2050results about "Fluid-tightness measurement" patented technology

Systems and methods for determining the integrity of an endoscope. The systems and methods provide for an air enclosure which includes the internal area of the sleeve or tubing of the endoscope to be pressurized. Pressure measurements of the air enclosure are then taken both before and after the endoscope is manipulated by a user. The systems and methods may also or alternatively vent air from inside the endoscope to a humidity detector to detect the presence of fluid inside the endoscope.

Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling fluid consumption in a fluid-supply system are disclosed using one or more sensors for generating signals indicative of the operation thereof. In one embodiment, a method of preventing freezing of a conduit for fire suppression fluid in a fire sprinkler system includes sensing, with a temperature sensor, a temperature at a location; and if the sensed temperature falls below a predetermined threshold, sending, to at least one fluid control device interfaced with the conduit, at least one control signal to impede a flow of fire suppression fluid through the conduit.

A sensing probe is described. The sensing probe includes a probe housing having a probe tip. A thermal sensor in the housing is also included. The thermal sensor has a sensing end and a connector end, where the sensing end is thermally coupled to the probe tip. Also included are at least two leads. The leads transfer electrical signals that are used to determine temperature and conductivity. Also included is a thermal well. The thermal well includes a hollow housing of a thermally conductive material. The housing has an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface is a predetermined shape so as to form a mating relationship with a sensing probe. The mating thermally couples the inner surface with a sensing probe. In some embodiments, the thermal well is located on a disposable portion and the sensing probe on a reusable portion.

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to certain types of reciprocating positive-displacement pumps (which may be referred to hereinafter as “pods,”“pump pods,” or “pod pumps”) used to pump fluids, such as a biological fluid (e.g., blood or peritoneal fluid), a therapeutic fluid (e.g., a medication solution), or a surfactant fluid. The pumps may be configured specifically to impart low shear forces and low turbulence on the fluid as the fluid is pumped from an inlet to an outlet. Such pumps may be particularly useful in pumping fluids that may be damaged by such shear forces (e.g., blood, and particularly heated blood, which is prone to hemolysis) or turbulence (e.g., surfactants or other fluids that may foam or otherwise be damaged or become unstable in the presence of turbulence).

A computerized method for monitoring a water utility network, the water utility network comprising a network of pipes for delivering water to consumers and a plurality of meters positioned within the pipes across the water distribution network. The method includes receiving meter data representing parameters measured by the meters, such as flow, pressure, chlorine level, pH and turbidity of the water being distributed through the pipes. The method also includes receiving secondary data from sources external to the meters and representing conditions affecting consumption of water in a region serviced by the water utility network such as weather and holidays. The meter and secondary data is analyzed using statistical techniques to identify water network events including leakage events and other events regarding quantity and quality of water flowing through the pipes and operation of the water network. The events are reported to users via a user interface.

The present invention provides a long-range, untethered, live, in-pipe inspection system that includes a self-propelled train having a plurality of modules; joint members for interconnecting adjacent modules, data collection components, and wireless communication components for transmitting collected data and receiving control messages. The module-train includes, generally, at least one, and preferably two drive modules, at least one power module and an electronics module. The train may additionally include at least one support module, which may be interposed between the power and electronics modules. In one embodiment of the invention, there are two drive modules, one at each terminal end of the train, two power modules, one adjacent to each drive module, two support modules, one adjacent to each power module, and one central electronics and computing module.

The invention discloses a distributed optical fiber oil channel leakage monitoring method and device based on interference theory. The monitoring system needs to lay an optical cable along the channel, and forms a fiber micro oscillation sensor with the fiber in the cable. When the channel has leakage, it will generate leakage noise, thus the fiber micro oscillator sensor can measures the micro oscillation and stress change around the channel, and it can fix on the leakage position quickly and accurately. The device is made up of distributed fiber micro oscillation sensor, guiding fiber and micro oscillation detector. The technology not only can detect the leakage, but also can detect the event which can cause the leakage, and it can send out alarm and accurate localization. The device has high sensitivity and localization precise, and the disturbance ability is strong, and it is reliable.

A sensor apparatus and sensor apparatus system for use in conjunction with a cassette, including a disposable or replaceable cassette. In some embodiments, the cassette includes a thermal well for permitting the sensing of various properties of a subject media. The thermal well includes a hollow housing of a thermally conductive material. In other embodiments, the cassette includes sensor leads for sensing of various properties of a subject media. The thermal well has an inner surface shaped so as to form a mating relationship with a sensing probe. The mating thermally couples the inner surface with a sensing probe. In some embodiments, the thermal well is located on a disposable portion and the sensing probe on a reusable portion.

A system for detecting water leaks is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of sensors, selected from a moisture sensor, a water level sensor, and / or a water temperature sensor. A processor collects moisture readings from the sensors. In one embodiment, the processor reports a possible water leak when a moisture sensor detects moisture above a moisture threshold value. In one embodiment, the processor reports a water leak when the water level reading exceeds a water threshold value and / or when the temperature reading exceeds a temperature threshold value.

