Fluid Pressure Gauge Patents (Class 73/700)
  • Patent number: 11708943
    Abstract: A pre-alarming method, a control method, and a control system for a harmful flow pattern in an oil and gas pipeline-riser system are provided. Support vector machines are trained. Through at least three pressure difference signals on the pipeline-riser system, an overall flow pattern in the pipeline-riser system is continuously and rapidly identified. Depending on monitoring on formation of a long liquid slug in a seabed pipeline and a quick response of the mean value of each pressure difference signal on a flow rate change, pre-alarming for a liquid slug caused by different mechanisms is realized, and liquid slug formation positions respectively of seabed pipeline and riser bottom are correspondingly pre-alarmed; after a pre-alarm is issued, there is enough time for a control device to respond, so as to avoid formation of the harmful flow pattern or damages caused by the harmful flow pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: XI'AN JIAOTONG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Liejin Guo, Suifeng Zou, Quanhong Wu, Weizhi Liu, Qiang Xu, Longjin Guo, Wenbo Zhou, Xiangyuan Zhao, Tian Yao
  • Patent number: 11698044
    Abstract: A fuel tank system includes a fuel storage unit, a processing unit, and a control unit. The control unit performs a first failure diagnosis of diagnosing a failure of the fuel storage unit in a state where the sealing valve is closed. When the control unit diagnoses that the fuel storage unit is normal, the control unit performs a second failure diagnosis of diagnosing a failure of a purge valve and a bypass valve by causing a pressure generation unit to generate pressure in a state where the sealing valve is closed. When there is a possibility that the purge valve and the bypass valve are in closed-sticking, the control unit performs a third failure diagnosis of specifying a failure in any one of closed-sticking of the purge valve and closed-sticking of the bypass valve by opening the sealing valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHTKT KAISHA
    Inventors: Kyosuke Uematsu, Takuya Ohshima, Hideo Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 11287293
    Abstract: A sensor apparatus has a sensor protruding portion and a sensor support which are formed integrally with each other. The sensor apparatus also includes a retainer, an inner seal, an outer seal, a fastener, and a friction reducer. The retainer is rotatable relative to the sensor protruding portion and the sensor support. The inner seal is disposed between the sensor support and the retainer. The outer seal is disposed between a wall and the retainer. The fastener includes a fitting groove formed in one of the sensor support and the retainer and a protrusion formed on the other of the sensor support and the retainer. The protrusion is engaged in the fitting groove to achieve installation of the sensor apparatus in the wall. The friction reducer works to increase an interval between the sensor support and the retainer to reduce a degree of friction produced by the inner seal when the sensor support is turned relative to the retainer to install the sensor apparatus in the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takuya Miki
  • Patent number: 11209378
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a CellDrum electrode arrangement for measuring mechanical stress, comprising a mechanical holder (1) and a non-conductive membrane (4), whereby the membrane (4) is at least partially fixed at its circumference to the mechanical holder (1), keeping it in place when the membrane (4) may bend due to forces acting on the membrane (4), the mechanical holder (1) and the membrane (4) forming a container, whereby the membrane (1) within the container comprises an cell-membrane compound layer or biological material (3) adhered to the deformable membrane 4 which in response to stimulation by an agent may exert mechanical stress to the membrane (4) such that the membrane bending stage changes whereby the container may be filled with an electrolyte, whereby an electric contact (2) is arranged allowing to contact said electrolyte when filled into to the container, whereby within a predefined geometry to the fixing of the membrane (4) an electrode (7) is arranged, whereby the electrode (7) is elec
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: FACHHOCHSCHULE AACHEN
    Inventors: Gerhard Artmann, Peter Linder, Robin Bayer, Matthias Gossmann
  • Patent number: 10921344
