Combined Patents (Class 73/198)
  • Patent number: 11692552
    Abstract: Systems and methods of flow testing different workpieces in an automated testing station are described. Each workpiece comprises a flow path from an inlet to an outlet and the automated testing station comprises first and second sealing heads for injecting gas into the inlets of workpieces and collecting gas from the outlets of workpieces. The method includes performing a flow test by moving the flow test heads toward the workpieces while at the same time priming a flow of gas from the first sealing heads to the second sealing heads, prior to engaging the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Inventors: Kenneth Wayne Nicholson, Philip David Munroe, Mathieu Jocelyn Giles Pascal Gaudreault, Martin George Smith, David Andrew Tait, Robert David Almas, Colin Spencer Quelch
  • Patent number: 11673790
    Abstract: A method and system of dispensing a fuel from a fuel tank to a recipient fuel tank. The method includes scanning a tag by a scanner from a smart device, wherein the smart device also comprises a communications processor, recording an initial inventory level of the fuel in the fuel tank, estimating a density of the fuel, opening a valve to dispense a predetermined amount of the fuel, and recording a final inventory level after the dispensing the fuel, upon estimating that the density of the fuel is within a predetermined range, and shutting the valve and communicating to relevant personnel about the difference in fuel density, upon estimating that the density is outside of the predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Inventors: Wisam Nahhas, Joshua Stolberg, Nour Baki
  • Patent number: 11571539
    Abstract: A respiratory therapy system can have a flow generator adapted to provide gases to a patient. A gas passageway can be located in-line with the flow generator. The gas passageway can have a first portion adapted to receive a first gas and a second portion adapted to receive a second gas. The gas passageway can have a static mixer downstream of the first and second portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Dean Antony Barker, Russel William Burgess, Peter Geoffrey Hawkins, Maurice Wen-Bin Chai
  • Patent number: 11530632
    Abstract: An oil filter for a motor vehicle includes a filter cartridge disposed in an oil filter housing. A piston of the filter cartridge is displaceable in the oil filter housing in an axial direction of the filter cartridge. The filter cartridge has a closure element where the closure element is held at an end of at least one strut of the filter cartridge and where a free end of the at least one strut is supported in the oil filter housing. The piston is displaceable relative to the at least one strut in the axial direction of the filter cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignees: Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz Group AG
    Inventors: Markus Sander, Lionel Le Clech, Eric Schumacher
  • Patent number: 11519839
    Abstract: A pressure probe includes a tube having an output end, an internal passage, an axial run, and pressure orifices axially aligned along a downstream side of the axial run. The pressure orifices are in communication with the output end through the internal passage and an upstream side of the axial run that is opposite from the downstream side of the axial run and does not include a pressure orifice. The downstream side is perpendicular to airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Inventors: Henry Greist, Sanjeev Hingorani
  • Patent number: 11510373
    Abstract: A computerized crop growing management system (CMS) for a farm includes a main controller with an associated user interface (UI). The farm has a plurality of fields on each of which a different crop may be raised, each crop having different irrigation and nutrient requirements. Each field is fed by a main irrigation line connected to a network of irrigation pipes having controller-based valves. Sensors monitor growing conditions in each field. The UI is configured to permit an operator to monitor growing conditions, and control the supply of irrigation liquid and nutrients to each field and/or each crop. The UI allows the operator to specify and create irrigation schedules, nutrient recipes and flow rates, as well as warn an operator of technical and crop problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Netafim, Ltd.
