Casing Patents (Class 73/273)
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Publication number: 20120103086Abstract: A flow measuring device includes a housing, a support, and a flow measurement element. The housing defines a passage therein and includes a passage narrowing part, which reduces a cross-sectional area of the passage, in a predetermined part of the passage. The support has a platy shape and is disposed along a flow direction of fluid flowing in the passage. The flow measurement element is located inside the passage narrowing part and is disposed on a surface of the support. The flow measurement element detects a flow rate of fluid flowing in the passage. The passage narrowing part has an inner wall surface that gradually reduces a width of the passage from a center side to both end sides of the passage in a height direction of the passage, which is perpendicular to a direction of the width of the passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Yasushi GOKA, Takashi Enomoto, Noboru Kitahara
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Patent number: 8161812Abstract: A high pressure rotary gas meter is described herein with an exchangeable cartridge which has a meter body surrounded by an open bracket. The meter body can have a chamber in fluid communication with an inlet and an outlet. An impeller can be located in the chamber and can include a plurality of rotors connected to a gear box and a meter index to display flow information. A counter can be coupled to the meter index, for counting revolutions of the rotors and for translating the revolutions into a measurement of fluid volume. A removable first sleeve insert and second sleeve insert can permit fluid to flow into the inlet port and out of the outlet port while simultaneously securing the bracket to the meter body.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: The Gas Measurement Group, Inc.Inventor: Ge Fischer
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Publication number: 20120085164Abstract: A mount and housing for fluid meter components, including transducers, is directly coupled to fixation points on a pipe exterior circumference without external straps. The mount may be selectively coupled and decoupled from the pipe fixation points. One or more mounts and housings may be arrayed on a pipe exterior in modular fashion, for different metering applications. Similarly, the mount and housing interior optionally may be reconfigurable in modular fashion for orientation and alignment of one or a plurality of transducers or other components for different user applications, without the need for auxiliary alignment tools, templates, measuring instruments or other devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2010Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.Inventors: Daniel Roehrig, Joseph J. Wuthijaroen
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Publication number: 20120011929Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to flow meters and more particularly to improved plastic water flow meters for commercial or residential use. In various embodiments, a plastic water meter is provided that may include metal threads for connecting the water meter to a water system. In particular, the plastic water meter may include at least one spud that is shaped to receive and engage a plastic spud insert, in which the plastic spud insert may include a metal ring with a threaded outer surface. The plastic spud insert may include an annular lip portion extending outwardly to discourage removal of the metal ring when the spud insert is engaged with the water meter. Furthermore, the plastic spud insert and the inner surface of the metal ring may have complementary circumferential profiles to discourage relative rotation between the metal ring and the spud insert.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: MUELLER INTERNATIONAL, LLCInventors: Marty Scott Ball, Jeremy Alan McCraven
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Patent number: 8069720Abstract: A sensor housing for a field device includes a housing body and a solar module that may be put in place and removed. The solar module supplies the field device with electrical energy and may be placed on top of the housing body at various angles of rotation, as a result of which at the same time an electrical contact between the solar module and an energy storage device is provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: VEGA Grieshaber KGInventors: Andreas Isenmann, Volker Allgaier, Josef Fehrenbach, Thomas Deck, Guenter Kech
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Patent number: 8047072Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to flow meters and more particularly to improved plastic water flow meters for commercial or residential use. In various embodiments, a plastic water meter is provided that may include metal threads for connecting the water meter to a water system. In particular, the plastic water meter may include at least one spud that is shaped to receive and engage a plastic spud insert, in which the plastic spud insert may include a metal ring with a threaded outer surface. The plastic spud insert may include an annular lip portion extending outwardly to discourage removal of the metal ring when the spud insert is engaged with the water meter. Furthermore, the plastic spud insert and the inner surface of the metal ring may have complementary circumferential profiles to discourage relative rotation between the metal ring and the spud insert.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2010Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Mueller International, LLCInventors: Marty Scott Ball, Jeremy Alan McCraven
