Abstract: A prediction method for predicting freezing of a liquid flowing in a pipe of a liquid meter includes steps of: acquiring measurements of air temperature in the liquid meter; evaluating an air temperature prediction parameter and then, from the air temperature prediction parameter, evaluating a liquid temperature prediction parameter; using the liquid temperature prediction parameter to estimate a duration-to-freezing between a present instant and an instant at which the liquid risks freezing; and generating an alarm if the duration-to-freezing is less than a predetermined time threshold.

Abstract: A method for managing a communicating meter, for measuring consumption of a fluid, the meter including a measurement unit for acquiring measurements of consumption of the fluid at a parameterisable frequency. The method is implemented by the communicating meter and the method includes the following steps: acquiring at least one value of the consumption flow rate (d(t)) of the fluid at an active parameterisable frequency (fact), (e) updating the active parameterisable frequency (fact) at least according to the value of the flow rate (d(t)) acquired, according to at least one other flow rate value previously acquired and according to a frequency determined from a non-zero probability (p(t)) of a variation in consumption flow rate of the fluid higher than a flow rate variation threshold, and reimplementation of the method with the updated active parameterisable frequency.

Abstract: A method for managing a communicating meter supplied by cell, for measuring consumption of a fluid, the meter including a measurement unit. The meter has three operating modes: a nominal operating mode wherein the measurement unit makes measurements at a predetermined nominal frequency, a degraded operating mode wherein the measurement unit makes measurements at a predetermined degraded frequency lower than the nominal, and a minimum operating mode wherein the measurement unit makes measurements at the predetermined degraded frequency, and a control unit of the meter performs the following steps: making an estimation of the remaining capacity of the meter battery; requesting that the meter passes from the nominal to the degraded operating mode when the estimation is below or equal to a first threshold; and requesting that the meter passes from the degraded to the minimum operating mode when the estimation is below or equal to a second threshold.

Abstract: An ultrasonic fluid meter comprising a conduit in which a fluid can flow, an ultrasonic measuring device comprising an upstream transducer and a downstream transducer for evaluating a current flow rate, a valve comprising a movable member for controlling the current flow rate, a position sensor for measuring a current position of the movable member, a processing circuit for, if the current position of the movable member is such that the current flow rate cannot be measured by the ultrasonic measuring device, evaluating the current flow rate as a function of the current position of the movable member and of a pressure value which is representative of a difference between a second pressure of the fluid downstream of the valve, evaluated via an impedance of the downstream transducer, and a first pressure of the fluid upstream of the valve, evaluated via an impedance of the upstream transducer.

Abstract: An ultrasonic fluid meter comprises a conduit (4) in which a fluid can flow, an ultrasonic measurement device (6) for evaluating a current flow rate of the fluid, a valve (12) comprising a moving member (14) for controlling the current flow rate of the fluid, a position sensor (15) for measuring a current position of the moving member (14), a first pressure sensor (16) for measuring a first pressure of the fluid upstream of the valve (12), and a second pressure sensor (17) for measuring a second pressure of the fluid downstream of the valve (12), and a processing circuit (5) for evaluating the current flow rate as a function of the current position of the moving member (14) and of a pressure value representative of a difference between the second pressure and the first pressure, if the current flow rate cannot be measured by the ultrasonic measurement device (6).

Abstract: An ultrasonic fluid meter comprises a conduit (4) in which a fluid can flow, an ultrasonic measurement device (6) for evaluating a current flow rate of the fluid, a valve (12) comprising a moving member (14) for controlling the current flow rate of the fluid, a position sensor (15) for measuring a current position of the moving member (14), a first pressure sensor (16) for measuring a first pressure of the fluid upstream of the valve (12), and a second pressure sensor (17) for measuring a second. pressure of the fluid downstream of the valve (12), and a processing circuit (5) for evaluating the current flow rate as a function of the current position of the moving member (14) and of a pressure value representative of a difference between the second pressure and the first pressure, if the current flow rate cannot be measured by the ultrasonic measurement device (6).