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a probe includes a first facet associated with a first pressure port operable to measure a first wind pressure, a second facet associated with a second pressure port operable to measure a second wind pressure, and a third facet associated with a third pressure port operable to measure a third wind pressure. The second facet is adjacent to the first facet and the third facet adjacent to the second facet. The probe further includes a fourth facet adjacent to the third facet and a fifth facet adjacent to the fourth facet and to the first facet. The first facet, the second facet, the third facet, the fourth facet, and the fifth facet are located between a first end portion and a second end portion of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Brian J. Dumont, James Paul, Matthew Fleming, Paul Harris, Corey D. Wills, Corey T. Pasta, Paul K. Gabler, Dennis W. Morgart
  • Patent number: 10582308
    Abstract: A high sensitivity microphone includes a substrate having a through portion provided in a central portion thereof, a vibration membrane disposed on the substrate and covering the through portion, a fixed membrane installed above the vibration membrane, spaced apart from the vibration membrane with an air layer interposed therebetween, and having a plurality of air inlets perforated in a direction toward the air layer, and a plurality of support posts provided as vertical elastic posts between the fixed membrane and the vibration membrane and mechanically fixing the vibration membrane by a frictional force, regardless of an applied voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ilseon Yoo
  • Patent number: 10571878
    Abstract: A method and a system for controlling a multipump system used to pump a fluid. The system includes n pumping cells (Ci) connected in parallel, with n greater than or equal to 2. The system is controlled by using a reference pressure difference. The method includes estimating a pressure difference (dPpumpi) generated by each pumping cell (Ci) taking into account of a quadratic correction value (HEGi) representing the head losses of the pumping cell, estimating a pressure difference (dPSys) of the multipump system from the pressure difference estimated for each pumping cell, comparing the multipump estimated pressure difference (dPSys) with the reference pressure difference (dPsp) in order to control the reference speed (Wref) to be injected into a control loop of the multipump system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Schneider Toshiba Inverter Europe SAS
    Inventor: Sylvain Coin
  • Patent number: 10429259
    Abstract: A pressure sensor for measuring a pressure of a fluid medium in a measuring chamber is provided. The pressure sensor includes a sensor housing, a first pressure-sensor module for measuring at least one first pressure of the medium in a first measuring chamber, and a second pressure-sensor module for measuring at least one second pressure of the medium in a second measuring chamber. The first pressure-sensor module and the second pressure-sensor module are situated inside the sensor housing. In addition, the pressure sensor has at least one first pressure connection, which is designed for the connection to the first measuring chamber. Moreover, the pressure sensor has at least one second pressure connection, which is developed for the connection to the second measuring chamber. The first pressure connection differs from the second pressure connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Riethmueller, Hartmut Stetter, Markus Reinhard, Masoud Habibi, Michael Bachner
  • Patent number: 10371378
    Abstract: A method of monitoring blockage of a sight tube attached to a wall of a process chamber, the sight tube being operatively associated with a TDLAS optical head with a window between the sight tube and the TDLAS optical head. The method includes the steps of providing a photo sensor in the TDLAS optical head, the photo sensor being positioned to receive light emitted by a light emitting process within the process chamber. An emission signal produced by light emitted by the light emitting process within the process chamber being received by the photo sensor is monitored. A determination is made if the emission signal is degrading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: John Zink Company, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard P Masterson, Michael John Estes, Andrew D Sappey
  • Patent number: 10302515
    Abstract: Providing a fast response to a process step while allowing a sensor response to remain relatively slow. A mechanical component generates a response to a step change in a physical property and an electrical component generates an analog electrical signal indicative of the response generated by the mechanical component over a period of time. The analog electrical signal is converted into digital values and the digital values are used to indicate the final value of the step change in the physical property before the period of time has elapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Systems USA, Inc.