    Inventor: Iosi Blejer
  • Patent number: 11391656
    Abstract: A pressure probe includes a tube having an output end, an internal passage, an axial run, and pressure orifices axially aligned along a downstream side of the axial run. The pressure orifices are in communication with the output end through the internal passage and an upstream side of the axial run that is opposite from the downstream side of the axial run and does not include a pressure orifice. The downstream side is perpendicular to airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Greist, Sanjeev Hingorani
  • Patent number: 11273462
    Abstract: A system includes an agitation system having a container configured to store a coating material, an agitator configured to agitate the coating material, and a sensor configured to sense conditions within the container and transmit the conditions. The system also includes an agitation control system having a controller configured to turn on the agitator, and change an intensity of agitation in response to an input received from the agitation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Carlisle Fluid Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy Earl Young, II
  • Patent number: 11215487
    Abstract: A flow rate measurement device includes a flow rate measurer to measure a fluid flow rate at regular time intervals, a period setting unit, an arithmetic unit to calculate first average flow rates and amounts of change each between the average flow rates in sequence, and second average flow rates and amounts of change each between the average flow rates in sequence, and a fuel cell determinator to determine whether a fuel cell is in operation. The fuel cell determinator determines that a fuel cell is in operation when an increment of the second average flow rate repeats for first predetermined successive times, an increment of the first average flow rate repeats for second predetermined times or more in each of the second periods, and an increment of the first average flow rate not greater than or equal to a third predetermined flow rate in each of the second periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Kitano, Mitsuo Yokohata
  • Patent number: 11125594
    Abstract: An end treatment for use with an ultrasonic gas flow meter includes an attenuation section having a pipe extending in a longitudinal direction and containing alternating sets of laterally spaced and vertically oriented first and second solid wall plates located between an inlet end and an outlet end of the pipe. One plate includes a first end connected to an inside wall of the pipe and another plate includes a second end that extends past a longitudinal centerline of the pipe to define a gap between the end of the plate and a respective opposing inside wall of the pipe. As the gas traverses the plates by flowing through the gaps, the ultrasonic waves are prevented from reflecting back to the flow meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Big Elk Energy Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis McClintock
  • Patent number: 10900208
    Abstract: A ball for a hydraulic component comprises a spherical body provided with at least one first through channel, which extends along a first axis; and at least one flow changer element arranged along the first through channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: EFFEBI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Ermanno Tanghetti, Alberto Sala
  • Patent number: 10882016
    Abstract: A nitrous oxide gas mixer includes at least one mixing chamber having at least one nitrous oxide gas connection and at least one oxygen gas connection for introduction of oxygen gas and nitrous oxide gas and at least one flow rate controller, by which a volume flow of the two gases can be respectively adjusted separately and/or together. At least one O2 emergency button is mounted to the mixing chamber for emergency flooding the mixing chamber with oxygen gas and/or with ambient air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventor: Fabian Baldus
  • Patent number: 10876498
    Abstract: A fuel vapor treatment apparatus includes a canister into which fuel vapor generated in a fuel tank is introduced, and the canister is configured to absorb the fuel vapor. An outside air introducing passage is connected with the canister and introduces outside air to the canister. The purge passage connects the canister and a portion of an air intake passage, the portion being located downstream of a throttle valve. The purge valve is provided in the purge passage and switches a channel of the purge passage to one of an open state and a closed state. A flow straightening device is provided in an area extending from a connecting place at which an exit portion of the purge valve is connected to the purge passage, to a connecting place at which the purge passage is connected to the air intake passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaya Otsuka, Yoshitomo Mizuta
  • Patent number: 10816378
    Abstract: A method for operating a Coriolis mass flowmeter in which the interferences when calculating the medium parameters is considered by the eigenfrequency (f01) of the oscillation of the measuring tube being determined in the first and second natural modes during operation of the Coriolis mass flowmeter, and at least one medium parameter ({dot over (m)}) is calculated with the aid of the oscillation measuring variable (?t) by means of a calculation rule representing a mathematic relation between the oscillation measuring variable (?t), the medium parameter ({dot over (m)}) and the eigenfrequencies (f01, f02) of the oscillations of the measuring tube in the first natural mode and the second natural mode, and the medium parameter ({dot over (m)}) being determined taking into consideration the current determined eigenfrequencies (f01, f02) of the oscillations of the measuring tub in the first natural mode and the second natural mode as well as the oscillation measuring variable (?t).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: KROHNE MESSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Kourosh Kolahi, Ralf Storm
  • Patent number: 10627277
    Abstract: The invention relates to a Coriolis flow sensor, comprising at least a Coriolis-tube, wherein the flow sensor comprises an excitation element for causing the tube to oscillate, as well as a detection element for detecting at least a measure of displacements of parts of the tube during operation. In some embodiments, the detection element comprises two detection elements that are positioned on both sides of the Coriolis tube, wherein the detection elements partly overlap each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: BERKIN B.V.
