Flow Metering Patents (Class 702/45)
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Publication number: 20130138364Abstract: A fan of a computing system is associated with a performance characteristic. It may be determined whether a component associated with the computing system is installed based on the performance characteristic.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2011Publication date: May 30, 2013Inventors: David R. Cowles, Rajeev Grover
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Publication number: 20130138251Abstract: In-service diagnostic testing of containers with a climate control system used in intermodal freight transport includes automatically testing the functioning of the climate control system at a possibly pre-scheduled time which may depend on the period of time since the latest pre-trip inspection. According to the invention in-service diagnostic testing is performed with cargo in the container during transportation from origin to destination at a suitable time before expected arrival to the destination so that the approval resulting from the in-service diagnostic testing is fresh and up-to-date. Results of the in-service diagnostic testing are transmitted wirelessly to a receiver at a central facility where managing and allocating a large number of containers to individual transport tasks is performed, and containers which have not passed the in-service diagnostic testing can be taken out of service for maintenance and repair.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2012Publication date: May 30, 2013Inventors: Ole Thøgersen, Allan Dyrmose
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Publication number: 20130132003Abstract: A method for determining a resulting total mass flow to an exhaust gas mass flow sensor involves providing an exhaust gas mass flow sensor comprising a first sensor element and a second sensor element. The second sensor element comprises a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor arranged in a row in an exhaust flow direction. A specific heat output is determined at the exhaust gas mass flow sensor with the first sensor element and the second sensor element. A value of a summed mass flow is determined from a stored first characteristic map, a specific heat output being a function of the value. A normalized temperature gradient is determined. A back flow portion is determined from a stored second characteristic map, the back flow portion being a function of the specific heat output in dependence on the normalized temperature gradient. The resulting total mass flow is determined.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2011Publication date: May 23, 2013Inventors: Andres Toennesmann, Karsten Grimm, Sven Nigrin
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Patent number: 8447538Abstract: The present technology relates to a volumetric measurement device and various methods for operation of the device. The device comprises at least one accelerometer for detecting the angle of tilt/tip of a container. The device also comprises at least one fluid property processor capable of providing at least one fluidic property value of a fluid, a flow-rate processor capable of continuously calculating the present flow rate of the fluid when poured from the container, and a volume processor capable of continuously calculating the present volume of the fluid within the container. The flow-rate processor calculates the rate of flow of the fluid poured from the container based on the angle of tilt/tip of the apparatus, the at least one fluid property value, and the present volume of fluid within the container.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2012Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Inventor: James Cebulski
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Patent number: 8447534Abstract: A controller for a flowmeter includes an input module operable to receive a sensor signal from a sensor connected to a vibratable flowtube. The sensor signal is related to a fluid flow through the flowtube. The controller also includes a signal processing system operable to receive the sensor signal, determine sensor signal characteristics, and output drive signal characteristics for a drive signal applied to the flowtube. An output module is operable to output the drive signal to the flowtube and a control system is operable to modify the drive signal and thereby maintain oscillation of the flowtube during a transition of the flowtube from a substantially empty state to a substantially full state.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2011Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventors: Manus P. Henry, David W. Clarke, James H. Vignos
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Patent number: 8447533Abstract: A method of reducing rainwater and/or groundwater inflow and infiltration into a wastewater treatment collection grid. The method preferably involves the steps of (a) dividing the grid into a plurality of major subsystems, (b) determining flow depth levels in each major subsystem under dry and wet conditions, (c) using these wet weather and dry weather flow depth measurements to determine a volume flow ratio for wet versus dry conditions, (d) using these flow ratios to identify the particular major subsystem(s) in which the greatest amount of inflow or infiltration is occurring, and then (e) further dividing the highest ranking major subsystem(s) into smaller subsystems in which the same dry and wet weather level measurement and ranking analysis is preferably conducted to further isolate problem locations for surveillance, maintenance, and/or repair.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Eastech Flow Controls, Inc.Inventors: Franklin Sinclair, David D. Williams
