Liquid Level Or Volume Determination Patents (Class 702/55)
  • Patent number: 7000450
    Abstract: In a method for measuring the injection quantity of injection systems, in particular for motor vehicles and in particular in production testing, an injection system injects a testing fluid into a measuring chamber. A detection device detects a movement of a piston, which at least partially defines the measuring chamber. This detection device generates a corresponding measurement signal. In order to increase the precision of the calculation of the injected testing fluid mass, the invention proposes that the pressure of the testing fluid in the measuring chamber be detected and that the measurement signal be processed taking into account the detected pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Unger, Wolfram Von Huelsen, Hermann Bolle, Ralf Bindel, Ralf Haas, Dirk Wolf
  • Patent number: 6963808
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods that identify a flow anomaly to an operator or other person by: executing a first device of a plurality of water using devices; receiving flow data on a quantity of water used by the first device during a time period required to generate a first water use signature from the first device; comparing a future water use pattern against the first water use signature to identify a flow anomaly with the first device; and providing information regarding the flow anomaly to the person. Identifying anomalies can be useful in numerous ways, including discovering problems that need fixing, reducing waste, and even calculating appropriate irrigation application rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Aqua Conserve, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Addink, Sylvan Addink, Tony Givargis
  • Patent number: 6948364
    Abstract: The liquid level detector system of the present invention comprises a heater thermally coupled to the interior of the vessel. A linear sensor, having a vertical longitudinal axis, is located in proximity to the heater such that discrete elevations of the interior of the vessel are thermally coupled to corresponding longitudinal portions of the sensor. The correspondence is incrementally continuous such that the elevations corresponding to the portions of the sensor increase from one to the other end of the sensor. The sensor may be actuated resulting in a resistance measurement indicative of the temperature detected by it. The vertical dimension of the sensor is sufficiently large such that the resistance measurement will vary in proportion to the longitudinal portion of the sensor thermally coupled to the liquid. The sensor generates an electrical signal defining a temperature signal indicative of the resistance measurement and thereby the temperature detected by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventors: Charles D. Snelling, Leo T. Van Lahr
  • Patent number: 6944563
    Abstract: A method and a system to provide allocation of mixed flow to individual sources in oil and gas production systems by measuring mixed flow; analyzing the composition; accessing the data for the mixed flows; and calculating the flow from each source with an allocation algorithm using the mixed flow, the analyzed composition and the composition of at least one source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Hallgeir Melbø, Robert Anton Bernard van der Geest, Svein Arne Morud, Bjørn Øyvind Bringedal
  • Patent number: 6938635
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel level switch which may be employed to detect liquid levels within a process vessel. The level switch of the present invention is self validating so that manual testing is not required in order to ensure proper operation and switch calibration. The switch of the present invention may be easily introduced into existing process vessel designs as a replacement for prior art level detection switches with minimal or no retrofitting effort being required. The self validating level switch of the present invention may be connected to a Safety Instrumented System (SIS) such that process control including process shutdowns to avoid overfilling and low-fluid conditions may be accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventor: Daniel B. Bolland
  • Patent number: 6932028
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining a density-compensated liquid level in a vessel containing a mixture of liquid and vapors comprises a temperature sensor which produces a signal that is proportional to the temperature of the mixture; and a processing apparatus that includes one or more pressure sensors that allow for a measurement of an operating pressure and a differential pressure between the mixture in the vessel and a constant reference leg. The processing apparatus further includes an integral microprocessor for calculating the respective specific gravities of the liquid and vapor portions of the mixture based on the operating pressure, and then computing the density-compensated liquid level in the vessel based on such calculations of specific gravity and the differential pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Vogt Power International Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Hatfield, Harold Kearney
  • Patent number: 6934644
