By Residual Capacity Measurement Patents (Class 73/74)
  • Patent number: 10977805
    Abstract: The invention relates to cloud server-based mice intelligent monitoring system and method, the system comprises a thermal infrared camera device, an intelligent terminal and a cloud server connected in sequence, and the thermal infrared camera device monitors activity track of a mouse by using thermal infrared sensing technology and camera technology, and sends monitored video frames to the intelligent terminal; the intelligent terminal discriminates moving object, records the current video frame and marks motion track, and transmits a video segment with the motion track to the cloud server; the cloud server recognizes the moving mouse and stores the current video segment, and marks mouse position and motion trajectory in the current video segment, and then aggregates and analyzes data to obtain relevant parameter information of the moving mouse to realize the intelligent monitoring of the mouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Malogic Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Eliza Wong Ping Far
  • Patent number: 10859482
    Abstract: A method of detecting an organic residue is provided. The method comprises a step of bringing a liquid A into contact with a surface of a base material; a step of measuring the contact angle (i) of a liquid B on the surface with which the liquid A came into contact; a step of heating and drying the base material; a step of measuring the contact angle (ii) of the liquid B on the dried surface; and a step of comparing the contact angle (i) with the contact angle (ii).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hyou Takahashi, Yohei Hamade, Ken Ikegame
  • Patent number: 9782302
    Abstract: A wetness sensor includes a substrate that carries a tuned RF circuit. The circuit includes a conductive pattern applied to the substrate, a capacitor, and a jumper all disposed on a same side of the substrate. The conductive pattern includes an inductive coil, and an inner and outer terminus. The jumper electrically couples the inner terminus to the outer terminus. The jumper also includes a frangible link which, when contacted by a target fluid, produces a drastic change in the operation of the RF circuit. The drastic change can be interpreted by a remote reader as a “wet” condition. Contact of the frangible link by the target fluid may change the impedance or resistance of the RF circuit by at least a factor of 5, 10, 100, or more, and/or may cause the frangible link to disintegrate to produce an open circuit, and/or may substantially render the RF circuit inoperative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Justin M. Johnson, Lori-Ann S. Prioleau, Brinda B. Badri, James C. Vanous, Robert D. Lorentz, Jacob D. Chatterton, Steven J. Perron, Donald R. Battles
  • Patent number: 8978452
    Abstract: A wetness sensor includes a substrate that carries a tuned RF circuit. The circuit includes a conductive pattern applied to the substrate, a capacitor, and a jumper all disposed on a same side of the substrate. The conductive pattern includes an inductive coil, and an inner and outer terminus. The jumper electrically couples the inner terminus to the outer terminus. The jumper also includes a frangible link which, when contacted by a target fluid, produces a drastic change in the operation of the RF circuit. The drastic change can be interpreted by a remote reader as a “wet” condition. Contact of the frangible link by the target fluid may change the impedance or resistance of the RF circuit by at least a factor of 5, 10, 100, or more, and/or may cause the frangible link to disintegrate to produce an open circuit, and/or may substantially render the RF circuit inoperative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Justin M. Johnson, Lori-Ann S. Prioleau, Brinda B. Badri, James C. Vanous, Robert D. Lorentz, Jacob D. Chatterton, Steven J. Perron, Donald R. Battles
  • Patent number: 8800353
    Abstract: Described herein are systems, apparatuses and methods for the design and use of a suction-controlled box for the measurement of stress-dependent soil and water characteristics, shear strength, volume changes and consolidation characteristics from a single unsaturated soil specimen. The suction-controlled box can include a suction control part and a mechanical loading part, which can apply various suctions and mechanical loadings to test a specimen for a full range of suctions. The suction-controlled box can also include a helical water compartment that can flush diffused air bubbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
    Inventor: Charles Wang Wai Ng
  • Patent number: 8751169
    Abstract: A method for identifying the source of vermiculite insulation in situ using a portable spectrometer with a light-emitting contact probe and a personal computer. Identification is accomplished using NIR reflectance spectroscopy and absorption band depth ratios to differentiate between vermiculite sources and to test for the presence of amphibole, talc, or serpentine contaminants in vermiculite insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Department of the Interior
