Digital Patents (Class 73/861.03)
  • Patent number: 11860077
    Abstract: Systems and methods include a computer-implemented method for performing real-time measurements of drilling fluid in a well. A driver and a reference are monitored for responses by a measurement controller of a system for measuring fluid flow. The driver is configured as a driving electromechanical resonator for contacting the drilling fluid. The reference is configured as a reference electromechanical resonator for contacting the drilling fluid. The reference is of a similar construction as the driver and is in contact with the drilling fluid in a substantially same way. Real-time measurements are performed by the measurement controller based on information received from the driver and reference. A viscosity and density of the drilling fluid are determined based on the real-time measurements. The similar construction of the driver and reference enables mitigation of environmental sensitivities of the driver and reference, enhancing fluid property sensitivities to physical properties of the drilling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Robert Adams, Edwin Hulse, Miguel Gonzalez, Tim Thiel
  • Patent number: 11788446
    Abstract: A vehicle liquid testing system includes a liquid testing apparatus with a form factor of a dipstick. The system includes a sensor that detects a property of a fluid in a vehicle and emits a signal indicative of the property. A transmitter receives the signal from the sensor and transmits the signal. A controller receives the signal from the transmitter and compares the signal from the sensor to a threshold level to determine a condition of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Zachery C. Lake, Kade L. Scott, Benjamin D. Ethington, Matthew T. Flachsbart, Cory A. Matheson
  • Patent number: 11371866
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for designing a system that measures deflection at multiple points and in various axes and how it relates to flow measurement are described. A system for continuously measuring the mass flow of a media includes one or more cartridges, one or more displacement sensing devices, and a processor. The one or more cartridges are connected serially between an inflow and outflow media pipe. The one or more displacement-sensing devices is configured to detect displacement changes of the one or more cartridges at two or more separate points on the cartridge(s) when the media flows through the cartridge(s). The processor is configured to calculate the flow of the media based on the detected displacement changes of the one or more cartridges at the one or more separate points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: RED METERS LLC
    Inventor: David John Moth
  • Patent number: 11339748
    Abstract: A driving device includes a tubular circulation pipe of the exhaust gas, and at least two flow rate measuring members arranged to measure an exhaust gas flow rate circulating in the tubular circulation pipe. The driving device includes at least one monobloc support, housed in the tubular circulation pipe, and bearing at least two flow rate measuring members among said at least two flow rate measuring members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Inventors: Benjamin Oblinger, Thierry Marimbordes, Jonathan Canteloube, Mamadou Diouf, Ronan Botella, Dorian Hernandez
  • Patent number: 11313876
    Abstract: Angular accelerometers are described, as are systems employing such accelerometers. The angular accelerometers may include a proof mass and rotational acceleration detection beams directed toward the center of the proof mass. The angular accelerometers may include sensing capabilities for angular acceleration about three orthogonal axes. The sensing regions for angular acceleration about one of the three axes may be positioned radially closer to the center of the proof mass than the sensing regions for angular acceleration about the other two axes. The proof mass may be connected to the substrate though one or more anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Xin Zhang, Jianglong Zhang, Alan O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 11092002
    Abstract: A device and method for imaging, measuring and identifying multiphase fluid flow in wellbores using phased array Doppler ultrasound. The device includes a radially-configured or ring-shaped ultrasound transducer that when deployed in a well in Doppler mode can measure the velocity of radially flowing fluids in the wellbore and generate a 3D image of radial flow in the wellbore, including flowback into the wellbore after fracturing operations, or flow leaving the wellbore during water injection operations. The ring-shaped ultrasound transducer can also simultaneously operate in a B-mode to generate a B-mode image of the wellbore liner upon which the Doppler image can be overlaid. The device may also include a forward facing ultrasound transducer either instead of or in place of the ring-shaped transducer for obtaining information and images on axial flow in the wellbore in Doppler mode, and the location of phase boundaries and phase locations in B-mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: DarkVision Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Osman S. Malik, Graham T. Manders, Stephen E. Robinson
  • Patent number: 11060719
    Abstract: The invention is in the field of boiler control and relates to a control method for the operation of a combustion boiler, comprising providing a predetermined upper limit (VF,max) for the flue gas velocity in at least one location of the boiler; monitoring the flue gas velocity (VF) during the combustion of fuel in said at least one location of the boiler; comparing the flue gas velocity (VF) with the predetermined upper limit (VF,max); decreasing the thermal load of the boiler if the flue gas velocity exceeds the predetermined upper limit (VF,max). The invention also relates to a control system configured to execute the control method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Improbed AB
    Inventors: Bengt-Ake Andersson, Fredrik Lind, Henrik Thunman
  • Patent number: 10506653