    Abstract: A method of determining a volume of fluid associated with a fluid storage and dispensing system, the volume of fluid having a height in the system, wherein the system include measurement apparatus for measuring the height. The method includes collecting a plurality of height measurement data from the measurement apparatus in a form readable by a computer; storing the plurality of height measurement data in a compressed matrix format in a computer memory; and performing regression analysis using the compressed matrix format to calculate the volume of fluid associated with the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Warren Rogers Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren F. Rogers, John R. Collins, Jillanne B. Jones
  • Patent number: 6925398
    Abstract: Water measurement apparatus and methods of operation. An exemplary implementation of water measurement apparatus comprises a measurement circuit outputting a voltage. A processor is operatively associated with the measurement circuit to receive the voltage and determine a capacitance value proportional to a water level. Computer readable program code is provided in computer readable storage and executable by the processor. The computer readable program code includes program code for determining the water level based on the capacitance value. Water measurement apparatus may also be implemented in an auto-network of water measurement stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Colorado vNet, LLC
    Inventor: John McDermid
  • Patent number: 6920401
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the amount of liquid in a container, and for causing the liquid to flow from the container to a point of use. The weight of the container is measured at several time intervals to determine the weight change of the liquid contained within. When the weight change is less than a predetermined fraction of either the weight of container weight and/or of the liquid originally contained in the container, a signal is generated to indicate that the container may be empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide-Societe Anonyme a'Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Guillaume Rameau, Pascal Mengolli
  • Patent number: 6909975
    Abstract: A method and apparatus integrates differential pressure measurements and absolute pressure measurements to provide virtual absolute pressure measurements over a wide range of pressures on a single integrated scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Dozoretz, Youfan Gu, Garry Holcomb, Ole Wenzel
  • Patent number: 6889546
    Abstract: A fuel tank interface assembly is provided. The assembly provides interface and control to a plurality of different types of components. Some of the components may be situated inside the tank. A connector is sealingly mounted through a single opening in the tank and is configured to provide at least two electrical leads for each different type of component in the tank. A unitary control unit is electrically coupled to the connector and is configured to provide control to each of the plurality of different type of components through the at least two electrical leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Anthony Shost, Yingjie Lin
  • Patent number: 6879935
    Abstract: A monitoring system such as a septic tank monitoring system for distinguishing between and identifying the location of a sedimentary layer, a scum layer, and any intervening liquid zone in a septic tank with an elongate sensing probe for being disposed in the septic tank, a plurality of sensors disposed along the sensing probe, and a remote monitor operably associated with the plurality of sensors, such as thermistors, for providing a remote indication to a septic tank operator of the location of the sedimentary layer, the scum layer, and any intervening liquid zone in the septic tank based on the signals from the plurality of sensors so that a septic tank operator can monitor the contents and condition of the septic tank without a need for excavating and physically inspecting the septic tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: SepSensor Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Keck
  • Patent number: 6832620
    Abstract: An apparatus for dosing lubricant into a compressed air flow includes a lubricant container, a pneumatically operated lubricant pump, an injection channel, a non-return valve interposed between the outlet of the pump and the injection channel, and an electronic sensor cooperating with or coupled to the non-return valve so that the sensor emits an electrical signal responsive and corresponding to the stroke travel of the non-return valve. When the pump carries out a lubricant injection cycle, the pressurized lubricant pushes open the non-return valve, flows into the injection channel and from there into a main channel through which compressed air flows. The travel of the valve is sensed by the sensor, and the sensor signal indicates whether the lubricant injection was proper or faulty, e.g. if the proper amount of lubricant was injected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Lindauer Dornier Gesellschaft mbH
    Inventor: Siegfried Jaeger
  • Patent number: 6832166
