Transit Time Of Acoustic Waves Patents (Class 73/861.27)
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Patent number: 8468897Abstract: A measuring system for determining and/or monitoring flow of a measured medium through a measuring tube, including: at least one ultrasonic transducer; and at least one control/evaluation unit, which, on the basis of measurement signals or on the basis of measurement data derived from the measurement signals, ascertains volume- and/or mass-flow of the medium flowing in the measuring tube; wherein the ultrasonic transducer has at least one electromechanical transducer element, which sends and/or receives ultrasonic signals; and at least one coupling layer in the region between electromechanical transducer element and measured medium, which coupling layer conducts the ultrasonic signals, and which ultrasonic transducer is acoustically coupleable with the measuring tube and at least partially fittable on the outer shape of the measuring tube and which electromechanical transducer element is flexible.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2009Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventor: Pierre Ueberschlag
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Patent number: 8438936Abstract: A sensor assembly for use with a fluid transport system is provided. The sensor assembly includes at least two sensors that are configured to measure a rate of flow of a fluid channeled through a pipeline of the fluid transport system. Moreover, the sensor assembly includes an annular collar that is coupled to the two sensors. The collar includes at least a first opening and at least a second opening defined therein. The first opening and the second opening are each sized to receive the two sensors therein such that the two sensors are substantially coaxially aligned with each other. A first sensor of the two sensors is positioned downstream from a second sensor of the two sensors.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Solomon Feldman, Toan Huu Nguyen
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Publication number: 20130098168Abstract: Ultrasonic transducers are attached in a direction of compressing O-ring provided in a housing with a flow passage. Biasing means makes contact with and presses these ultrasonic transducers and at multiple points. A screw is provided for locking this pressing means to the housing. This enables the use of O-ring as a sealing means. Accordingly, an in-expensive ultrasonic flowmeter that facilitates signal processing by reducing propagation of vibration of the ultrasonic transducer to the housing can be achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Yukinori Ozaki, Yuji Fujii, Hajime Miyata, Makoto Nakano
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Publication number: 20130094012Abstract: A method and device for measuring the flow speed of a fluid, in one example, of air, is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBHInventor: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
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Patent number: 8413523Abstract: An oscillation circuit has an oscillator having a resonant frequency, an amplifier connected to the oscillator, an energizing pulse generator for generating a energizing pulse within a certain range including the resonant frequency, a switching unit for switching between connection and disconnection of the energizing pulse generator and the oscillator, and the amplifier, and a motion command unit for sending a command signal to the energizing pulse generator for starting operation, in which the switching unit connects the oscillator and the energizing pulse generator during a cycle, a half cycle, or several cycles of the energizing pulse generated by the energizing pulse generator starting at a time when the motion command unit sends the motion signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Daisuke Bessho
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Patent number: 8402841Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing a fluid flow within a pipe is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing an ultrasonic sensor having a transmitter operable to transmit ultrasonic signals through the first pipe wall, the fluid flow disposed within the pipe, and the second pipe wall, and a receiver operable to receive the transmitted signal after the signal has passed through the pipe walls and fluid flow; b) disposing the transmitter adjacent the first wall and the receiver adjacent the second wall; c) disposing at least one acoustic member between at least one of the transmitter and the first wall, and the receiver and the second wall, which acoustic member has acoustic properties such that the combined respective member and pipe wall have half wave resonant frequencies that substantially match the half wave resonant frequencies of the opposite wall, or opposite wall and respective member; and d) sensing the fluid flow through the pipe walls and structure using the ultrasonic sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2011Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Expro Meters, Inc.Inventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Patrick Curry, ChangJiu Dang
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Patent number: 8402840Abstract: A device for sensing fluid flow within a pipe, which pipe has a pipe wall, is provided. The device includes a sensor housing and a fluid flow meter. The sensor housing includes at least one pressure vessel enclosure and hardware for mounting the enclosure on an exterior surface of the pipe wall. The enclosure includes a base, side walls, and a cap. The enclosure base has a pipe-side surface that mates with the exterior surface of the pipe wall. The enclosure base and the pipe wall have substantially similar resonant frequencies and acoustic impedance. The sensor housing is adapted to be attached to the pipe wall such that the pipe-side surface of the base is mated with the exterior surface of the pipe wall. The fluid flow meter includes a plurality of ultrasonic sensors disposed within the at least one pressure vessel enclosure. Each sensor has a transmitter and a receiver.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Expro Meters, Inc.Inventors: Daniel L. Gysling, ChangJiu Dang
