Quentin F Smisek

US Patent:

8547241, Oct 1, 2013

Filed:

Dec 15, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/969225

Inventors:

Timothy R. Collins - Chaska MN, US
Brian D. Collins - Chaska MN, US
Quentin F. Smisek - Minneapolis MN, US
Daniel J. Smith - Lakeville MN, US

Assignee:

Medi Bag Alarm Inc. - Chaska MN

International Classification:

G08B 21/00

US Classification:

340644, 340540, 604 17, 604335

Abstract:

An alarm unit for signaling impending overflow of a urine or ostomy (waste) bag includes an external magnet held at the end of an arm. An internal ferrous armature attracts the magnet which provides flux holding a switch element open when the magnet provides at least a predetermined flux to the switch. A clamp allows the user to fasten the unit to an edge of the waste bag with the bag walls between the magnet and the armature. When the bag contents reach the magnet, fluid force of the bag contents separates the magnet and the armature, causing the switch element to close and conduct power from a power supply to a signal element. The arm may be flexible. The switch element preferably comprises a reed switch controlling an electronic power switch.

US Patent:

20050263729, Dec 1, 2005

Filed:

May 10, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/125500

Inventors:

Daniel Smith - Lakeville MN, US
Quentin Smisek - Minneapolis MN, US
Haresh Lakhan - Eagan MN, US

International Classification:

G01N015/06

US Classification:

250573000

Abstract:

A flowmeter has a variable area, vertically-oriented duct through which flows fluid whose flow rate is to be determined. A float in the duct assumes a position in the duct that depends on the flow rate of fluid in the duct. A window is located at an end of the duct in alignment with a longitudinal axis of the duct. A transducer unit projects a light beam through the window and along the axis toward the float. The transducer includes a light sensor that detects light returned by the float by reflection or some other mechanism to the transducer unit. The intensity or other characteristic of the returned light indicates the position of the float in the duct, from which the fluid flow rate may be determined.

US Patent:

20070284550, Dec 13, 2007

Filed:

Mar 15, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/686749

Inventors:

Daniel Smith - Lakeville MN, US
Quentin Smisek - Minneapolis MN, US
Haresh Lakhan - Eagan MN, US

International Classification:

G01F 1/66

US Classification:

250573000, 073861000

Abstract:

A flowmeter has a variable area, vertically-oriented duct through which flows fluid whose flow rate is to be determined. A float in the duct assumes a position in the duct that depends on the flow rate of fluid in the duct. A window is located at an end of the duct in alignment with a longitudinal axis of the duct. A transducer unit projects a signal beam comprising either light in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared spectrum, or ultrasound energy. The signal beam propagates in a beam through the window and along the axis toward the float. The transducer includes a sensor that detects the signal energy returned by the float by reflection or some other mechanism to the transducer unit. The intensity or delay time in the returned signal energy indicates the position of the float in the duct, from which the fluid flow rate may be determined.