    Abstract: A method and system for determining the effect of precipitation on flow within a sewer network includes identifying a modeled response of the sewer to a precipitation event. Once the modeled response is identified, scaled responses to future precipitation events may be predicted, in real time, by measuring intervals of the precipitation event and calculating the scaled response as a function of the modeled response and the precipitation quantity measured during the precipitation event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: ADS Corporation
    Inventor: James S. Schutzbach
  • Publication number: 20040215407
    Abstract: A fuel supply includes a fuel container having an interior chamber for containing fuel, and a pressure sensing unit disposed within the interior chamber of the fuel container. The pressure sensing unit is configured to provide an output signal indicative of an amount of fuel remaining in the fuel container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Thielman, Rhonda L. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20040181349
    Abstract: A software-based water level monitoring and control system, preferably for use with conventional steam boilers, is disclosed. The system includes software for monitoring and recording system functions, safety features, diagnostic testing histories, and other functions. The water level system is employed to monitor and/or regulate one or more operating parameters of the boiler, such as water levels within the boiler. In response to the boiler system testing of low-water cut-off, auxiliary low-water cut-off, and pressure vessel float operation and functionality, the software builds histories and other data compilations. The extensive electronic information permits a user that accesses the water level control system to, for example, view the data compilations and to monitor the status of the system. In this manner, real-time information, as well as the historical data, are available to accomplish the regulation of key parameters in the boiler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Boris M. Tynkov
  • Patent number: 6792362
    Abstract: In an apparatus for determining the moisture content of a medium forming a dielectric of a measuring conduit of a probe, which apparatus includes an electronic evaluation unit, a signal generator providing a pulse signal to one end of the measuring conduit, a receiver for receiving a reflected signal returned to the one end of the measuring conduit and a time measuring device for determining the time elapsed between the supply of the signal and the return of the reflected signal, the electronic evaluation unit is arranged in close proximity to the one end of the measuring conduit and provided with temperature compensating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: imko Intelligente Micromodule Köhler GmbH
    Inventor: Kurt Köhler
  • Patent number: 6782327
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining accurate measuring of material a system where stopping element which stops feeding the material has a time delay which takes a certain time to stop the feeding completely after receiving a stopping signal. The apparatus includes feeding line which is capable of changing feeding rate from high to low when a total fed amount reaches a predetermined alerting amount, preset amount calculator for determining the current preset amount value by multiplying the time delay by a detected feeding rate and a controller for generating a signal to actuate the stopping element to stop the feeding when the total fed amount reaches a value of difference between the intended amount and the current preset amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sakae Nishijima
  • Publication number: 20040149003
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for accommodating indirect ascertainment of fill-characteristics of fluid tanks on marine vessels. The invention includes providing an experientially-based mapping of volume characteristics of a fluid tank positioned on a marine vessel that are correlated with respect to measurable fluid surface positions within the fluid tank. In consideration of this volume characteristic mapping, fluid fill condition information is output for operator use based on quantification of a parameter other than sensed fluid level in the fluid tank. While it is contemplated that the other parameter may be any characteristic that readily reads back to the volume characteristic mapping, it is particularly advantageous, and a preferred embodiment of the invention, that the other parameter be a volumetric quantification of fluid consumed out of the tank that can be compared to an earlier ascertained tank volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: AB Volvo Penta
    Inventor: Per Nestvall
  • Publication number: 20040149031
    Abstract: The invention concerns bubble level meter having a pneumatic tube connected to a gas generator and to a pressure sensor. A deflecting valve is interposed along the pneumatic tube, for deflecting the air outlet at a predetermined height from the usual lower outlet of the tube. A control circuit controls the deflecting valve and the gas generator based on predetermined set values, processes the pressure measurements obtained from the pressure sensor, checks the calibration of the sensor on the basis of the measurements and the differences in height between the tube outlet, and generates level data based on the processed pressure measurements and a calibrating coefficient. Another valve interposed between the sensor and the tube and monitored by the circuit control, enables to take into account the possible drift of the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Claude Bouchard