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Patent number: 8447535Abstract: A multi-phase process fluid is passed through a vibratable flowtube. Motion is induced in the vibratable flowtube. A first apparent property of the multi-phase process fluid based on the motion of the vibratable flowtube is determined, and an apparent intermediate value associated with the multi-phase process fluid based on the first apparent property is determined. A corrected intermediate value is determined based on a mapping between the intermediate value and the corrected intermediate value. A phase-specific property of a phase of the multi-phase process fluid is determined based on the corrected intermediate value.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2012Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventors: Manus P. Henry, Michael S. Tombs
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Patent number: 8447536Abstract: A measuring system for the precise measuring a density of a medium, flowing in a line. compressible. The measuring system comprises: a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor. Both sensors communicate with a measuring electronics of the system. The measuring electronics are operable to provide, based on temperature measurement and pressure measurement signal, density measured-value representing, instantaneously, a local density, of the flowing medium at a virtual density measuring point, predeterminably spaced from the pressure measuring point and/or from the temperature measuring point, along the flow axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventor: Rainer Höcker
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Publication number: 20130124111Abstract: An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) monitoring and reporting system and a method of monitoring and reporting information on an ERV. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a processor configured to carry out a plurality of monitoring and reporting functions on the ERV based on a model, and types and locations of sensors, of the ERV, (2) a memory coupled to the processor and configured to store data gathered from the sensors and (3) a commissioning database associated with the memory and configured to contain commissioning data regarding the model of the ERV.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2011Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: Lennox Industries Inc.Inventors: Justin McKie, Eric Perez, Greg Thomas
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Publication number: 20130124113Abstract: A system for determining a quantity of transported fluid, includes a measured parameter receiver (1) for obtaining a plurality of measured parameters relating to the fluid within the conduit at different measurement times during at least a predetermined time interval. A measured parameter combiner (2) for combining the measured parameters relating to the predetermined time interval, to obtain a first quantity indicative of an amount of fluid that has been transported through the conduit during the predetermined time interval. The system further includes a time interval divider (3) for dividing the predetermined time interval into a plurality of subintervals, and a parameter corrector (5) for determining a corrected value for at least one of the averaged parameters. A quantity corrector (6) for determining a corrected value for the quantity based on the corrected value for the at least one of the averaged parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2012Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: SpiritIT B.V.Inventor: SpiritIT B.V.
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Publication number: 20130118496Abstract: The disclosed concept maintains that Qp=Qc?Qleak, where, Qp is the estimated patient flow, Qleak is the estimated leak and Qc is the measured total circuit flow. Qleak is given by a transfer function ?(?) where x is a set of independent measured or fixed variables. The transfer function is thus Qleak=?(?). The transfer function (?(?) is adjusted given the constraint that, Qp shall be zero. The transfer function converges over time to accurately estimate the leak because over an extended time the mean patient flow will always be zero. In one example, ?(?)=g,orfP?and the coefficient gorf is adapted until Qp is zero.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2011Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: William A. Truschel, Anandi Mahadevan
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Publication number: 20130124112Abstract: An anemometer and method for analyzing fluid flow is described. In one embodiment, a transistor sensor is heated by applying power to cause its base-emitter junction to rise from an ambient first temperature to a second temperature. The power is removed, and the Vbe is measured at intervals as the junction cools. The Vbe equates to a temperature of the junction. The temperature exponentially decreases, and the time constant of the decay corresponds to the fluid flow velocity. A best fit curve analysis is performed on the temperature decay curve, and the time constant of the exponential decay is derived by a data processor. A transfer function correlates the time constant to the fluid flow velocity. The transistor is thermally coupled to a metal rod heat sink extending from the package, and the characteristics of the rod are controlled to adjust the performance of the anemometer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2012Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Jeffrey Lynn Heath, Harry Joseph Kleeburg, Heath Dixon Stewart