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Publication number: 20110247411Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to flow sensors, and more particularly, to devices and methods for providing a pressure drop through a flow sensor at a given flow rate. In one illustrative embodiment, a sensor assembly includes a housing with a first flow port and a second flow port. The housing may define a fluid channel extending between the first flow port and the second flow port, with a sensor positioned in the housing and exposed to the fluid channel. The illustrative sensor may be configured to sense a measure related to the flow rate of a fluid flowing through the fluid channel. A flow restrictor may be situated in and integrally molded with at least one of the first flow port and the second flow port. The flow restrictor may be configured to accurately provide a pressure drop through the flow sensor at a given flow rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2011Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventor: Jamie Speldrich
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Publication number: 20110209542Abstract: A flow sensor and fastener assembly, is disclosed which includes at least the following modules: a sensor housing and a fastener element; wherein: the sensor housing is adapted to receive a flow-based sensor, e.g. a MEMS airflow sensor; the sensor housing includes a connection for transmitting sensing signals from a fitted flow-based sensor; the fastener element includes a head and a shank, at least part of the shank being externally threaded; the fastener element includes a bore extending through the whole length of the fastener element; and the bore is shaped at the head end of the fastener element to provide a sensor housing receiving part.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2009Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS plcInventors: Martyn John Hucker, Graham Andrew Johnson, David Baker, Amir Rezai
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Patent number: 7980127Abstract: A flow meter includes a transparent holder with an inlet and an outlet connected to a first, second and third fastening portions through a first, second, third and fourth connection ribs, a first and second fastening assemblies screwed respectively with the inlet and outlet, a butting member located at one end of the transparent holder, a flow scale plate located on a recess of the transparent holder, and a regulation member coupled to the inlet. The three fastening portions with respectively a first, second and third fastening hole are integrally formed with the inlet and outlet. Through the first and second fastening holes, the transparent holder is firmly fastened to a machine. Thus hydraulic pressure generated in the inlet and outlet does not cause loosening due to screw fastening of the three fastening portions. The structural strength of the transparent holder is increased and assembly is easier.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Inventor: Yao-Sung Hou
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Patent number: 7975560Abstract: A magnetic shield may be mounted to a water meter housing to protect the magnetic operation of the water meter from a tamper magnet, including both smaller, flexible tamper magnets and larger, strong tamper magnets. The shield may include a contoured portion and a barrier portion. The barrier portion may provide a physical and spatial barrier between a larger tamper magnet and an internal magnetic sensor of the water meter. The contoured portion may conform to the housing of the water meter and may prevent smaller tamper magnets from being maneuvered close to the housing of the water meter. The shield may be made of a ferrous material suitable for attenuating a magnetic field. The shield may receive a looped sensor transmission cable within a U-shaped opening enabling the shield to be installed and/or removed from the water meter without the sensor transmission cable being detached from the water meter.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2008Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Elster Amco WaterInventors: Rolando Armas, Evan Hengge
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Publication number: 20110107845Abstract: A fluid flow meter comprising an outer casing having flow connections adapted to be connected so that in operation fluid to be measured flows through the casing, and a mechanical flow measuring unit (12) disposed in the casing to measure said flow through the casing, the casing being of plastics material and in at least two parts (30, 32) which are permanently bonded or connected together (at 34, 36) to enclose the measuring unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: Elster Metering Ltd.Inventors: Timothy John Gabriel, Martin Philip May
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Patent number: 7895898Abstract: A negative pressure gauge includes a body and a multi-stage positioning means. The body is provided with an airflow passage. The multi-stage positioning means includes a rotary piece and a cover plate. The rotary piece is pivotally connected to the body and is provided with positioning recesses and venting troughs. The cover plate covers the rotary piece and is fixedly connected to the body. The cover plate extends to form a positioning protrusion corresponding to the positioning recesses. When the rotary piece rotates with respect to the cover plate, the positioning recesses allow the positioning protrusion to be selectively positioned therein and control the communication or obstruction between the venting troughs and the airflow passage.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2009Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Pacific Hospital Supply Co., Ltd.Inventor: Donny Chung