    Inventor: William M. Slechta
  • Patent number: 10289508
    Abstract: The present disclosure teaches a sensor system comprising at least two sensor elements causing increased reliability of individual sensor signals due to increased diagnostic coverage using diverse signal paths, diverse signal representations of sensor signals, merging of individual sensor signals maintaining independence of individual sensor signals comprised in protocol representations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Dirk Hammerschmidt, Friedrich Rasbornig, Wolfgang Scheibenzuber, Wolfgang Scherr, Thomas Zettler
  • Patent number: 10238307
    Abstract: An anatomical manometry catheter system, comprising a plurality of balloons on the distal end and being configured to be inflatable and/or deflatable. The system includes a connector assembly coaxially aligned with the catheter assembly, the connector assembly being connectable to the proximal end of the catheter. The connector assembly may have a connector interface connected to the proximal end of the catheter. The connector assembly may include a manifold comprising a plurality of channels configured to deliver the pressure transmission medium therethrough toward a respective catheter lumen for inflating one or more balloons. The connector assembly may include a charging mechanism fluidly coupled to the catheter that facilitates inflating each balloon of the plurality of balloons by a common actuating mechanism so as to simultaneously charge each balloon of the plurality of balloons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Laborie Medical Technologies Canada ULC
    Inventors: Peter Schlumpf, Ing Han Goping, Matthias Stadler, Tristan Zimmerman, Bryce Smith
  • Patent number: 10099521
    Abstract: A tire-state detection device according to the present invention includes: an electronic component including a detection unit that detects a pressure of a tire; and a case that houses the electronic component. The case includes: a case main body that houses the electronic component and that has an open surface formed thereon; and a lid member that covers the open surface. The detection unit includes: a pressure sensor section having a diaphragm-type element; a sensor control section that controls the pressure sensor section; and a dome-shaped shield cover that covers the pressure sensor section and the sensor control section. An inside of the case main body having the open surface covered with the lid member is filled with a sealant, and the diaphragm-type element is made of a ceramic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shigeru Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 10060819
    Abstract: A pressure sensor module including a housing, a pressure sensor chip, and one or more of an integrated passive device (IDP) chip and discrete passive devices are disclosed. The pressure sensor chip and one or more of the IPD chip and the discrete passive devices are arranged within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Mathias Vaupel, Matthias Boehm, Steven Gross, Markus Loehndorf, Stephan Schmitt, Horst Theuss, Helmut Wietschorke
  • Patent number: 9995646
    Abstract: A measuring arrangement with a measuring cell for detecting a process parameter and a housing, surrounding the measuring cell at least radially, with the measuring cell being arranged in the axial direction at the front in the housing and a space between the measuring cell and the housing being sealed with a seal from the penetration of process medium, with the seal showing at least a first sealing element radially surrounding a measuring cell and a second sealing element radially surrounding the measuring cell, the second sealing element being distanced from the first sealing element in the axial direction and arranged in front thereof, and the housing showing at least one first section extending in the axial direction and at least one second section arranged thereat and extending in the radial direction between the sealing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: VEGA GRIESHABER KG
    Inventor: Thomas Kopp
  • Patent number: 9976519
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting an engine-off natural vacuum test and filtering the output of the engine-off natural vacuum (EONV) test based on a variable weighting factor. In one example, one or more EONV test entry conditions are evaluated with one or more membership functions corresponding to the indicated result of the EONV test to obtain an overall confidence value that is used to modify the weighting factor. In this way, the filtered EONV output reflects the confidence in the test results, and as such a malfunction indicator light may be more appropriately set as compared to conditions wherein filtered EONV output is not based on confidence in the test results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Fling Finn Tseng, Aed M. Dudar, Imad Hassan Makki, Robert Roy Jentz
  • Patent number: 9863830
    Abstract: A pressure sensor, including a platform of ceramic, a measuring membrane arranged on the platform, a pressure measuring chamber enclosed in the platform under the measuring membrane, and at least one metal body connected with the platform via a pressure-tight, preferably elastomer free, mechanical connection. Thermomechanical stresses arising from the connection are reduced by features including that the pressure-tight, mechanical connection occurs via an adapting body arranged between the platform and the metal body. The adapting body has a thermal expansion coefficient, which rises in direction (z) extending from the platform to the metal body from a coefficient of expansion corresponding to a thermal coefficient of expansion of the ceramic of the platform to a coefficient of expansion corresponding to the thermal coefficient of expansion of the metal body, and the adapting body is connected by a first joint with the platform and by a second joint with the metal body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Ulfert Drewes, Elke Schmidt, Thomas Uehlin, Andrea Berlinger
  • Patent number: 9857257