    Inventors: Gregg A. Swayze, Heather A. Lowers, Roger N. Clark
  • Patent number: 8631686
    Abstract: Traditional porous material testing does not provide a measure of how well the porous material will perform in oil spill conditions. We disclose a new system that can analyze and determine the absorptive capability and oil-selectivity of a porous material in a moving mixture of oil and water, under different environmental conditions of pressure and wind. Our system allows the porous material under test and the mixture of oil and water to experience complex motion trajectories, and we measure the absorption capacity as well as the rate of oil absorption under different environmental conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Vineel Chakradhar
  • Patent number: 8511151
    Abstract: A pressure sensor, comprising: a semiconductor pressure measuring transducer having a measuring membrane and a circuit for transducing a deformation of the measuring membrane into a signal; a pressure transfer structure having a hydraulic path, which extends through a solid body between a first a second opening. The first opening is sealed by an isolating diaphragm, which is contactable with a pressure, in order to introduce the pressure to be measured into the hydraulic path. The hydraulic path opens, at the second opening, into a transducer chamber, in which the pressure measuring transducer is arranged and which is sealed by the measuring membrane of the pressure measuring transducer. The hydraulic path contains a transfer liquid; a filling element, which is arranged in the transducer chamber, in order to fill hollow spaces between metal walls of the transducer chamber and the semiconductor pressure measuring transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Raimund Becher, Ralf Nurnberger, Fred Haker, Olaf Krusemark, Olaf Textor
  • Publication number: 20130036802
    Abstract: A wetness sensor includes a substrate that carries a tuned RF circuit. The circuit includes a conductive pattern applied to the substrate, a capacitor, and a jumper all disposed on a same side of the substrate. The conductive pattern includes an inductive coil, and an inner and outer terminus. The jumper electrically couples the inner terminus to the outer terminus. The jumper also includes a frangible link which, when contacted by a target fluid, produces a drastic change in the operation of the RF circuit. The drastic change can be interpreted by a remote reader as a “wet” condition. Contact of the frangible link by the target fluid may change the impedance or resistance of the RF circuit by at least a factor of 5, 10, 100, or more, and/or may cause the frangible link to disintegrate to produce an open circuit, and/or may substantially render the RF circuit inoperative.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Justin M. Johnson, Lori-Ann S. Prioleau, Brinda B. Badri, James C. Vanous, Robert D. Lorentz, Jacob D. Chatterton, Steven J. Perron, Donald R. Battles
  • Publication number: 20130000393
    Abstract: A moisture content sensing system is described comprising a collar mechanically coupled with a clean grain transport system. An extendable support extends through the collar and has an extendable capacitive sensor element disposed at one end. The extendable support is configured to be located at a first position in which the extendable capacitive sensor element is disposed adjacent to clean grain conveyed by the clean grain transport system and moved to a second position wherein the extendable capacitive sensor element is disposed at least partially within the clean grain of the clean grain transport system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Cash, D'Anne Beukelaur Hanks, Arthur F. Lange, Brian Jackman, Brian A. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20120216607
    Abstract: A system is provided for detecting moisture at an absorbent article. The system includes a device arranged to be attached on the absorbent article and a resonance circuit including a moisture sensitive part, wherein the resonance circuit has a first resonance frequency when the moisture sensitive part is in a dry condition and a second resonance frequency when the moisture sensitive part is in a moist condition. The system further includes a monitoring unit being arranged to transmit a test signal to the device, receive a response signal from the device, determine a frequency of the response signal and generate a detection signal if the determined frequency corresponds to the second resonance frequency. There is also provided a method for detecting moisture at a device attached on an absorbent article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: PAMPETT AB
    Inventors: Johan Sjöholm, Christofer Lundin, Olle Hydbom
  • Patent number: 8015860
    Abstract: A method of measuring the deposition of a composition onto a substrate. This information can be used to correlate how the composition will deposit on sanitary ware, such as shower cubicles, baths, and wash basins. The composition can be a liquid personal cleansing composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Peter R. Hilliard, Jr., Joseph R. Knorr
  • Publication number: 20100212410