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Publication number: 20130061687Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device for a portable ultrasonic flow measuring system, which measuring device comprises two sensor heads. Each of the sensor heads comprises a sensor housing on which there is provided a sensing surface intended to be placed on or against a measuring tube. An ultrasonic transceiver is provided in each sensor housing for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves through the sensing surface. Additionally, the measuring device comprises a control and evaluation device for measuring a transit time difference for ascertaining the velocity of flow of a medium flowing through a measuring tube. Provision is made for each ultrasonic transceiver in the sensor head to be disposed therein parallel to the sensing surface in the sensor housing. The invention further relates to a measuring tube adapted for use with the measuring device of the invention and an information carrier that contains information concerning the measuring tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: HYDROSONIC B.V.Inventors: Eric Rath, Walter Seybold
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Publication number: 20130061688Abstract: There are disclosed methods and apparatus for monitoring fluid flow along a conduit such as a well bore or a pipeline. A sensor optical fibre is disposed along the conduit, and an optical interrogator is used to launch probe light pulses into the fibre and to determine optical properties of probe light backscattered within the fibre, the properties being indicative of vibration as a function along the fibre. An analyser is used to detect one or more vibration features moving along the conduit and to determine a measure of fluid flow based on the detected movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: FOTECH SOLUTIONS LIMITEDInventor: Peter Hayward
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Patent number: 8396675Abstract: The object is to facilitate determination of a flow rate of fluid discharged from a discharge opening. Intensity of a supersonic wave generated at and propagated from a discharge opening in association with discharge of the fluid from the discharge opening is determined at a determinate site distant from the discharge opening. And, a propagation distance from the discharge opening to the determination site is determined or investigated. Then, based upon a correlation existent among the intensity of the propagated supersonic wave, the propagation distance and the fluid discharge flow rate from the discharge opening, the fluid discharge rate is obtained from the determined or investigated supersonic wave intensity and the propagation distance.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: TLV Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masao Yonemura
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Patent number: 8374806Abstract: An ultrasonic phase-shift detection device includes a clock generator, a divider, a first counter, a comparator, a phase detector and a second counter. The divider is provided for dividing the clock signal to generate ultrasonic signals. The comparator is provided for comparing the counting value of the first counter and a predetermined number. The phase detector is provided for comparing the phase shift between different ultrasonic signals. The second counter is provided for counting to generate the digital result signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Tatung CompanyInventors: Shu-Ting Liao, Chao-Fa Lee, Cheng-Hsing Kuo
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Publication number: 20130014592Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer for use in a fluid medium includes at least one housing, e.g., a sleeve, which has at least one interior space, and at least one transducer core having at least one electroacoustic transducer element is accommodated in the interior space. The housing has a housing wall at least partially enclosing the transducer core using at least one hollow space.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2010Publication date: January 17, 2013Inventors: Roland Mueller, Gerhard Hueftle, Michael Horstbrink, Tobias Lang, Sami Radwan, Bernd Kuenzl, Roland Wanja
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Patent number: 8347732Abstract: An adjustable ultrasonic gas flow measurement device includes a gas pipe, a transmitter, a receiver and a micro-processing module. The gas pipe is filled with a gas under test. The transmitter and the receiver are respectively installed in two ends of the gas pipe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals inside the gas pipe. The micro-processing module is electrically connected to the transmitter and the receiver for generating and sending a first ultrasonic signal to the transmitter for transmitting, and comparing the phase shift of a second ultrasonic signal and a third ultrasonic signal to output a phase comparison result, wherein the transmitted first ultrasonic signal passing through the gas pipe was received by the receiver as the second ultrasonic signal, and the third ultrasonic signal is generated by shifting the first ultrasonic signal with a predetermined phase difference.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2011Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Tatung CompanyInventors: Chao-Fa Lee, Shu-Ting Liao, Cheng-Hsing Kup
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Publication number: 20120312522Abstract: A system, including an ultrasonic flow meter with a conduit including a conduit wall and configured to flow a fluid, an housing disposed about the conduit to define a fluid chamber about the conduit, wherein the conduit facilitates fluid flow into the fluid chamber and through the ultrasonic flow meter and a first ultrasonic transducer disposed in the fluid chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: David Francis Anthony Quin, Kevin Peter Minnock, Francis Anthony O'Brien, Finian McCarthy