    Abstract: A control device (1) for a vehicle with a housing (2) having a pressure sensor (3), arranged in a pressure chamber (4) in a pressure-tight manner with respect to the interior space of the housing (2). The housing (2) having a membrane aperture (2.1) closed by an air-permeable but not water-permeable membrane (5). The housing (2) is designed with a housing duct (6) which in an installation position of the control device (1) extends downward in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and in relation to the volume of the pressure chamber (4) the housing duct (6) has a duct volume in such that with the control device (1) completely immersed in water, a residual volume of air remains upstream of the membrane (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO. OHG
    Inventors: Jürgen Eckart, Roberto Schlenker, Erwin Kreitmeyr, Claus Heigl
  • Patent number: 9604485
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and apparatus for detecting contact and optionally its duration and/or recording the level of pressure and/or its duration and/or recording the level of shear force and/or its duration. In particular, certain embodiments of the present invention relate to devices which comprise an element comprising a hydrophobic material and a color-forming material dispersed in at least a portion of the hydrophobic material. Certain embodiments of the present invention relates to materials comprising a solid dispersion of a color-forming material in an elastomeric hydrophobic material. The solid dispersion may take the form of a molecular dispersion or a partial molecular dispersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Active Device Development Limited
    Inventor: Bryan Greener
  • Patent number: 9606014
    Abstract: A pressure detector includes a passage casing, a fixing body, a sensing member, a sealing member, and a power supply member. The passage casing and the fixing body form a receiving space where the sensing member is disposed in. The sealing member is filled into the rest of the receiving space and separates the sensing member from the fixing body, and prevents a fluid to be measured coming from the chamber from leaking to outside space. The circuit board of the sensing member is protected from contacting the fluid to be measured directly. Thus, the accuracy of measuring pressure is improved, and the lifetime of the pressure detector is lengthened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Ta-Min Peng
  • Patent number: 9588000
    Abstract: A pressure introduction hole of a case has a first introduction hole extended in a predetermined direction to define a first end opening and a second introduction hole extended in a direction different from the predetermined direction to define a second end opening opposite from the first end opening. The second introduction hole is communicated to the first introduction hole. An angle defined between a wall surface of the first introduction hole and located adjacent to the second end opening and a wall surface of the second introduction hole and connected to the wall surface of the first introduction hole is larger than or equal to 90°. The second introduction hole has a communication part communicating with the first introduction hole, and a space increasing chamber further extending from the communication part away from the second end opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masamichi Itou
  • Patent number: 9588134
    Abstract: Some aspects of the present disclosure provide for a sensor system having a large range between minimum and maximum allowed input quantities. In some embodiments, the sensor system has a nonlinear sensor and a linear sensor. The nonlinear sensor is generates a first nonlinear signal corresponding to a detected physical input quantity. The linear sensor generates a second linear signal corresponding to the detected physical input quantity. A signal processor receives the first nonlinear signal and the second linear signal and generates a composite output signal that corresponds to the detected physical input quantity. The composite output signal is a combination of the first nonlinear signal and the second linear signal that provides for a signal having a high sensitivity to small physical input quantities while avoiding saturation at large physical input quantities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Udo Ausserlechner, Mario Motz
  • Patent number: 9405886
    Abstract: A noninvasive patient-specific method is provided to aid in the analysis, diagnosis, prediction or treatment of hemodynamics of the cardiovascular system of a patient. Coronary blood flow and pressure can be predicted using a 3-D patient image-based model that is implicitly coupled with a model of at least a portion of the remaining cardiovascular system. The 3-D patient image-based model includes at least a portion of the thoracic aorta and epicardial coronaries of the patient. The shape of one or more velocity profiles at the interface of the models is enforced to control complex flow features of recirculating or retrograde flow thereby minimizing model instabilities and resulting in patient-specific predictions of coronary flow rate and pressure. The invention allows for patient-specific predictions of the effect of different or varying physiological states and hemodynamic benefits of coronary medical interventions, percutaneous coronary interventions and surgical therapies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Charles A Taylor, Hyun Jin Kim, Jessica S. Coogan
  • Patent number: 9322685
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring air speed which solve the problem of icing or blockage by creating an exterior surface on an aircraft that channels air and measures the pressure difference of the pressure through the airflow and the static pressure. This exterior surface cannot be blocked easily because air is always flowing when the aircraft is in motion, any external matter that could be on the exterior surface is readily visible, and the exterior surface can be heated to prevent icing. In addition, the exterior surface is made of a flexible material that is able to conform closely to the exterior shape of the aircraft. The preferred embodiments comprise microelectromechanical system pressure sensors placed under the air channels for measuring the pressure difference in each channel and an air speed processor for transforming the pressure differences into an air speed estimate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Gary A. Ray
  • Patent number: 9159637
