By Measuring Vibrations Or Acoustic Energy Patents (Class 73/861.18)
  • Publication number: 20110167906
    Abstract: A torsional sensor for sensing at least one parameter of a fluid is disclosed. The torsional sensor includes a torsional portion coupled to a reference portion and including a plurality of projections extending outward and spaced apart from each other. At least a portion of the torsional sensor is mountable for immersion in the fluid and operable to propagate a torsional wave that interacts with the fluid along the at least portion of the torsional sensor so as to affect propagation of the torsional wave in a manner dependent on the at least one parameter of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Shivappa Ningappa Goravar, Edward Randall Furlong, Manoj Kumar Koyithitta Meethal, Vamshi Krishna Reddy Kommareddy, Baskaran Ganesan, Xiaolei Shirley Ao
  • Publication number: 20110167926
    Abstract: An objective of the invention is to provide a multilayered flow passage member that enhances fluid measurement accuracy of an ultrasonic fluid measurement apparatus and an ultrasonic fluid measurement apparatus using the multilayered flow passage member. When fusible projections 20 are fused by a heating head 21 while partition plates 11 are inserted into side plates 13 and 14, a fused state provided by the heating head 21 changes according to either side of each of the partition plates 11, because fuse surfaces at leading ends of the respective fusible projections 20 are sloped in the vertical direction. An outermost end of each of fusible projections 25 that first contacts the heating head 21 is first fused. During a course of the fusible projections 25 being fused toward their roots, the partition plates 11 are pressed against ends of respective insert holes 17a that are on the opposite side of the outermost ends that are first fused.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Gotou, Takehiko Shigeoka
  • Publication number: 20110162462
    Abstract: An ultrasonic flow meter for measuring the flow of a fluid through a pipeline. In an embodiment, the flow meter comprises a spool piece including a throughbore and a transducer port extending to the throughbore. In addition, the flow meter comprises a transducer assembly disposed in the transducer port. The transducer assembly comprises a piezoelectric capsule including a piezoelectric element. Further, the transducer assembly comprises a transformer capsule including a transformer. The transformer capsule is coupled to the piezoelectric capsule. Still further, the transducer assembly comprises a receptacle capsule coupled to the transformer capsule. The receptacle capsule includes a receptacle housing and a receptacle coaxially disposed within the receptacle housing. The receptacle is electrically coupled to the transformer. Moreover, the receptacle is rotatable relative to the receptacle housing between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: DANIEL MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL, INC.
    Inventor: Charles R. Allen
  • Publication number: 20110162461
    Abstract: A transducer assembly for an ultrasonic flow meter comprises a piezoelectric capsule. In an embodiment, the piezoelectric capsule includes a housing having a central axis, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a first inner chamber extending axially from the first end. In addition, the piezoelectric capsule includes a piezoelectric element disposed in the first inner chamber. Further, the piezoelectric element includes a plurality of spacers disposed in the first inner chamber between the piezoelectric element and the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: DANIEL MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL, INC.
    Inventor: Charles R. Allen
  • Publication number: 20110162463
    Abstract: An ultrasonic flow meter for measuring the flow of a fluid through a pipeline. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic flow meter includes a spool piece, a transducer assembly, and a port cover assembly. The spool piece has a throughbore and a transducer port extending between the throughbore and an outer surface of the spool piece. The transducer assembly is disposed within the transducer port and includes a transformer, a piezoelectric element, and an electrical coupling therebetween. The port cover assembly is coupled to the transducer assembly. The port cover assembly receives a cable coupled to the transducer assembly and is spring-loaded to bias the port cover assembly toward the transducer assembly to resist the cable from being electrically uncoupled from the transducer assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: DANIEL MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL, INC.
    Inventor: Charles R. Allen
  • Publication number: 20110162460
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an ultrasonic flow meter comprises a spool piece including a throughbore and a transducer port extending from the outer surface of the spool piece to the throughbore. In addition, the ultrasonic flow meter comprises a transducer assembly disposed in the transducer port. The transducer assembly has a central axis and comprises a transducer holder having a first end proximal the throughbore of the spool piece, and a second end distal the throughbore of the spool piece. Further, the transducer assembly comprises a piezoelectric capsule including a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric capsule is coupled to the transducer holder and extends generally axially from the first end of the transducer holder. Still further, the transducer assembly comprises a transformer capsule including a transformer. The transformer capsule is coupled to the transducer holder and is axially spaced apart from the piezoelectric capsule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: DANIEL MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL, INC.
