Flow Metering Patents (Class 702/45)
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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
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Publication number: 20120330573Abstract: 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
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Patent number: 8340924Abstract: A method is provided for precisely predicting the temporal variation of a membranous filtration resistance, a transmembrane pressure, a membranous filtration flowrate, or a membranous filtration flowrate as occurs in filtrating a liquid with a membrane, in a membranous filtration method wherein the liquid is filtrated by the separation membrane with the transmembrane pressure as a driving force. The method includes calculating: a constituent component quantity value of the liquid that attaches on a surface of the separation membrane at a time t+?t; a constituent component quantity value of the liquid that exists in pores of the separation membrane; a consolidation degree of a constituent component of the liquid that attaches on the separation membrane surface; a membranous filtration resistance value; a transmembrane pressure value; and a membranous filtration flowrate value.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Shigehisa Hanada, Hiroo Takabatake
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Patent number: 8340925Abstract: Diesel fuel consumption is calculated in real-time in an vehicle diagnostic monitor using standard OBDII reported parameters and publicly available engine characteristics. Also, fuel consumption in vehicles that maintain a constant air-fuel ratio is calculated by analyzing the subject engine as an air pump and reading publicly available OBDII diagnostic data to estimate the instantaneous airflow through the engine without the need of MAF sensor data.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Webtech Wireless Inc.Inventors: Paul Higgins, Graham Williams
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Patent number: 8335673Abstract: A system model of a real-world system includes a multi-level hierarchy of Capabilities, where each Capability includes a Verb specifying an action and an Object acted on by the Verb. The system model also contains one or more multi-level Performer hierarchies, where each Performer hierarchy includes a plurality of Performers each having an associated lifecycle and at least one associated Capability provided or required by the Performer. In addition, a multi-level Location hierarchy associates one of a plurality of Locations with each Performer. A plurality of Capability Instances define requirement and provision of Capabilities by Performers in the one or more multi-level Performer hierarchies. In response to a query specifying a Location and a time, a view of the system model for the specified Location and time is output.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2009Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Swaminathan Balasubramanian, Jay K. Strosnider
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Publication number: 20120303166Abstract: A system and method for improving energy usage and conservation of at least one air-management unit in a data center where a multiplicity of rack mounted power distribution units are used for power distribution to a multiplicity of electronic devices mounted on a plurality of racks in at least one computer room of the data center. A group of power load, temperature, humidity and differential pressure sensors are provided throughout the racks, and coupled to a computer through a network interface for automatically calculating multiple air-management effectiveness and energy efficiency indices (e.g., rack cooling index RCI, rack humidity index RHI, rack airflow index RAI, rack differential pressure index RPI and return temperature index RTI) based on the data from the sensors, such that the operation of the air-management unit can be adjusted accordingly to achieve an optimal efficiency of safe energy usage and conservation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2011Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: ATEN INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.Inventor: Herlin Chang
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Patent number: 8321133Abstract: A technique for utilizing tube waves to measure sound speed of fluids and other properties in the frequency range of about 5 to 100 kHz. A drill string is equipped with a sensor tube having a cavity filled with a downhole fluid such as borehole mud or formation fluid. An acoustic transmitter and an array of acoustic receivers are mounted on the tube in direct contact with the fluid. Processing circuitry calculates a property, e.g., sound speed, of the fluid based on time-of-flight of an acoustic signal generated by the transmitter and received by the array of receivers. Alternatively change in signal phase as a function of frequency may be employed by the processing circuitry. The technique is particularly suited to measuring the sound speed of borehole mud in situ.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2007Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Chaur-Jian Hsu, Ralph M. D'Angelo
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Publication number: 20120296570Abstract: The invention relates to a method of classifying and flow measuring the refringence of at least two populations of particles present in a fluid. The method uses a light source that has small coherence time, with a coherence length Lc<100 ?m, that is used under extinction conditions at a center wavelength selected as a function of a range of volumes and of a range of refractive indices expected for the particles under consideration. The method uses a device that, together with the light source, forms a converging illuminating beam of aperture angle that is selected as a function of the range of volumes and the range of refractive indices expected for the particles under consideration at the selected center wavelength.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Inventors: Benoit Merchez, Sebastien Raimbault, Philippe Nerin, Alexandra Urankar