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Publication number: 20110036162Abstract: In a flow sensor (1) comprising a flow channel (14) embedded in a base body (1?), a flow sensor element (13) adjacent to the flow channel (14) and a cover plate (12) covering the flow channel (14) and arranged on the base body (1?), the flow channel (14) is formed by an elastic sealing lip which delimits said channel (14), running on and around an upper side of the base body (1?) lying opposite the cover plate (12) and is pressed against the cover plate (12) such that a seal is formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2008Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: BELIMO HOLDING AGInventors: Philip Holoch, Karin Megnet, Curdin Staheli
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Patent number: 7854165Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to flow meters and more particularly to improved plastic water flow meters for commercial or residential use. In various embodiments, a plastic water meter is provided that may include metal threads for connecting the water meter to a water system. In particular, the plastic water meter may include at least one spud that is shaped to receive and engage a plastic spud insert, in which the plastic spud insert may include a metal ring with a threaded outer surface. The plastic spud insert may include an annular lip portion extending outwardly to discourage removal of the metal ring when the spud insert is engaged with the water meter. Furthermore, the plastic spud insert and the inner surface of the metal ring may have complementary circumferential profiles to discourage relative rotation between the metal ring and the spud insert.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2009Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Mueller International, LLCInventors: Marty Scott Ball, Jeremy Alan McCraven
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Publication number: 20100257930Abstract: A sensor housing for a field device includes a housing body and a solar module that may be put in place and removed. The solar module supplies the field device with electrical energy and may be placed on top of the housing body at various angles of rotation, as a result of which at the same time an electrical contact between the solar module and an energy storage device is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2009Publication date: October 14, 2010Inventors: Andreas ISENMANN, Volker ALLGAIER, Josef FEHRENBACH, Thomas DECK, Guenter KECH
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Patent number: 7805990Abstract: For arranging an air mass meter at a flow channel, the flow channel has a housing section with a flange surrounding a receiving opening for the air mass meter. The air mass meter has a socket with a contact surface that is facing the flange. Fasteners are provided that attach the socket on the housing section. The socket and the housing section have elements for positioning the air mass meter free of play relative to a flow direction of a fluid flow that is guided in the flow channel.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2007Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignees: Mann + Hummel GmbH, Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Jürgen Lang, Eric Thebault, Robert Hasenfratz, Masayuki Kozawa, Hiromu Kikawa
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Patent number: 7762313Abstract: A coolant sensor doubles as a bleed valve for purging trapped air from a cooling system. The sensor slides into a port placing a sensor element in contact with the coolant. The sensor includes a pair of encircling o-rings for sealing the system from atmosphere in one position and permitting bleeding in a second position. The bleed channel is in the sensor port between the o-rings. The sensor is moved so the innermost o-ring clears the narrow opening into the cooling system. The outermost o-ring maintains a seal to keep the coolant from leaking out of the sensor port. The sensor is held in either position by a horseshoe clip or by a bayonet arrangement, the horseshoe clip arrangement including multiple apertures for each position, the bayonet having a position to provide for safe bleeding of air from the cooling system without completely removing the sensor from its retention port.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2008Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Chrysler Group LLCInventor: Eric Darby
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Patent number: 7742883Abstract: A battery powered, low voltage faucet flow timer, water usage calculator, and energy consumption awareness meter is simple to install and calibrate and may enable a user to understand the water usage associated with showering, bathing or other open faucet water use activity. The device may provide a simple method for calculating the flow characteristics for a shower, bath or other faucet and entering this flow rate into the timing device so that the timer provides an accurate calculation of water usage indicating both the time spent with the water running and approximate total water usage.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2008Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Umagination Labs, L.P.Inventors: Douglas C. Dayton, Sung Park, Mark R Florence