Abstract: An ultrasonic fluid meter includes an ultrasonic measuring device, a valve comprising a movable member, a position sensor configured to measure the current position of the movable member, a pressure sensor arranged to measure the pressure of the fluid in the conduit; and a processing circuit arranged, if the current position of the movable member is such that the current flow rate cannot be measured by the ultrasonic measurement device, to evaluate the current flow rate as a function of the current position of the movable member, of the pressure of the fluid to the current flow rate, and of the pressure of the fluid at zero flow rate.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a solenoid valve, including regularly repeated monitoring stages and each comprising the steps of driving the electric motor of the solenoid valve to modify the current position of it movable member; evaluating a monitoring value representative of an inrush current of the electric motor during the driving step; comparing the monitoring value with at least one first predetermined threshold and, if the monitoring value is greater than said first predetermined threshold, implementing at least one corrective action to avoid a blockage of the solenoid valve.

Abstract: An ultrasonic fluid meter comprising a conduit in which a fluid can flow, an ultrasonic measuring device comprising an upstream transducer and a downstream transducer for evaluating a current flow rate, a valve comprising a movable member for controlling the current flow rate, a position sensor for measuring a current position of the movable member, a processing circuit for, if the current position of the movable member is such that the current flow rate cannot be measured by the ultrasonic measuring device, evaluating the current flow rate as a function of the current position of the movable member and of a pressure value which is representative of a difference between a second pressure of the fluid downstream of the valve, evaluated via an impedance of the downstream transducer, and a first pressure of the fluid upstream of the valve, evaluated via an impedance of the upstream transducer.

Abstract: A piezoelectric cell support for an ultrasonic transducer, the support including a front face having formed thereon: a first shoulder that defines a bearing surface and a bottom of a central cavity surrounded by the bearing surface, the bearing surface being suitable for having a piezoelectric cell placed thereon; retention device(s) for holding the piezoelectric cell on the bearing surface and for positioning it angularly; and a rear face having a sloping surface that gives a top portion of the support a first thickness that is less than a second thickness of a bottom portion of the support.

Abstract: An enclosure for an ultrasonic transducer is configured for variable moisture protection. During storage and transport, the enclosure may be kept in a sealed state, which prevents entry of humidity. During operation in a wet environment (e.g., in a water meter attached to a pipe) water leaks into the enclosure very slowly, even when sealed. Accordingly, a tube is opened, allowing water molecules to be exhausted from the enclosure and absorbed by a desiccant within the water meter. In an example, a tube passes from an interior of the enclosure to an exterior of the enclosure. An end cap on the tube prevents humid air from entering the enclosure during storage and transport of the ultrasonic transducer. During operation in a humid environment, removal of the end cap allows air exchange to ventilate the enclosure and allows a desiccant outside the enclosure to absorb humidity exhausted from the enclosure.

Abstract: A prediction method for predicting freezing of a liquid flowing in a pipe of a liquid meter includes steps of: acquiring measurements of air temperature in the liquid meter; evaluating an air temperature prediction parameter and then, from the air temperature prediction parameter, evaluating a liquid temperature prediction parameter; using the liquid temperature prediction parameter to estimate a duration-to-freezing between a present instant and an instant at which the liquid risks freezing; and generating an alarm if the duration-to-freezing is less than a predetermined time threshold.

Abstract: A gateway acts as an intermediary between a plurality of smart fluid meters and an information system responsible for collecting metering index readings made by said smart fluid meters. The gateway is connected to the information system by a first communication network, and the gateway is connected to first smart fluid meters from said plurality by means of a second long-range radio communication network, said first smart fluid meters being able to act as relays for second smart fluid meters by means of a third short-range radio communication network. The gateway selects one or more first smart fluid meters as relays, according to the battery charge levels obtained, and configures the second communication network accordingly.

Abstract: A plug is adapted for connection to an ultrasonic transducer to protect and guide wiring during storage, transportation, and the manufacturing process. The plug protects and orients wires to allow for automated manufacturing and to provide an improved connection between the transducer and an electronic printed circuit board. The plug may include a first portion having wire guide(s) and a second portion configured for attachment to the transducer. The plug includes at least one wire guide to protect wire(s) that connect the ultrasonic transducer to a printed circuit board. A wire extends through a passage defined in each wire guide on a first portion of the plug. The first portion slides with respect to the second portion to expose portions of first and second wires carried within the first and second channels, respectively. Once exposed, the wires can be soldered to a PCB in an automated manner.