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Patent number: 8306762Abstract: Systems and methods for analysis of data associated with fluid flow through a conduit and potential control of the fluid flow. In one embodiment, a method includes a data processing unit obtaining from a sensor a signal representing a series of measurements of a physical parameter associated with fluid flow through the conduit. The data processing unit performs singular spectral analysis of this signal and thereby identifies recurring, possibly non-sinusoidal patterns in the signal. The data processing unit may construct a second signal from some or all of the recurring patterns identified in the first signal. Alternatively, the data processing unit may identify recurring patterns in the signal which are indicative of corresponding conditions associated with the fluid flow through the conduit. The data processing unit may then initiate control functions responsive to the recurring patterns and associated conditions.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: William Joshua Sonnier
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Patent number: 8301403Abstract: The present invention is a hand held gauge for use with refrigeration systems. The gauge includes a service port connector, a display screen, and user interfacing buttons. The gauge also includes electronic storage of the pressure-to-saturation temperature data for different refrigerants. The gauge allows for the measuring of temperature and pressure of refrigeration systems. After a user inputs a refrigerant type, the gauge uses the pressure and the saturation data to determine the saturation temperature. The saturation temperature is compared to the measured temperature to get the superheat or subcooling. These results may all be displayed on the display screen.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2009Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Inventor: Brian K. Weick
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Publication number: 20120271567Abstract: A device for measuring the flow rate of a fluid in a conduit, including a bladed impeller mounted in the conduit so as to be driven in rotation by the flow of the fluid, and to which at least one magnet is fixed, and at least one magnetic field sensor arranged in a fixed position near the conduit and capable of causing the generation of a signal (pulse) each time the magnet of the impeller, passes thereby. The arrangement is such that the number of signals (pulses) generated by the sensor in a period of time is representative, according to a predetermined relationship, of the flow rate of the fluid in the associated conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2010Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: ELBI INTERNATIONAL S.P.A.Inventors: Paolo Da Pont, Giorgio Carrer, Maurizio Rendesi, Giorgio Molino
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Publication number: 20120265451Abstract: A digital liquid flow rate meter that comprises a body adapted to delimit a conduit for conveying liquid with two connectors which provided respectively with male threading and with female threading. In the conduit a turbine is inserted provided with a magneto that transmits impulses to a microprocessor comprised within the body and provided with an electronic card complete with display for direct reading of the flow rate of liquid conveyed. The turbine is associated with a shaft that transmits selectively at the ends, according to the direction of travel of the liquid, an axial thrust to corresponding supports that are inserted in the conduit. The shaft is provided with anti-wear elements that are adapted to ensure operation in the absence of wear in both directions of travel of the liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2011Publication date: October 18, 2012Inventor: Otto Varini
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Patent number: 8290721Abstract: A flow meter for measuring flow of a process fluid includes a sensor configured to provide a sensor output signal. The sensor output signal is related to flow of the process fluid. Circuitry in the flow meter is configured to determine a statistical parameter related to sensor output signal. Diagnostic circuitry provides a diagnostic output based upon the determined statistical parameter and the sensor output signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2006Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Rosemount Inc.Inventors: David L. Wehrs, Evren Eryurek
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Patent number: 8290632Abstract: A method for controlling the influx of fluids into a multizone well in which each inflow zone is provided with an inflow control device, comprises: assessing the flux of oil, gas, water and other effluents from the well; monitoring production variables, including ICD position and/or fluid pressure in each inflow zone upstream of each ICD and/or downstream of each ICD; sequentially adjusting the position of each of the ICDs and assessing the flux of crude oil, natural gas and/or other well effluents; monitoring production variables; deriving a zonal production estimation model for each inflow zone of the well; and adjusting each ICD to control the influx of crude oil, natural gas and/or other effluents into each inflow zone on the basis of data derived from the zonal production estimation model for each inflow zone of the well.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Jan Jozef Maria Briers, Keat-Choon Goh, Christophe Lauwerys, Peter Stefaan Lutgard Van Overschee, Henk Nico Jan Poulisse
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Patent number: 8290629Abstract: A method and system are provided for airflow management in a data center. The data center includes network elements, sensors, and heating, cooling and ventilation (HVAC) equipment. The sensors measure climate conditions in the data center and provide an airflow management system with measurements that are utilized to determine which areas in the data center violate data center temperature thresholds and require more air capacity. The airflow management system increases the airflow to areas that contribute to the violation by controlling HVAC equipment to increase air movement or by selecting other areas in the data center or external to the data center that have excess capacity and routing the excess capacity to the areas that contribute to the violation.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2006Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.Inventors: Christopher Joseph Mateski, David Wayne Haney, Andrew Lee Davey