    Inventors: Charles R. Allen, Henry C. Straub, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110120230
    Abstract: A device for measuring the volume flow rate of the controlled medium in a pipeline comprises first and second transmitting-receiving radiators installed and spaced on the pipeline and alternately fed with ultrasonic signals. Received after they have passed in and counter the direction of the flow, the signals are digitized and stored. Times of signal transmission in and counter the direction of the flow of the medium and the difference of the times are calculated. Providing an additional unit for the time difference calculation, applying a correlation measuring method and increasing the sampling rate enhance the accuracy in measuring the volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Yuriy Igorevich Romanov, Dmitry Yurievich Svilpov, Stanislav Vladimirovich Maletskiy, Olga Vladimirovna Chagina
  • Publication number: 20110120231
    Abstract: An sensor of a measuring system for determining and/or monitoring the flow of a measured medium through a measuring tube, wherein the ultrasonic sensor is seated in a shiftable manner in a sensor housing parallel to a first inner surface of the sensor housing. The ultrasonic sensor has a coupling element and an electromechanical ultrasound transducer element, wherein the ultrasonic sensor can, at least at times, at least partially, lie against the first inner surface of the sensor housing, and that a guide hanger at least partially lies against a second inner surface of the sensor housing lying opposite the first inner surface, wherein the ultrasonic sensor is seated in a shiftable manner essentially perpendicularly to the first inner surface in the guide hanger, and wherein a spring between the guide hanger and ultrasonic sensor acts essentially perpendicularly to the first inner surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Andreas Berger, Achim Wiest
  • Publication number: 20110120229
    Abstract: A measuring device for registering at least one measured value of at least one process variable. The measuring device comprises a measuring tube. The measuring tube has at least one T-joint, on which at least one measurement transmitter is arranged, wherein the measuring tube together with the T-joint is monolithic, and wherein the T-joint is producible from the measuring tube at least partially by a plastic deformation method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Benjamin Kossek, Michal Bezdek, Pierre Ueberschlag
  • Publication number: 20110107829
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flow state sensor (10) for detecting a flow state at a body (16) that may be impinged on by a flow (12). A flow state sensor (10) that is of a simple construction and that is simple to evaluate is characterised in accordance with the invention by at least one frequency detecting device (20) for detecting at least one predefined frequency characteristic of the flow state. The frequency detecting device (20) has at least one oscillation element (22; 22a, 22b, 22c) excitable to resonant oscillatory movement (30) by a flow (12) and having a resonant frequency or natural frequency adapted to the predefined frequency characteristic, especially corresponding to the predefined frequency characteristic. Uses of the flow state sensor (10) in a flow measuring device (62) and in a flow measuring method, and an advantageous production method for the flow state sensor (10) are also proposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Norman Wood, Karin Bauer, Xaver Riedl, Roland Waghner
  • Publication number: 20110107846
    Abstract: A wind energy installation is disclosed. The wind energy installation includes a rotor with at least one rotor blade. The wind energy installation includes at least one wind speed measuring system. The at least one wind speed measuring system optically measures the vibrations of an optical fiber due to vortex shedding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas Bosselmann
  • Patent number: 7938792
    Abstract: An extracorporeal therapy machine removes blood from a patient in order to treat the blood and then return the blood to the patient. If the removal needle or the return needle is dislodged and blood is not returned, the patient may suffer a great blood loss. A new technique for detecting dislodgement uses the normal, initial values of a plurality of parameters of the patient and the therapy machine to set criteria or limits for an alarm, and then adjusts those criteria based on the later values of those parameters as they change during one therapy or over several therapies experienced by the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Rodolfo G. Roger, Michael E. Hogard, Joel Tejedor
  • Patent number: 7925456
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that guides a user through a sequence of steps that will allow the user to complete a predefined task using the flow meter. The steps include: selecting a predefined task, displaying a sequence of steps that directs the user through a process for using the Coriolis flow meter to complete the predefined task, and operating the Coriolis flow meter in response to the sequence of steps to complete the predefined task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig B. McAnally, Andrew T. Patten, Charles P. Stack, Jeffrey S. Walker, Neal B. Gronlie
  • Publication number: 20110030450