The present invention provides systems and methods to use a measured driving-point response of a nonlinear material to determine one or more elastic properties of the material. The present invention takes advantage of the full information represented by the transient component, the steady-state component, the anharmonic components, and the nonlinear response components of a measured driving-point response of a real nonlinear material, without limitation in the use of large-amplitude forces. The elastic properties are determined by forming and solving a time-domain system of linear equations representing a differential equation model of the driving-point motions of the material. Based on a single, short duration, large-amplitude driving point measurement, both linear and nonlinear properties can be determined; both large-amplitude and near-zero amplitude properties can be determined; and elastic-wave speed and elastic moduli and their variation with depth can be determined. The present invention also provides a system and a method to filter an input signal to either attenuate or preserve each of one or more selected harmonic components that are harmonics of a phase reference signal.

Techniques and apparatuses for wind turbine component fatigue load measurement and assessment are disclosed. In one embodiment the component is a tower, fore-aft and side-to-side signals from a two-axis accelerometer attached to a bedplate of a wind turbine are used to measure tower fatigue loads. A yaw axis azimuth position signal can also be used for tower fatigue load measurement and assessment.

The invention relates bridge structure safety evaluation technology by means of combining vibration measuring and structural model analysis techniques for bridge erosion evaluation and pre-warning monitoring applications. This technology can also be applied for long-term bridge structure monitoring and safety evaluation as well as judgment and evaluation of rail structure abnormality.

Apparatus and methods for detecting and eliminating water flow leakage conditions within appliances having integral water filtration systems. Leak free water delivery systems for use with an appliance can include an isolation valve and flow sensor for providing a response mechanism for possible water leakages within the integral water filtrations system. The appliance makes use of a flow sensor to sense water flow rates within a preselected flow range. When water flow rates outside the preselected flow range are sensed, the isolation valve is closed to prevent non-transient water flow through the water system. The isolation valve can be remotely located on an inlet line or can be as a part of the integral water filtration system. The integral water filtration system can include a manual or automatic reset mechanism such that a user can restore water flow after a low flow or high flow situation has been rectified.

A system is disclosed for detecting and locating harmful impacts to pipelines using sensors placed along the pipeline. The exact spacing of sensors is site specific and is set with the goal of maximizing sensor spacing without reducing system performance and reliability. At each sensor location, preferably there are four basic components, i.e., a hydrophone, solar power components, and data processing and communications equipment. Each hydrophone directly measures the acoustic noise fluctuation in a pipe section, which propagates at long distances in the pipeline at the specific speed of sound for the particular type of pipe. If specific signal parameters exceed a programmed threshold, a detection message is generated and transmitted via a communications link to a central monitoring and diagnostic center.

The claimed method and system identifies faults and / or deterioration of components in a process control valve. The system may use different sensor combinations to provide the necessary data to compute irregular component integrity. Alerts may be generated to indicate potential component integrity problems. In particular, the system may detect potential deterioration and / or faults in actuator springs, pneumatic tubing and piping, and bellows seals. The claimed system may be communicatively coupled to a process control network to provide a more elaborate alarm system. Moreover, additional statistical methods may be used to refine the detection accuracy of the system.

The present invention provides systems and methods to used a measured driving-point response of a nonlinear material to determined one or more elastic properties of the material. The present invention takes advantage of the full information represented by the transient component, the steady-state component, the anharmonic components, and the nonlinear response components of a measured driving-point response of a real nonlinear material, without limitation in the use of large-amplitude forces. The elastic properties are determined by forming and solving a time-domain system of linear equations representing a differential equation model of the driving-point motions of the material. Based on a single, short duration, large-amplitude driving point measurement, both linear and nonlinear properties can be determined; both large-amplitude and near-zero amplitude properties can be determined; and elastic-wave speed and elastic moduli and their variation with depth can be determined.

A system includes a radiation sensor configured to direct a field of view toward a conduit within a heat recovery steam generator, and to output a signal indicative of a temperature of the conduit. The system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the radiation sensor. The controller is configured to determine the temperature based on the signal, and to compare the temperature to a threshold value.

A system may include a controllable shut-off valve disposed in a water supply line and a water flow sensor disposed in the water supply line. A controller may be coupled to the shut-off valve and the sensor. The controller may be configured to receive information indicative of water flow from the sensor and to instruct the shut-off valve to shut off the water supply line in the event of unusual water usage.

The invention provides an oil pipeline network leakage intelligent self-adaptation monitoring system and method based on big data, and belongs to the technical field of pipeline network internal detection methods. By means of the system and method, a large number of data collected on site can be effectively analyzed in reasonable time, the state of a pipeline network can be obtained by means of an intelligent self-adaptation method, and accordingly a topological structure of the pipeline network is obtained. By means of a flow balance method and with the combination of an information consistency theory, whether the pipeline network leaks is analyzed, and the method is visual, simple, high in sensitivity and low in false alarm rate. Besides, precise warning is well carried out on detection of small leakage amount and slow leakage. By means of a generalized regression neural network, leakage positioning of the pipeline network is carried out, and accuracy of a result is improved. Accordingly, leakage detection and positioning problems of the pipeline network are solved by means of strategies based on the big data and the intelligent self-adaptation method, and meanwhile the aims of high precision and high accuracy can be achieved.