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Patent number: 8289179Abstract: A vibratory flow meter (100) for correcting for entrained gas in a flow material is provided. The vibratory flow meter (100) comprises a flow meter assembly (10) configured to generate a vibrational response for the flow material, a bubble size sensor (50) configured to generate a bubble measurement signal for the flow material, and meter electronics (20) coupled to the flow meter assembly (10) and to the bubble size sensor (50). The meter electronics (20) is configured to receive the vibrational response and the bubble measurement signal, determine a bubble size of bubbles in the flow material using at least the bubble measurement signal, determine one or more flow characteristics of the flow material using at least the vibrational response and the bubble size.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2007Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventors: Joel Weinstein, Mark James Bell
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Patent number: 8285827Abstract: A method, and apparatus for software and resource management with a model-based architecture.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: EMC CorporationInventors: David Stephen Reiner, George M. Ericson
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Patent number: 8285506Abstract: An apparatus for generating a measure of fluid. The apparatus comprises a flow meter and a pulser having an identifier and a memory. The pulser is associated with the flow meter for generating pulser data indicative of a volume of fluid delivered through the flow meter. The pulser may alter the pulser data using correction data stored in its memory to generate altered pulser data. The pulser may store at least one of the pulser data and the altered pulser data in the memory. The apparatus further comprises a switch operatively connected to the pulser's memory. The switch is operative to vary the memory of the pulser between a write-protected and a write-enabled mode. Also, the apparatus comprises a controller in communication with the pulser and a serial communication circuit which enables communication between the pulser and the controller. Communication between the controller and the pulser includes the identifier.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2010Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.Inventors: Christopher Adam Oldham, Christopher Eric Scott, Juergen Voss
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Patent number: 8280650Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable sensing flow of a fluid inside a conduit with an array of pressure or strain sensors. Inputs for a curve fit routine include power correlation values at one of multiple trial velocities or speeds of sound and several steps on either side utilizing data obtained from the sensors. The velocity at which a curve fit routine returns a max curvature result corresponds to an estimate value that facilitates identification of a speed of sound in the fluid and/or a velocity of the flow. Furthermore, a directional quality compensation factor may apply to outputs from the curve fit routine to additionally aid in determining the velocity of the flow.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2011Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Leslie W. Perry, Espen S. Johansen
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Patent number: 8271142Abstract: Provided is an easy to use valve controller designed to obtain optimum operation performance. The valve controller is designed to control the valve opening of an expansion valve by calculating the valve opening such that a detected temperature coincides with a target temperature. The valve controller includes an automatic for calculating a deviation between the detected temperature and the target temperature and for calculating a changing amount of the valve opening by substituting at least the deviation and a set control parameter into an arithmetic expression to automatically set the control parameter. The valve controller further includes and control level adjuster for adjusting a magnitude of the valve opening calculated with the control parameter set by the automatic tuning means in stages in accordance with a set control level.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Fujikoki CorporationInventor: Yoshio Ogawa
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Publication number: 20120232810Abstract: A method for determining the electrical conductivity of a mass flow in a three dimensional target volume including the steps of placing electrodes in a measuring connection with the target volume; supplying alternating voltage or alternating current to the tar-get volume between two of the electrodes and measuring the current or the voltage between the electrodes; determining a state space model which defines the relationships between the electrical conductivity, the voltage and the current in the target volume and the evolution of the electrical conductivity as a function of time; comparing the currents and/or the voltages according to the state space model with the supplied and the measured ones; and modifying the state space model to decrease any differences. The electrodes are placed substantially within one plane; and the state space model is determined so as to the time-dependent flow field of the mass flow within the target volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2010Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: OUTOTEC OYJInventors: Jari Kaipio, Anssi Lehikoinen, Arto Voutilainen, Marko Vauhkonen
