase extraction of a compound of interest from a sample matrix using a syringe having a barrel and a plunger, a sorbent for use with the syringe, and a desalting purification column having an end configured to receive liquid from the syringe body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Tetracore, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Nelson, Kyle Armantrout, David R. Almassian, Aymeric Randanne de Vazeille, Tracy Calvin Fecteau, Colin Kuserk
  • Patent number: 11226300
    Abstract: A method for determining fluid parameters, such as a heat capacity cP?, a calorific value Hp, a methane number MN, and/or a Wobbe index WI, of an unknown fluid (g). An unknown flow (55) of the fluid (g) is set in a sensor device (10), the sensor device (10) comprising a thermal flow sensor (1) and a pressure sensor device (15) for measuring at least one temperature value T1, T2, a further parameter, and differential pressure value ?? over a flow restrictor (14). Using these measurement parameters T1, T2, ?? and calibration data, the calorific value Hp, and/or the Wobbe index WI, or parameters indicative thereof, of an unknown fluid (g) are calculated. The invention also relates to such a sensor device (10) and to a computer program product for carrying out such a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Sensirion AG
    Inventors: Mark Hornung, Andreas Rüegg
  • Patent number: 10690032
    Abstract: A urea concentration sensor reflector system includes a urea concentration sensor reflector assembly including a reflector having an upwardly convex dome shape integrally connected to and supported by multiple legs. The reflector includes a concave-shaped inner surface. The multiple legs are connected to and support the urea concentration sensor reflector assembly to an upward directed surface of a bottom tank wall of a urea storage tank. A sound wave generator and receiver is fixed to the bottom tank wall directly below and centrally aligned with the reflector. The sound wave generator and receiver generates ultrasonic sound waves directed upwardly toward the reflector. A concentration of a liquid urea in the urea storage tank is determined based on a time for the ultrasonic sound waves to travel to the reflector and return as echo signals to the sound wave generator and receiver, and a temperature of the liquid urea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Adrian Carpinisan
  • Patent number: 9810569
    Abstract: A measuring device may be provided with a cover configured to close an opening provided on a fuel tank; a plug configured to close a through hole provided on the cover; and a sensor configured to measure a property of fuel inside the fuel tank. The plug may be provided with an electrical connector and a fuel passage. The electrical connector may be configured to electrically connect inside and outside of the fuel tank. The electrical connector may pierce through the plug from an upper surface to a lower surface of the plug The fuel passage may include an inlet configured to open to the inside of the fuel tank to receive the fuel from the inside of the fuel tank. The sensor may be disposed in the fuel passage of the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignees: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaki Ikeya, Nobuhiro Kato, Chiaki Kataoka
  • Patent number: 9535149
    Abstract: In a method and magnetic resonance system for the acquisition of magnetic resonance data in a selected region of an examination subject, magnetic resonance data are acquired more than once using a magnetic resonance system, magnetic resonance data are acquired more than once from a selected partial region the portion of k-space filled with data corresponding to the selected region of the subject, and the multiply acquired magnetic resonance data are processed into a data set, the aforementioned partial region is selected so as to be located decentrally in k-space, meaning that it is asymmetrical relative to the center of k-space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Dominik Paul
  • Patent number: 9105888
    Abstract: A combined water drain and diluent gas purge valve routes fluid from the anode side of a fuel cell to the cathode inlet. When a purge of diluent gas is requested, the valve opens, draining any liquid present in the sump of a water separation device, for example. After the liquid has drained, the diluent gas is purged. An anode bleed model using fuel injector feedback can determine the amount of gas exiting the valve, and can request the valve to close once the required amount of diluent is purged. During operation, an amount of hydrogen may exit the valve. Hydrogen passing through the valve can be catalytically consumed once it reaches the cathode electrode, causing the cathode exhaust, and the fuel cell exhaust to have a reduced hydrogen content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Steven R. Falta, Matthew A. Lang, Daniel C. Di Fiore
  • Patent number: 9105887
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an injector in a fuel cell system. The method provides a variety of injector pulse widths for at least one predetermined duty cycle and determines an injector close time for each of the variety of injector pulse widths. The method also determines an error for the at least one predetermined duty cycle based on each of the provided injector pulse widths and uses the injector pulse width with the lowest error for the at least one predetermined duty cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Daniel C. Di Fiore, Matthew A. Lang
  • Patent number: 8978450
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining and controlling characteristics of a fluid is provided that includes a substrate, a heating circuit, and a sensing circuit applied on the substrate by a layered process. A control module is in communication with the heating circuit and the sensing circuit for determining, for example, type, concentration, liquid level, and temperature of the fluid, which in one form is a urea solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Louis P. Steinhauser, Jacob Lindley, John Paskvan
  • Patent number: 8776582
    Abstract: A sensor device and a related method for measuring the flow of a fluid and/or for detecting the presence of a substance have such respective structural and functional features as to allow reliable measurements at very reduced costs. The sensor device includes at least a temperature difference sensor based on the Seebeck thermoelectric effect and integrated in a sensor device support, together with a heating element also integrated in this support. A method for measuring the flow of a fluid and/or the presence or the level of a substance uses the sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Isanik S.R.L.