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a mold package which encapsulates a portion of the electronic device and does not encapsulate another portion of the electronic device to enable a sensing portion of the electronic device to be exposed to a condition to be sensed. In an electronic sensing device having a sensor formed by a substrate such as silicon, a sensor area is not encapsulated, but areas surrounding the sensor area are encapsulated. The area surrounding the sensor area includes one or more trenches or interlock structures formed in the surrounding substrate which receives the mold material to provide an interlock feature. The interlock feature reduces or substantially prevents the mold from delaminating at an interface of the mold and the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ando Lars Feyh, Gary O'Brien, Andrew Graham
  • Patent number: 9145751
    Abstract: A hydraulic accumulator assembly in which a hydraulic accumulator is associated with at least one responsive unit, which is responsive to the weight of the accumulator to provide an indication dependent on the weight of the accumulator. The accumulator is in an underwater fluid extraction well facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas UK Limited
    Inventor: Mark Edwin Organ
  • Patent number: 9038476
    Abstract: A pressure transmitter has a pressure sensor, an isolator diaphragm, and a fill tube. Interior passages in the pressure sensor module body are filled with isolator fluid and provide fluid connections. The isolator fluid couples pressure from the first isolator diaphragm assembly to the pressure sensor. A first crimp portion of the fill tube radially narrows into a substantially solid circular cylindrical cross section to form a first primary seal that is resistant to high pressure cycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: David Matthew Strei, Kenneth Guttsen
  • Patent number: 9032804
    Abstract: The invention relates to a large-area extensible pressure sensor for textile surfaces, of the type comprising a support on which a conductive ink is printed which can transmit a printed electrical signal by any known printing technique. More specifically, the pressure sensor is characterized in that said support is flexible, extensible and elastic, and a plurality of main tracks of extensible and elastic conductive ink or paste are printed on said support; on said plurality of main tracks a plurality of piezoresistive paste or ink depositions acting as pressure sensing points are printed, and each of these depositions are linked to a secondary extensible and elastic conductive ink or paste track, which is also printed on said support, resulting in all tracks, primary or secondary, being connected to a control system without crossing each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: SENSING TEX, S.L.
    Inventors: Miguel Ridao Granado, Luis Miguel Gomez Anta
  • Publication number: 20150128705
    Abstract: There is disclosed a sensor assembly and a method of sensing. The sensor assembly is for sensing a property associated with a structure of interest. The sensor assembly includes an elongate member constructed and arranged so as to be capable of assuming a structure-engaging form in which it is resiliently biased such that the member can engage with and grip the structure along at least part of the length of the member, and, at least one sensor supported by the elongate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: RTL Materials Limited
    Inventor: Andrew James DATON-LOVETT
  • Patent number: 9021884
    Abstract: A pressure sensor device and its use for confirming achievement of a selected pressure in a high pressure process (HPP) for sanitizing food is disclosed. The device includes at least a base and a sheet, each of which is substantially impermeable to the working fluid of the HPP and is deformable at the selected pressure. Microcapsules interposed between flat overlapping portions of the base and sheet contain a color former and burst upon pressurization of the environment surrounding the device. Release of the color former is detected to confirm that the pressurization occurred. The device can be associated with one or more foodstuffs (e.g., a packaged food product or a group of such packages) and remain associated therewith to continuously indicate that the foodstuff(s) have been subjected to the selected pressure and are therefore sanitized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Del Monte Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Caitlin Elizabeth Trahan, Justin Wade Shimek, Russel Allan Lem, Andrew Richard Hart
  • Patent number: 9021883
    Abstract: A pressure gauge includes a base including an annular flange and a pipe for gas flow; a ring on the flange; an uneven pressure measuring member on the ring; a moveable assembly including a seat, a hollow insert, and a shaft wherein the seat is secured to the pressure measuring member, the insert includes two opposite, internal, upper projections, the insert is fastened in the seat, the shaft includes external threads secured to the projections, an upper annular groove, a top protrusion, and an axis projects upward from the protrusion; a pointer secured to the axis; a covering member includes a ring member on the pressure measuring member, and a bridge crossing the ring member and allowing the axis to pass through, and a bent member; a balance spring in the groove and fastened in the bent member; a scale on the bridge; a housing; and a transparent cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Ru-Wen Wang
  • Patent number: 9016133
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a pressure sensor and related methods of manufacturing and use. A pressure sensor may include an electrical contact included in a flexible membrane that deflects in response to a measured ambient pressure. The electrical contact may be separated from a signal path through a cavity formed using a sacrificial layer and PVD plugs. At one or more defined touch-point pressure thresholds, the membrane of the pressure sensor may deflect so that the state of contact between an electrical contact and one or more sections of a signal path may change. In some embodiments, the change of state may cause the pressure sensor to trigger an alarm in the electrical circuit. Various embodiments also enable the operation of the electrical circuit for testing and calibration through the use of one or more actuation electrode layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: NXP, B.V.