    Abstract: A field olfactometer includes a mixing chamber connected to a mask. A sample flow path is defined through the olfactometer as is a diluent flow path. The sample flow path extends from a sample air inlet to a sample air outlet which is open to the mixing chamber. The diluent flow path extends from a diluent air inlet to a diluent air outlet which is also open to the mixing chamber. The sample flow path and diluent flow path are isolated from one another so that the sample air flowing through the sample flow path and diluent air flowing through the diluent flow path cannot mix until the two streams of air exit their respective flow path and enter the mixing chamber where the two streams mix thoroughly prior to reaching the mask. The diluent flow path includes a filter medium to remove odor-causing chemicals from ambient air drawn through the diluent flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Donald Wright
  • Patent number: 7882750
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring at least one parameter associated with a fluid flowing within a pipe includes a single sheet of piezoelectric film material wrapped around at least a portion of the pipe and an array of sensors disposed at different locations on the film material. Each of the sensors provides a signal indicative of pressure within the pipe at a corresponding axial and/or circumferential location of the pipe. The sensors are selectively configurable to provide the pressure signals. The signals are processed to determine the parameter. The array of sensors is configurable in response to different criteria. The criteria includes at least one of the parameter of the fluid to be output, an input signal specifying sensors to be selected, a predetermined configuration based on the parameter to be determined, and in response to a previously determined parameter of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Cidra Corporate Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Davis, Mark R. Fernald, Timothy J. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20110023622
    Abstract: A dual pick-off vibratory flowmeter (100) is provided according to the invention. The dual pick-off vibratory flowmeter (100) includes a first flowtube (102A) and a second flowtube (102B), with the first and second flowtubes (102A, 102B) configured to be vibrated substantially in opposition. The vibratory flowmeter (100) further includes a first pick-off sensor (108) including first and second pick-off portions (108A, 108B) affixed to the first and second flowtubes (102A, 102B), with the first pick-off sensor (108) being located at a first longitudinal location X along the first and second flowtubes (102A, 102B). The vibratory flowmeter (100) further includes a second pick-off sensor (109) including first and second pick-off portions (109A, 109B) affixed to the first and second flowtubes (102A, 102B), with the second pick-off sensor (109) being located substantially at the first longitudinal location X and substantially spaced-apart from the first pick-off sensor (108).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam LeWinter, Anthony William Pankratz, Roger Scott Loving, Leah Schultze
  • Publication number: 20110023621
    Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing fluid flow in a pipe includes an ultrasonic flowmeter having a plurality of transducers. The apparatus includes a flow element having a completely smooth bore through which the fluid flows, and a plurality of cavities, each of the cavities has one of the plurality of transducers disposed in it and which is in communication with the fluid flowing through the bore. An apparatus for analyzing fluid flow in a pipe includes an ultrasonic flowmeter having a plurality of transducers. The apparatus includes a flow element having a bore with an internal diameter and a surface through which fluid flows, a plurality of cavities each of which has an opening in the surface. Each of the cavities has one of the plurality of transducers disposed in it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Donald R. Augenstein, Matthew Mihalcin, Herbert Estrada
  • Publication number: 20110016984
    Abstract: A flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a vibratable flowtube, and a driver connected to the flowtube that is operable to impart motion to the flowtube. A sensor is connected to the flowtube and is operable to sense the motion of the flowtube and generate a sensor signal. A controller is connected to receive the sensor signal. The controller is operable to determine a first flow rate of a first phase within a two-phase flow through the flowtube and determine a second flow rate of a second phase within the two-phase flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Wade M. Mattar, Manus P. Henry, Mihaela D. Duta, Michael S. Tombs
  • Publication number: 20110011185
    Abstract: An acoustic displacement flowmeter for determining flow rate of a fluid has a fluid flow line defining a flow path for the fluid. The fluid flow line has an inlet and an outlet. A controllable valve is positioned along the fluid flow line for opening and closing the flow path as desired, and an acoustic displacement transducer having a fluid port is coupled to the fluid flow line upstream from the controllable valve. The outlet of the fluid flow line extends through a wall isolating fluid exhausted from the outlet of the fluid flow line from electrical and/or mechanical components residing inside the flowmeter, thereby preventing the exhausted fluid, if explosive, from contacting such electrical and/or mechanical components which may act as potential ignition sources. Preferably, a manifold having a rigid body is provided in which the fluid flow line is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: William D. Grove, Brandon A. Tarr, Gerald W. Johnston, Thomas E. Kane