    Inventor: Federico Lanzani
  • Patent number: 8650938
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for a milk measuring device for measuring the acoustic properties, such as acoustic damping and sound velocity in milk, in order to determine milk properties. The sound velocity in milk depends on temperature and composition. By carrying out, for example by means of a piezo element, a reference measurement on vibrations that have been directed by a second piezo element into a wire or the like of known material, which wire is strung in the measuring chamber which is filled with the milk to be tested, the milk temperature can be derived, so that other milk properties, in particular the fat/protein composition, can be determined in a more reliable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Lely Patent N.V.
    Inventor: Frans Emo Diderik Van Halsema
  • Patent number: 8614097
    Abstract: An assembly determines an analyte concentration in a sample of body fluid. The assembly includes a test sensor having a fluid-receiving area for receiving a sample of body fluid, where the fluid-receiving area contains a reagent that produces a measurable reaction with an analyte in the sample. The assembly also includes a meter having a port or opening configured to receive the test sensor; a measurement system configured to determine a measurement of the reaction between the reagent and the analyte; and a temperature-measuring system configured to determine a measurement of the test-sensor temperature when the test sensor is received into the opening. The meter determines a concentration of the analyte in the sample according to the measurement of the reaction and the measurement of the test-sensor temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Blais, Steve Sun, Bern Harrison, Narasinha C. Parasnis, Serban F. Peteu, Tony Nguyen, Paul Ripley, Xin Wang, Igor Gofman
  • Patent number: 8603831
    Abstract: A method and a device for monitoring the combustion of fuel in a power station are provided. An actual concentration distribution of a material in a combustion chamber is measured, the actual concentration distribution is evaluated, taking into consideration a combustion stochiometry, and conclusions are drawn regarding a composition of the fuel on the basis of the evaluation that has been carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernhard Meerbeck, Rainer Speh
  • Publication number: 20130298648
    Abstract: An analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The analyte sensor has a base, a first electrode and a second electrode wherein a thermocouple portion is provided integral with the second electrode thereby enabling on-sensor temperature measurement capability. In some embodiments, two and only two electrical contact engagement portions are provided thereby simplifying electrical contact. Manufacturing methods and systems utilizing the analyte sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Hoi-Cheong Steve Sun, John P. Creaven, Mu Wu, Paul M. Ripley, Steven C. Charlton
  • Publication number: 20130192352
    Abstract: A sensor device and a related method for measuring the flow of a fluid and/or for detecting the presence of a substance have such respective structural and functional features as to allow reliable measurements at very reduced costs. The sensor device includes at least a temperature difference sensor based on the Seebeck thermoelectric effect and integrated in a sensor device support, together with a heating element also integrated in this support. A method for measuring the flow of a fluid and/or the presence or the level of a substance uses the sensor device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: ISANIK S.R.L.
    Inventor: ISANIK S.R.L.