  • Patent number: 6769300
    Abstract: A fill level measurement device includes at least first and second removable and replaceable components that each include a non-volatile memory device. The device senses that the first removable and replaceable component has been inserted into the fill level measurement device, and provides a sensed signal indicative thereof. In response to the sensed signal, component customer parameter data is received at the first removable and replaceable component, and the received component customer parameter data is written into the non-volatile memory device of the first removable and replaceable component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: VEGA Grieshaber KG
    Inventors: Herbert Auber, Martin Mellert, Martin Mosmann, Thomas Oehler
  • Patent number: 6763713
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel level sensor malfunction detecting method and system for a vehicle. In the method and system the rate of change in the opening of the throttle valve and the detection of a transmission kick-down are conditions for determining the malfunction of the fuel level sensor, thereby making it possible to detect a malfunctioning fuel level sensor more accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Youn-Soo Kim, Je-Young Seo
  • Patent number: 6762679
    Abstract: An adapter for a mechanical type levelmeter, which has a magnet that moves in response to a changing level of liquid in a container. The adapter is fitted onto the levelmeter in a manner that is transparent to any existing reading dials, but that permits hall sensors on the adapter to respond to the motion of the magnet. The adapter also has a processing unit and a transmitter, which process the output of hall sensors and generate a transmittable signal representing level data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: TRN Business Trust
    Inventor: Herman Díaz
  • Publication number: 20040129075
    Abstract: A remote two-module electronic fluid monitoring system to be used as an agricultural aid in the application of a fluid to a field. A tank module sits atop a field tank and monitors internal fluid level. Fluid level detection is achieved by tracking the position of an embedded permanent magnet associated with a given internal fluid level within an existing float gauge mechanism. An integrated circuit capable of precisely detecting the orientation of magnetic fields senses the angular position of an existing magnet and outputs an angular field reading to an interfaced microcontroller which then translates angular reading to fluid level. The tank module contains a radio frequency transmitter which then sends fluid level information to a display module mounted within the tractor cab. The display module receives the signal from the tank module and reports to the user the present fluid level remaining in tank via a liquid crystal display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: Fluent Systems, LLC.
    Inventor: Chad Michael Sorenson
  • Publication number: 20040122603
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the fill quantity of an operating medium, in particular of the engine oil in a motor vehicle having a reservoir container of the operating medium and having a data processing device for determining the fill quantity of the operating medium. A fill level sensor for sensing the fill level is arranged in the reservoir container for the operating medium. In order to determine the fill level of the operating medium, operating states of the vehicle such as the temperature of the operating medium and the engine speed are also sensed. According to the invention, a characteristic variable for the engine load, for example the position of the accelerator pedal, the throttle valve position or the torque on the drive train are sensed. The fill quantity of the operating medium is determined from the sensed data by a data processing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Guertler, Hartwig Hellwig, Klaus Land, Harald Ott, Martin-Kai Riedel
  • Publication number: 20040117135
    Abstract: A method of determining a volume of fluid associated with a fluid storage and dispensing system, the volume of fluid having a height in the system, wherein the system include measurement apparatus for measuring the height. The method includes collecting a plurality of height measurement data from the measurement apparatus in a form readable by a computer; storing the plurality of height measurement data in a compressed matrix format in a computer memory; and performing regression analysis using the compressed matrix format to calculate the volume of fluid associated with the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: Warren Rogers Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren F. Rogers, John R. Collins, Jillanne B. Jones
  • Publication number: 20040079150