  • Publication number: 20110000310
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to make it possible to set security functions as necessary depending on usage environment, etc. and to improve the security functions; a function setting section 1116 sets security function information received from the outside via a communication line as security functions regarding the user of gas. According to the set security function, in the case that the operation conditions of the security function are satisfied, a monitoring section 112 detects a problem during the use of gas and outputs a security signal to a control section 114. Based on the security signal from the monitoring section 112, the control section 114 shuts off the supply of gas in the case that a phenomenon satisfying an operation condition of the set function having been set has occurred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicants: Panasonic Corporation, The High Pressure Gas Safety Institute of Japan
    Inventors: Mitsuo Yokohata, Hirozumi Nakamura, Tadanori Shirasawa, Kazuo Kubo, Mitsuo Namba, Hisashi Saito
  • Publication number: 20100326548
    Abstract: If determination is erroneous in appliance determination according to the instantaneous flow rate output from a flow rate measurement unit, a flow rate measurement apparatus registers it as an unknown appliance, rechecks the flow rate of the unknown appliance, and makes it possible to enhance the accuracy of the appliance determination. The apparatus has a flow rate measurement unit 3, a flow rate information storage unit 8 for storing the flow rate value of the flow rate measurement unit 3, a computation unit 6 for finding a difference value between the flow rate values output from the flow rate measurement unit 3, an appliance registration storage unit 7, an appliance determination unit 9 for determining an appliance, and an unknown appliance registration unit 10 for registering information according to which the appliance cannot be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Miyata, Yasuhiro Umekage
  • Publication number: 20100319463
    Abstract: A substance detection device including a chemical substance analyzer, including, a conduit, and a membrane, wherein the membrane extends across a cross-section of the conduit, wherein the membrane is positioned to have one side and an analysis side opposite the one side, wherein the substance detection device is adapted to direct a portion of a chemical substance to the one side through the conduit, the substance detection device further including a particle separation apparatus, including a particle collection device having a collection chamber containing a first fluid and including an outlet, wherein the outlet is in fluid communication with the conduit such that particles directed through the outlet travel through the conduit and chemical substances which may be on those particles directed through the outlet are transferred to the membrane by interacting with the one side of the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen Richardson
  • Patent number: 7827870
    Abstract: A fluidic oscillator liquid flow meter comprising a body having an inlet portion to receive a flow of liquid to be measured, an outlet portion, a main channel defining a flow path between the inlet and outlet, the flow path including feedback structure to induce oscillations in the flowing fluid, the oscillations being detected by detector comprising means to apply a magnetic field across the flow path and sensing electrodes to detect the resulting e.m.f., the electrodes being positioned such that they protrude from the body into the flow path. A meter having driving signal means, which applies an alternating driving signal to the sensing electrodes, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Severn Trent Metering Services Limited
    Inventors: David Cottam, Mark Andrew Fairman, Neil Furmidge
  • Patent number: 7831400
    Abstract: A system for calculating a flow rate of a flow meter using multiple modes is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The system for calculating a flow rate of a flow meter using multiple modes comprises a means for calibrating the flow meter for a number of desired modes. The system for calculating a flow rate of a flow meter using multiple modes includes a means for determining a density of a material flowing through the flow meter associated with each mode. The system for calculating a flow rate of a flow meter using multiple modes further includes a means for determining the flow rate effect on density for each desired mode. The system for calculating a flow rate of a flow meter using multiple modes a means for calculating a flow rate based on the density and flow rate effect on density values for each desired mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Paul Stack, Andrew Timothy Patten, Marc Allan Buttler, Graeme Ralph Duffill
  • Publication number: 20100275690