    Abstract: A method of measuring the deposition of a composition onto a substrate. This information can be used to correlate how the composition will deposit on sanitary ware, such as shower cubicles, baths, and wash basins. The composition can be a liquid personal cleansing composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventors: Peter R. Hilliard, JR., Joseph R. Knorr
  • Patent number: 7735356
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus of submergence aggregate according to the present invention comprising a stock bin for storing fine aggregate, a fine aggregate feed hopper placed under the stock bin, a vibrating feeder placed under a discharge opening of the fine aggregate feed hopper, a screen device placed in the vicinity of an exit of the vibrating feeder, a measurement tank placed under the screen device, an electrode-type displacement sensor as means for measuring a water level placed above the measurement tank, and load cells as mass measuring means for measuring a mass of the measurement tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Obayashi Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Sogo, Ryuichi Chikamatsu, Koji Watanabe, Hisayoshi Kikkawa
  • Patent number: 7516651
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method that relates to determining water content of a solid insulation at a specific location within a transformer. The method comprising, determining a temperature of the solid insulation at a specific location, calculating a relative moisture saturation of the oil at the specific location, calculating the ultimate water content in the solid insulation at the specific location, and calculating an actual water content in the solid insulation at the specific location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jacques Aubin, Claude Beauchemin, Nagui Kamel
  • Publication number: 20080295582
    Abstract: This invention relates to various methods for using a thermal imaging apparatus to inspect exterior and interior residential components. In particular these methods can be used to detect mold in residential building components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Peng Lee, Kevin J. Seddon
  • Patent number: 7437957
    Abstract: A porous medium tensiometer has a filling mechanism which allows to fill a fluid chamber and simultaneously withdraw gas contained in the fluid chamber. A self-priming tensiometer includes a porous material tip having a first section surrounded by a fluid-impermeable membrane, a second section, a threshold suction range and pores, the pores auto-filling with liquid when in fluid communication with a porous medium having a liquid potential being at least equal, in absolute value, to the threshold suction range, the liquid contained in the pores having a liquid pressure representative of the liquid potential; a one-way fluid control device in fluid communication with the porous material tip and allowing fluid contained in pores of the porous material to exit therethrough when the porous material tip auto-fills with liquid; and a pressure transducer in liquid communication with the porous material tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Hortau Inc.
    Inventors: Philippe Jobin, Jean Caron, Sébastien Descoteaux, Jocelyn Boudreau
  • Patent number: 7421887
    Abstract: A method for moisture detection and removal is provided. The method involves providing discrete feedback as an indication of current moisture accumulation on a surface of a perforated plane, wherein the plane includes at least one moisture sensor, integrated within the surface to form the plane, comparing the indication of current moisture accumulation with a threshold value, when the indication of current moisture accumulation exceeds the threshold value, sending an activation signal to a moisture removal mechanism, removing the current moisture accumulation from an area of the first surface bound by the at least one moisture sensor, and clearing the indication of current moisture accumulation to avoid any unnecessary operation of the moisture removal mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Scott D. Stackelhouse
  • Patent number: 7207212
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus of submergence aggregate according to the present invention comprising a stock bin for storing fine aggregate, a fine aggregate feed hopper placed under the stock bin, a vibrating feeder placed under a discharge opening of the fine aggregate feed hopper, a screen device placed in the vicinity of an exit of the vibrating feeder, a measurement tank placed under the screen device, an electrode-type displacement sensor as means for measuring a water level placed above the measurement tank, and load cells as mass measuring means for measuring a mass of the measurement tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Obayashi Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Sogo, Ryuichi Chikamatsu, Koji Watanabe, Hisayoshi Kikkawa
  • Patent number: 7063270