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Publication number: 20120285260Abstract: An ultrasonic flow sensor for detecting a flow of a fluid medium in a flow tube includes at least one first ultrasonic transducer, at least one second ultrasonic transducer, and at least one waveguide configured to conduct ultrasonic waves between the at least one first ultrasonic transducer and the at least one second ultrasonic transducer by reflection on walls of the waveguide, and to enable the fluid medium to flow through. The ultrasonic waves are able to propagate between the first ultrasonic transducer and the second ultrasonic transducer on at least two ultrasonic paths. Sound energies of the ultrasonic waves transmitted on the at least two different ultrasonic paths differ from one another by no more than a factor of 100.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2010Publication date: November 15, 2012Inventors: Roland Mueller, Gerhard Hueftle, Michael Horstbrink, Tobias Lang, Sami Radwan, Bernd Kuenzl, Roland Wanja
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Publication number: 20120255368Abstract: When a flow rate is equal to or more than a reference flow rate, a reference voltage is changed to a level capable of measuring stably to thereby realize the improvement of measurement accuracy at the time of a large amount of flow rate. A flow rate determination means compares a flow rate calculated by a flow rate calculation means with the reference flow rate. When the calculated flow rate is larger than the reference flow rate, the reference voltage set by a reference voltage setting means is changed, whereby the zero cross point can be detected stably at the portion where the degree of the influence of the change in the amplitude of the received signal is small. Thus, it is possible to provide a flow rate measuring device capable of measuring a flow rate stably with high accuracy even when a fluid flow is disturbed due to a large amount of flow rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2010Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Hirokazu Gotou, Aoi Watanabe, Yuji Fujii, Kouichi Takemura, Yuji Nakabayashi
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Patent number: 8239157Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 24, 2011Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventors: Craig B McAnally, Andrew T Patten, Charles P Stack, Jeffrey S Walker, Neal B Gronlie
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Publication number: 20120186362Abstract: An adjustable ultrasonic gas flow measurement device includes a gas pipe, a transmitter, a receiver and a micro-processing module. The gas pipe is filled with a gas under test. The transmitter and the receiver are respectively installed in two ends of the gas pipe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals inside the gas pipe. The micro-processing module is electrically connected to the transmitter and the receiver for generating and sending a first ultrasonic signal to the transmitter for transmitting, and comparing the phase shift of a second ultrasonic signal and a third ultrasonic signal to output a phase comparison result, wherein the transmitted first ultrasonic signal passing through the gas pipe was received by the receiver as the second ultrasonic signal, and the third ultrasonic signal is generated by shifting the first ultrasonic signal with a predetermined phase difference.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2011Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: Tatung CompanyInventors: Chao-Fa Lee, Shu-Ting Liao, Cheng-Hsing Kuo
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Patent number: 8229686Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a flow rate of a component of a stratified two-phase fluid flow within a substantially horizontally extending pipe is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) determining a first fluid velocity value and a second fluid velocity value within the pipe section; b) determining a density of the fluid flow within the pipe section, and creating a measured fluid density value; c) determining a degree of fluid phase stratification of the fluid flow using at least one of the top and bottom fluid flow velocity values, and the measured fluid density value; and d) determining a flow rate value for at least one of a liquid component of the fluid flow and a gas component of the fluid flow within the pipe section.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Expro Meters, Inc.Inventor: Abhinav Singh Rawat
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Patent number: 8186229Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 6, 2010Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Daniel Measurement and Control, Inc.Inventor: Charles R. Allen
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Patent number: 8181533Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 6, 2010Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Daniel Measurement and Control, Inc.Inventors: Charles R. Allen, Henry C. Straub, Jr.
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Patent number: 8181534Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 6, 2010Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Daniel Measurement and Control, Inc.Inventor: Charles R. Allen
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Patent number: 8170812Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting deposit buildup within an ultrasonic flow meter are disclosed. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are ultrasonic flow meters comprising a spool piece configured to couple within a flow of fluid, a first transducer pair mechanically mounted to the spool piece and configured to fluidly couple to the flow of fluids (wherein the first transducer pair comprises an upstream transducer and a downstream transducer in operational relationship to the upstream transducer and defines a first chord there between), and electronics electrically coupled to the first transducer pair. The electronics is configured to detect deposit buildup over an inner surface of the ultrasonic flow meter.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2007Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Daniel Measurement and Control, Inc.Inventor: Henry Charles Straub, Jr.