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for examining a medium (19), comprising the following steps of: transmitting a measurement input signal (4) comprising at least one measurement frequency, wherein the measurement input signal (4) is coupled into a medium (19); receiving a measurement output signal (9) emerging from the medium (9); transmitting a counter measurement input signal (13) comprising at least one counter measurement frequency, wherein the counter measurement frequency essentially corresponds to the measurement frequency, and wherein the counter measurement input signal (13) is coupled into the medium (19) simultaneously and in an opposite direction to the measurement input signal (4); receiving a counter measurement output signal (16) emerging from the medium (19); calculating a Doppler correction by comparing the counter measurement input signal (13) with the counter measurement output signal (16) in terms of the counter measurement frequency and by comparing the measurement input signal
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: Miroslaw Wrobel
  • Publication number: 20100269596
    Abstract: A gas meter device is provided which is configured in a manner that even if a user takes an unauthorized action such as the removal of a gas meter device in order to use gas without authorization, since the generation of a particular flow-rate change profile different from a normal flow-rate change profile of a gas appliance is detected, the sign of the tamper of the gas can be detected, whereby the tamper of the gas can be prevented. The gas meter device includes an appliance determining unit 6 for determining a gas appliance being used and a tamper determining unit 7 which determines that the gas is used without authorization in the case where the particular flow-rate change profile different from an appliance determining value registered in a registration storage unit 5 is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Hajime Miyata, Youichi Itou, Kenichi Kamon
  • Patent number: 7819009
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibration monitoring device and methods for using the same. Specifically, the invention relates to a vibration monitoring device which may be utilized throughout a delayed coker unit operation to ascertain whether the cutting tool is boring, cutting or ramping mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventors: Frederic Borah, Anthony Leib, Jr., George Fkiaras, Ruben F. Lah
  • Publication number: 20100256963
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to accurately evaluate integrity of vibration of a dryer of an actual system. The evaluating method for integrity of vibration of a steam dryer using a reduced model in a nuclear plant including the steam dryer for reducing moisture of steam generated inside a steam dome of a nuclear reactor pressure vessel, and a plurality of main steam pipes for transporting the steam to outside includes the steps of performing a steam test with the reduced model, calculating fluctuating stress applied to the steam dryer, and confirming integrity of vibration. According to the invention, it is possible to evaluate the pressure fluctuation of a dryer of an actual system more accurately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Shiro TAKAHASHI, Masaya Ohtsuka, Koji Nishida, Takashi Ito, Yasuhiro Mabuchi, Akinori Tamura, Masaaki Tsubaki, Keita Okuyama, Kazuhiro Yoshikawa
  • Publication number: 20100218591
    Abstract: Pulverizer coal flow pipes feed a mixture of air and coal to burners in electric utility coal fire facilities. A method and apparatus for sensing relative coal flow in the pipes uses acoustic emission (AE) sensors to detect flow in each pipe. Sensed relative flow in the pipes is used to balance flow in the pipes and to further adjust pipe coal flow. Sensed flow is used with control parameters of a furnace to maximize power plant efficiency and to ensure compliance with emissions requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: George W. Rhodes, Mark F. Carlos, Jeff Donahue
  • Patent number: 7783434
    Abstract: Mass flow meter having at least one measurement tube, through which mass flows, as an oscillation body which can be set in mechanical oscillation by means of an excitation unit, the oscillation behavior of which varying as a function of the mass flow can be recorded via at least one oscillation sensor in order to determine the mass flow, wherein in order to eliminate noise signals from the measurement voltage (sen) recorded via the oscillation sensor computational technology means are provided for forming a complex conjugate spectrum (|sa1j|) from the spectrum of the excitation voltage (seD) as well as a vector product between this (|sa1j|) and the measurement voltage (sen) for the purpose of filtering, in order, by further computational technology means for inverse Fourier transformation, to obtain the signal relationship associated with the vector product between the excitation voltage (seD) and the measurement voltage (sen) so that the processed measurement voltage (sa1) resulting therefrom then predominan
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: ABB AG
    Inventors: Dieter Keese, Thomas Blume
  • Patent number: 7774150
    Abstract: A meter electronics (20) for a flow meter (5) is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The meter electronics (20) includes an interface (201) for receiving a vibrational response and a processing system (203). The processing system (203) receives the vibrational response, vibrates at least one flowtube (130) of the vibratory flow meter (5) and generates a first tube period ?m1 for a first flow material m1, vibrates the at least one flowtube (130) and generates a second tube period ?m2 for a second flow material m2, and determines one or more of a stiffness coefficient C1 or a mass coefficient C2 from the first tube period ?m1, a first density ?m1, the second tube period ?m2, and a second density ?2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Paul Stack