    Inventors: William Frederick Adrianus Besling, Peter Gerard Steeneken, Olaf Wunnicke
  • Patent number: 9010189
    Abstract: A device for acquiring and processing sensor measured values and/or for controlling actuators has a base housing, sensors and/or actuators attached to the base housing, a cover that can be connected to the base housing to cover the sensors and/or actuators, and a circuit board with control electronics. To mount the circuit board easily and effect secure contact of the sensors therewith, the circuit board is securely connected to the inner side of the cover using press-fit connectors, the circuit board has electrically active first contact faces on its side remote from the cover, the sensors and/or actuators have electrically active second contact faces on their sides facing the cover, and the second contact faces of the sensors and/or actuators are connected to the first contact faces via electrically conductive contact springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Bolik, Konrad Feyerabend, Yves Hansen, Joachim Heider, Joachim Hein, Rodmar Ruter
  • Publication number: 20150065969
    Abstract: A vacuum pressure regulator system is provided for use in association with a vacuum system in which a vacuum is employed for healthcare purposes, for assisting in monitoring and regulating the vacuum pressure, and having a manual pressure control valve to adjust the treatment vacuum pressure supplied to the patient, a vacuum pressure sensor to sense the treatment vacuum pressure for the patient in the system, and producing a treatment vacuum pressure signal, a sampling circuit which intermittently samples the pressure signal generated by the pressure sensor and generate sampling signals, an electrically powered pressure display circuit, and digital pressure display, for receiving the sampling signals and providing a visible display, and a non-mains power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: David Stinson
  • Publication number: 20150060057
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to methods and apparatuses for determining a minimum miscibility pressure of a fluid with and oil composition. In various embodiments, the method can include placing a fluid into a pressure chamber at a first pressure. The pressure chamber can include at least one capillary tube having one end disposed in an oil composition in the pressure chamber. The fluid can include at least one of a gas, a liquid, and a supercritical fluid. The method can include measuring a height of the oil composition in at least one of the capillary tubes. The method can include repeating the measuring for at least one cycle using a second pressure different than the first pressure. The method can include determining the minimum miscibility pressure of the oil composition with the fluid by extrapolating from the two or more measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Steven B. Hawthorne, David J. Miller
  • Patent number: 8955385
    Abstract: A pressure monitoring system (200) is provided. The pressure monitoring system (200) includes a housing (201) and a fluid port (202) formed in the housing (201). The pressure monitoring system (200) also includes a first pressure switch (204) positioned within at least a portion of the housing (201). The first pressure switch (204) is in fluid communication with the fluid port (202). The pressure monitoring system (200) also includes a second pressure switch (205) positioned within at least a portion of the housing (201). The second pressure switch (205) is also in fluid communication with the fluid port (202).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Norgren GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Baier, Stefan Pfund
  • Publication number: 20150040672
    Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring pressure within a water heater. The method comprises: heating water contained within a vessel in the water heater; sensing strain on the vessel; correlating the sensed strain to a pressure within the vessel; and providing an indication in response to the water pressure exceeding a desired pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: NATIONAL WHOLESALE SUPPLY, INC.