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Patent number: 8442696Abstract: Setting safety function, as appropriate, according to a user environment is enabled, thereby enhancing safety function. According to selection information from a safety function selection unit 120, a function setting unit 116 sets arbitrary function among a plurality of functions as safety function pertaining to usage of a gas. When operating conditions for safety function are fulfilled, a monitoring unit 112 detects malfunction, which would arise during usage of a gas, and outputs a safety signal to a control unit 114 in accordance with the set safety function. In accordance with a safety signal from the monitoring unit 112, the control unit 114 cuts off a gas supply when an event fulfilling operating conditions for the set function has arisen. When an event fulfilling operating conditions for an unset function has arisen, a communication unit 124 reports occurrence of malfunction pertaining to unset function to the monitoring center 200.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2009Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Mitsuo Yokohata, Hirozumi Nakamura, Tadanori Shirasawa, Kazuo Kubo, Mitsuo Namba, Hisashi Saito
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Publication number: 20130116939Abstract: A computer program product includes a tangible storage medium readable by a processing circuit and on which instructions are stored for execution by the processing circuit for performing a method. The method includes, upon receiving utility consumption data of a group of elements, defining clusters of elements by like geography and like utility consumption, evaluating a significance of each cluster by comparing an average utility consumption within the cluster with utility consumption of elements neighboring the cluster and determining from a result of the evaluating which clusters exhibit significant differences in utility consumption from the neighboring elements and defining those clusters as regional outliers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Jing D. Dai, Feng Chen, Milind R. Naphade, Sambit Sahu
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Publication number: 20130116940Abstract: A flow sensor assembly is provided and includes a flow conduit configured to impart a disturbance to a flow, multiple sensors disposed at respective sensing locations along the flow conduit. Each sensor is responsive to the disturbance of the flow and generates a corresponding response signal. The flow sensor assembly further includes a processor operably connected to each sensor, the processor being configured to compute a cross-correlation function between the response signals generated by said sensors, and determine a flow rate and a direction for the flow through the conduit based on the computed cross-correlation function. Additional flow sensor assembly arrangements are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2012Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventor: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
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Patent number: 8434343Abstract: An aspirating system for detecting the presence of a product representative of a hazard and a method of detecting the presence of a product representative of a hazard in an aspirating system are provided. The system comprises: piping that includes a plurality of apertures spaced apart along the length of the piping; an aspirator for drawing air from outside the piping into the piping through at least one aperture, a detector coupled to the piping for detecting the presence of a product representative of a hazard; a generator of test stimulus for generating the product representative of a hazard; wherein the test stimulus generator is fixed in, near, or on the piping such that in use a test stimulus is provided adjacent to at least one aperture of the piping. A control means can be provided to control the activation of the test stimulus from the generator and the time taken for the test stimulus to reach the detector can be measured.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: No Climb Products LimitedInventor: William J. Rossiter
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Patent number: 8433527Abstract: There is provided an electromagnetic flow meter that applies magnetic fields with a first frequency and a second frequency, to a fluid to be measured, calculates a first flow rate, calculates a second flow rate, performs low-pass filtering on the first flow rate to calculate a first low-pass filtered flow rate, and performs low-pass filtering on the second flow rate to calculate a second low-pass filtered flow rate, the electromagnetic flow meter including: an abnormality detecting unit that detects an abnormal state in which, the fluid is at non-full level on the basis of at least one of the first flow rate and the second flow rate; and an abnormality removing unit that removes the abnormal state on the basis of the first low-pass filtered flow rate and the second low-pass filtered flow rate, when the abnormality detecting unit does not determine that the fluid is in the abnormal state.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2010Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Yokogawa Electric CorporationInventors: Fujikazu Sugawara, Tooru Shimura
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Patent number: 8428891Abstract: Usage of a utility in a multi-unit building is apportioned to a single unit by measuring the total usage of the utility using a meter unit to produce a total usage measurement, then positioning at least one sensor unit in a single unit of the multi-unit building and monitoring usage of the utility by the single unit using the at least one sensor unit to produce monitoring data. Then a processor unit receives the total usage measurement and the monitoring data and correlates them to generate correlated data. Finally, the processor unit apportions the total usage measurement to the single unit based on the correlated data.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2010Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: HP Ventures A/SInventor: Morten Gravild Bjerregaard Jaeger