  • Patent number: 7765878
    Abstract: The measuring device includes a flow measuring transducer, through which a medium to be measured flows during operation. For monitoring an installed position of the flow transducer, the method of the invention provides, on the basis of application of a suitable tilt sensor, for ascertaining an instantaneous inclination of the measuring transducer corresponding to a tilt of at least one principal axis of inertia of the measuring transducer relative to at least one reference axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventor: Stefan Grotzer
  • Publication number: 20100186521
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of standardizing a capsule type ultrasound measurement cell (1) including a measurement channel (1A) equipped with ultrasound sensors (C1, C2) disposed in a cap (1G) and intended to be mounted on a tank including an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe of different types, said inlet pipe being intended to communicate with the inlet of said measurement channel and said outlet pipe being intended to communicate with the outlet of said measurement channel. According to the invention, this method consists in using an additional adapter (4, 5) specific to the type of tank and connecting said inlet pipe with the inlet of said measurement channel and said outlet pipe with the outlet of said measurement channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: ACTARIS S.A.S.
    Inventor: Tarek Bouzid
  • Patent number: 7752918
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring at least one parameter of a fluid flowing through an internal passage of an elongated body is provided. The internal passage is disposed between a first wall and a second wall, and the first wall and the second wall each include an interior surface and an exterior surface. The method includes the steps of providing an array of at least two ultrasonic sensor units, operating the sensor units to transmit ultrasonic signals at one or more frequencies substantially coincident with at least one frequency at which the transmitted ultrasonic signals resonate within the first wall, receiving the ultrasonic signals with the sensor units, and processing the received ultrasonic signals to measure the at least one parameter of fluid flow within the internal passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Expro Meters, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Davis
  • Publication number: 20100154560
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an ultrasonic transducer for use in a fluid medium. At least one piezoelectric transducer element is joined directly or indirectly to at least one matching member for promoting vibration coupling between the piezoelectric transducer element and the fluid medium. A matching member is used which has at least one porous molding of a polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Roland MUELLER, Gerhard Hueftle, Michael Horstbrink, Tobias Lang, Sami Radwan, Bernd Kuenzl, Roland Wanja
  • Publication number: 20100145636
    Abstract: This invention relates to a measuring instrument for measurement of a flow (1) comprising—a dielectric resonator sensor (3) arranged in a pipeline (2), said resonator (3) having a surface (4) facing a flow volume,—a sensor drive unit (12) being coupled to said sensor (3) and which is adapted to provide a driving or excitation signal to said sensor (3) resulting in the excitation of an electromagnetic resonance in said sensor causing a fringing electromagnetic field (5) adjacent to said surface (4) facing said wet gas flow (1),—a recording unit (10) coupled to said sensor (3) and which is adapted to measure a resonance property of said sensor (3) while said wet gas flow (1) moves past said sensor surface (4), and—a processing unit (11) which is adapted to estimate a property of at least a part of said wet gas flow (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: ROXAR FLOW MEASUREMENT AS
    Inventor: Ebbe Gustaf Nyfors
  • Publication number: 20100134304
    Abstract: A vibratory flow meter (100) for correcting for entrained gas in a flow material is provided. The vibratory flow meter (100) comprises a flow meter assembly (10) configured to generate a vibrational response for the flow material, a bubble size sensor (50) configured to generate a bubble measurement signal for the flow material, and meter electronics (20) coupled to the flow meter assembly (10) and to the bubble size sensor (50). The meter electronics (20) is configured to receive the vibrational response and the bubble measurement signal, determine a bubble size of bubbles in the flow material using at least the bubble measurement signal, determine one or more flow characteristics of the flow material using at least the vibrational response and the bubble size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Weinstein, Mark James Beil
  • Patent number: 7712382
    Abstract: A doppler ultrasonic flowmeter including: an ultrasonic transmission member for casting ultrasonic pulses onto the fluid within a fluid tube, which is to be measured, along a measurement line from an ultrasonic transducer, a flow-speed distribution measurement unit for receiving ultrasonic echoes reflected from the measurement region due to ultrasonic pulses cast onto the fluid to be measured so as to measure the flow-speed distribution of the fluid to be measured in the measurement region; a flow measurement unit for measuring the flow of the fluid to be measured; and a transducer position adjusting mechanism for adjusting the relative position of a pair of ultrasonic transducers serving as the ultrasonic transmission member, a first transducer and a second transducer, which are disposed away one from another along the axial direction of a fluid tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignees: The Tokyo Electric Power Company, Incorporated