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Patent number: 8161824Abstract: A multilayer flow path member of an ultrasonic fluid measurement apparatus and an ultrasonic fluid measurement apparatus capable of enhancing the measurement accuracy of the mean flow velocity are provided. When a multilayer flow path member 30 placed in a measurement flow path 14a shaped in a rectangular cross-section pipe of an ultrasonic fluid measurement apparatus 10 is partitioned into a plurality of flat flow paths 14e by partition plates 32 attached to a frame 31 along a flowing direction, the partition plates 32 are provided so as to face inner faces 15f and 17a of the measurement flow path 14a. Thus, the partition plates 32 are exposed and face the inner faces 15f and 17a of the measurement flow path 14a and thus the space between the exposed partition plate 32 and the inner face 15f, 17a of the measurement flow path 14a becomes the highest-stage or lowest-stage flat flow path 14e.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Masato Satou, Yukinori Ozaki, Akihisa Adachi
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Patent number: 8151651Abstract: Tangential forces present at the mating area between a clamp-on transducer and a pipe can be made very small in order to provide a higher quality, more stable acoustic coupling. In some cases this is accomplished by providing a low friction bearing on a surface of a transducer housing. This bearing may be a slippery surface portion, or may involve a rotary bearing mounted on the housing. In other cases, where a steel pipe is used, pairs of permanent magnets coupled by a yoke can provide the desired clamping force directed solely along a radius of the pipe.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Inventor: Murray F Feller
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Publication number: 20120079890Abstract: Method and measuring device for measuring at least one measured variable. A first sensor transmits a first measurement signal, which includes at least one half-wave of a mechanical wave or an electromagnetic wave, and, at a time t from the first measurement signal, transmits at least a second measurement signal. At least a second sensor receives the measurement signals. The travel time and TOF1 of the first measurement signal between transmitting of the first measurement signal and receiving of the first measurement signal is known, wherein the time t is so selected that it is a whole numbered multiple of the travel time TOF1 of the first measurement signal or that it is a whole numbered multiple of the average value of the travel times TOF1 and TOF2, wherein the travel time and TOF2 between transmitting a third measurement signal from the second sensor and receiving of the third measurement signal by the first sensor is known.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2010Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventor: Pierre Ueberschlag
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Patent number: 8146442Abstract: A device for determining a flow characteristic, in particular flow velocity, of a fluid in a conduit, comprises a conduit body (110), at least four pairs of ultrasonic transducers (116, 118; 122, 124; 128, 130; 132, 1340 defining swirl sensitive acoustic paths (128, 130; 132, 134). The ultrasonic transducers are arranged such that they define paired acoustic paths. The device also comprises means (142, 144) for measuring the transit times of transmitted ultrasonic waves and for determining a flow characteristic from the measured transit times.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2009Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Elster NV/SAInventor: Arjan Stehouwer
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Publication number: 20120060944Abstract: The invention relates to a method of measuring a gas flow velocity using an ultrasonic gas flow meter, wherein said ultrasonic gas flow meter includes a horizontal piping through which gas can flow in a flow direction and which has a central axis, at least one pair of measurement paths of equal length spaced apart, extending parallel to one another in separate horizontal planes and inclined to said flow direction, wherein each horizontal plane of a pair of measurement paths is vertically offset by an equal predefined distance from said central axis, wherein an ultrasonic transducer is arranged at each end of said measurement path and each ultrasonic transducer is adapted to selectively act as an ultrasonic transmitter and an ultrasonic receiver, the method comprising the steps of measuring a flow velocity of said gas in a measurement path arranged in an upper region of said piping, measuring a flow velocity of said gas in a measurement path arranged in a lower region of said piping and using the results of thType: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2010Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: SICK ENGINEERING GMBHInventors: John LANSING, Toralf DIETZ
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Patent number: 8132469Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 6, 2010Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Daniel Measurement and Control, Inc.Inventor: Charles R. Allen