Abstract: A measurement method for measuring the temperature of water in a meter includes the steps of: causing an emitter transducer of the meter to emit an ultrasonic measurement signal, and acquiring an electrical measurement signal produced by a receiver transducer of the meter; measuring a speed of the ultrasonic measurement signal in the water and a level of the electrical measurement signal; using the level of the electrical measurement signal to determine whether the temperature of the water is less than or greater than an inflection temperature corresponding to a point of inflection; estimating the temperature of the water from the speed of the ultrasonic measurement signal by using a first formula if the temperature of the water is less than the inflection temperature, and by using a second formula if the temperature of the water is greater than the inflection temperature.

Abstract: An enclosure for an ultrasonic transducer is configured for variable moisture protection. During storage and transport, the enclosure may be kept in a sealed state, which prevents entry of humidity. During operation in a wet environment (e.g., in a water meter attached to a pipe) water leaks into the enclosure very slowly, even when sealed. Accordingly, a tube is opened, allowing water molecules to be exhausted from the enclosure and absorbed by a desiccant within the water meter. In an example, a tube passes from an interior of the enclosure to an exterior of the enclosure. An end cap on the tube prevents humid air from entering the enclosure during storage and transport of the ultrasonic transducer. During operation in a humid environment, removal of the end cap allows air exchange to ventilate the enclosure and allows a desiccant outside the enclosure to absorb humidity exhausted from the enclosure.

Abstract: A wear evaluation method for evaluating the wear of a vehicle wheel tire (3) having a tread with a crown area, the method comprising the following measurement steps: causing a transducer (1) positioned on the vehicle in the proximity of the tire (3) to emit a first ultrasonic signal (S1); acquiring an electrical measurement signal produced by said transducer when it receives a second ultrasound signal (S2) resulting from the first ultrasonic signal being reflected by a metal target (4) incorporated in the thickness of the crown area of the tire; measuring at least one parameter of the electrical measurement signal; evaluating the wear of the tire from said parameter.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for configuring a bi-material enclosure for an acoustic sensor assembly, such as for use in a water or gas metering applications, or other applications using piezo and/or transducer devices. A plastic housing with mechanical reinforcements (e.g., 40% glass fiber) provides the advantage of strength and resistance to a high-pressure environment encountered during use. Use of a plastic sleeve having less or no reinforcements provides more consistent signal reception and data generation between different transducer assemblies under the same or similar conditions. Accordingly, the bi-material transducer enclosure provides a high resistance to pressure and/or high reproducibility of signal-transmission characteristics between transducer assemblies.

Abstract: An enclosure for an ultrasonic transducer is configured for variable moisture protection. During storage and transport, the enclosure may be kept in a sealed state, which prevents entry of humidity. During operation in a wet environment (e.g., in a water meter attached to a pipe) water leaks into the enclosure very slowly, even when sealed. Accordingly, a tube is opened, allowing water molecules to be exhausted from the enclosure and absorbed by a desiccant within the water meter. In an example, a tube passes from an interior of the enclosure to an exterior of the enclosure. An end cap on the tube prevents humid air from entering the enclosure during storage and transport of the ultrasonic transducer. During operation in a humid environment, removal of the end cap allows air exchange to ventilate the enclosure and allows a desiccant outside the enclosure to absorb humidity exhausted from the enclosure.

Abstract: A method of detecting and locating a leak, the method comprising, for each ultrasonic fluid meter, the following steps of , acquiring or evaluating noise levels, each associated with a respective different detection period, each noise level being representative of the level of a leakage noise signal contained in the measurement samples coming from measurements taken by the transducer of said ultrasonic fluid meter during the associated detection period; comparing each noise level with a noise threshold; and detecting that a fluid leak is present in the proximity of the ultrasonic fluid meter on detecting at least a predetermined number of successive noise levels that are greater than the predetermined noise threshold and that correspond to detection periods that are spaced apart in time by at least a predetermined duration.