    Inventors: Joost Conrad Lotters, Jarno Groenesteijn, Remco Gerardus Petrus Sanders, Remco John Wiegerink
  • Patent number: 10591338
    Abstract: A welding fixture for releasably engaging a weldable object includes a support body having a fluid passage, and a receiver coupled to the support body having an internal chamber that receives the object. At least one fluid delivery tube is disposed along the receiver and is in fluid communication with the fluid passage of the support body. The fixture allows the weldable object to be precisely positioned for welding, and supplies a fluid delivery system for delivering inert gas to the weld site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Daniel Measurement and Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Robert Allen, Chae H. Ha
  • Patent number: 10473494
    Abstract: Flow sensors are provided that can provide both leak detection and flow monitoring. The flow monitoring enables a determination whether there are blockages or leaks in a fluid system during normal operation of the system. The leak detection enables detection of leaks when the system is shut off. The flow sensors can use a frusto-conical flow guide to provide a more compact flow sensor. The flow sensor components can be designed to retrofit existing filter assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventor: Kirk Andrew Allen
  • Patent number: 10352339
    Abstract: An object is to provide a decompression device including a plurality of stages of orifice plates disposed in a flow passage, which generates less noise in response to sonic feedback phenomenon and gas-column resonance. A decompression device 10A includes: an upstream orifice plate 14 disposed in a duct 12 forming a flow passage for a fluid F; and a downstream orifice plate 16 disposed in the flow passage and downstream of the upstream orifice plate 14. A jet-flow interference part 22A is disposed only partially on an outlet rim portion of an orifice 18 on the upstream orifice plate 14 and configured to interfere with a jet flow discharged from the orifice 18. Positions of Karman vortices e are differentiated in a duct axial direction between regions with and without the jet-flow interference part 22A to reduce generation of noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Suganuma, Takahiro Okimoto, Noboru Kawamoto, Shun Yamanouchi, Tetsuya Yamada, Toshifumi Kudo
  • Patent number: 10317267
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices relating to the determination of a volume of liquid in a container. A pressure sensor is located at a bottom of the container. The pressure sensor senses the pressure exerted on it by the liquid in the container. This pressure is communicated with a data processing device. The data processing device determines the volume of the liquid in the container based on the sensed pressure. This may be done by reference to a look up table containing pressure values and their corresponding volumes. Similarly, this may be done by calculating the volume of the liquid based on the dimensions of the container, the physical qualities of the liquid, and the sensed pressure. The volume of the liquid in the container is then transmitted from the data processing device to a user interface device for presentation to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Inventor: Steve N. G. Simon
  • Patent number: 10207136
    Abstract: A fire safety protection evaluation system includes at least one horizontal collection device and at least one vertical collection device. The at least one horizontal collection device includes a liquid collection pan with a substantially horizontal opening, a first storage container in communication with the liquid collection pan, and a first measuring device to measure an amount of liquid in the first storage container and/or a rate of liquid entering the first storage container. The at least one vertical collection device includes a substantially vertical liquid collection surface extending between a top edge and a bottom edge, a trough located along the bottom edge to collect liquid from the substantially vertical collection surface, and a second measuring device to measure an amount of liquid and/or a rate of liquid collected by the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Factory Mutual Insurance Company
    Inventors: Hong-Zeng Yu, Stephen P. D'Aniello
  • Patent number: 10161771
    Abstract: A measurement device includes: a casing that includes a first air duct with an air inlet; a straightening grid; a first chamber; an opening plate including an opening; a second chamber; pressure sensors configured to measure a first pressure, a second pressure, and a third pressure, the first pressure being air pressure from the air inlet to the straightening grid, the second pressure being air pressure in the first chamber, the third pressure being air pressure in the second chamber; a specific opening configured to allow the opening plate to be replaceable; an open/close portion configured to open and close the specific opening; and a duct forming a second air duct between the measurement device and a measurement target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: SANYO DENKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masahiro Koike, Tomoaki Ikeda, Takahisa Toda, Yo Muramatsu, Katsumichi Ishihara, Hikaru Urushimoto
  • Patent number: 10065159