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring the volume of a liquid in a fuel tank in a vehicle subject to varying external forces caused by movement or changes in the roll and pitch angles of the vehicle wherein the tank is mounted to the vehicle and subject to forces along the yaw axis of the vehicle. One or more tank load cells provides an output proportionally representing the load thereon. The load cells are placed between a portion of the tank and a portion of a reference surface of the vehicle and are sensitive along an axis that is substantially normal to the mounting surface and generally parallel to the yaw axis of the vehicle. A processor executes a derived relationship between the load cell output and the volume of fuel in the tank so as to convert the output signal from the load cell into output information representative of the volume of the fuel in the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: David S. Breed, Wilbur E. DuVall, Wendell C. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040079152
    Abstract: A remote two-module electronic fluid monitoring system. A tank module sits atop a field tank and monitors internal fluid level. Fluid level detection is achieved by tracking the position of an embedded permanent magnet associated with a given internal fluid level within an existing float gauge mechanism. An integrated circuit capable of precisely detecting the orientation of magnetic fields senses the angular position of an existing magnet and outputs an angular field reading to an interfaced microcontroller which then translates angular reading to fluid level. The tank module contains a radio frequency transmitter which then sends fluid level information to a display module. The display module receives the signal from the tank module and reports to the user the present fluid level remaining in the tank via a liquid crystal display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Fluent Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Chad M. Sorenson, Scott Woods, Dave Franchino
  • Publication number: 20040078152
    Abstract: Method for measuring the amount of liquid in a container, especially comprising means for making said liquid flow from said container to a point of use, in which the weight Pi in the container is measured at a time ti, this measurement being repeated at predetermined time intervals. The weight change &Dgr;Pi=Pi−Pi+1 of liquid between times ti and ti+1, thus i=0, 1, . . . n−1, is also measured so as to generate a signal indicating that the container may be considered as being empty when &Dgr;Pi is less than a predetermined fraction of the weight of the container and/or of the liquid initially contained in the latter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Guillaume Rameau, Pascal Mengolli
  • Publication number: 20040073386
    Abstract: Method of estimating the volume of fuel in the tank of a motor vehicle, in which a measurement of the level of the fuel in the tank is made using a level sensor, this level sensor constituting a first information source whose signal is disturbed by a scale factor depending on values other than the level of the fuel, in particular the temperature, n other information sources are used relating to n different values other than the fuel level and making it possible to make the scale factor observable and the results provided by the (n+1) information sources are processed in order to estimate the scale factor, n being an integer greater than or equal to 1, according to which use is made of a second information source capable of providing information relating to the flow rate of the fuel consumed by the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Nicolas Benedetti
  • Patent number: 6721669
    Abstract: The present invention provides a flow meter whereby movement of fluid causes screw spindles or other movable elements to rotate and generate electronic pulses. The invention compensates for non-linearity in the relationship between the flow rate and the number of pulses, occurring particularly at low flow rates, by providing a device in the form of a transducer which assigns volume a value to each pules, which volume values are accumulated such that when certain predetermined value is exceeded a transducer generates a counter signal. Thus, the present invention enables compensation for non-linearity to be made and pulses output corresponding to a standard unit of volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: Manfred Köpl, Alfons Harding
  • Patent number: 6718311
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system, the method comprising receiving a request indication representing a request for an item, receiving a provided indication representing providing said item, and signalling an operator when the request indication has no corresponding provided indication. The apparatus includes a request indication receiver for receiving the request indication, a provided indication receiver for receiving the provided indication, a processing circuit for determining when the request indication has no corresponding provided indication, and a signal device in communication with the processing circuit for signalling the operator when the request indication has no corresponding provided indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Sprint Enterprises Inc.