  • Publication number: 20130160531
    Abstract: A sensor device may be configured to detect a level of liquid, a concentration of a specific substance included in the liquid, and a temperature of the liquid. The sensor device may comprise a substrate, a level electrode configured to be disposed on the substrate and detect the level, an electrode for liquid quality configured to be disposed on the substrate and detect the concentration, a temperature electrode configured to be disposed on the substrate and detect the temperature, and a reference electrode configured to be disposed on the substrate and maintain a reference electric potential. The reference electrode may be disposed at least between two of the level electrode, the electrode for liquid quality and the temperature electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • Patent number: 8408050
    Abstract: The flow of a fluid of unknown composition is measured by leading the fluid over a first temperature sensor, a heater and a second temperature sensor. The temperature difference DTP between the temperature sensors is measured, as well as the temperature T of at least one of them. In addition, calibration data is used to store the temperature Tref of a known reference fluid. The offset T?Tref at a given temperature difference DTP is a direct measure of the composition of the fluid and allows to retrieve any parameter depending on the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Sensirion AG
    Inventors: Felix Mayer, Mark Hornung, Samuel Wehrli
  • Publication number: 20130061663
    Abstract: An assembly determines an analyte concentration in a sample of body fluid. The assembly includes a test sensor having a fluid-receiving area for receiving a sample of body fluid, where the fluid-receiving area contains a reagent that produces a measurable reaction with an analyte in the sample. The assembly also includes a meter having a port or opening configured to receive the test sensor; a measurement system configured to determine a measurement of the reaction between the reagent and the analyte; and a temperature-measuring system configured to determine a measurement of the test-sensor temperature when the test sensor is received into the opening. The meter determines a concentration of the analyte in the sample according to the measurement of the reaction and the measurement of the test-sensor temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: BAYER HEALTHCARE LLC
    Inventor: BAYER HEALTHCARE LLC
  • Patent number: 8293180
    Abstract: An apparatus for distinguishing a liquid reducing agent which judges empty with a higher precision than heretofore is provided. The apparatus for distinguishing a liquid reducing agent is provided with a concentration sensor and a liquid-level sensor in storage tank of liquid reducing agent, and is characterized in that empty is judged by utilizing the liquid-level based on the liquid-level sensor in addition to the concentration based on the concentration sensor (step 3 and step 5). Even if a bubble is adhering to the concentration sensor and an erroneous signal indicative of empty is output although the residual quantity of liquid reducing agent is sufficient, the liquid-level sensor does not output a signal indicative of empty. Consequently, erroneous judgment is prevented and accurate judgment can be made as compared to heretofore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignees: Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd., NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Matsunaga, Yoshikuni Satou, Takashi Yamamoto, Takeo Sasanuma
  • Publication number: 20120262298
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sensor data and self-calibration are provided. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided which are capable of calibrating a continuous analyte sensor based on an initial sensitivity, and then continuously performing self-calibration without using, or with reduced use of, reference measurements. In certain embodiments, a sensitivity of the analyte sensor is determined by applying an estimative algorithm that is a function of certain parameters. Also described herein are systems and methods for determining a property of an analyte sensor using a stimulus signal. The sensor property can be used to compensate sensor data for sensitivity drift, or determine another property associated with the sensor, such as temperature, sensor membrane damage, moisture ingress in sensor electronics, and scaling factors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Sebastian Bohm, Daiting Rong, Peter C. Simpson
  • Publication number: 20120197005
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a mixture of amorphous compounds, the method comprising supplying a solution containing the compounds; and allowing at least a portion of the solvent of the solution to evaporate while preventing the solute of the solution from contacting a nucleation point. Also provided is a method for transforming solids to amorphous material, the method comprising heating the solids in an environment to form a melt, wherein the environment contains no nucleation points; and cooling the melt in the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: UCHICAGO ARGONNE, LLC
    Inventors: Chris J. Benmore, Johann R. Weber
  • Publication number: 20120186334
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining and controlling characteristics of a fluid is provided that includes a substrate, a heating circuit, and a sensing circuit applied on the substrate by a layered process. A control module is in communication with the heating circuit and the sensing circuit for determining, for example, type, concentration, liquid level, and temperature of the fluid, which in one form is a urea solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Louis P. Steinhauser, Jacob Lindley, John Paskvan