    Abstract: A nitrous oxide gas mixer includes at least one mixing chamber having at least one nitrous oxide gas connection and at least one oxygen gas connection for introduction of oxygen gas and nitrous oxide gas and at least one flow rate controller, by which a volume flow of the two gases can be respectively adjusted separately and/or together. At least one O2 emergency button is mounted to the mixing chamber for emergency flooding the mixing chamber with oxygen gas and/or with ambient air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: BALDUS MEDIZINTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: Fabian Baldus
  • Patent number: 9952079
    Abstract: A flow sensor assembly includes a housing that defines an inlet port, an outlet port, a main channel and a bypass channel. An inlet flow channel fluidly connects the inlet port of the flow sensor assembly to the main channel and an outlet flow channel fluidly connects the main channel to the outlet port. A bypass feeder input channel fluidly connects the main channel to the bypass channel and a bypass feeder output channel fluidly connect the bypass channel to the main channel. In some instances, at least 40 percent of an input pressure differential applied between the inlet port and the outlet port of the flow sensor assembly drops across the inlet flow channel and the outlet flow channel collectively. A sensor is exposed to a fluid in the bypass channel and senses a measure related to a flow rate of the fluid flowing through the bypass channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jamie Speldrich, Richard C. Sorenson
  • Patent number: 9841305
    Abstract: A sensor device for determining at least one parameter of a fluid medium flowing through a duct, e.g., an intake air mass flow of an internal combustion engine, includes: a sensor housing, e.g., a sensor plug that is placed or that can be placed into a flow tube, in which the duct is fashioned; and at least one sensor chip situated in the duct for determining the parameter of the fluid medium. The sensor chip has a sensor area. The sensor housing has an inlet into the duct that is oriented opposite a main direction of flow of the fluid medium, and has at least one outlet from the duct. The sensor area is covered at least partly by an electrically conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Uwe Konzelmann, Ulrich Wagner, Edda Sommer
  • Patent number: 9738440
    Abstract: An entrainment-reducing assembly may include a container configured to hold a liquid. A venting arrangement may extend into an upper portion of the container and be configured to direct condensable and non-condensable gases into the container. A suction structure may extend into a lower portion of the container and be configured to carry out an extraction of excess liquid from the container caused by condensed gases. A deflector may be disposed between the suction structure and the venting arrangement within the container. As a result, an entrainment of uncondensed gases during the extraction of the liquid by the suction structure may be reduced or prevented, thereby protecting the pump from cavitation and failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
    Inventors: Eric Paul Loewen, Brian Scott Triplett, Brett Jameson Dooies, Jordan E. Hagaman
  • Patent number: 9689322
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine having cylinders in fluid communication with an intake air flow, a mass air flow (MAF) sensor positioned with respect to the intake air flow which outputs a pulse train signal describing the frequency of the intake air flow, and a controller. The controller includes a calibrated non-linear conversion curve recorded in memory. The controller executes a method to convert the frequency data into a corresponding mass air flow using the calibrated non-linear conversion curve, determines the instantaneous mass air flow value at each leading or trailing edge of the pulse train signal, and accumulates the instantaneous mass air flow values over a calibrated duration. A time-weighted average of the accumulated mass air flow values is then used to execute a control action. The controller includes a host computer device and memory storing the curve and instructions for executing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Yun Xiao, Chad E. Marlett, Joseph Zammit
  • Patent number: 9671319
    Abstract: A fats, oils, and grease waste materials water sampling apparatus includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet, a floor to accommodate a sampling jar below the inlet and an open top. The floor in the housing includes a recessed bottom, the recessed bottom extending between the inlet and the outlet to facilitate receipt of a sample jar for fats, oils, and grease waste materials sampling. Systems and methods for the invention are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Thermaco, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Batten, Bruce W. Kyles
  • Patent number: 9459190
    Abstract: A method for predicting a quantity of a contaminant in a fuel tank at the end of a time period, the method comprising the steps of: determining a quantity of the contaminant in the fuel tank at the start of the time period; determining at least one operating condition of the fuel tank during the time period; using information relating to the at least one operating condition of the fuel tank to generate a predicted quantity of the contaminant accumulated in the fuel tank during the time period; and calculating, based upon the quantity of the contaminant at the start of the time period and the predicted quantity of the contaminant accumulated during the time period, a predicted quantity of the contaminant at the end of a time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Joseph K-W Lam, Franklin Tichborne, Simon Masters, David Parmenter