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Publication number: 20100101817Abstract: A connecting box is provided for a field device. To simplify installation even in the case of physically small devices, a connecting terminal of the connecting box is arranged in a cover of the connecting box so that when the cover is closed, the connecting terminal is contact-connectd to a contact strip arranged in the cover and having contacts corresponding to those of the connecting terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2009Publication date: April 29, 2010Applicant: ABB Technology AGInventors: Karl-Heinz RACKEBRANDT, Harald Grothey
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Publication number: 20100089147Abstract: A pitot cover is provided with fail-safe removable operation from a pitot tube by virtue of a number of different removal structures. Foremost among these is an elastomeric band which holds two halves of the pitot cover to the pitot tube. The band is separated by an adhesive strip, part of which lies on the pitot tube and melts at less than 230° F. or less.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventors: Steven A. DeGroff, Samuel S. Conte
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Publication number: 20090255345Abstract: An apparatus for measuring one or more characteristics of a fluid flowing within a pipe is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, sealant, and an array of at least two ultrasonic sensors. The housing is operable to be mounted on the exterior surface of the pipe. The housing has at least one pocket extending between a pipe-side surface and an outer surface. The pipe-side surface mates with the exterior surface of the pipe. The sealant is disposed between the pipe exterior surface and the housing pipe-side surface. The sealant forms a seal around the pocket when the housing is mounted on the exterior surface of the pipe. The array of ultrasonic sensor units are disposed within the at least one pocket. Each sensor unit includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitters are operable to transmit ultrasonic signals through the fluid flow within the pipe. The receivers are operable to receive signals from the transmitters.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2009Publication date: October 15, 2009Applicant: Expro Meters, Inc.Inventor: Daniel L. Gysling
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Patent number: 7559256Abstract: A flow rate measuring device has a flow channel including: a pair of first and second centrifugal chambers each having a curved wall surface; a first guiding flow channel allowing a first secondary flow channel to communicate with one end of the wall surface of the first centrifugal chamber; an intermediate flow channel allowing the other end of the wall surface of the first centrifugal chamber to communicate with one end of the wall surface of the second centrifugal chamber; a second guiding flow channel allowing the other end of the wall surface of the second centrifugal chamber to communicate with a second secondary flow channel; a first flow dividing channel communicating with the first centrifugal chamber; a second flow dividing channel communicating with the second centrifugal chamber; and a detection space portion, in which a detection element is placed.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2006Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: OMRON CorporationInventors: Naotsugu Ueda, Satoshi Nozoe
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Patent number: 7475602Abstract: A process and device for mounting a clamp-on flow rate measurement device on a measurement pipe using a mounting device having a holding strap with catches. The holding strap can be fastened on the measurement pipe by the holding strap being guided into and through the catch and tightened. A holder is attached to the holding strap to which the clamp-on flow rate measurement device can be fastened. First the mounting device is mounted on the measurement pipe, afterwards the clamp-on flow rate measurement device is attached to the holder without the holding strap being completely tensioned, so that the clamp-on flow rate measurement device is loosely held on the measurement pipe. Then, after aligning the clamp-on flow rate measurement device is, the clamp-on flow rate measurement device is completely attached to the holding means by further tensioning of the holding strap by lifting the catch off the measurement pipe.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2006Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Krohne AGInventors: Marcel Meijlom Molenaar, Jan Teunis Aart Pors, Jeroen Van Den Berg, Cornelis Johannes Hogendoorn
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Publication number: 20080266660Abstract: The invention provides a method and a transparent housing cover for a meter index for communicating optical signals through an optical port formed on a front face of the transparent housing cover, for further communicating optical signals in a straight line past one side of the meter index; and for re-directing the optical signals at an angle of approximately ninety degrees to or from an optical transceiver. The cover includes an integrally formed light pipe, the light pipe further forming the optical port near the front of the body and the light pipe extending along one side of the body and behind the meter index; and the light pipe includes a surface at a back end for reflecting light at approximately ninety degrees to and from a light transceiver positioned behind the meter index.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventors: Ronald D. Benson, John A. Olson