    Inventors: Randall T. Meyer, Michael David Nash, Jonathan Walker Meyer
  • Patent number: 8943896
    Abstract: A pressure transducer using a ceramic diaphragm which is not easily damaged so that there is no risk of leakage of a target medium to be measured, having a superior mass-production capability and a reduced volume and enabling low-price by simplifying a flexible cable and a printed circuit board (PCB) to connect the transducer and a signal processing chip. The pressure transducer includes the ceramic diaphragm formed as a rectangular planar ceramic diaphragm and having a surface having formed thereon a pattern made of an electrically conductive material and strain gages; a base plate configured to face the surface of the ceramic diaphragm having formed thereon the pattern; and an adhesive layer configured to be formed along edges of a contacting surface of the ceramic diaphragm and the base plate so as to bond the ceramic diaphragm and the base plate and form a space for the strain gages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Auto Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyong M. Park, Si-Dong Kim
  • Patent number: 8943894
    Abstract: A device for detecting pressure and/or temperature changes in a fluid-channel and method thereof are disclosed. The device includes a main duct with an inlet and an outlet, a branch ductwork with a first branch end branching off the main duct downwards the inlet and with a second branch end discharging into the main duct upwards the outlet, and at least one dead-end channel with a first end that branches off the branch ductwork and a second closed end. The dead-end channel is adapted to trap a gas bubble within the dead-end channel when the device is primed or filled with a liquid fluid, wherein the gas bubble changes its size or position if a change in pressure or temperature occurs in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventor: Andreas Geipel
  • Publication number: 20150024672
    Abstract: A closed-loop regulation method of a ventilation system using a control computer. The method includes the steps comprising: providing a ventilation system with a control computer, an exhaust fan, sensors, and gates; using the sensors to determine actual air velocities within the ventilation system; providing minimum air velocities that must be maintained throughout the ventilation system; monitoring the one or more air velocities; and maintaining by the control computer that the actual air velocities are above the one or more minimum air velocities. Preferably, the ventilation system includes a control computer that takes the measurements, makes the air flow calculations, and automatically adjusts the gates and fans to ensure that a minimum air velocity is kept in all parts of the ducts of the system. Preferably, the ventilation system is energy efficient by optimizing the air flow and lowering the amount of energy needed to run the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Ecogate, Inc.
    Inventor: Ales Litomisky
  • Patent number: 8934263
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to sensors including pressure sensors, humidity sensors, flow sensors, etc. In some cases, a cover for use with a sensor assembly may include an electrically insulating body having perimeter features extending a majority of the way around perimeters of upper and lower printed circuit boards that the cover may vertically separate. In one example, the body of the cover may include support features that extend from a lower side of the cover and those support features may contact the lower printed circuit board in at least two locations. The support features of the cover may be separated by a gap and a sensor connected to the lower printed circuit board may be situated within the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Eckhardt, Jim Machir, Palani Thanigachalam, Sunil Job
  • Publication number: 20150007663
    Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of rolling or cast stock, more particularly a metal strip or plate, in a casting, rolling or other strip processing facility, wherein the device includes a detection device for detecting a fluid jet which indicates the presence of the rolling or cast stock. The detection device in turn has an air-filled cavity, which has a tubular opening, and a pressure sensor for detecting an air pressure change in the cavity when the fluid jet hits the tubular opening. A corresponding method for determining the position of rolling or cast stock, more particularly a metal strip or plate, which moves through a casting, rolling or other strip processing facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: SMS Siemag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Frederik Grosse Lordemann
  • Patent number: 8915132
    Abstract: An improved weigh bearing monitor determining weight or urge applied upon an impaired lower extremity when limited weight bearing is prescribed by a medical professional. The limited amount of weight borne on the affected limb visualized on gauge (3) attached to assistive walking device (4) with weight borne readable on gauge (3) located within visual range of the user or caregiver. The device consists of gauge (3) connected to assistive walking device (4) connected by hose or tube (2) to foot appendage component containing bladder (1) attached to user's (6) foot. When user (5) applies pressure upon bladder (1), then gauge (3) is in view of user (5) or caregiver monitoring weight applied to the affected limb. This device may also be wireless with elimination of the hose. This device may also be hydraulic or pneumatic in accordance with variation maintaining the visual ability of user or caregiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Physical Therapy Services, LLC