    Inventor: Tap Suo-Anttila
  • Patent number: 6701783
    Abstract: A process for determining the position of the border areas between different mediums with the aid of electromagnetic waves, in which process a departing wave which is emitted from a wave transmitter has at least one propagation speed component that is parallel to the normal lines of the border area of the different mediums; the emitted departing wave is at least partially reflected at the border areas; the portions of the reflected returning wave are received by a wave receiver; the travel times between emission of the departing wave and reception of the returning wave are determined; the positions of the border areas are determined from the travel times, with account taken of the different propagation speeds of the wave in the different mediums, while the various portions of the reflected waves in the different mediums (4, 5) are made use of. It is important to take into account here the quadratic relationship of &egr;r to the reflection factor r.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Vega Grieshaber KG
    Inventors: Josef Fehrenbach, Karl Griessbaum
  • Patent number: 6701261
    Abstract: A method and system for determining the effect of precipitation on flow within a sewer network includes identifying a modeled response of the sewer to a precipitation event. Once the modeled response is identified, scaled responses to future precipitation events may be predicted, in real time, by measuring intervals of the precipitation event and calculating the scaled response as a function of the modeled response and the precipitation quantity measured during the precipitation event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: ADS Corporation
    Inventor: James S. Schutzbach
  • Patent number: 6695256
    Abstract: A cryogenic propellant depletion system for maximizing cryogenic propellant use in a space launch vehicle. The cryogenic propellant depletion system utilizes a plurality of pressure measurements to monitor one or more parameters of the cryogenic propellant in a feed line interconnecting a cryogenic propellant storage tank to the launch vehicle's engine. In this regard, the cryogenic depletion system includes a processor and supported logic to determine a head pressure supplied by the cryogenic propellant in the feed line and the mass of the cryogenic propellant in the feed line. The cryogenic depletion monitoring system is operative to determine these propellant parameters irrespective of a two-phase flow existing in the feed line. Finally, the system is configured to initiate engine shut down when at least one of the determined propellant parameters falls below a minimum threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Zeender, Joseph Patrick Wurst
  • Patent number: 6687643
    Abstract: An in-situ sensor system and method which measures the density of a liquid accurately with pressure sensors by measuring pressure in the liquid at two separate positions defined by a fixed distance. The fixed distance is known accurately to at least the nearest 0.0001 inch by measuring temperature simultaneously with pressure measurements. The temperature is used to correct for temperature-related changes in length of the material to which the pressure sensors are fixed. Because pressure sensors and temperature sensors can be relatively small, the sensor system is small, portable, and can be easily and safely inserted into or removed from tanks through a small opening. A data acquisition system acquires data with a remote telemetry system, provides the data to users through a communications network, and provides density, height, volume, and leak rate of the liquids using one or more data management systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Unirex, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Cason, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040015304
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to specify a fill level measurement device, in which a measurement sensor (MS) is connected to a measurement data converter (MW), which is connected to an electrical analytical device (EA), in such a way as to simplify and abbreviate maintenance and repair work. For this purpose, the measurement data converter (MW) contains a first non-volatile memory (S1), and the electronic analytical device (EA) contains a second non-volatile memory (S2). The same parameter data, which are necessary to start and operate the fill level measurement device, are redundantly stored in both memories (S1, S2). When the measurement data converter (MW) is replaced, the data stored in the second memory (S2) of the electronic analytical device (EA) are automatically read into the first memory (S1) of the newly installed measurement data converter (MW).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Herbert Auber, Martin Mellert, Martin Mosmann, Thomas Oehler
  • Patent number: 6675073
    Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for fine tuning the process of controlling the weight of a flow of material, such as a rod of material in a production facility. A control actuator in communication with a PID controller and PID control loop is used to change the unit volume of the flow so as to maintain a target unit weight. A measurement device captures unit weight measurements of the flow at intervals over the length of the flow. A change is introduced to a control actuator while the PID controller and PID control loop are disabled, and appropriate weight measurements of the flow are continually captured along with the control actuator's “feed back” position; a process that may be repeated several times. Once sufficient weight measurement data has been captured, the data is loaded into an optimization program that outputs optimized controlled parameters that may be used by the PID controller and control loop to better control the weight of the flow of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventors: Steve Kieman, David Honigford