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Patent number: 7427750Abstract: One embodiment of a mass spectrometer assembly includes a base configured to define at least a portion of a vacuum chamber volume; a mass separator component within the vacuum chamber volume; a lid coupled to the mass separator component and configured to be removably operably coupled with respect to the base; and wherein the lid is configured to be positioned in a first operable position to form a hermetical seal with the base and provide the mass separator component within the vacuum chamber volume and a second operable position wherein at least a portion of the lid is spaced from the base and the mass separator component is at least partially removed from within the vacuum chamber volume.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2004Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Griffin Analytical Technologies, L.L.C.Inventors: John W. Grossenbacher, Garth E. Patterson
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Patent number: 7412882Abstract: A combined utility meter and meter register assembly (10) is disclosed in which a housing (11, 13, 31) for both a utility metering element and a meter register has no visual readout or display of metering data. Metering data is signaled through a data port (33) or an antenna (36) to external equipment. The meter register is provided by electronic circuitry (29a, 29b) that is placed in an upper cavity (27) in the housing part (13) that is then closed by a cover (31) or a body of sealing material. A label (32) can be placed over the closure informational purposes. An additional embodiment of the housing is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2006Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Badger Meter, Inc.Inventors: Mark Lazar, Ronald D. Benson, Eric Metzger, Kelly Laughlin-Parker, Joseph Stauber
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Publication number: 20080165828Abstract: A detector (10) includes: a joint (20) mounted on a fluid pipe; a case (30) mounted on the joint (20) to house a sensor (60); a holder (40) attached to the case (30) and housing a circuit board (70); and a cover (50) attached to the holder (40) and integrated with a light-shielding plate (53). An annular first lug (421), a leaf spring (422) having a projection (423) and a rotation restrainer which projects further from the first lug (421) along an inner circumferential side thereof are integrally formed on the holder (40). An annular first recess (32) to be engaged with the first lug (421) is formed on the case (30). A groove (33) is formed on an inner surface of the first recess. An annular second recess (34) is provided on an inner circumferential side of the first recess (32). A riser portion (35) is provided to a bottom surface thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2007Publication date: July 10, 2008Applicant: NAGANO KEIKI CO., LTD.Inventors: Hidebumi Seki, Hiroyuki Sakai, Tomohiro Rokugawa
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Patent number: 7363811Abstract: A measurement pickup is provided offering a high measure of safety and having a measurement pickup housing, a sensor element arranged in the measurement pickup, at least one connection element closing the measurement pickup housing, and an excess-pressure protection device, especially a burst disk or a pressure relief valve, integrated in the connection element, which serves to effect a pressure equalization with an environment of the measurement pickup in the case of a pressure overload in the measurement pickup.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Wolfgang Dannhauer, Ralf Nuernberger, Dietfried Burczyk, Thiérry Moser, Oliver Graf, Raphael Erni, Stefan Muth
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Patent number: 7341097Abstract: A coolant sensor doubles as a bleed valve for purging trapped air from a cooling system. The sensor slides into a port placing a sensor element in contact with the coolant. The sensor includes a pair of encircling o-rings for sealing the system from atmosphere in one position and permitting bleeding in a second position. The bleed channel is in the sensor port between the o-rings. The sensor is moved so the innermost o-ring clears the narrow opening into the cooling system. The outermost o-ring maintains a seal to keep the coolant from leaking out of the sensor port. The sensor is held in either position by a horseshoe clip or by a bayonet arrangement, the horseshoe clip arrangement including multiple apertures for each position, the bayonet having a position to provide for safe bleeding of air from the cooling system without completely removing the sensor from its retention port.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2003Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Chrysler LLCInventor: Eric Darby
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Publication number: 20080006085Abstract: A flow sensor functions as a flow meter, for measuring the flow rate of a measurement objective fluid. The flow sensor comprises a flow passage, through which the measurement objective fluid flows, a sensor arranged so as to face the flow passage from a top wall that defines the flow passage, a throttle surface opposed to the top wall where the sensor is arranged, and an inclined surface provided on an upstream side of the throttle surface. The inclined surface is disposed such that the flow passage widens toward the inlet side of the flow passage. The inclined surface has an angle such that an extension line thereof passes through a position that is offset toward the upstream side, as compared to the detecting section of the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2007Publication date: January 10, 2008Applicant: SMC KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yasuhiro Yamashita, Yuta Oshima