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120090387
    Abstract: Device and associated methods for detecting a property of a fluid. The device includes a body region and a first flexible element having a first end and a second end. The first end is fixedly located on the body region. The flexible element includes at least a first layer having a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a second layer having a second, different coefficient of thermal expansion. An electrical heater element can be arranged to heat the flexible element to induce bending of said flexible element. The resistance of a first portion of the electrical heater element adjacent the first end can be greater than the resistance o a second portion of the electrical heater element further from the first end. The device can include a heater controller arranged to supply an electrical pulse having a duration less than 5ms to the electrical heater. The device can include a second, reference flexible element having a first end and a second end, with the first end fixedly located on the body region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Vladislav Djakov
  • Publication number: 20110301848
    Abstract: A method of diagnosing flow through an inflow control device includes, producing or injecting fluid through an inflow control device, measuring temperatures near or at the inflow control device over time while producing or injecting fluid therethrough, and attributing temporal changes in temperature to changes in the fluid that is produced or injected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Gonzalo A. Garcia, Luis A. Garcia, Xiaowei Wang
  • Patent number: 7842267
    Abstract: A technology for purifying an exhaust emission from an engine is provided, in which a misjudgment caused by a time lag between the abnormality detection and an abnormality judgment is avoided, in the case where a plurality of abnormalities is judged on the aqueous solution of a reducing agent or the like. After a first abnormality judgment (Femp=1: the time t2) is made, when a second abnormality is detected as a result that the concentration Dn as a state parameter is directly shifted from a first region A to a second region C (the time t3), the first abnormality judgment is maintained for a predetermined period of time PRD after the second abnormality detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Nishina, Toshikazu Katou
  • Patent number: 7829024
    Abstract: A urea concentration identification device comprising a concentration identification sensor unit (2) and a support unit (4) attached at the bottom end thereof with this sensor unit and provided at the top end thereof with a mounting unit (4a) to a urea solution tank opening. The concentration identification sensor unit (2) has an indirectly-heated concentration detector and liquid temperature detector provided with metal fins (21c),(22c), respectively, for heat-exchanging with urea solution. The concentration identification sensor unit (2) is provided with a cover member (2d) that forms an opposite-ends-opened urea solution induction passage so as to surround the metal fins (21c),(22c), and an enclosure (2e) that forms communication holes (26),(27) in the top and bottom end plate thereof (2e1),(2e2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenjiro Izutani, Takayuki Takahata
  • Publication number: 20100272608
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relates to a temperature sensor and an analytical device comprising the same. The temperature sensor comprises a carrier (11) with a detection surface (12) on which temperature indicating agents (14) are present and, optionally, at which target components can collect and optionally bind to specific capture elements. An incident light beam (L1) is transmitted into the carrier and evanescent wave excitation is induced at the detection surface (12). The amount of light in the reflected light beam (L2) or an optical, e.g. luminescence response is then detected by a light detector (31). In one example, evanescent light is affected (absorbed, scattered) by temperature indicating agents and optionally target components and/or label particles at the binding surface (12) and will therefore be missing in a frustrated total internal reflected light beam (L2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Roel Penterman, Steven Van Lierop, Albert Hendrik Jan Immink, Dirk Jan Broer
  • Patent number: 7784331
    Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for acoustically determining the properties of the contents of one or more reservoirs in a plurality of reservoirs. Each reservoir is adapted to contain a fluid. An acoustic radiation generator can be positioned in acoustic coupling relationship to each of the reservoirs. Acoustic radiation generated by the acoustic radiation generator is transmitted through each reservoir to an analyzer. The analyzer is capable of analyzing a characteristic of the transmitted acoustic radiation and optionally correlating the characteristic to a property of the reservoirs' contents. Properties that may be determined include volume, temperature, and composition. The invention is particularly suited to determining the properties of the contents of a plurality of reservoirs to allow for accuracy and control over the dispensing of fluids therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Labcyte Inc.