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Publication number: 20130096850Abstract: Method for determining an absolute flow rate of a volume or mass flow, comprising the following process steps: measuring continuous reference values, where each individual reference value is in a direct physical relationship to the flow rate, determining reference value fluctuations, calculating or mapping the absolute flow rate as a function of a numerical and/or statistic evaluation function of the reference value fluctuations, in particular a fluctuation value generated therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: SYSTEC CONTROLS MESS- UND REGELTECHNIK GMBHInventor: Systec Controls Mess- Und Regeltechnik GmbH
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Patent number: 8423303Abstract: The mass flow rate of bulk solids in a pneumatic transport system is measured in real time. At least two pressure gauges (P1, P2) are provided in a pipe section of the transport system. The pressure drop ?P between the pressure gauges is determined during a gas-solids flow of air and bulk solids through the pipe section. The suspension density ?sus of the flowing mixture of air and bulk solids is calculated. The bulk solids mass flow rate Ms at a given location along a given length of a pipeline is estimated based at least on the suspension density ?sus of the flowing mixture.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2007Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Rolls-Royce Marine ASInventors: Per Soleng, Per Huse
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Patent number: 8423302Abstract: The invention herein is referred to the technical field of measuring and consumption control systems of water. The invention can be installed in a meter that provides the media and signals necessary for its interconnection. The System of the invention herein comprises a Micro-controller devise, therefore, the actions that it carries out can be modified according to the requirements of each agency that supplies drinkable water. Each pulse emitted by the meter, is sensed by the System of the invention; concurrently, a real time clock allows the measurement of the difference of timetables between pulses to obtain the real instant flow rate, in order to increase, later, one of the volume counters that correspond to the consumption recorded within the preset instant flow rate ranges, same that, jointly, will comprise a consumption flow rate histogram.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2002Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Inventor: Fernando Milanes Garcia-Moreno
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Publication number: 20130085706Abstract: A maximum number of charges on aerosol particles which are measurement targets is decided as a natural number x equal to or larger than 2. First and second electrical mobility groups are derived based on x. The first group includes electrical mobility Zc(U) and electrical mobilities having voltage values equal to a voltage U multiplied by values from 2 to x respectively, and the second group includes electrical mobilities having respective voltage values equal to voltage U multiplied by irreducible fractions which are coprime to each other among values with regularity. A ratio of flow rate with which range corresponding to the electrical mobilities included in the first group do not interfere with one another and the range corresponding to the electrical mobilities included in the first group and range corresponding to the electrical mobilities included in the mobility group do not interfere with one another is calculated.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2012Publication date: April 4, 2013Applicant: RION CO., LTD.Inventor: Chiryo TSUNODA
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Publication number: 20130085687Abstract: A method and a device for determining the flow rate of magnetic or ferromagnetic particles in a suspension that flows through control chambers are provided. The magnetic flux F1 is measured as a function of time t using a measuring coil that surrounds a first control chamber, the magnetic flux representing a measurement, at a particular time, of the quantity of magnetic particles contained in the suspension. In a second control chamber, at a predetermined distance d from the first control chamber, the magnetic flux F2 is measured as a function of time t using a second measuring coil that surrounds the second control chamber and the measurements F1 (t) and F2 (t) are compared to produce a temporal distance ?t which is used together with the predetermined distance d to calculate the flow rate. The method and device can be used, for example, in an ore mining installation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2011Publication date: April 4, 2013Inventors: Vladimir Danov, Helmut Eckert, Werner Hartmann, Manfred Rührig, Andreas Schröter, Roland Weiss
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Publication number: 20130079667Abstract: A flow sensor assembly, snore detection assembly, and methods for fabricating the same. The flow sensor assembly includes a flow conduit for fluid flow, a flow disrupter for imparting a disturbance to the fluid flow, a first sensor responsive to the disturbance of the fluid flow and configured to generate signals responsive to the disturbance of the fluid flow, and a processor for determining a flow rate for the fluid flow through the flow conduit based on a first algorithm determining an amplitude of the fluid flow in a first flow regime and a second algorithm determining a frequency of the fluid flow in a second flow regime.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Ertugrul Berkcan, Stanton Earl Weaver, Shankar Chandrasekaran, Nannan Chen