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Patent number: 7284455Abstract: An electronic environment sensing instrument having an analog indicator has a casing having a front panel with a scale, an electronic sensing and driving assembly mounted in the casing, a needle and a DC power supply. The electronic driving indicator assembly has a detecting and driving circuit to sense and measure an environmental parameter outside the casing and generates a control signal, a drive unit to receive the control signal and rotate a specific amount in a specific direction based on the control signal and a gear assembly connected to and driven by the drive unit. The needle is attached to and driven by the gear assembly and points to a specific value on the scale corresponding to the sensed environmental parameter.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2005Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Matador International Inc.Inventors: Ping-Han Lee, Li-Zhen Wang
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Patent number: 7204157Abstract: A modular utility meter, for example, a water meter, is provided which comprises a meter base and a meter head. The output signal from a transducer in the meter base is processed in the meter head to calculate the utility supply. The processing includes linearization of the signal calibration data stored in the meter base. Therefore, any meter head may be combined with a meter base containing any different type of transducer.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Severn Trent Metering Services Ltd.Inventors: Neil Furmidge, Stuart Hallows, Mark Fairman
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Patent number: 7143645Abstract: A water meter housing assembly (10) comprises a cylindrical, plastic housing body (11), a non-cast housing bottom (13) of hydroformable or stamped brass, a single-piece strainer and sealing member (40) that is disposed in the housing bottom (13) and portions of non-cast hydroformable or stamped brass tubing (15) with spud ends (16, 17) for connection in a water supply line. The brass consists essentially of lead-free material. The assembly (10) is designed to provide a lower cost alternative to foundry cast meter housings. The assembly (10) also provides advantages in a method of vertical assembly that saves manufacturing cost.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2004Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Badger Meter, Inc.Inventors: Ronald D. Benson, Eric Metzger, Lee Karsten, H. Paul Walding, Jr.
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Patent number: 7117737Abstract: A flow meter having an index cover adapted to house an index of the meter seals to the remainder of the meter with an elastomeric ring seal received between the index cover and the meter body. The ring seal defines a plurality of lines substantially parallel to the perimeter of the ring seal along which the seal is adapted to seal against a surface of the index cover and to seal against the substantially planar surface of the flow meter body.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2004Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Dresser, Inc.Inventors: Richard Alan Sallee, Hooshang Andrew Befrui
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Patent number: 7021134Abstract: Apparatus and methods for isolating a component of a microfluidic analytical system are provided. An isolation manifold including a housing is used to isolate a sensitive component of a microfluidic analytical system from environmental noise and interference, such as mechanical vibrations and the like. The housing of the manifold includes an interior portion and a recess adapted to receive at least a portion the component to be isolated, such as a flow sensor. The housing has openings which allow for fluid communication through the housing to tubing used to connect the component to the analytical system. A potting agent can be used to help secure the component in place within the housing and to help minimize the potential for damage to the component.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Upchurch Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Thomas C. Dykas, Michael L. Bailey, Nathaniel E. Nienhuis
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Patent number: 6952970Abstract: A modular utility meter (1), for example, a water meter, is provided which comprises a meter base (2) and a meter head (3). The output signal from a transducer in the meter base (2) it processed in the meter head (3) to calculate the utility supply. The processing includes linearization of the signal using calibration data stored in the meter base (2). Therefore, any meter head may be combined with a meter base containing any different type of transducer.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: Fusion Meters LimitedInventors: Neil Furmidge, Stuart Hallows, Mark Fairman
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Patent number: 6925867Abstract: A fluid meter, in particular a water meter, comprises a tank having a bottom and into which is inserted through an opening opposite the bottom in an insertion direction parallel to its axis of symmetry a measurement chamber having at least one lateral orifice connected in a sealed manner to a pipe of the tank via a seal that is compressed between an external surface of the chamber, called the first surface, and an internal surface of the tank, called the second surface. The first and second surfaces are inclined to the axis of symmetry of the tank and the minimum distance between the first and second surfaces and the axis of symmetry is near the bottom of the tank.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2004Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Actaris SASInventor: Alcide Mercier