    Inventors: Richard N. Ellson, Richard G. Stearns
  • Publication number: 20100076695
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, estimating air in a cooling system includes measuring a property that can be used to estimate the air to yield a plurality of measurements. The measurements are performed for different heat loads and for different concentrations of non-condensable gas in the cooling system. The measurements are stored a data set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: William G. Wyatt
  • Patent number: 7651262
    Abstract: A discriminating apparatus of liquid reducing agent is disclosed, in which, based on concentration of liquid reducing agent which is measured at each predetermined time after starting of engine, discrimination is processed whether the storage tank is filled with dissimilar aqueous solution, the storage tank is normally filled with the liquid reducing agent, or the storage tank is empty. When the empty discrimination or the dissimilar aqueous solution discrimination is performed, it is judged whether or not the discrimination is adequate according to the liquid condition in the storage tank. When the empty or the dissimilar aqueous solution discrimination is adequate, the empty discrimination frequency or the dissimilar aqueous solution discrimination frequency is counted up. When the empty discrimination frequency and the dissimilar aqueous solution discrimination frequency become equal to or larger than the first predetermined frequency, the discrimination is upheld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Nishina, Hideki Matsunaga
  • Publication number: 20100011844
    Abstract: A fluid identification sensor that includes a fluid identification element and a fluid temperature detecting element that is disposed separately at a predefined distance from the fluid identification element is used. A voltage is applied to the fluid identification element for a prescribed time to heat a identification target fluid. A first output value that is an electrical output value corresponding to a first temperature of a fluid identification element and a second output value that is an electrical output value corresponding to a second temperature of a fluid identification element are obtained. A fluid identification is carried out by comparing a rate of change of the first output value and the second output value with a rate of change of a first output value and a second output value for a reference fluid, which has been measured in advance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Yanagi, Akiko Kubota, Tsutomu Makino
  • Publication number: 20100000303
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for determining the percentage of Carbon Equivalent, Carbon and Silicon in liquid ferrous metal. The apparatus comprises of refractory cup structure having a cavity, thermocouple wire, quartz tube, base, tellurium, holder, compensating cable, electronic device. The method comprises steps of pouring of sample in a refractory cup, recording maximum temperature of the sample and allowing it to cool to solidification temperature, determination of liquidus temperature, this temperature being inversely proportional gives percentage of carbon equivalent using an algorithm, determination of solidus temperature using an algorithm, and the determination of percentage of carbon and silicon using electronic device based on an algorithm. The present invention relates to the detection of the composition of liquid ferrous metal in a much quicker time using a refractory cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Anant Kashinath Kakatkar, Satish Shashikant Kelkar
  • Patent number: 7637148
    Abstract: A liquid state detecting sensor includes: a state detecting element including a heating resistor; an energization unit; a first output acquiring unit; a reference acquiring unit; a first calculating unit; a state detecting unit; a second output acquiring unit; a second calculating unit; an excess-temperature-rise determining unit; and an energization terminating unit. The energization termination unit terminates energizing of the heating resistor by the energization unit before the end of a detection time period in response to a determination by the excessive-temperature-rise determining unit that an excessive temperature rise has occurred in the state detecting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeo Sasanuma, Yoshikuni Sato, Takashi Yamomoto, Hisashi Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20090233817
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing wax deposition from a crude petroleum during transmission of the crude petroleum through a pipeline are provided. Compositions and methods of testing the deposition of wax from a petroleum sample are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Robert M. Kriegel, Jack F. Tinsley, Rajesh K. Saini, Robert K. Prud'homme, Ian D. Robb
  • Patent number: 7574900
    Abstract: A liquid state detection sensor in which temperature information of a urea aqueous solution is obtained on the basis of a voltage value acquired after the start of energization of a heating resistor corresponding to a resistance value of the heating resistor (S1-S6). Damage to the heating resistor is prevented by suspending the energization if the thus-obtained temperature is lower than or equal to the freezing point (S7: yes and S8). If the temperature is higher than the freezing point (S7: no), a voltage value corresponding to a resistance of the heating resistor after a lapse of 700 ms (S10 and S11) and a urea concentration of the urea aqueous solution are determined from a difference ?V from the previously acquired voltage value. A more accurate urea concentration can be detected by making a correction using the previously obtained temperature information of the urea aqueous solution (S13-S18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeo Sasanuma, Yoshikuni Sato, Shunsuke Tamura, Shinji Kumazawa, Hisashi Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20090113998