    Inventor: Frederick Albert Ward
  • Patent number: 8915135
    Abstract: A barometer which is rotatable and a method of using a barometer which is rotatable is presented comprising a barometer tube retaining barometric fluid that is shorter than that required by non-rotatable barometers. The provision of a rotatable barometer allows the use of a barometric fluid of a density lower than that of mercury to be used, thereby enabling the use of mercury to be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Kevin Francis Scott
  • Publication number: 20140356165
    Abstract: A wind turbine blade has a suction side shell member and a pressure side shell member. The shell members are joined along a leading and trailing edge from a root to a tip of the blade and defining an internal cavity of the blade. A pressure sensor is configured on at least one of the suction or pressure side shell members. The pressure sensor further includes a body mounted to an inner surface of the respective shell member within the internal cavity. A sensing element has a first side exposed to external air pressure through a passage in the respective shell member, and an opposite second side exposed to a reference pressure. Control circuitry within the body generates a variable output signal as a function of a pressure differential between the external air pressure and reference pressure experienced by the sensing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Wei Xiong, Danian Zhang, Xiongzhe Huang, Jing Wang, Jingyun Xia
  • Publication number: 20140345389
    Abstract: Apparatus that detects the pressure of water that can move through a water channel (26) towards and away from a pressure sensor (22), wherein the apparatus is constructed to avoid damage from freezing water. The water channel is constructed with a narrow channel portion (40) and a wide channel portion (42) connected in series, with the narrow channel portion lying closer to the pressure sensor. When the ambient temperature falls below the freezing temperature of water, water in the narrow channel portion freezes before water in the wide channel portion freezes, and frozen water in the narrow channel portion acts like a plug to prevent water (or ice) from moving toward the pressure sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Yong C. Kim
  • Patent number: 8893553
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for systems and methods for fabricating measuring devices, e.g., a pressure gauge, thermometer or the like. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for systems and methods for fabricating measuring device assemblies having zero/span adjustable linkage movements (e.g., zero/span adjustable four-bar linkage movements). In general, the present disclosure provides for measuring device assemblies having zero/span adjustable linkage movements, wherein the zero/span adjustable linkage movements do not adversely affect linearity of the measuring device assemblies, and wherein the measuring device assemblies are rugged and able to withstand certain extreme shock and/or vibration conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Ashcroft, Inc.
    Inventors: Tomiyuki Kuramoto, Yoshikazu Kaneko
  • Patent number: 8893549
    Abstract: There is disclosed a sensor assembly and a method of sensing. The sensor assembly is for sensing a property associated with a structure of interest. The sensor assembly includes an elongate member constructed and arranged so as to be capable of assuming a structure-engaging form in which it is resiliently biased such that the member can engage with and grip the structure along at least part of the length of the member, and, at least one sensor supported by the elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: RWR Systems Limited
    Inventor: Andrew James Daton-Lovett
  • Publication number: 20140338448
    Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a socket portion and a nut portion which are integrally molded with resin, a screw portion which is tightly fixed to a side wall of an opening in a concave part of the nut portion by adhesive, and a sense element which is fixed to the screw portion and is disposed in the concave part of the nut portion. The socket portion, the nut portion and the screw portion constitute a package. A through hole introducing the pressure measurement target liquid is formed in the screw portion. An external lead-out terminal is fixed to the sense element. The external lead-out terminal passes through the through hole on a base of the concave part of the nut portion, and is tightly fixed to the socket portion with adhesive. The external lead-out terminal is a connection terminal to be connected with external wiring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Kimihiro ASHINO
  • Publication number: 20140331762
    Abstract: The sensor device serves for detecting the absence or presence of a liquid (1) at the outlet (10a) of a feed line (10) through which there can be fed a feed substance which, when exiting from the outlet, has a pressure (p) in the feed line which has a course over time with a first characteristic in the absence of the liquid and has a course over time with a second characteristic in the presence of the liquid. The sensor device includes a sensing instrument (20-23) for sensing the pressure fluctuations in the feed line (10) and evaluator (30) which is designed to assign the sensed pressure fluctuations to the first or second characteristic and to generate a corresponding signal which indicates whether the liquid (1) is absent or present at the feed line outlet (10a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: RHYTON GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Ulrich AMMANN