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Patent number: 6848303Abstract: A water meter includes a metal housing which is connectable with a connecting housing through which the water passes and which is disposed in a water pipeline. A plastic measurement insert includes a channel ring upper part, a channel ring lower part and an unpeller mounted therebetween. The metal housing presses the plastic measurement insert onto an outlet opening of the connecting housing. Said plastic measurement insert is seated with its lower edge on a gasket on an opening surrounding the connecting housing to thereby form a seal.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Hydrometer GmbHInventors: Ottmar Oeder, Walter Klass
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Publication number: 20040261522Abstract: Apparatus and methods for isolating a component of a microfluidic analytical system are provided. An isolation manifold including a housing is used to isolate a sensitive component of a microfluidic analytical system from environmental noise and interference, such as mechanical vibrations and the like. The housing of the manifold includes an interior portion and a recess adapted to receive at least a portion the component to be isolated, such as a flow sensor. The housing has openings which allow for fluid communication through the housing to tubing used to connect the component to the analytical system. A potting agent can be used to help secure the component in place within the housing and to help minimize the potential for damage to the component.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: Thomas C. Dykas, Michael L. Bailey, Nathaniel E. Nienhuis
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Publication number: 20040261523Abstract: A fluid meter, in particular a water meter, comprises a tank having a bottom and into which is inserted through an opening opposite the bottom in an insertion direction parallel to its axis of symmetry a measurement chamber having at least one orifice connected in a sealed manner to a pipe of the tank via a seal that is adapted to be compressed between an external surface of the chamber and an internal surface of the tank. The seal consists of a bead of polymerizable plastic material deposited onto one of the surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventor: Gilles Cognot
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Publication number: 20040255668Abstract: A fluid meter, in particular a water meter, comprises a tank having a bottom and into which is inserted through an opening opposite the bottom in an insertion direction parallel to its axis of symmetry a measurement chamber having at least one lateral orifice connected in a sealed manner to a pipe of the tank via a seal that is compressed between an external surface of the chamber, called the first surface, and an internal surface of the tank, called the second surface. The first and second surfaces are inclined to the axis of symmetry of the tank and the minimum distance between the first and second surfaces and the axis of symmetry is near the bottom of the tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventor: Alcide Mercier
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Publication number: 20040206175Abstract: A water meter includes a metal housing which is connectable with a connecting housing through which the water passes and which is disposed in a water pipeline. A plastic measurement insert includes a channel ring upper part, a channel ring lower part and an unpeller mounted therebetween. The metal housing presses the plastic measurement insert onto an outlet opening of the connecting housing. Said plastic measurement insert is seated with its lower edge on a gasket on an opening surrounding the connecting housing to thereby form a seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2003Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: Ottmar Oeder, Walter Klass
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Patent number: 6789419Abstract: A liquid meter body including a plastic material bucket 1 which includes a lower portion 3 delimited by a bottom 9 end by a lower side wall 10 and a cylindrical upper portion 4 delimited by an upper side wall. The upper side wall joins onto the lower side wall at a shoulder 5. The lower portion 3 defines a housing 2 for a measuring chamber. The meter body further comprises entry and exit tubes 6, 7, the tubes having an external thread, the interior of the tubes opening into the housing 2 of the measuring chamber via a bore formed in the lower side wall 10 and respectively forming an injector 11 and an ejector 12. The meter body has an elliptical bottom 9. The bores forming the injector 11 and the ejector 12 are elliptical.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2003Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Actaris S.A.S.Inventor: Barbara Hennebelle
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Publication number: 20040149028Abstract: A flow sensor with a tube through which flows a medium to be measured and a housing comprising a lower shell and an upper shell and receiving electronics with unions provided with a flow bore communicating with the tube and which are received in recesses made in facing sides of the lower shell and upper shell, wherein the unions have an outer part, an inner part and a central piece, the inner part of both unions is provided with a blind hole concentric to the flow bore, and in which are mounted the ends of the tube, and the central piece is constructed cylindrically with a reduced diameter compared with the parts of the unions, and the lower shell and upper shell are in each case provided with a semicylindrical portion receiving the central piece of the unions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2004Publication date: August 5, 2004Applicant: SENSORENTECHNOLOGIE GETTORF GmbHInventors: Eckart Hiss, Stefan Michelsen