  • Patent number: 9207108
    Abstract: A meter controller comprises a first input, a second input, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive first and second volumetric flow measurements and to calculate a quasi fluid density value required to cause the first volumetric flow measurement to equal the second volumetric flow measurement. The processor is further configured to subtract a first fluid density value from the quasi fluid density value for calculating a density correction factor. The density correction factor is subtracted from the first fluid density value to calculate a corrected second density value. The corrected second density value is applied to at least one of the first volumetric flow measurement and the second volumetric flow measurement for calculating a mass flow rate measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce Paradise
  • Patent number: 9201088
    Abstract: A system comprises a plurality of fans, wherein each of the fans is configurable to run at a unique fan speed that is different from fan speeds of other fans from the plurality of fans. A plurality of variable-positioned devices, capable of being positioned at various locations within the system, are physically positioned such that airflow from one of the plurality of fans strikes a particular variable-positioned device. A plurality of anemometers, each of which is connected to a particular variable-positioned device, measure airflow across the variable-positioned devices. A system controller, which contains location information that identifies a physical position within the system of each of the plurality of fans, utilizes airflow readings from each of the anemometers to identify a physical location of each of the plurality of variable-positioned devices by matching physical locations of the fans to measured airflow across the variable-positioned devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Milton Cobo, Steven C. Jacobson, Luke D. Remis, Gregory D. Sellman
  • Patent number: 9021877
    Abstract: A method and a device determines an air mass flow flowing through a ram air channel having disposed therein a feed device adapted in a first operating state of the ram air channel to feed air through the ram air channel and further adapted in a second operating state of the ram air channel to be set in rotation by an air mass flow flowing through the ram air channel. The method includes the step of detecting an actual operational characteristic of the feed device that is characteristic of the air mass flow flowing through the ram air channel in the second operating state of the ram air channel as well as the step of determining the air mass flow flowing through the ram air channel on the basis of the detected actual operational characteristic of the feed device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Kelnhofer, Dariusz Krakowski
  • Patent number: 8973449
    Abstract: The invention relates to a test device for testing the inspection device of a washing machine for endoscopes, the inspection device including a connection that can be sealingly connected to an opening of an endoscope and feeding a fluid under pressure, said connector having a flow meter and/or a pressure transducer and the test device comprising at least one test chamber that can be sealingly connected to the connector by means of a test opening, wherein the test chamber is designed to be adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Olympus Winter & Ibe GmbH
    Inventors: Sascha Eschborn, Jens Waldmann
  • Publication number: 20150059466
    Abstract: A hydration monitoring device and system for recording and controlling an individual's hydration includes an improved fluid flow sensor configured to measure a quantity of fluid transferring from a reservoir to a user in a first fluid flow direction only.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: ATP, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Todd Adlon
  • Publication number: 20150057601
    Abstract: A method that includes pumping medical fluid out of or drawing medical fluid into a chamber of a medical fluid cassette, calculating a theoretical volume of fluid pumped out of or drawn into the chamber, and multiplying the theoretical volume of fluid pumped out of or drawn into the chamber by a correction factor to determine a corrected volume of fluid pumped out of or drawn into the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Tri Ly, Jie Zhu, Kulwinder S. Plahey
  • Patent number: 8936038
    Abstract: An electromagnetic water meter holder apparatus for holding and stabilizing an electromagnetic water meter in a water meter box. A cylindrical rod, large circular tube and arched tab are used, and are optimally sized to hold and stabilize electromagnetic water meters. The method includes positioning an electromagnetic water meter into a water meter box for installation. Aligning and optimizing the electromagnetic water meter pipe nozzles of the electromagnetic water meter up with existing pipe for water flow management. Securing of the electromagnetic water meter in place by moving the cylindrical rod of the electromagnetic water meter holder apparatus, thereby preventing rotation or movement of the electromagnetic water meter; and connecting the existing pipe for water flow in and water flow out of the water meter box to the electromagnetic water meter by securing the existing pipe to the electromagnetic water meter pipe nozzles with connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Dave Tyler