    Abstract: A method, a device, and a non-transitory storage medium are described in which a meter interface device may attempt to join a third party wireless network, in addition to a mobile transceiver network, in response to a power-up procedure or a reset procedure. Additionally, the meter interface device may simultaneously operate in multiple modes of communications. The meter interface device may select the third party wireless network based on preference information and back-off information. The meter interface device may wait a back-off period, after an unsuccessful attempt to join the third party wireless network, before re-attempting to join the third party wireless network. The meter interface device may also attach to one or multiple other networks including a fixed network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: NEPTUNE TECHNOLOGY GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Charles P. Brunson, IV, Gloice Dean Works, III, Robert Dale Reed
  • Patent number: 9700746
    Abstract: A gas purging valve is operative to be connected to piping in a Fire Protection System (FPS) and to bleed gas at a predetermined rate. The valve includes an inlet in gas flow relationship with the FPS piping and a central passage in gas flow relationship with the inlet. The valve also includes a calibrated orifice removeably disposed in the central passage, in gas flow relationship with the passage and operative to allow a maximum predetermined gas flow rate therethrough. The valve further includes an outlet in gas flow relationship with the calibrated orifice. A ball is disposed upstream of the central passage. The ball is operative to allow gas flow through the gas purging valve but operative to impede the flow of water through the gas purging valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: South-Tek Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy S. Bodemann
  • Patent number: 9651590
    Abstract: A monitor module for a turbine flow meter includes a receiver that receives a sequence of pulses sent by the turbine flow meter. A frequency identifier identifies a frequency of the pulses in the sequence of pulses and a mean identifier identifies a mean frequency of frequencies of pulses. An alert system uses the mean frequency to determine when an alert should be issued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Edward Gindele, Robert Michael Weinberger
  • Patent number: 9217655
    Abstract: A sensor system for determining a parameter of a fluid medium, e.g., an intake air mass flowing through a channel, includes at least one sensor chip situated in the channel for determining the parameter, which sensor chip is accommodated in a sensor carrier which (i) protrudes into the channel and (ii) has a leading edge situated transverse to the flow of the fluid medium. At least one vortex generator is provided, at least in the region of the leading edge, and configured for forming secondary flows in the flowing fluid medium in the region of the sensor carrier, for avoiding or reducing the entry of particles. The secondary flows extend in a plane essentially perpendicular to the main flow direction of the fluid medium, e.g., facing away from the sensor area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Achim Briese
  • Publication number: 20140190270
    Abstract: Gas flow rate measuring apparatus comprising resistive element disposed in a gas flow path, a gas flow rate detection circuit, and a gas temperature detection element or a substrate temperature detection element. The detection circuit detects a current flowing through the resistive element, or a voltage generated in response to the current to output a gas flow rate detection signal in accordance with a flow rate of gas flowing. The apparatus corrects characteristics of the gas flow rate detection signal on the basis of a temperature detection signal obtained from these elements and includes signal conversion means for correcting a characteristic bend displaced by more than a certain fixed amount from target characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventors: Kazunori Suzuki, Keiichi Nakada, Ryo Sato
  • Patent number: 7891246
    Abstract: A vibration recorder for detecting leaks in a pipeline network includes a sensor operable to receive vibration signals from a pipeline network, and a communication port connected to an automatic meter reader/transmitter (“AMRT”). A processor connected to the communication port and to the sensor is programmed to process the vibration signals and to send data regarding the processed vibration signals to the AMRT using the communication port. The vibration recorder may also include metering functions, and, in some implementations, may also incorporate the functions of the AMRT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Lander
  • Publication number: 20100095776
    Abstract: A field device with integrated temperature control comprises a housing, a temperature sensor, a controller and a terminal block. The housing encloses internal components of the field device. The temperature sensor and the controller are located inside the housing. The temperature sensor senses an internal temperature of the field device, and the controller controls the internal temperature by regulating heat supplied to the field device. The terminal block connects to the controller in order to regulate the heater power as a function of the internal temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Stephen Schumacher
  • Patent number: 7657392
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the size and distribution of particles within a multiphase fluid flowing within a pipe is provided, wherein the apparatus includes at least one metering device for determining at least one of the mixture density of the fluid, the flow rate of the fluid and the dispersion of the fluid, wherein the at least one metering device generates meter data responsive to at least one of the mixture density of the fluid, the flow rate of the fluid and the dispersion of the fluid and a processing device communicated with the at least one metering device, wherein the processing device receives and processes the meter data to generate fluid information responsive to the size and distribution of the particles within the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Cidra Corporate Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel L. Gysling
  • Patent number: 7535235