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Patent number: 6668644Abstract: An adjustable meter loop assembly for connecting a gas meter to a gas supply line and a gas service line which includes a gas inlet conduit, a gas outlet conduit, and an adjustable brace. The gas inlet conduit is connectable to a gas inlet of the gas meter and the gas supply line. The gas outlet conduit is connectable to a gas outlet of the gas meter and the gas service line. The adjustable brace connects the gas inlet conduit to the gas outlet conduit. At least one of the gas inlet conduit and the gas outlet conduit is rotatable so as to permit the position of a second end of one of the gas inlet conduit and the gas outlet conduit to be selectively altered.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Uponor Aldyl Co.Inventor: Howard W. Hall
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Patent number: 6647793Abstract: A pressure sensor of a pressure-sensor module is connected to a wet space in a vehicle door by a through-passage channel of a sealing cushion and a connecting branch, which is guided with sealing action through a partition. A housing of the sensor module is located in a dry space. An interior of the housing and the dry space are sealed in relation to the interior of the connecting branch, with the result that a water-tightness of the housing, in which a printed circuit board and electronic components are accommodated, does not have to meet high requirements.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Josef Dirmeyer, Robert Gruber, Harald Schmidt
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Publication number: 20030136188Abstract: An adjustable meter loop assembly for connecting a gas meter to a gas supply line and a gas service line which includes a gas inlet conduit, a gas outlet conduit, and an adjustable brace. The gas inlet conduit is connectable to a gas inlet of the gas meter and the gas supply line. The gas outlet conduit is connectable to a gas outlet of the gas meter and the gas service line. The adjustable brace connects the gas inlet conduit to the gas outlet conduit. At least one of the gas inlet conduit and the gas outlet conduit is rotatable so as to permit the position of a second end of one of the gas inlet conduit and the gas outlet conduit to be selectively altered.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventor: Howard W. Hall
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Patent number: 6588800Abstract: A pipe loop (10) for fitting a water meter (12) to a plumbing installation includes a pipe coupling having an adapter (20) with an inlet (22) and an outlet (24) and being adapted to be connected in a straight length of pipe (14) in the plumbing installation, the adapter (20) defines a seat formation (26) between the inlet (22) and outlet (24), the seat formation (26) having an axis perpendicular to the axis of the inlet (22) and outlet (24). A body portion (32) is screw threadedly connected to the adapter (20), the body portion defining a pair of coaxially radially separated tubular members (36, 42), the inner tubular member (42) extending beyond the outer tubular member (36) into sealing engagement with the seat formulation (26). The outer tubular member (36) has radial apertures (48) and an outer water jacket (50) is mounted around the outer tubular member (36), so that it is rotatable with respect thereto, the water jacket (50) being sealed between the body member (32) and the adapter.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Inventor: Oswald Peter John Meli
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Patent number: 6588447Abstract: A break-away ring manufactured from a frangible material and removably received by a water meter of the type used to measure the volume of water consumed by a residence or a commercial facility. The break-away ring applies a holding pressure for retaining within the water meter a register to measure the volume of water consumed. The ring has a plurality of notches formed therein. A tool is inserted in one of the notches for prying the break-away ring outwardly from the water meter, whereby to break the ring and end the holding pressure generated thereby. Accordingly, the register can now be easily lifted out of the water meter for repair or replacement. The foregoing removal of the register is accomplished without having to either interrupt the water service to the consumer or disconnect the water meter from the consumer's water line.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Inventor: Arthur A. Hendey
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Patent number: RE38348Abstract: An improved assembly (10) for housing electronics for remote reading to meter reading data in a subsurface enclosure (11) includes a first inner enclosure (40) of metal for housing the receiver/transmitter circuitry (90), a second inner enclosure (69, 86) for housing a battery (65) and an outer enclosure (24) of plastic which encloses both of the inner enclosures.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Badger Meter, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth R. Bloss, Jr., H. Paul Walding, Jr., Jeffrey L. Sell