  • Patent number: 8931337
    Abstract: A fluid meter includes a totaliser having an electronic card that communicates with a remote meter reading system. The electronic card may be contained in a metal housing covered in a leakproof manner by an upper transparent panel. The totaliser may be covered by a cover which retains the upper transparent panel in a leakproof manner. The cover may be covered by a cap made from plastic material. The upper transparent panel may be made from glass and the upper transparent panel and the cover may each include an orifice to allow communication between the electronic card and antenna disposed between the cover and the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Itron France
    Inventors: Anthony Renoud, Sebastien Schwenter
  • Publication number: 20150007655
    Abstract: In order to determine a level and the flow speed of a medium, FMCW transmission signals and CW transmission signals are emitted alternately. Using the Doppler effect, the flow speed of the medium can be determined from the reflected CW signal. The level is determined from the reflected FMCW signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Juergen SKOWAISA
  • Publication number: 20150007653
    Abstract: A measurement device is provided for determining a distance of the measurement device from a medium and a flow speed of a medium by evaluating a transmission signal emitted by the fill level measurement device and reflected by the medium. The measurement device includes an antenna arrangement for emitting the transmission signal in two different directions. The flow speed of the medium can be determined using the Doppler shift of the transmission signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Josef FEHRENBACH, Juergen Motzer, Daniel Schultheiss
  • Publication number: 20150007654
    Abstract: A fill level measurement device is specified for determining distance oft he measurement device and flow speed of a medium, which comprises a frequency-modulated transmission signal having a rising and a falling frequency ramp. The flow speed of the medium can be determined by the Doppler effect arising from the flow speed of the medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Josef FEHRENBACH, Juergen MOTZER, Daniel SCHULTHEISS
  • Publication number: 20140260597
    Abstract: A gas flow monitoring system is disclosed that includes a plurality of first gas flow sensors. A primary probe transmitter is connected to the plurality of first gas flow sensors is configured to process data received from the plurality of first gas flow sensors to generate first gas flow data. A plurality of second gas flow sensors are connected to an ancillary probe transmitter and to the primary probe transmitter, where the ancillary probe transmitter are configured to process data received from the plurality of second gas flow sensors to generate second gas flow data. The primary probe transmitter further comprises a building automation system interface, and is configured to receive the second gas flow data from the ancillary probe transmitter and to transmit the first gas flow data and the second gas flow data to a building automation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: RUSKIN COMPANY
    Inventors: Timothy A. Vogel, Josiah Wiley
  • Patent number: 8833390
    Abstract: A valve meter device, assembly, and method is disclosed including a housing defining at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening and a channel connecting the openings, the at least one inlet opening having an inlet end and the at least one outlet opening having an outlet end; a water meter positioned in the channel, the water meter configured to monitor a flow of water through the valve meter device; and a valve in communication with the channel and configured to control the flow of water through the valve meter device. In some embodiments, a linear distance exists between the inlet end and the outlet end, the linear distance being no greater than a standard water meter lay-length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Marty Scott Ball, Scott Aron Linkel
  • Publication number: 20140190249
    Abstract: A device for estimating a stream of urine entering a toilet or urinal includes a measuring unit configured to estimate an amount of the stream of urine, and an indicator to provide an indication to an individual of the amount of the stream of urine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventors: Ernest W. Grumbles, Timothy A. Bachman, John W. Ahern
  • Publication number: 20140070034
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for observing a change of mass inside a grinding unit as a part of a grinding process with a storing unit. The change of mass is derived from a mass balance for the grinding unit and a mass balance for the storing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: ABB RESEARCH LTD
    Inventors: Eduardo GALLESTEY ALVAREZ, Konrad STADLER
  • Publication number: 20130340499