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Publication number: 20120227928Abstract: A method of calculating a control parameter for a component in an HVAC system includes receiving a plurality of input signals, and calculating a value of the control parameter using a control parameter equation having a plurality of predetermined coefficients and a plurality of variables, each variable corresponding to one of the input signals. This equation is stored in and subsequently fetched from memory associated with a component of the HVAC system, such as a blower motor controller or a system controller. In some embodiments, the equation is stored in a device for interfacing a system controller with a blower motor assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2012Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: NIDEC MOTOR CORPORATIONInventor: Charles E.B. Green
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Publication number: 20120232809Abstract: An intelligent gas flow sensor probe which outputs a state signal indicating whether there is forced gas flow present within a conduit or whether there is no gas flow. The intelligent gas flow sensor probe includes a heated thermistor and a reference thermistor functionally coupled to a microcontroller. The heated thermistor is continuously heated at a constant rate to a temperature above an ambient temperature within the conduit and outputs a signal responsive to a change in temperature induced by gas flow incident thereupon. Gas flow within the conduit causes heat to be transferred from the heated thermistor to the gas flowing over and/or around the heated thermistor. The reference thermistor is thermally insulated from the heated thermistor and outputs a reference signal responsive to an ambient temperature of the gas within the conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2011Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: Clear Water Technology, LLCInventor: Philip J. Steckling
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Patent number: 8265794Abstract: A method associated with a valve controller configured to capture dynamic process conditions for monitoring, diagnosing and maintaining a valve assembly through knowledge-based valve performance criteria. The method includes determining the open and closed positions of a process valve. Measuring the peak torque value required by an actuator to open and close the process valve. Measuring the supply and exhaust pressure required by an actuator to open and close the valve. Determining a deviation zone associated with the peak torque value to open the valve where an alarm is triggered when the torque value falls outside the deviation zone. Creating the dynamic baseline over Nth process cycles when the valve is installed in-line.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2008Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Westlock Controls CorporationInventors: Leo Minervini, Daniel W. Mrozinski
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Patent number: 8265887Abstract: A fluid measurement apparatus capable of accurately determining an activated appliance is provided. A flow measurement apparatus 100 has a flow measurement unit 12 that measures an amount of fluid flowing through a passageway, a determination zone storage unit 16 that allocates and stores a flow measured by the flow measurement unit 12 into determination zones classified by combination of a plurality of conditions; a grouping unit 18 that groups determination zones according to appliances to be used on the basis of determination-zone-specific storage values stored in the determination zone storage unit 16 and that registers the grouped determination zones; and an integration unit 20 that integrates a flow value for each of the determination zones registered by the grouping unit 18. Thus, a flow is integrated for each determination zone grouped according to an appliance. An appliance is determined by reference to a database including the integrated data.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2008Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Youichi Itou, Hajime Miyata, Yasuhiro Umekage, Kenichi Kamon
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Publication number: 20120226449Abstract: A device (12) that uses a temperature coefficient pre-calibrated for the device for measuring a flow within the device. The device includes a differential pressure sensor (80) configured to generate a differential pressure signal responsive to a differential pressure within a flow path (16) and a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature near the differential pressure sensor. A differential amplifier amplifies differential pressure signals from the differential pressure sensor. A processor receives signals from the differential pressure sensor, amplified signals from the differential amplifier, and signals from the temperature sensor. The amplified signals are corrected based upon at least a predetermined temperature coefficient, and the processor calculates a flow rate based on the corrected representation of the differential pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2010Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Alain-Jean Delache, Steven Adam Kimmel
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Patent number: 8260783Abstract: A method and system may receive time-series data of each of a plurality of real-time data streams from one or more sensors and create an electronic file based on the plurality of real-time data streams. The plurality of real-time data streams comprises a primary data stream, a low limit data stream, a high limit data stream, and a target value data stream. The electronic file includes a data portion and a metadata portion. The metadata portion of the electronic file comprises, for each of the plurality of data streams, one or more data stream identifiers, a time range, a source type, and a data type, and the data portion comprises the time-series data of each of the plurality of real-time data streams.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2008Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Christopher Patrick Milam