    Abstract: An air flow sensor includes a sensor element and a microcontroller, employing a PWM signal to drive the sensor element. Signals from the sensor element are processed by the microcontroller inside the sensor, resulting in continuous readings of air velocity and air temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventor: Zoltan Istvan Molnar
  • Patent number: 7509753
    Abstract: A dipstick that measures and externally indicates the temperature and level of a fluid within a fluid reservoir. For example, in one embodiment the dipstick measures and externally indicates the oil temperature and oil level of oil within an oil reservoir of a motorcycle or other vehicle. The fluid temperature and level are indicated on an externally viewable portion of the dipstick, such as an exposed end or cap. The viewable portion indicates the fluid level when the fluid temperature is within guidelines recommended by the manufacturer or when the fluid temperature reaches a minimum threshold temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Nicosia, Craig DeRuyter, Jeffary R. Sonnentag
  • Publication number: 20090049925
    Abstract: A measuring system serves for measuring a density of a medium flowing in a process line along a flow axis of the measuring system in the case of a medium which is variable as regards a thermodynamic state, especially a medium which is, at least in part, compressible. The measuring system includes at least one temperature sensor placed at a temperature measuring point, reacting primarily to a local temperature, ?, of medium flowing past, and delivering at least one temperature measurement signal influenced by the local temperature of the medium to be measured; at least one pressure sensor placed at a pressure measuring point, reacting primarily to a local, especially a static, pressure, p, of medium flowing past, and delivering at least one pressure measurement signal influenced by the local pressure, p, in the medium to be measured; as well as a measuring electronics communicating, in each case, at least at times, with the temperature sensor and the pressure sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventor: Rainer Hocker
  • Publication number: 20090013798
    Abstract: A measuring system for measuring a density of a medium flowing in a process line along a flow axis of the measuring system in the case of a medium which is variable as regards a thermodynamic state, especially a medium which is, at least in part, compressible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventor: Rainer Hocker
  • Patent number: 7447599
    Abstract: A method and system for generating an uncertainty value. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising a device in fluid communication with a conduit, and a flow computer electrically coupled to the device. The flow computer is configured to generate a flow value based on parametric data, and the flow computer is configured to generate an uncertainty value of the flow value based on the parametric data and on an accuracy value received from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Daniel Measurement and Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Damon J. Ellender, Duane B. Toavs, Randy R. Page
  • Patent number: 7305309
    Abstract: A transmission measuring system includes a subject for transmission measurement for outputting, in response to a start signal for measurement from a central processing unit, an output signal including information on a transmission time to be measured. An analog-digital converter converts the output signal into digital data. The central processing unit processes the digital data to obtain the transmission time required for propagating the signal through the subject. A clock signal source provides a clock signal to the central processing unit, and a variable delay unit is interposed between the clock signal source and the analog-digital converter. The central processing unit delivers a delay time control signal to the variable delay unit so that the delay time of the clock signal of the analog-digital converter may be varied with time relative to the start signal for measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignees: Yugen-Kaisha Techno Data, Tokyo Keiso Kabushiki-Kaisha
    Inventors: Kunikazu Shigeta, Tamotsu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7295934
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated systems, methods and computer program products relate to monitoring the performance of an operating gas meter by automatic and substantially continuous differential pressure (dP) measurement. Measured dP may be compared against a baseline dP characteristic to determine if the measured dP exceeds a threshold value above a baseline dP characteristic. If the threshold is exceeded, then the system may generate a signal to request repair or replacement of the meter. After installation, some embodiments collect dP data over time and/or over a range of flow rates to automatically learn a baseline dP characteristic under installation conditions. A system may switch from a default baseline dP characteristic to a learned baseline dP characteristic. Some embodiments may further correct volume or flow rate signals for line pressure and/or temperature. Further embodiments provide a passive apparatus to protect a dP sensor against transients in line pressure and/or differential pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald James Hairston
  • Patent number: 6999901
    Abstract: The specification discloses a method of maintaining a historical database of information. The method describes up to eleven segments, each segment corresponding possibly to a different data logging rate in the historical database. Points, whether measured or calculated parameters, are grouped into segments based on which points may have their data logged at the same frequency. The points, in turn, contain pointers to logs, with entries in the log data corresponding to a time-stamp or tag of the segment to which the log belongs. Thus, points (and their corresponding logs) in different segments may be logged at different rates. The specification also discloses a method for dynamically resizing the historical database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Daniel Measurement and Control, Inc.