    Abstract: Irrigation systems, moisture sensors and related methods having a sensor embedded in the ground to sense moisture and help control watering. The sensor is responsive to capacitance changes from ground moisture variations. The sensor uses spaced insulated electrodes which are mounted within a granular filled chamber within a water-permeable shell. The sensor is mounted as part of a ground unit that also includes a high frequency driver that excites the sensor. The ground unit further has a detector circuit which produces a moisture indicating signal based on the capacitance which varies with ground moisture. Also disclosed are controllers that electrically isolate the ground units so that reliable moisture signals can be obtained and used to control irrigation. The controllers can be configured to provide multiple zone operation using a shared controller having shared or independent moisture adjusters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventors: John R. Bowers, John W. Bowers
  • Patent number: 6981405
    Abstract: A device for determining moisture has an LC-oscillating circuit as a transducer and an oscillator for exciting the oscillating circuit. Further, the device for determining moisture has a tuning device for frequency-wise tuning the oscillator and a measuring and evaluation circuit to determine an attenuation condition of the oscillator and to provide a signal that is proportional to a degree of moisture at the transducer. The transducer and the oscillator are coupled in a contact-free manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Vogt Electronic AG
    Inventor: Willi Wimmer
  • Patent number: 6938461
    Abstract: A constant-head soil permeameter for determining hydraulic conductivity of earthen materials is inserted into a borehole at the desired test depth. A calibrated reservoir, disposed on the ground surface, is attached thereto with a suitable length of hose. Water is added to the calibrated reservoir and allowed to flow freely into the borehole until an equilibrium level is reached in the borehole and inside the soil permeameter. The water flowing to the permeameter is throttled by buoyant float pressure that is greatly increased by a single lever, lever-lever, or lever-link-lever valve control assembly which provides considerable versatility and mechanical advantage, thereby allowing more constant head control and much greater depths of testing than previously attained by known permeameters. A filtered vent system, backflow check valve, and seals restrict entry of soil particles and debris, thereby minimizing cleaning and maintenance of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Larry K. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6935166
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining the moisture content of bulk material, in particular potting soil, wherein the volume of a quantity of bulk material is determined, the weight of the quantity of bulk material is determined, the specific density is then determined from the volume and the weight, and finally the moisture content is determined by comparison with a table. The invention further relates to a method and apparatus for preparing bulk material, in particular potting soil, with a predetermined moisture content, wherein the volume of a quantity of bulk material is determined, the weight of the quantity of bulk material is determined, and water is then added to the quantity of bulk material until the weight associated with the desired moisture content is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Visser's-Gravendeel Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Cornelis F. T. Visser
  • Patent number: 6913780
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inspecting deposition characteristics of a deposit on the surface of a protective film predominantly containing carbon of a magnetic recording medium, which medium includes a disk and the protective film formed on the disk, the disk including a non-magnetic substrate, a non-magnetic undercoat layer, and a magnetic layer, the layers being formed on the substrate, wherein the method includes comparing a predetermined threshold with the extraction amount of an inspection gas component and/or a compound component formed so as to contain the inspection gas component, the gas component and/or the compound component being extracted with an inspection solvent after the magnetic recording medium is allowed to stand in an atmosphere of the inspection gas component; a process for producing a magnetic recording medium in which the extraction amount is equal to or greater than the threshold, the extraction amount being obtained through the inspection method; and a magnetic recor
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventors: Junya Kato, Mikio Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6904789
    Abstract: A sensor to detect the presence of water or moisture in bulk materials includes a standard circuit board and a three element transmission line. The sensor electronics include an oscillator responsive to a direct current voltage supply which provides a square wave voltage signal. The sensor electronics further include a phase detector which detects the difference in phase between the reference square wave voltage signal and a signal provided to the transmission line buried in a medium. The phase difference is proportional to the dielectric constant of the medium surrounding the transmission line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Decagon Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaylon S. Campbell, Warren C. Greenway