    Inventors: Yasushi Takeda, Michitsugu Mori
  • Publication number: 20100094569
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a parameter of fluid flow within a piping system is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: EXPRO METERS, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel L. Gysling
  • Patent number: 7690266
    Abstract: An apparatus measures a speed of sound (SOS) in a process flow by characterizing low order acoustic cross modes in the process flow in a conduit. The apparatus includes transducers on the conduit, spaced from each other around the circumference of the conduit. The transducers generate acoustic input signals in the process flow over a range of frequencies. The apparatus includes strain sensors disposed on the conduit, spaced from each other around the cross-sectional circumference of the conduit. An SOS processor is responsive to the transducers and sensors, and is configured to identify cross-mode frequencies of the conduit and to derive therefrom the SOS in the process flow. An entrained air processor is coupled to the SOS processor to indicate a level of entrained air in the process flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Expro Meters, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel L. Gysling
  • Publication number: 20100071477
    Abstract: Measurement apparatus having a cantilever and a fluid flow channel, the cantilever being positioned in the channel so that it projects in a direction parallel to the direction of fluid flow. In an associated method, the cantilever is positioned in a fluid flow channel such that the cantilever extends parallel with the direction of fluid flow in the channel. Fluid is caused to flow in the channel at a known velocity. The resonant frequency of the cantilever is measured at one or more velocities of fluid flow and calculating the spring constant of the cantilever using the measured resonant frequency or frequencies. If the spring constant of the cantilever is known, the measurement of resonant frequency of the cantilever is used to determine the velocity of the fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Georg Haehner, Gennady Lubarsky
  • Patent number: 7678165
    Abstract: A particle separator which broadly includes: an inner wall, an outer wall and a splitter, wherein the inner and outer walls define an air intake passageway, and wherein the splitter is positioned between the inner and outer walls so as to define a scavenge air flow passageway connected to the intake passageway and a main air flow passageway connected to the intake passageway; the inner wall having a humped-shaped portion between the intake passageway and the main air flow passageway; the humped-shaped portion having a peak and a radius of curvature at any point on the hump-shaped portion of the inner wall after the peak corresponding to a degree of curvature of from about 30 to about 60 degrees; and a boundary layer control mechanism for providing active boundary layer control along the inner wall after the peak and within the main air flow passageway. Also provided is a method for providing active boundary layer flow control along the inner wall after the peak and within the main air flow passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Walter Jackson Tingle, Wayne R. Oliver, Kevin Kirtley
  • Patent number: 7665348
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the atomization characteristics of fluids being emitted by a nozzle is disclosed. In one embodiment, a fluid is emitted through a nozzle while simultaneously sensing vibrations occurring within the nozzle. The vibrations provide information about the atomization characteristics of the fluid. By comparing the sensed vibrations to vibration patterns produced by known fluids through the same or a similar nozzle, the atomization characteristics of the fluid being tested can be predicted. In one embodiment, for instance, the atomization characteristics of a fluid may be determined as a function of velocity or flow rate through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Arena Pesticide Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Durham Kenimer Giles
  • Publication number: 20100037703
    Abstract: The measuring tube of the in-line measuring device is lined internally with a liner. The liner is made of a polyurethane produced using a catalyst that contains metal-organic compounds. The metals that are brought into the liner and remain there are chemically, especially atomically, bonded to carbon chains formed in the liner. The in-line measuring device is thus especially suited for measuring drinking water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Thomas Sulzer, Johannes Ruchel
  • Publication number: 20100027006