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Patent number: 8260562Abstract: A meter electronics (20) for generating a drive signal for a vibratory flowmeter (5) is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The meter electronics includes an interface (201) and a processing system (203). The processing system is configured to receive the sensor signal (201) through the interface, phase-shift the sensor signal (210) substantially 90 degrees to create a phase-shifted sensor signal, determine a phase shift value from a frequency response of the vibratory flowmeter, and combine the phase shift value with the sensor signal (201) and the phase-shifted sensor signal in order to generate a drive signal phase (213). The processing system is further configured to determine a sensor signal amplitude (214) from the sensor signal (210) and the phase-shifted sensor signal, and generate a drive signal amplitude (215) based on the sensor signal amplitude (214), wherein the drive signal phase (213) is substantially identical to a sensor signal phase (212).Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2011Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventors: Timothy J Cunningham, William M Mansfield, Craig B McAnally
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Publication number: 20120221258Abstract: A problem of the present invention is to provide a flow rate measurement device which is capable of simplifying calculation, reducing the amount of memory necessary for calculation, absorbing variations in the flow rate which changes in various ways depending on the state of usage, and improving identification precision of appliances with a configuration which extracts characteristics of appliances. The flow rate measurement device monitors and determines the change in the flow rate measured by a flow rate measurement unit, and extracts and determines codes obtained by a differential conversion unit and appliance characteristic flow rates representing the characteristics of gas appliances, thereby identifying the gas appliances in which appliance characteristics vary depending on the state of usage.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2010Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: Panasonisc CorporationInventor: Mitsuo Yokohata
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Publication number: 20120221260Abstract: A problem of the present invention is to provide a flow rate measurement device which is capable of simplifying calculation, reducing the amount of memory necessary for calculation, absorbing variations resulting from manual operation or ignition state when the appliances are used alone or in combination, and improving appliance identification precision of appliances having similar characteristics with a configuration which extracts characteristics of appliances. The flow rate measurement device identifies the appliances with high precision by extracting characteristics of gas appliances from code sequences into which a differential conversion unit converts, at regular time intervals, differentials by a first calculation unit which calculates differentials at regular time intervals in the flow rates measured by a flow rate measurement unit and by a second calculation unit which calculates differentials at time intervals different from the first calculation unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2010Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Takanori Kamimura, Mitsuo Yokohata
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Publication number: 20120221257Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for determining an aerodynamic drag area CxA of a moving vehicle, for example a bicycle, in dependence upon the airflow yaw direction and speed without the use of a wind tunnel. The vehicle is equipped with sensors for collecting time-stamped values indicative of the vehicle speed, propulsion force, airflow speed and yaw angle of the airflow at various points during the trip. The trip data are then processed using successively refined hypotheses regarding the CxA(yaw) dependence to generate a plurality of elevation profiles for the travelled path. The generated elevation profiles are then evaluated based on available route elevation information to select a correct dependence of the aerodynamic drag area upon the yaw angle of the airflow.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2011Publication date: August 30, 2012Inventors: Andy FRONCIONI, Robert Chung
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Publication number: 20120221259Abstract: A problem of the present invention is to provide a flow rate measurement device which is capable of simplifying calculation, reducing the amount of memory necessary for calculation, absorbing variations resulting from manual operation or ignition state when appliances are used alone or in combination, and improving appliance identification precision with a configuration which extracts characteristics of appliances. The flow rate measurement device monitors and determines the change in a flow rate measured by a flow rate measurement unit, monitors and determines the code obtained by differential conversion unit, extracts appliance characteristic flow rates representing the characteristics of the gas appliances, and compares them with the appliance-specific characteristics, thereby identifying the gas appliances.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2010Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventor: Mitsuo Yokohata
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Publication number: 20120221153Abstract: A method and a system for establishing and executing correct automatic relubrication for a number of bearings incorporated in a grease lubrication system. The system determines initial values for the relubrication interval tf and/or lubricant volume utilizing data collected from the different bearing assemblies during operation. The data includes bearing load, bearing temperature and bearing rotational speed. A processor calculates a correct lubricant volume and a value for current lubrication interval tf by comparing an initial value with a current value. The calculated correct lubricant volume and current lubrication interval tf are supplying to an automatic lubricating apparatus, which functions in accordance with the determined values. The data collection and calculation procedures are repeated after each application of lubricant to the bearings.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2010Publication date: August 30, 2012Inventors: Roger Emlind, Hans Hansson, Björn Mathiasson