  • Patent number: 6802205
    Abstract: A moisture detection system includes an electrical conductor disposed on a surface of a substrate. The electrical conductor has a resonant frequency that varies as a function of an amount of moisture present adjacent the electrical conductor. An oscillator outputs an oscillator signal at a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined frequency. A resonator circuit is coupled to the electrical conductor and is responsive to the oscillator signal and the resonant frequency of the electrical conductor for outputting a resonator signal having an amplitude related to the resonant frequency of the electrical conductor. A filter circuit rectifies and filters the resonator signal and provides it to an analog-to-digital converter which outputs a digital signal related to the rectified and filtered resonator signal. A controller is responsive to the digital signal for causing a system associated with the substrate to operate in accordance with the digital signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Pascal Barguirdjian, Michel Haigron, Allan Rex Hawk, Kwaku Koi Koram
  • Patent number: 6723151
    Abstract: A gas removal filter has an ion exchanger for adsorbing a gas and at least a pair of electric resistance measuring electrodes disposed on the ion exchanger. By measuring a change in the electric resistance between at least the pair of electric resistance measuring electrodes disposed on the ion exchanger, it is possible to estimate an ion exchange group consumption ratio of the ion exchanger. The ion exchange group consumption ratio of the ion exchanger can be detected in a short period of time, and a remaining adsorption capability of the ion exchanger can be known with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Tanaka, Yoko Suzuki, Takashi Kishi
  • Patent number: 6655315
    Abstract: Moisture indicators comprising, as active principle, copper chloride or another salt capable of releasing Cu++ and Cl− ions, and synergistic salts containing chloride ions, which may be hygroscopic on a suitable support. Depending on the application, the support may be amorphous silica or silica gel; a solid paper support for making a moisture-indicating label; or a bentonite or calcium sulphate for making pellets by mechanical pressing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Levosil S.p.A.
    Inventor: Marco Gattiglia
  • Publication number: 20030219661
    Abstract: A photosensitive media cartridge includes an ambient condition sensor mounted in the cartridge for sensing ambient conditions in the cartridge. When the cartridge is positioned at a media transfer position on an image-forming device that permits the conveyance of media from the cartridge to the image-forming device, image development or printing on the media in the image-forming device is controlled based on the sensed ambient conditions in the cartridge. The ambient condition sensor includes a cover layer and a conductive layer, wherein a rate of response to ambient conditions of the cover layer matches rate of response to ambient conditions of the photosensitive media to be developed. As a further option, the media itself can include a conductive layer so that the media can be the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Loretta E. Allen, Lee Tutt
  • Patent number: 6648903
    Abstract: A medical tensioning cable system provides dynamic tensioning to maintain high tension in a fixation system despite tissue shifting, cable slippage, or other inadvertent loss of tension. An exemplary embodiment of an in-line dynamic tensioning system includes a dynamically tensioning cable retainer, suitably comprising a suture anchor or bone screw, which provides a bias to maintain tension in the cable after installation. The retainer includes a retaining mechanism for retaining the cable or suture and a biasing mechanism connected to the retaining mechanism. In the event of cable slippage or slackening, the biasing mechanism tends to take up the slack and maintain tension. As a result, cable tension is maintained regardless of inadvertent cable slackening after installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Raymond H. Pierson, III
  • Patent number: 6637259
    Abstract: A portable grain moisture measurement device automatically initiates testing at a predetermined grain compression and is calibrated to commercial moisture testers found in various commercial grain elevators so the user can select the commercial tester he wants to match moisture measurements with. The portable meter user can thus set the tester to match the commercial tester which will be testing his grain and can also perform calibration offset adjustments to further conform measurements between his meter and the particular commercial tester actually used, relative to the default moisture curves for each commercial tester, and each type of grain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Worens Group Inc.