To perform a non-destructive condition assessment of a pipe carrying a fluid, an actual value representative of the propagation velocity of an acoustic disturbance propagating between two longitudinally separated points on the pipe is determined. A corresponding predicted value for the propagation velocity is computed as a function of at least one wall thickness parameter of the pipe by using a theoretical model for the propagation of acoustic waves in the pipe that assumes said pipe has a finite wall thickness with a predetermined circumferential thickness profile. The wall thickness parameter is then computed by matching the actual value with the predicted value, for example, by substituting the actual value in a formula predicting the theoretical value.

A sensor apparatus and sensor apparatus system for use in conjunction with a cassette, including a disposable or replaceable cassette. In some embodiments, the cassette includes a thermal well for permitting the sensing of various properties of a subject media. The thermal well includes a hollow housing of a thermally conductive material. In other embodiments, the cassette includes sensor leads for sensing of various properties of a subject media. The thermal well has an inner surface shaped so as to form a mating relationship with a sensing probe. The mating thermally couples the inner surface with a sensing probe. In some embodiments, the thermal well is located on a disposable portion and the sensing probe on a reusable portion.

The invention relates to a mechanism sealing controllable testing device that includes sealing system, driving system, end face specific pressure loading and servo feed back system, end face attrition torque and end face specific pressure testing system, film thickness testing system, leakage testing system, static loop temperature feedback system, medium temperature and pressure measuring system, experiment medium pressurizing recycling system, data collection and control system. The invention has wide application range, and would be researched under different conditions.

A leak in a membrane on top of a horizontal roof deck is located by applying conductive wires on the membrane underneath the aggregate in a grid pattern. A measuring and switching circuit generates voltage having a positive attached to the roof deck and a negative attached to the wires. The circuit has a relay for each wire which can be switched between a current sensor system and the negative potential. The sensor system is arranged to sense at each of the wires in turn the current flowing from the roof deck through any leak in the membrane to the wire. A microprocessor operates the relays in turn to connect all the other wires to the negative as a shield while each wire is sensed. From the output of the grid the changes in current in the x and y directions are analyzed to locate the leak in the membrane.

A seal monitoring and control system for a gas lubricated non-contacting seal includes various sensors providing signals to a programmable logic control system. The control system is disposed to determine a presence of an anomalous operating condition of the seal, for example, based on phase, relative position of rotor to stator or other signals in combination provided by the various sensors to provide an output signal, which in one embodiment performs at least one mitigating process to correct the anomalous operating condition by adjusting at least one operating parameter of the seal.

Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling water consumption in a water-supply system are disclosed using one or more sensors for generating signals indicative of the operation thereof. In one embodiment, a method of preventing freezing of a water conduit in a water-supply system comprises sensing, with a temperature sensor, a temperature at a location; and, if the sensed temperature falls below a predetermined threshold, sending, to at least one fluid control device interfaced with the conduit, at least one control signal to impede a flow of water through the conduit and to drain water from the conduit.

An ultrasound inspection apparatus particularly adapted to examine containers (sealed or unsealed) containing a liquid or solid bulk material. The apparatus has an overall configuration of a hand held pistol with a front transducer contact surface that is positioned against a front wall of the container. An ultrasound pulse is transmitted from the apparatus to be reflected from a back wall of a container being investigated. The received echo pulse is converted to a digital waveform. The waveform is analyzed relative to temperature, travel distance of the pulse(s), and time of travel to ascertain characteristics of the liquid or other materials and to provide identification of the same.

The useful life of an abrasive material transport hose (10) can be maximized if the hose is repositioned at the first signs of internal wear. This is accomplished by disposing at least two wear sensing elements (17, 21), each at a specified distance from the inwardmost surface of the inner tube (12), and each monitoring a condition indicative of wear of the hose (10) at its specified distance from the inwardmost surface of the inner tube. When the innermost wear sensing element (17) implies wear, the hose can be repositioned to extend the useful life until the outermost wear sensing element (21) indicates wear requiring replacement of the hose.

Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling water consumption in a water-based system are disclosed using one or more sensors for generating signals indicative of the operation thereof. One or more interface modules are provided as breaker circuits for receiving the generated signals, and a fluid control device is operable for limiting the water consumption. A motherboard receives the interface modules and provides communication therebetween for information processing. Signals from the various sensors are supplied to a controller, which provides signals to status indicators, and also operates to provide alarm signals via network interfaces to remote locations. In an alternate embodiment, a water monitoring system is designed to shut off the water supply to the water device and to shut off either the electrical supply or the gas supply to the heating unit of the water device in response to sensing a malfunction through one or more sensed parameters.