    Abstract: A device for monitoring particle contamination in flowing hydraulic fluids includes a mechanism for particle counting and particle sizing. Further, a method for monitoring particle contamination in flowing hydraulic fluids: determines fluid flow velocity; counts particles in the hydraulic fluid passing the light barrier for a fixed period of time; and obtains particle size distribution by using a range of different trigger levels. The monitoring device is insertable into an A/C hydraulic system to enable an online-monitoring of degradation of fluid quality during normal flight operations or on the ground. The device and method help lower costs for A/C maintenance and increase A/C availability since necessary service actions can be scheduled strategically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: Airbus France
    Inventors: Delphine Hertens, Gerhard Mueller, Wolfgang Legner, Wilhelm Ficker, Thomas Ziemann, Reinhard Reischl, Marius Bebesel
  • Publication number: 20100005900
    Abstract: Acoustic flow meter with dual flow measurements. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are flow meters comprising a spool piece that defines a central passage, a first plurality of transducer pairs mechanically coupled to the spool piece, a second plurality of transducer pairs mechanically coupled to the spool piece, and meter electronics electrically coupled to the first and second plurality of transducer pairs (the meter electronics configured to determine a first value indicative of fluid flow through the central passage, the first value determined using only signals of the first plurality of transducer pairs). The meter electronics further configured to determine a second value indicative of fluid flow through the central passage, the second value determined using only signals of the second plurality of transducer pairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: DANIEL MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL, INC.
    Inventors: Henry Charles Straub, JR., Charles W. Derr
  • Publication number: 20090320588
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for systems and methods for measuring and/or characterizing properties of ultra-fine or cohesive powders. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for systems and methods for measuring and/or characterizing packing density and/or flowability of ultra-fine or cohesive powders using vibrations. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides for systems and methods for improved characterization or specification of powder or packing density as a function of consolidation stress. In an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure also provides for systems and methods for improved characterization or definition of a parameter which indicates the flow property of the powder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: New Jersey Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Rajesh N. Dave, Miguel-Angel Sanchez-Quintanilla, Lauren Elizabeth Beach
  • Publication number: 20090314102
    Abstract: A flow monitoring system includes a pipe for transporting a fluid therethrough. An optical fiber generally spirals about the pipe along a longitudinal portion having a predetermined length to serve as a single transducer for detecting flow information from the longitudinal portion. A linear polarizer/analyzer circuit communicates with the optical fiber. A light source communicates with the linear polarizer/analyzer circuit and generates a light signal along the optical fiber at a frequency greater than a period of a disturbance to flow past the predetermined length of the transducer. A reflector is disposed along the optical fiber for reflecting the light signal along the optical fiber. An optical detector communicates with the linear polarizer/analyzer circuit. The optical detector determines from the light signal dynamic events along the optical fiber indicative of flow disturbances passing by the transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: QOREX LLC
    Inventors: Trevor Wayne MacDougall, Paul Eric Sanders
  • Publication number: 20090310981
    Abstract: A grammage detection sensor which detects a grammage of a recording medium using an ultrasonic wave includes a transmitting unit configured to transmit the ultrasonic wave and a receiving unit including a first vibration member configured to receive the ultrasonic wave that is transmitted from the transmitting unit and passes through the recording medium. The receiving unit includes a guide member configured to guide the ultrasonic wave that passes through the recording medium to the first vibration member. A length from a surface of the first vibration member to a plane including an end plane of the guide member along a line that passes through a center of the first vibration member and is perpendicular to the first vibration member is approximately n times of one-half wavelength of the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the transmitting unit where n is an integer of one or greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tsutomu Ishida
  • Publication number: 20090277279
    Abstract: A method of finding a thigh support for most optimal blood circulation in the lower extremities of a seated person consisting of measuring a blood-circulation parameter such as blood-flow velocity through the lower extremities of a seated person under different seating conditions, including those with or without the use of any thigh-supporting means. It has been proven that with the use of a thigh-supporting means, the measured blood-circulating parameter was much better than in a person seated without the use of a thigh-supporting means. Blood-flow velocity through the lower extremities of a person seated on the aforementioned seating device was measured by determining the Doppler shift in the frequency of returning ultrasound waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Sergey Anikin