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Publication number: 20130080079Abstract: Method and system for calibrating a mass flow sensor. The mass flow sensor includes an impact sensor that receives an impact force due to collisions with a plurality of solid particles to generate an output signal. A model relates a mass flow input to the output signal. At least one measurable parameter is varied over a plurality of samples by varying a physical component of the mass flow sensor, and a generated output signal is received. The model can be calibrated based on the received output signal for each of the plurality of samples. A mass-flow input can also be estimated while simultaneously updating the model.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOISInventors: Harry Dankowicz, Ryan E. Reinke
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Publication number: 20130061831Abstract: A system and method for measuring an EGR flow rate for an engine having an EGR valve with a selectable EGR valve position and a venturi sensor situated to take a differential pressure measurement relative to recirculated exhaust gas includes determining an EGR valve effective area based on the EGR valve position, determining a weighting factor based on the effective area, calculating a first EGR flow estimate based on the effective area, and calculating a second EGR flow estimate based on the differential pressure measurement of the venturi sensor. A final EGR flow rate is determined based on the weighting factor, the first EGR flow estimate, and the second EGR flow estimate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: GURPREET GAMBHIR, RAMMOHAN SANKAR, TRAVIS BARNES, ZENEBE GETE
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Patent number: 8396674Abstract: A vibration-type measuring device includes an exciter arrangement which exerts a time-dependent force with at least one sinusoidal component at an adjustable excitation frequency on a measuring tube, through which a medium can flow, and causes the measuring tube to oscillate. The measuring device includes first and second sensors which are fitted to the measuring tube at different locations. The first and second sensors output first and second measurement signals, respectively. The measuring device includes an evaluation unit which determines a first phase shift between the first and second measurement signals and uses the determined phase shift to determine a measurement variable of the medium. The measuring device includes a phase comparator, which determines a second phase shift between the force and the average value of the first and second measurement signals, and a frequency generator which sets the excitation frequency on the basis of the second phase shift.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2009Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: ABB Technology AGInventors: Jörg Gebhardt, René Friedrichs, Beat Kramer, Frank Kassubek, Steffen Keller
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Publication number: 20130060492Abstract: A method of deducing time based metrics using flow rate is disclosed. The method uses a thermal mass flow meter wherein the meter comprises a pipe housing and a sensor board with at least one heating element and at least two temperature sensors is located inside the pipe and where a microprocessor is programmed to calculate a flow rate based on a logarithmic function of difference between base line temperature difference between temperature sensors before heating element is turned on and a second temperature difference between the temperature sensors after heating element is turned on. Duration of gas supply is provided by using the measured flow rate and information of the gas supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: TECHOX INDUSTRIES IND.Inventors: James Stabile, JR., Anthony Valenzano
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Publication number: 20130060491Abstract: A thermal mass flow meter is disclosed wherein a sensor board with at least one heating element and at least two temperature sensors locates inside a housing where the gas or fluid is flowing. The heating element is turned on and off and a microprocessor is programmed to calculate a flow rate based on a logarithmic function of temperature differences between a pair of sensor before the heating cycle and after the heating cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: TECHOX INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Anthony Valenzano
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Patent number: 8386084Abstract: An object is to prevent a mistaken shutoff caused by the mistaken registration of an appliance of which an amount of gas used changes. An individual flow registration maintenance unit maintains a registered flow rate deleted due to an increase/decrease in flow rate, again, performs determination on the flow rate maintained when a new flow rate is registered or a flow rate added with the maintained flow rate, and in the case where it is regarded to be the same, re-register the maintained flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2008Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Yasuo Koba, Kouichi Ueki, Kazutaka Asano, Takuhisa Ootani
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Patent number: 8386083Abstract: A valve system for a mass flow controller that controls a flow rate of a fluid is disclosed. The valve system includes a valve movable between an open position and a closed position to adjust the flow rate of the fluid to a desired set point, and a valve controller. The valve controller sends a valve current through the valve, so as to adjust the flow rate of the fluid until an actual measured flow rate of the fluid substantially equals the desired set point. The valve controller monitors the valve current and the flow rate when the valve is moving to the closed position, determines a value of the valve current when the fluid has near-zero flow rate, and updates the valve cracking current for a next run, by setting the updated valve cracking current to the value of the valve current at the near-zero flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2008Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.Inventor: Junhua Ding