    Inventor: Jesse R. Frederick
  • Publication number: 20030183017
    Abstract: A system for dispensing cryogenic liquid to a use device includes a bulk storage tank providing LNG to a sump containing a meter submerged in LNG. A temperature probe is also submerged in the LNG. A dispensing line is positioned between the meter and dispensing hose and includes a dispensing valve. A drain line bypasses the dispensing valve and features a check valve so that LNG trapped in the hose after dispensing is returned to the sump due to pressurization by ambient heat. A capacitance probe is submerged in the LNG in the sump and provides a dielectric that is compared by a microprocessor with the dielectric for pure methane at the same temperature to determine the purity of the LNG. An approximate linear relation between density and dielectric may be used to determine density and mass flow for the LNG from the measured dielectric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas K. Drube, Paul A. Drube, Claus D. Emmer, Gilbert J. Bily, Jesse Gamble
  • Publication number: 20030159521
    Abstract: A method for determining the NOx mass flow at the input of an NOx storage catalytic converter in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine from operating parameters of the internal combustion engine is introduced, characterized in that the intake air temperature and the engine oil temperature are considered in the determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Walter Sarholz, Klaus Winkler
  • Patent number: 6611769
    Abstract: An electronic, programmable meter register (10) includes an input section (18, 19, 30) for generating pulses in response to units of flow in a water meter, a stored control program (46), a microelectronic CPU (31) for executing the program (46) to read input pulses and to transmit output data representing units of flow volume. An output device (16) is responsive to output data from the CPU (31) to display units of flow volume, and the CPU (31) stores a programmable meter input resolution factor for a corresponding one of several meters that scales the output data that is transmitted to the output device (16). A magnet (49) is held outside the register unit (10), but in proximity to a reed switch (22) inside the sealed unit (10) to sequence the display (16) through a series of totalization, rate of flow and other screen displays. A magnetic pulse pickup (24, 18, 19) is provided to signal both forward and reverse flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Badger Meter, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Olson
  • Patent number: 6560550
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for measurement of tensile strength of materials, especially for indirectly measuring the tensile strength of weak rock and hard soil. The probe of the measuring device comprises a cylindrical body with an expandable flexible membrane designed to apply a uniform pressure to the walls of a cavity, such as a bore hole. There is no need to cut a core specimen to a particular shape for measurement, thus making it an attractive option for measurement of weakly bonded rock and hard soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Universiti Putra Malaysia
    Inventor: Husaini Bin Omar
  • Patent number: 6421617
    Abstract: Fluid flow can be measured using a multiplicity of sensors in a manner that enables acquisition of detailed information regarding the fluid flow. In particular, the invention can advantageously be used in situations in which the measured fluid flow is anticipated to be turbulent. Even more particularly, the invention can be advantageously be used to obtain measurements of fluid flow in the vicinity of an animate object (e.g., human) which can be used, together with knowledge of the characteristics of the animate object and, if relevant, of one or more objects in the vicinity of the animate object, to determine an intention of, or an effect produced by, the animate object. The invention can be used by people in interacting with a large variety of devices to effect control of those devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Interval Research Corporation
    Inventors: Lee Felsenstein, Robert S. Shaw, Elaine Brechin
  • Patent number: 6272933
    Abstract: A flow probe for use in a humidification system is disclosed. The flow probe is adapted to be positioned in a humidified gases flow (for example oxygen or anesthetic gases) such as that which is provided to a patient in a hospital environment. The flow probe is designed to provide both temperature and flow rate sensing of the gases flow by incorporating two sensors (preferably thermistors) and the shape and alignment of the probe enables accurate readings by reducing the occurrence of condensation on the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Limited
    Inventors: Lewis George Gradon, Stephen William McPhee, Paul John Seakins, Peter John Leonard
  • Patent number: RE39724
    Abstract: A flow probe for use in a humidification system is disclosed. The flow probe is adapted to be positioned in a humidified gases flow (for example oxygen or anesthetic gases) such as that which is provided to a patient in a hospital environment. The flow probe is designed to provide both temperature and flow rate sensing of the gases flow by incorporating two sensors (preferably thermistors) and the shape and alignment of the probe enables accurate readings by reducing the occurrence of condensation on the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Lewis George Gradon, Stephen William McPhee, Paul John Seakins, Peter John Leonard