  • Publication number: 20040002822
    Abstract: A monitoring system such as a septic tank monitoring system for distinguishing between and identifying the location of a sedimentary layer, a scum layer, and any intervening liquid zone in a septic tank with an elongate sensing probe for being disposed in the septic tank, a plurality of sensors disposed along the sensing probe, and a remote monitor operably associated with the plurality of sensors, such as thermistors, for providing a remote indication to a septic tank operator of the location of the sedimentary layer, the scum layer, and any intervening liquid zone in the septic tank based on the signals from the plurality of sensors so that a septic tank operator can monitor the contents and condition of the septic tank without a need for excavating and physically inspecting the septic tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Applicant: SepSensor Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Keck
  • Publication number: 20030200037
    Abstract: Presently there is very little information or specifications to compare surfboards of similar size. To date no one has thought to measure and mark surfboards with a buoyancy or flotation rating. This invention seeks to improve the chances of a person buying a new surfboard to choose a board most suited to his or her weight and surfing ability. Currently surfboards are marked only with the length, width and thickness. The additional buoyancy rating would be very helpful when choosing or comparing surfboards. The process and testing equipment consist of a tank of water where the board is placed. A strap is attached to the board. A foot lever is used to submerge the board. A scale or force gauge is situated between the board and the lever to record pounds or kilogram of weight required to submerge the board. A permanent marking of the buoyancy recorded is fixed to the board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Curtis Courian
  • Patent number: 6598617
    Abstract: A control system for maintaining the liquid levels in a plurality of reservoirs connected in series includes one or more nested control modules. The nested control module, one for each reservoir, includes a proportional only level controller in electrical communication with the respective level sensor of each respective reservoir and is adapted to produce an output that becomes a set point for one or more respective PID flow controllers adapted to control the respective outflows of said respective reservoirs. The control system results in maintaining liquid levels in the reservoirs while substantially eliminating flow and level oscillations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Guy Kevin Spicer
  • Patent number: 6601000
    Abstract: A device for conveying a medium from a container to a tank and for determining the quantity of the medium, having a conduit between the container and the tank, a conveying device connected to the conduit and a device for separating gas from the medium, the device for separating the gas and the tank forming an integrated unit, a filling level measuring device being provided substantially in the interior of the tank for determining the position of at least one boundary surface of the medium in the tank and the filling level measuring device has at least one dipstick. Method for conveying a medium from a container into a tank and for determining the quantity of the medium, in which the medium is transported via a conveying device and a conduit and gas absorbed by the medium is separated, gas separation at least partly taking place in the tank and the filling level in the tank is measured by a filling level measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Bartec Logistic Management GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhold Barlian, Alfred Boehm, Gerd Boehm, Johann Bretzendorfer, Alfons Brueggemann
  • Patent number: 6597998
    Abstract: A self calibration system is provided for a fuel tank in which a method is applied to dynamically determine the relationship between the remaining fuel in the tank and the measured depth of that remaining fuel. It is not necessary to provide the specific volume-to-depth relationship prior to operation of the marine vessel. Based on initial estimation of this relationship, which can be a linear estimation, the actual relationship is determined based on measured fuel depth changes and measured fuel consumptions which are contemporaneous with the measurement of the depth changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Steven J. Gonring
  • Patent number: 6585885
    Abstract: A water purification system for purifying water flowing through a water flow path. The system includes a water purification device having an inlet and an outlet in the water flow path and at least one interior volume communicating with the inlet and outlet. A purification medium is disposed within the interior volume of the water purification device. A flow control system is provided controlling a volume of purified water dispensed from the outlet. The flow control system includes an input device configured to allow a user to input a desired volume of purified water to be dispensed from the outlet and a sensing device coupled with the electronic input device and operative to determine the volume of purified water being dispensed from the outlet. A flow regulation device is coupled with the flow control system and operative to stop the discharge of purified water at the outlet upon reaching the desired volume of purified water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Barnstead Thermolyne Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Larkner, Steven C. Peake, Chester E. Chomka, Joseph F. Tilp, Eric J. Willman, Kerry W. Leppert, Tina M. Timmerman
  • Publication number: 20030120461