    Inventors: Trent A. McElhaney, James T. Falbo, John W. Dubay
  • Patent number: 6622546
    Abstract: A moisture content tester for non-destructive multipurpose testing that may be arranged in a drying apparatus or a testing box for proceeding a test of moisture content for an object to be tested and further have setting function for instructable water-containing rate is comprised of shell body, circuit plate, temperature compensation temperature-sensing bar, emitting pole, receiving pole, and controlling unit. A high frequency is emitted from the emitting pole and received by the receiving pole. Again, the received high frequency (sawtooth waveform) signal is transferred to the controlling unit through the circuit plate. The controlling unit then calculates the value of moisture content according to the received high frequency signal and the temperature value measured by the temperature compensation temperature-sensing bar. Further, the drying motion or displayed water-containing rate of the drying apparatus is controlled according to the value of moisture content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Juen-Kong Wu
  • Patent number: 6604409
    Abstract: The cigar moisture meter comprises a probe engaged to an ohmmeter circuit, the probe being injected into the tip of a cigar to provide a reading of moisture content within the cigar by a measurement of resistance across the leads of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Rudolph C. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 6553813
    Abstract: A moisture meter (1) has a hand-held casing (2) with a digital microcontroller (50), LCD display (4), and a keypad (3). Spring-loaded contacts (6) contact material and allow capacitive impedance measurement via electrodes (5) and drive/pickup circuits (20). Also, a relative humidity probe (9) provides an input so that the processor generates both moisture contact near-surface measurements and also relative humidity measurements. This allows optimum analysis of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Rynhart Research Limited
    Inventors: Alan Rynhart, John Fallon, James McIlroy
  • Patent number: 6499338
    Abstract: Moisture management indexes are determined for a textile sandwiched between two plates. Electrical conductors arranged in concentric opposing pairs are used to measure changes in electrical resistance of the fabric. A quantity of water (or other chosen liquid) is poured down a guide pipe and changes of resistance measured against time. From this data, specific indexes are determined, in a repeatable fashion, and used for determining moisture management characteristics of the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Yi Li, Weilin Xu, Kwok-wing Yeung, Yi-lin Kwok
  • Publication number: 20020160285
    Abstract: A photosensitive media cartridge includes an ambient condition sensor mounted in the cartridge for sensing ambient conditions in the cartridge. When the cartridge is positioned at a media transfer position on an image-forming device that permits the conveyance of media from the cartridge to the image-forming device, image development or printing on the media in the image-forming device is controlled based on the sensed ambient conditions in the cartridge. The ambient condition sensor includes a cover layer and a conductive layer, wherein a rate of response to ambient conditions of the cover layer matches rate of response to ambient conditions of the photosensitive media to be developed. As a further option, the media itself can include a conductive layer so that the media can be the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Loretta E. Allen, Lee Tutt
  • Publication number: 20020071999
    Abstract: A photosensitive media cartridge includes an ambient condition sensor mounted in the cartridge for sensing ambient conditions in the cartridge. When the cartridge is positioned at a media transfer position on an image-forming device that permits the conveyance of media from the cartridge to the image-forming device, image development or printing on the media in the image-forming device is controlled based on the sensed ambient conditions in the cartridge. The ambient condition sensor includes a cover layer and a conductive layer, wherein a rate of response to ambient conditions of the cover layer matches rate of response to ambient conditions of the photosensitive media to be developed. As a further option, the media itself can include a conductive layer so that the media can be the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Loretta E. Allen, Lee Tutt
  • Publication number: 20020062114
    Abstract: An absorbent article that make it possible to assess the amount of the liquid discharging from human body and other spots as well as spreading on a floor without depending on determining a weight difference of the absorbent body (weight after absorption-weight before absorption). An absorbent article comprises a liquid pervious topsheet 101, a liquid impervious backsheet 102 and absorbent body 103 having the capability of retaining liquids positioned therebetween, the absorbent article comprising a topsheet having a mesh-type scale 104 on its outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventors: Kouichi Murai, Yuria Murai
  • Patent number: 6250139