    Abstract: A flow sensor includes a fluid chamber configured to receive a fluid. A diaphragm assembly is configured to be displaced whenever the fluid within the fluid chamber is displaced. A transducer assembly is configured to monitor the displacement of the diaphragm assembly and generate a signal based, at least in part, upon the quantity of fluid displaced within the fluid chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Russell H. Beavis, Benjamin W. Jones, JR., John M. Kerwin, Larry B. Gray, Casey P. Manning, Felix Winkler, Robert A. Charles
  • Publication number: 20130312513
    Abstract: A gas instrument determiner section included in a flow meter device determines whether or not a gas instrument in use is a fuel cell, by comparing an actual measurement value of a gas flow measured at first measurement time intervals in a first determination operation period from when inflowing of the gas starts until a predetermined time lapses, to determination flow data, and by comparing an actual measurement value measured at second measurement time intervals longer than the first measurement time interval in a second determination operation period which ends after the first determination operation period ends, to determination flow data. This makes it possible to accurately determine the gas instrument in use even when the gas instrument in use is the fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitsuo Yokohata, Motoyuki Nawa, Hiroshi Tatsui, Akinari Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8530242
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method for monitoring leaks in a wafer process chamber. The method includes providing a wafer process chamber coupled to a gas supply by a gas supply line, wherein an indicator member is coupled to the gas supply line between the gas supply and the wafer process chamber, and a final valve is located on the gas supply line between the gas supply and the indicator member. A gas is supplied from the gas supply to the wafer process chamber through the gas supply line. A light is emitted and directed through the indicator member. The light that was directed through the indicator member is then reflected using a reflecting member. The reflected light is then received and compared to the light emitted in order to determine that the color of the indicator member has changed and a leak has been detected in the gas supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: George Lin, Ming-Hsiung Fu
  • Publication number: 20130205727
    Abstract: A pyrolysis and gasification system and method convert a biomass feed stock to bio-char and synthesis gas. In one embodiment, the pyrolysis and gasification system includes a reactor for producing a synthesis gas and bio-char from a biomass feedstock. The system includes a flow measurement device and an air distribution system, which provides a fluidized bed in the reactor. The system also includes a cyclone assembly. The cyclone assembly removes the bio-char from the synthesis gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
    Inventors: Wayne A. Lepori, David B. Carney, Sergio C. Capareda, Calvin B. Parnell, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130167630
    Abstract: The disclosed flow measurement structure used in a flow measurement device is provided with a conduit through which gas to be measured flows, and a diverter which diverts gas flowing through the conduit and conducts the diverted gas to a detection element for measuring the flow amount of said gas. An inlet of the diverter is provided in the periphery of the conduit. The conduit is provided with an inclined section which, provided upstream of the inlet, guides the gas towards the center of the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naotsugu Ueda, Katsuyuki Yamamoto, Satoshi Nozoe, Shuji Maeda, Yuji Tsukuma
  • Publication number: 20130112007
    Abstract: Appurtenances added to a pipe mitigate the effects of upstream valves, sluice gates or pipe elbows to condition the pipe flow for accurate flow rate detection by a reverse propeller meter. Further appurtenances allow the reverse propeller meter to be used in extreme debris situations such as weeds, vines and moss present in many canal systems. The system provides an electronic signal that indicates flow rate and accumulated flow volume, or the signal can be transmit to a central headquarters for remote gate control or canal automation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: RSA Environmental
    Inventor: RSA Environmental
  • Publication number: 20130091945
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid meter, in particular for water, comprising a totaliser having an electronic card including a remote meter reading system using radio waves and contained in a metal housing covered in a leakproof manner by an upper transparent panel, this totaliser being covered by a cover which retains the said upper transparent panel in a leakproof manner and the said cover being covered by a cap made from plastic material. According to the invention the said upper transparent panel is made from glass and the said upper transparent panel and the said cover include an orifice in which is disposed a watertight arrangement for transmission of radio waves from the said electronic card towards an antenna disposed between the said cover and the said cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: ITRON FRANCE
    Inventor: Itron France