Michael B Fryer

US Patent:

6711470, Mar 23, 2004

Filed:

Nov 16, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/717180

Inventors:

Steven D. Hartenstein - Idaho Falls ID
Paul L. Tremblay - Idaho Falls ID
Michael O. Fryer - Roberts ID
Frederick A. Hohorst - Idaho Falls ID

Assignee:

Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC - Idaho Falls ID

International Classification:

G05B 1300

US Classification:

700276, 700266, 236 493, 454229, 702 23

Abstract:

A system, method and apparatus is provided for monitoring and adjusting the quality of indoor air. A sensor array senses an air sample from the indoor air and analyzes the air sample to obtain signatures representative of contaminants in the air sample. When the level or type of contaminant poses a threat or hazard to the occupants, the present invention takes corrective actions which may include introducing additional fresh air. The corrective actions taken are intended to promote overall health of personnel, prevent personnel from being overexposed to hazardous contaminants and minimize the cost of operating the HVAC system. The identification of the contaminants is performed by comparing the signatures provided by the sensor array with a database of known signatures. Upon identification, the system takes corrective actions based on the level of contaminant present. The present invention is capable of learning the identity of previously unknown contaminants, which increases its ability to identify contaminants in the future.

US Patent:

61475025, Nov 14, 2000

Filed:

Apr 10, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/058265

Inventors:

Michael O. Fryer - Roberts ID
Andrea J. Hills - Iowa City IA
John L. Morrison - Idaho Falls ID

Assignee:

Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC - Idaho Falls ID

International Classification:

G01R 2704

US Classification:

324637

Abstract:

A self calibrating method and apparatus for measuring butterfat and protein content based on measuring the microwave absorption of a sample of milk at several microwave frequencies. A microwave energy source injects microwave energy into the resonant cavity for absorption and reflection by the sample undergoing evaluation. A sample tube is centrally located in the resonant cavity passing therethrough and exposing the sample to the microwave energy. A portion of the energy is absorbed by the sample while another portion of the microwave energy is reflected back to an evaluation device such as a network analyzer. The frequency at which the reflected radiation is at a minimum within the cavity is combined with the scatter coefficient S. sub. 11 as well as a phase change to calculate the butterfat content in the sample. The protein located within the sample may also be calculated in a likewise manner using the frequency, S. sub.