    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: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takahiro MISU
  • Publication number: 20090064767
    Abstract: Method for ascertaining an ethanol content of a fuel with the steps: ascertaining the vapor pressure of the fuel, ascertaining the temperature of the fuel and ascertaining the ethanol content of the fuel as a function of the vapor pressure and the temperature, which were ascertained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Peter ROTH
  • Publication number: 20090064682
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for determining composition of a fuel entering a combustor. The method includes determining a temperature of the fuel entering the combustor, calculating a first estimated total fuel flow utilizing fuel properties and fuel nozzle effective area (Ae), and calculating a second estimated total fuel flow utilizing an aero-thermal cycle model analysis. The first estimated total fuel flow is compared to the second estimated total fuel flow and a lower heating value of the fuel is determined from a difference between the first estimated total fuel flow and the second estimated total fuel flow. A method and system for controlling a gas turbine includes calculating effects of the fuel composition on performance of the gas turbine and comparing one or more performance parameters to one or more parameter limits. One or more machine controls of the gas turbine are changed based on the results of the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Timothy Andrew Healy, John Charles Intile, Joseph Vincent Citeno, Garth Curtis Frederick
  • Patent number: 7493802
    Abstract: There is provided an identification device capable of accurately, rapidly, and easily identifying a hydrocarbon-based liquid and alcohol-based liquid. An identification sensor unit (2) is arranged to face a flow passage (20) of a liquid to be measured and includes a liquid type detection unit with indirect heating (21) having a heating body and a temperature-sensitive body, and a liquid temperature detecting unit (22) for detecting the temperature of the liquid to be measured. The identification device further includes an identification calculation unit for applying a single pulse voltage to the heating body of the liquid type detection unit (21) so as to generate heat and identifying the liquid to be measured according to an output of a liquid type detection circuit formed by the temperature-sensitive body of the liquid type detecting unit (21) and the liquid temperature detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Kawanishi, Takayuki Takahata, Kiyoshi Yamagishi
  • Publication number: 20080282781
    Abstract: There is described an apparatus for monitoring particles in a fluid stream, comprising a body portion and a detector element that is acoustically decoupled from the body portion. The detector element comprises a target surface, a sample acoustic sensor and a corrosion sensor. The sample acoustic sensor is acoustically coupled to the target surface and is arranged to provide a first signal, which varies in dependence upon acoustic noise generated by impacts of particles and fluid on the target surface. The corrosion sensor is arranged to provide a second signal, which varies in dependence upon corrosion and/or erosion of the target surface. A corresponding method of monitoring particles in a fluid stream is also described. The method and apparatus are suitable for monitoring sand in oil and gas production flow streams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: CORMON LIMITED
    Inventor: Barry John Hemblade
  • Publication number: 20080201086
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring an amount of ammonia generated from a sample solution being an aqueous urea solution, an aqueous ammonium formate solution, or an aqueous mixture thereof, includes: applying a pulse voltage to a heating element for a predetermined time to heat the sample solution using the heating element; measuring a thermal conductivity-dependent output value and a kinetic viscosity-dependent output value that are electrical outputs dependent on electric resistivity of a temperature-sensitive element; calculating a urea concentration X wt % and an ammonium formate concentration Y wt % in the sample solution from a relationship between the thermal conductivity-dependent output value and the kinetic viscosity-dependent output value; calculating a urea amount A and an ammonium formate amount B in the sample solution from their concentrations and an amount of the sample solution; and determining the amount of generated ammonia with data thus obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Koike, Mayuko Tsuruda
  • Patent number: 7405667
    Abstract: A technique for quickly determining the type of liquid in a container externally regardless of the material of the container, preferably contactlessly. A halogen heater 102 and an infrared thermopile 103 are disposed outside an electrically conductive container 101 made of aluminum, for example. The surface temperature of the container 101 is measured when the halogen heater 102 is off, followed by the turning-on of the halogen heater 102 for two seconds, for example. The surface temperature of the container 101 is then measured, and a difference from the previous result of measurement is calculated. If the difference is smaller than a threshold value, the liquid in the container is determined to be a safe liquid consisting primarily of water, and a blue lamp is activated. If the difference is greater than the threshold value, the liquid in the container cannot be determined to be a safe liquid consisting primarily of water, and a red lamp is activated, indicating abnormality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Takeshi Abe, Yasuhiko Shinozawa, Yoshinobu Miyagi, Kouichiro Yamada, Tomohide Machida