    Abstract: A method for measuring the moisture content in powders or other granular products or for measuring the dry matter of liquid products. The method includes the steps of placing the product on a scoop (8) and weighing it, then inserting the product on the scoop in a sealed glass tube (7), passing a dry gas stream to evacuate the product water content outside of the tube, such that the elimination step is carried out in a closed circuit independently of ambient air in the place where the product is being analyzed before measuring the drained product. The invention also relates to a measuring apparatus for implementing the method. This apparatus includes the sealed glass tube, a dry gas source, one or several sheaths or cells which house the glass tube and which are used for draining the product, gas flow regulators (2), one or several manometers (13), and a pump (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: André Klein
  • Patent number: 6234008
    Abstract: A soil specimen rests on a porous support. The support may be a porous ceramic plate or other body, for instance rated at 15 bar (1,500 kPa) or greater. The plate overlies a reservoir full of water that hydraulically contacts either an elastic membrane, that is fitted with a strain gauge, or a pressure transducer. As the soil specimen dries out, water is drawn from the pore space, which decreases the amount of water surrounding the soil particles, causing an increase in the pore water tension. The tension draws water from the saturated plate and reservoir, causing a change in the output of the strain gauge or pressure transducer. The tension is transduced by the strain gauge or pressure transducer, and is continuously recorded. The entire apparatus described above may rest on a balance. As the soil dries out, and its mass is reduced, the change in mass can be measured, and from the change, the mass of the remaining soil and water can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Kurt Sjoblom, John T. Germaine
  • Patent number: 6176121
    Abstract: A method for determining the residual moisture content during secondary drying in the dry product of a freeze-drying process is disclosed. In order to determine the residual moisture content without interruption of the drying process is suggested that the desorption rate is measured at certain intervals (for example 10 minutes) during the secondary drying phase. A computer calculates from two or several of these measured values the time at which a desorption rate would be reached (desorption rate zero point) which would alter the desired residual moisture by only a tolerably small amount. The respective residual moisture is determined by the computer by chronological integration of desorption rates from zero point until the moment of measurement taking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventor: Georg-Wilhelm Oetjen
  • Patent number: 5969243
    Abstract: The invention relates to a humidity sensor for capacitive measurement of the humidity contained in a material, predominantly a bulk product. For parallel operation of several humidity sensors, one individual humidity sensor has to fulfil particularly high requirements with regard to accuracy, sensitivity and interchangeability. These requirements are fulfilled by the humidity sensor as per the invention firstly in that at least one pole of a stray field condenser arranged in the humidity sensor is fitted as a conductive layer on the side of a closer plate in the casing of the humidity sensor which is turned away from the material or bulk product. Furthermore, there is arranged in the casing a digital arithmetic-logic unit which exhibits a calibration table stored in a digital memory for determination of humidity levels as a function of measurement signals in a capacity measurement circuit which measures the capacity of the stray field condenser and of interference values affecting the humidity sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Liebherr-Mischtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Frey, German Gotz
  • Patent number: 5685192
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring isotherms comprising a two-pressure and/or two-temperature humidity generator having a temperature controlled internal chamber and a microbalance mounted externally such that the mass of a sample suspended within the chamber can be determined without disturbing the controlled environment surrounding the sample. The two-pressure humidity generator has a front panel for controlling humidity and temperature within the internal chamber and an access port that extends into the internal chamber. The balance is situated near the port such that the balance mechanism extends within the internal cheer. The balance mechanism utilizes a means for holding a sample within the chamber such that the mass of the sample can be determined as it equilibrates to the temperature and relative humidity maintained within the internal cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Katherine A. Shriner, Robert A. Curtis, Thomas F. Falls
  • Patent number: 5568818
    Abstract: To determine the density of a stream of fibrous material on a cigarette manufacturing machine, two different measurements are performed, the first of which is capacitive and supplies a first signal as a function of the density of the dry component and of the density of the liquid in the stream of fibrous material, and the second of which is ultrasonic and supplies a second signal indicating the density of the dry component; the second signal is combined with the first signal to obtain a third signal indicating the density of the liquid in the stream of fibrous material; and, from the third and second signals, a fourth signal is obtained indicating the density of the stream of fibrous material as the sum of the density of the dry component and of the liquid in the stream of fibrous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: G.D Societa' Per Azioni