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Publication number: 20130041599Abstract: One aspect provides a fluid flow measurement instrument, comprising: a sensor producing a signal representative of reflections of an emitted signal; and a meter being coupled to the sensor and configured to: produce two or more sub-measurements from said signal representative of reflections of an emitted signal; and compute a fluid flow velocity estimate using the two or more sub-measurement signals. Other aspects are described and claimed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: Hach CompanyInventor: David Langley Rick
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Publication number: 20130041598Abstract: Flowmeters are described in which a sensor signal received from a sensor that is attached to vibratable flowtube, so as to determine properties of a fluid within the flowtube, contains a drive signal component and a Coriolis mode component. The flowmeters are operable to determine drive parameters of the drive signal component, as well as Coriolis parameters of the Coriolis mode component. By analyzing the sensor signal based on the drive signal parameters, and not on the Coriolis signal parameters, the flowmeters are able to provide stable and accurate determinations of the properties of the fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2011Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: Invensys Systems, IncInventor: Manus P. Henry
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Patent number: 8374806Abstract: An ultrasonic phase-shift detection device includes a clock generator, a divider, a first counter, a comparator, a phase detector and a second counter. The divider is provided for dividing the clock signal to generate ultrasonic signals. The comparator is provided for comparing the counting value of the first counter and a predetermined number. The phase detector is provided for comparing the phase shift between different ultrasonic signals. The second counter is provided for counting to generate the digital result signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Tatung CompanyInventors: Shu-Ting Liao, Chao-Fa Lee, Cheng-Hsing Kuo
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Patent number: 8374805Abstract: A Coriolis mass flowmeter includes a vibrator configured to vibrate a measurement conduct line, an upstream sensor and a downstream sensor, which are placed at a certain distance in the measurement conduct line and are configured to detect the vibration of the measurement conduct line, a first effective value reception section configured to receive an effective value of the first signal, a second effective value reception section configured to receive an effective value of the second signal, a ratio computation section configured to receive the effective value of the first signal and the effective value of the second signal and to compute the ratio of both values, and an anomaly diagnosis section configured to make a comparison between the computed ratio and a certain value and to generate an alarm.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Yokogawa Electric CorporationInventors: Akinori Yoshino, Nobuo Miyaji, Akimichi Kadoguchi
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Patent number: 8370098Abstract: A measuring system for precise measuring a density of a medium flowing in a pipe line. The measuring system comprises a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor. Both sensors communicate with a measuring electronics of the system. The measuring electronics are operable to provide, based on temperature measurement and pressure measurement, a provisional density measured value, especially according to one of the industrial standards AGAR, AGN NX-19, SGERG-88 IAWPS-IF97, ISO 12213:2006. Further, the measuring electronics provides, based on the provisional density measured value and a density correction value, which is dependant on a flow velocity of the medium, and temperature measurement, a density measured value, which differs from the provisional density measured value, and which represents the density to be measured more accurately.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventor: Rainer Höcker
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Publication number: 20130030722Abstract: A mobile flow rate measuring system and method, which can recognize a flow rate at a site, and acquire and utilize data on water level, flow velocity, and flow rate of a plurality of agricultural waterways, by acquiring water level information and site features stored in a remote server from a tag installed at the site by a mobile apparatus and comparing images continuously acquired from the agricultural waterways through an image photographing camera to calculate the surface velocity of the waterway.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: Korea Rural CorporationInventors: Jin-Taek KIM, Ji-Yang Park
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Patent number: 8364427Abstract: A flow sensor assembly is provided and includes a flow conduit configured to impart a disturbance to a flow, multiple sensors disposed at respective sensing locations along the flow conduit. Each sensor is responsive to the disturbance of the flow and generates a corresponding response signal. The flow sensor assembly further includes a processor operably connected to each sensor, the processor being configured to compute a cross-correlation function between the response signals generated by said sensors, and determine a flow rate and a direction for the flow through the conduit based on the computed cross-correlation function. Additional flow sensor assembly arrangements are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ertugrul Berkcan, Shankar Chandrasekaran, Bo Li, Stanton Earl Weaver, Jr.