  • Patent number: 7377152
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and methods for characterizating flowing substances, liquid or gas. The device includes: a transport duct with a heating or a cooling element; a temperature difference sensor having a temperature measurement cell downstream of the heating or cooling element and means to determine a temperature difference in the flowing substance upstream and downstream of the heating or cooling element; a flow control means having flow measurement means for measuring a mass flow characteristic and a flow correction means for correcting for measured mass flow variations; and an evaluation means for evaluating a characterizing feature of the flowing substance comprising a function relating temperature differences measured on one or more calibration substances to one or more characterizing features of the flowing substance. Various embodiments relate to the related use and methods of the device for identification and control of the flowing substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Brooks Instrument, LLC
    Inventors: Kees C. J. M. N. Brekelmans, Jan Willem J. W. Van Rijswijk
  • Patent number: 7362105
    Abstract: An integrated microstructure sensor element is proposed for detecting thermodynamic measured variables of a fluid. To that end, a supporting body, particularly a board or a wafer having at least one microstructured heating element in contact with the fluid during operation, is provided, on which or in whose vicinity are arranged first arrangement for at least intermittently acting on the heating element with an electric alternating current of defined frequency or a defined frequency band, as well a second arrangement for detecting the amplitude of the third harmonic wave of the electric voltage applied to the heating element. The proposed microstructure sensor element in the form of a compact, integrated component is suitable in particular for determining or monitoring the thermal conductivity and/or the thermal capacity of a fluid, particularly an oil in a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Eisenschmid, Carsten Raudzis, Michael Stumber
  • Patent number: 6834536
    Abstract: A probe (1) for quantitatively measuring volatile components of a liquid (2) includes a measurement gas space (3) separated from the liquid (4) by a permeation membrane (5). The membrane (5) is permeable for the volatile component, however nonpermeable for liquid. A selective gas detection system is arranged in the measurement gas space (3) for a defined volatile component. The gas detection system has an IR light source (6), an IR filter (7), (7′) and an IR-sensitive light sensor (8), (8′). Light falls through the IR filter on the light sensor (8), (8′). The IR filter (7), (7′) comprises a transmission window in the range of an alcohol-specific absorption band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Biotechnologie Kempe GmbH
    Inventor: Eberhard Kempe
  • Publication number: 20040250607
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus thereof for monitoring leakage of process cooling water (PCW) in a furnace. In the method, a bellows used to deliver the process cooling water is covered by a protecting tubing, so as to protect the bellows from being corroded by the process environment and to control the flow direction of the cooling water leaking from the bellows, thus avoiding the cooling water sprinkling. In addition, a tray is installed under the bellows to receive the leaking cooling water, so as to prevent the leaking cooling water from spilling on wafers. Besides, sensors are installed in the tray to send a signal while the cooling water falling on the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Jiun-Rong Pai, Y. H. Lo, H. C. Wu
  • Publication number: 20040129057
    Abstract: A micro fluid analyzer having a concentrator and separator. A strip continuous through a channel in the concentrator may provide a hot zone that may move with the flow of fluid through the channel of the concentrator to provide a concentration of heat in the flow. A pump may provide a flow to the fluid through the analyzer. Detectors may be positioned at places where the fluid may flow. A processor or controller may be connected to the strip, separator, pump and detectors. The concentrator, separator, detectors and processor may be integrated on one chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Ulrich Bonne, Robert Higashi, Cleopatra Cabuz
  • Patent number: 6737274
    Abstract: A comparator for use with a time-temperature indicator wherein the time-temperature indicator includes an active portion having an initial color and which undergoes chemical changes as time elapses and at a rate related to the temperature of the surrounding environment and wherein the chemical changes produce changes in the color of the active portion. The comparator comprises a substantially planar support member, and a plurality of comparator stages located on the support member. Each comparator stage comprises a first portion having a reference color and a second portion having a predetermined color that is the same as one of the colors to which the active portion of the time-temperature indicator changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Bruce Butler Wright
  • Patent number: 6698278
    Abstract: In an operating liquid feed fuel cell system, fuel concentration in the fuel stream can be calculated as a function of the observed current, the temperature of the fuel stream entering the fuel cell stack, and the temperature of the fuel cell stack itself, thereby eliminating the need for a separate sensor. Typically, methanol will be used as the fuel and the liquid feed fuel cell system will thus be a direct methanol fuel cell system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Jiujun Zhang, Kevin M. Colbow, Alfred Wong, Bruce Lin