    Abstract: A method and system for processing the data of any one of a variety of processes without doing a total custom design for each process. The system includes a computer and database that communicates with various monitors of the process to gather, store and retrieve the process data. A user interfaces to the computer via a client device. The computer includes a program that identifies events and activities of the process based on input from the user or from process data collected as the process runs. Attributes of the events and activities are also identified. These events, activities and attributes are classified according to a data structure that includes event types, activity types and attribute types. Storage volumes are allocated to each of the defined event and/or types, activity types for storage and retrieval of the data by attribute type. The composite event or activity data can be retrieved in multiple views, such as row, column, graphical and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Christiaan M.H. Mets, IIa K. Montalvo Roel, James A. Strilich
  • Publication number: 20030120439
    Abstract: An electronic tide gauge for calculating the time of high tide and the time of low tide efficiently and accurately, and a method for calculating the time of high tide and low tide are provided. Input of a calendar and selection of an area are performed by using a input unit, and from a ROM in which tide data of each area is stored, tide data of the selected area is read out,thereby defining a tide level estimation formula. A CPU calculates the tide levels at two or more time points at a first time interval by using the tide level estimation formula and finds the difference between the tide levels. A second time interval is set in accordance with an interval between the high tide and the low tide estimated from the calculated difference in tide level, and tide level data at each appropriate time interval is calculated, thus calculating the time of high tide and the time of low tide accurately and efficiently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Kozo Iijima
  • Publication number: 20030111424
    Abstract: The present invention is process for irrigation of a golf course, which involves monitoring reclaimed water, and treating it when necessary to avoid harmful effects to plantlike. The reclaimed water is tested with a plurality of monitors to obtain results for water quality characteristics, including: total organic carbon compounds; pH; residual chlorine; chlorides; and, sodium. These results are inputted to a computerized data handling system for data collection, storage and analysis for comparison to predetermined acceptable ranges for water quality characteristic, and to show any deviation from said acceptable ranges. Either alarms are set off or treatment occurs or both, when deviations are observed. Treatment includes a dechlorination system and an oxidation system to correct active chlorine and total organic compound levels, respectively. Other important monitors may be included for one or more of the following: hardness; turbidity; alkalinity; conductivity and nitrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Peter L. Rosen, Robert Hodges
  • Patent number: 6577960
    Abstract: Liquid gauging apparatus using a time delay neural network for determining a quantity of liquid in a container that is not directly measurable by sensors is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of sensors and a processor. Each of the sensors are capable of measuring a respective parameter of the liquid and for producing a time varying sensor output signal representative of the respective parameter measured thereby. The processor is programmed to process the sensor output signals by a time delay neural network algorithm to determine a current quantity of the liquid in the container based on current and past parameter measurements of the sensor output signals. Also disclosed is a method of training a time delay neural network algorithm for computing a quantity of liquid in a container from current and past liquid parameter sensor measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Luis C. Rabelo, Mark Walker, Radoslaw R. Zakrewski
  • Patent number: 6539312
    Abstract: A sample probe 18 for a gas sampling system obtains a highly accurate hydrocarbon gas sample from a pipeline, particularly when ambient conditions are below the hydrocarbon dew point. A compartment 20 houses a heater 44 and a pump 30, with the pump being mounted on an upper body 50 of probe 18 by suitable nuts 56, 58. A lower probe section 48 having coarse threads 76 is mounted within pipeline 10 and has a diameter D1 of at least greater than 80% of the diameter D of internally threaded opening 14 of pipeline 10. Probe 18 has large diameter upper body 50 externally threaded for mounting compartment 20 thereon. Probe 18 is preferably formed of an anodized aluminum material having a high thermal conductivity in excess of 80 BTU/Ft Hr/Ft2/° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: PGI International, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer M. Nimberger, Kevin J. Cessac
  • Patent number: 6529845
    Abstract: A computer (20) adapted to communicate with a measuring apparatus (12) for receiving liquid level measurements and delivering a calibrated fuel quantity output (24) to a readout instrument (14). The computer (20) has an input interface (34) with a first input (22A) for accepting a first liquid level measurement signal from said measuring apparatus (12). A first bias circuit (30A) provides an adjustable offset bias to minimize voltage errors due to input bias current received in the first liquid level measurement signal (26A). Computer(20) also has a calibrating circuit (36) for calibrating the first liquid level measurement signal to provide a calibrated fuel quantity output signal (24) that can be read by readout instrument (14) through output interface (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Charles W. Beck, II