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Patent number: 8364546Abstract: A restroom monitoring system for monitoring attributes of fixtures within a restroom using sensors. Additional attributes are determined from the monitored attributes. Consumable usage levels are estimated based on predetermined consumption levels associated with usage states of the fixtures. The restroom monitoring system provides an indication of the need for replenishment of consumables based on the monitored attributes of the fixtures. In addition, restroom monitoring system may provide additional information regarding the restroom attributes to a service provider, a manager or a user.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2008Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Sloan Valve CompanyInventors: Edward Yenni, Peter J. Jahrling
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Patent number: 8364426Abstract: A flow device is provided. The flow device includes at least one conduit (20) and a pick-off (30) providing a pick-off signal (35) for measuring motion of the at least one conduit (20). The flow device also includes a drive (40) that receives a first signal (55) for vibrating the at least one conduit (20) at a resonance frequency and that receives a second signal (56) for vibrating the at least one conduit at a frequency that is different than the resonance frequency. One or more electronics (50) is provided. The one or more electronics (50) generates the first and second signals (55, 56), receives the pick-off signal (35) from the pick-off (30), and measures changes in a time shift between the second signal (56) frequency applied by the drive (40) and the second signal (56) frequency detected by the pick-off (30).Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2007Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventors: Craig B. McAnally, Richard L. Maginnis, Paul J. Hays
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Patent number: 8358097Abstract: A system for controlling a motorized track light system constrained to travel along a track has a control unit coupled to a motor that causes the track light system to move along the track, a plurality of stop sensors strategically disposed along the track, a sensor activation device located on the track light system, the sensor activation device positioned to interface with the stop sensors, and a light sensor for detecting ambient light of a preset level. The system detects a preset level of ambient light, initiating power to the motor of the track light system, moving the lights along the track until the activation device interfaces with a first of the plurality of stop sensors, stopping movement of the track light system along the track for a preset period of time, and at the end of the preset time period, the electrical power is restored to the motor moving the track light assembly along the track to the next of the plurality of stop sensors.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2009Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Inventor: Brent A. Cartwright
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Publication number: 20130018603Abstract: A method of machine condition monitoring, wherein at least one measured and/or calculated machine parameter is monitored during the operation of a machine, and wherein a change in the machine condition, particularly a critical operating state of the machine, is deduced when at least one monitored machine parameter reaches a limit value, and wherein at least one monitored machine parameter is monitored depending on at least one other machine parameter in defined operating point ranges of the machine, wherein a change in machine condition is deduced when at least one monitored machine parameter within a defined operating point range reaches at least one limit value individual to the operating point range.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2012Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: MAN Diesel & Turbo SEInventors: Dorothea BOGATZKI, Peter KÜPER, Oleksandr SOBOLYEV
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Publication number: 20130018602Abstract: An apparatus and method for estimating a parameter of a fluid flowing in a tubular is disclosed. A source of a primary magnetic field is coupled to the tubular and is configured to induce the primary magnetic field in the fluid to align nuclei of the fluid in the tubular along the primary magnetic field. A transmitter transmits an excitation signal into the fluid. A receiver detects a signal from the aligned nuclei responsive to the excitation signal. A processor estimates the parameter of the fluid from the detected signal. The source of the primary magnetic field is removable from the tubular. A coil may induce a secondary magnetic field to either enhance the strength of the primary magnetic field in the tubular or substantially cancel the primary magnetic field in the tubular, for example, to reduce particle build-up in the tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Joo Tim Ong, Terry R. Bussear, Carl M. Edwards, Graeme S. Young