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Patent number: 8255175Abstract: A simple, passive and rugged device for measuring the flow rate of liquid. A variable area obstruction valve, a differential pressure sensor and a densitometer are combined in a single housing to provide for a highly accurate and precise measure of mass flow.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2011Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Eldec CorporationInventors: Michael P. Boulanger, Bruce K. Grewell
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Patent number: 8249822Abstract: A motion controller includes a handle and a MEMS pressure sensing module. The handle has an output interface circuit for coupling with a terminal electronic device. The MEMS pressure sensing module includes a compressible member mounted on the handle, a MEMS sensor for sensing a pressure applied on the compressible member and converting the pressure into electronic signals, a processing unit for calculating a value of the pressure according to the electronic signals, and a power supply unit for supplying power to the processing unit. The processing unit is connected with the output interface circuit such that a user is able to obtain the pressure value from the terminal electronic apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2010Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hai Lan, Ga-Lane Chen, Tai-Hsu Chou
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Patent number: 8249752Abstract: In a slave electromagnetic flow meter, the synchronization signal from a master electromagnetic flow meter (that is, a master electromagnetic signal) MPs is monitored, and if the master synchronization signal MPs ceases to be received, then the synchronization signal used for the flow rate measurement is switched to a synchronization signal Ps that is generated by the synchronization signal generating unit of the slave electromagnetic flow meter, and the switched synchronization signal Ps is defined as the master synchronization signal MPs' for the slave electromagnetic flow meter in the next stage.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Azbil CorporationInventor: Shin Suzuki
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Publication number: 20120209542Abstract: A method of and apparatus for monitoring fluid flow passing within a pipe is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a flow pressure value and a flow temperature value for the fluid flow within the pipe; b) providing a fluid flowmeter operable to be attached to an exterior of the pipe; c) providing a processor adapted to include an equation of state model for the pressure, volume, and temperature properties for the fluid flow, and further adapted to receive composition data values for the fluid flow, the flow pressure value, and the flow temperature value, and the flow velocity signals from the flowmeter; and d) determining a volumetric flow rate of one or more phases of the fluid flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2010Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: Expro Meters, Inc.Inventor: Daniel L. Gysling
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Publication number: 20120206595Abstract: A method for collecting and analyzing operational information from a network of components associated with a liquid energy commodity comprises the steps of: (a) measuring an amount of the liquid energy commodity in storage at one or more storage facilities in the network, and storing that measurement data; (b) determining a flow rate of the liquid energy commodity in one or more selected pipelines in the network, and storing that flow rate data; (c) ascertaining an operational status of one or more processing facilities in the network, and storing that operational status information; (d) analyzing the measurement data, the flow rate data, and the operational status information to determine a balance of the liquid energy commodity in the network or a selected portion thereof at a given time; and (e) communicating information about the balance of the liquid energy commodity to a third-party market participant.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: GENSCAPE INTANGIBLE HOLDING, INC.Inventors: Deirdre Alphenaar, Walter F. Jones, Abudi Zein
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Publication number: 20120209541Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a volume of a phase of a multiphase fluid flowing in a production tubular is provided. A magnetic field is imparted on the fluid to align nuclei of the multiphase fluid along a direction of the magnetic field. A radio frequency signal is transmitted into the multiphase fluid to excite the nuclei, and a signal is detected from the nuclei responsive to the transmitted radio frequency signal. An amplitude of the detected signal is determined and the volume of the phase flowing in the production tubular is determined using the determined amplitude and an amplitude of a calibration signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2011Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Joo Tim Ong, Songhua Chen, Terry R. Bussear
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Publication number: 20120209540Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and managing wellhead production and costs associated therewith. Electronic equipment is placed at the well head to monitor the volume of product lifted from at a wellhead. The equipment monitors both the volume and the percentage of products lifted and stored at the well head. The status of the separation and the volume can be monitored in real time or on a delayed time basis. The data is displayed on a map and used to identify efficient routes for gathering the lifted product at an appropriate time. The data may be displayed in a user interface which displays desired data in connection with each well head in a represented geographic region.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2011Publication date: August 16, 2012Inventors: Neil Richardson, William Richardson, Michael Saltsman, Anthony Brownlow