    Inventors: Armando Neri, Giancarlo Santin, Giovanni Squarzoni
  • Patent number: 5550532
    Abstract: A device and method for containing spills and leaks from fuel handling equipment is provided in which differential sensing means detect the presence of hydrocarbons and nonhydrocarbons such as water. Signals and the responses generated according to them may depend upon the nature and quantity of the substance contained in the device. Signalling may be conducted remotely and excavation and reconstruction of service station grounds is minimized with these devices. In a preferred embodiment, the device is made of unitary construction with the differential sensing means formed as a portion of the surface of a containment vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Glen R. Marshall
  • Patent number: 5492023
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically determining the rate of plasticizer absorption of a powdery resin sample such as a vinyl chloride resin sample. The apparatus for automatically determining the rate of plasticizer absorption of a powdery resin sample is one in which the rate of plasticizer absorption is determined by treating, in a centrifugal separator 10, a powdery resin contained in an inspection container 2 together with an excess of a plasticizer, to remove from the powdery resin sample the excess plasticizer, and determining the amount of the plasticizer absorbed by and remaining in the powdery resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Kitamura, Masaru Takeuchi, Hideo Yoshikoshi, Mikio Kitai, Takashi Chino, Yuji Nogami, Hajime Yashiro, Keisuke Kato
  • Patent number: 4911003
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly determining the print quality of a porous material which includes contacting a porous surface with a source of ink, and then providing a known relative acceleration between the ink source and the porous surface. In this manner, a predetermined volume of ink is transferred from the ink source to a known area of the porous surface. Then, the amount of ink transferred into the porous surface area per unit of time is measured to thereby determine the time between initial ink contact and the initial ink penetration, referred to as the wetting delay, the penetration rate of ink into the porous surface, and the volumetric roughness of the porous material. All of these latter parameters are closely correlated to print quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Steven J. Bares
  • Patent number: 4817697
    Abstract: An apparatus for grooving a tire which comprises a tire support shaft for rotatably supporting the tire and a support frame having a cutter device mounted thereon. The cutter device and the tire support shaft are movable relative to each other in a transverse direction parallel with the tire support shaft and perpendicular to the tire support shaft. The cutter is supportable at a desired angle with the tread surface, and the cutter blade is rotatable in the direction of the groove to be formed. The cutting position of the cutter is on the axis of an arm support shaft and is controllable by the combination of orthogonal coordinates to simplify the control program for the apparatus. When required, the cutter is swingably attached to a cutter holder to enable the cutter to cut the tire rubber and to be released therefrom with ease without the need to heat the cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Masao Takami, Toru Nagahata, Masakazu Arita, Eigi Shibata, Tadahiko Tamura
  • Patent number: 4748400
    Abstract: A moisture measurement and control system controlling the amount of moisture in paper being manufactured by papermaking machinery, for example, linerboard, utilizes a standard scanning moisture sensor to calibrate a nonscanning moisture sensor to thus provide very fast and accurate moisture measurements for each zone of the moving paper. The measurement is communicated to a fast response time moisture profiler, for example, of the quartz heater type. In addition, the nonscanning moisture measurement unit, which utilizes capacitive electrodes, has improved accuracy due to its electrode arrangement and signal processing technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Assignee: Impact Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Pekka M. Typpo
  • Patent number: 4546645
    Abstract: Capacitative device for measuring the moisture content of granular or powder materials, particularly materials in motion on a conveyor belt or in a pipe comprising a capacitative probe provided with at least two electrodes separated by an insulating zone and in contact with the material being examined, a support frame for the capacitative probe, and high frequency oscillator circuit associated with the electrodes in order to supply an alternating voltage of a frequency variable with the moisture content. The probe, which has a cylindrical body may be rotated by a motor and comprises cleaning scrapers mounted on the frame which cooperate with the body of the probe when the latter is rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1985
    Assignee: L'Etat Francais represente par le Ministere de l'Urbanisme et du Logement, Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chaussees
    Inventors: Jean P. Delmulle, Bernard Torchet