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Publication number: 20130013225Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a flow sensing apparatus including: a fluid channel that allows a fluid to flow in a first direction; a first temperature sensor arranged at a first position along the fluid channel; a second temperature sensor arranged at a second position along the fluid channel and separated from the first sensor by a predetermined distance along the fluid channel; a heating element arranged between the first and second thermoelectric sensors, the heating element being substantially equally spaced from the first and second thermoelectric sensors; a heating element temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the heating element; and a control device configured to maintain the heating element at a substantially uniform temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2010Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: Geoff C. Gerhardt
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Patent number: 8352187Abstract: A monitoring system including two laser anemometers and a selection logic device able to select, on the one hand, a value of the IAS air speed to be displayed on first display means and, on the other hand, another value of the IAS air speed to be displayed on second display means.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Airbus Operations SASInventors: Jean-Damien Perrie, Guillaume Preaux
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Patent number: 8352199Abstract: An airflow-sensing computer cursor generator includes a microprocessor and plural air flow rate sensors. The plural air flow rate sensors are used for sensing airflow rates resulted from a moving action of an inductor in plural directions, thereby generating respective air flow rate signals corresponding to the plural directions. The microprocessor is used for judging a moving direction and a displacement value of the inductor according to the air flow rate signals, thereby generating a computer cursor signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.Inventor: Shih-Chieh Lan
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Publication number: 20130006544Abstract: An apparatus comprises a pipe section for process flow, a coil for generating a magnetic field across the pipe section, a current source for energizing the coil to generate the magnetic field, and an electrode for sensing an electromotive force induced across the process flow by the magnetic field. The current source energizes the coil at a plurality of different pulse frequencies. A processor calculates a function of the electromotive force at the plurality of different pulse frequencies, and generates a flow output based on the function.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: Rosemount Inc.Inventor: Bruce David Rovner
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Patent number: 8344896Abstract: The invention concerns a process for detecting scale deposit in the liquid supply means of a water pump driven machine comprising at least a water tank, a pump and a heating means, where water is pumped from the water tank and fed to the heating means, and where the pump is energized by a controller by providing the pump with an energizing signal to provide an intended water flow rate F, wherein the actual water flow rate f is measured and the discrepancy ? between the actual water flow rate f and the intended water flow rate F is directly and/or indirectly compared to an operating instruction related to scale deposit.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventor: Matthieu Ozanne
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Patent number: 8346491Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying one or more fluid products flowing within a pipe are provided having a flow meter mounted on the pipe and a processing unit. The flow meter has a plurality of sensors operable to detect vortical disturbances flowing with the fluid products and acoustic waves propagating through the fluid. The sensors produce signals indicative of the vortical disturbances and acoustic waves. The processing unit is operable to determine the speed of sound and volumetric flow rate of the one or more fluid products using the signals from the flow meter. The processing unit includes a database having speed of sound data for a predetermined group of products. The processing unit is operable to identify the type of each product flowing within the pipe given a temperature and pressure value of the products within the pipe.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2008Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Expro Meters, Inc.Inventors: Douglas H. Loose, Daniel L. Gysling
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Publication number: 20120330574Abstract: Methods of and devices for testing medical pumps via tracking induced single or multiple bubble trajectories within a fluid flow conduit (60) and methods of synchronized (600) corrections (604) of flow data estimates.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventors: KARL A. RUITER, Mirik Hovsepian