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Publication number: 20120203477Abstract: 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: April 18, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Inventors: Karl A. Ruiter, Mirik Hovsepian
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Publication number: 20120197550Abstract: A combustion engine evaluation unit is provided that includes, but is not limited to a microcontroller receiving measurement signals from a gas flow control system and outputting a state signal of the gas flow control system. The microcontroller includes, but is not limited to input ports for receiving as first set of measurement signals. Furthermore, the microcontroller includes, but not limited to input ports for receiving as a second set of measurement signals. The microcontroller is configured to calculate a first set of predicted values with a gas flow model based on the first set of measurement signals and calculate a second set of predicted values with a nominal model based on the second set of measurement signals. The microcontroller is also configured to generate the state signal based on a comparison of the first set of predicted values with the second set of predicted values.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2011Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Francesco CIANFLONE, Gerhard LANDSMANN, Christopher ECK, Rolf ISERMANN, Andreas SIDOROW, Ulrich KONIGORSKI
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Publication number: 20120191380Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a fluid and determining a leak comprising the steps of providing a meter and a meter register coacting with the meter. When a leak is detected, a signal is transmitted from the meter register regarding fluid consumption. The transmitted signal indicates a leak either when the measured flow rate remains a fixed volume over a fixed period of time, or the measured flow rate exceeds a threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2012Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: ARAD MEASURING TECHNOLOGIES LTD.Inventor: Dan Winter
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Patent number: 8229686Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a flow rate of a component of a stratified two-phase fluid flow within a substantially horizontally extending pipe is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) determining a first fluid velocity value and a second fluid velocity value within the pipe section; b) determining a density of the fluid flow within the pipe section, and creating a measured fluid density value; c) determining a degree of fluid phase stratification of the fluid flow using at least one of the top and bottom fluid flow velocity values, and the measured fluid density value; and d) determining a flow rate value for at least one of a liquid component of the fluid flow and a gas component of the fluid flow within the pipe section.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Expro Meters, Inc.Inventor: Abhinav Singh Rawat
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Patent number: 8229695Abstract: Meter electronics for geometric thermal compensation in a flow meter is provided according to the invention. The meter electronics includes an interface configured to receive sensor signals and a temperature signal (T) of the flow meter. The meter electronics further includes a processing system coupled with the interface and configured to receive the sensor signals and the temperature signal (T) and compute a geometric thermal compensation factor (TFe) for one or more flow conduits of the flow meter using the temperature signal (T). The geometric thermal compensation factor (TFe) is used to process the first and second sensor signals.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventors: Aart R Pruysen, Jacob Andreas Sinte Maartensdijk, Robert Barclay Garnett
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Patent number: 8229707Abstract: A method of extracting and analyzing a data set from a flow cytometer system of the preferred embodiment comprises the steps of (1) running a sample and saving all collected raw data, (2) viewing raw (or “unmodified”) data, (3) modifying the raw data (e.g., scaling and/or culling the raw data), (4) reviewing and saving the modified data, and (5) exporting the saved data. Once the sample has been run and all collected data have been saved, the user can repeat the steps of modifying the raw data, saving the modified data, and exporting the saved data as many times as necessary and/or desirable.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2011Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Accuri Cytometers, Inc.Inventors: David Olson, Collin A. Rich, Clement James Goebel, III
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Patent number: 8229684Abstract: The detection system of the first preferred embodiment includes a detector, having a wide dynamic range, that receives photonic inputs from an interrogation zone and produces an analog signal; and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), having a high bit resolution, that is coupled to the detector and converts an analog signal to a digital signal. The digital signal includes an initial data set of the full dynamic range of the input signals from the flow cytometer sample. The method of extracting and analyzing data from a flow cytometer system of the first preferred embodiment preferably includes the steps of: collecting a full dynamic range of input signals from a flow cytometer sample; recognizing and annotating aggregate particle events; and storing an initial data set and an annotated data set of the full dynamic range of the input signals from the flow cytometer sample.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2010Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Accuri Cytometers, Inc.Inventors: Clement James Goebel, Collin A. Rich
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Patent number: 8229600Abstract: To provide a flow controlling device capable of providing an accurate flow set by a setting device without mutual interference between flow controlling devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2009Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Azbil CorporationInventors: Osamu Momose, Toshiya Arai