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Patent number: 8109268Abstract: A device is provided for detecting a gas volume flow, especially for a respirator. The device includes a flow sensor, which surrounds a lumen for guiding the gas volume flow, and the flow sensor has an ultrasound transmitter with a sound generator (20) and an ultrasound receiver. The device has a connection sensor (17, 19), which is designed to detect a connection, especially an installation position or correctness of the connection or both, of the ultrasound transmitter to the transmitter mount and/or a connection of the ultrasound receiver to the receiver mount and to change at least one of its electrical properties as a function of the connection, or to generate a connection signal, which represents the connection, and to output this signal on the output side.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Dräger Medical GmbHInventors: Kerstin Rohde, Henning Gerder, Bernd Kellner
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Patent number: 8104359Abstract: An ultrasonic, flow measuring device having a plurality of measuring channels. At least one ultrasonic sensor is situated in a first region of a pipeline, or measuring tube; at least two ultrasonic sensors are situated in a second region of the pipeline (5), or measuring tube, in such a manner that the ultrasonic measuring signals travel through the pipeline, or measuring tube, in, or opposite to, a stream direction of the medium, on sound paths of different lengths. A transmitting stage simultaneously excites the ultrasonic sensor, or the ultrasonic sensors, of the first or second region for transmitting the ultrasonic measuring signals. Due to the different lengths of the sound paths, the receiving stage detects the ultrasonic measuring signals incoming to the ultrasonic sensors of the second or first region at separate times.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2006Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Achim Wiest, Andreas Berger, Oliver Brumberg
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Publication number: 20120006127Abstract: An ultrasound flow meter unit, e.g. a unit forming part of a flow meter for ultrasonic measurement of a fluid flow. The unit comprises two ultra-sound transducers 206, a circuit board 202 with an electronic circuit 204 arranged for operating the ultrasound transducers 206, and a common protection membrane 132, such as a sheet of metal, for protecting the transducers 206. The common protection membrane 132 forms part of a water-tight casing, such as an IP68 class casing. The two ultrasound transducers 206 and the circuit board 202 with the electronic circuit 204 are positioned within the water-tight casing and thus protected against damaging humidity. A glass sealed feed-through 128 can be used to provide external electrical contact to the electronic circuit 204, i.e. for outputting an electric flow rate signal. Such flow meter unit is highly versatile within many applications since it provides a compact and robust unit. The unit can be used with or integrated in many types of devices, e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2010Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: KAMSTRUP A/SInventor: Søren Tønnes Nielsen
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Publication number: 20110281378Abstract: A system and method for measuring the velocity of gas flow between multiple plasma deposition chambers is provided. A passage atmospherically linking two plasma processing chambers conducts a gas flow therebetween due to differential pressures within the respective chambers. The gas flow velocity is measured by a linear or non-linear ultrasonic energy acoustic path between two transducers located exteriorly to the chambers using the difference in transit time in a forward and reverse direction due to the velocity of gas in the passage. The pressure of process gas in one or more chambers is adjustable based on the measured velocity of gas flow in the passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: United Solar Ovonic LLCInventor: Joachim Doehler
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Publication number: 20110226067Abstract: An oscillation circuit has an oscillator having a resonant frequency, an amplifier connected to the oscillator, an energizing pulse generator for generating a energizing pulse within a certain range including the resonant frequency, a switching unit for switching between connection and disconnection of the energizing pulse generator and the oscillator, and the amplifier, and a motion command unit for sending a command signal to the energizing pulse generator for starting operation, in which the switching unit connects the oscillator and the energizing pulse generator during a cycle, a half cycle, or several cycles of the energizing pulse generated by the energizing pulse generator starting at a time when the motion command unit sends the motion signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2009Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Daisuke Bessho
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Patent number: 8020452Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 2, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Closed Corporation CoherentInventors: Yuriy Igorevich Romanov, Dmitry Yurievich Svilpov, Stanislav Vladimirovich Maletskiy, Olga Vladimirovna Chagina
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Patent number: 8019559Abstract: A flow meter and method for measuring flow in liquids which may have entrained bubbles or foreign matter. The meter performs alternate transit time and Doppler measurements. The transit time measurements are used to calculate flow so long as they are successful. If the transit time measurements are not successful, the Doppler measurements are used.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Racine Federated, Inc.Inventors: Robert K. Stevens, Richard L. Little, William W. Roeber
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Publication number: 20110174083Abstract: Measuring system (1) for determining and/or monitoring flow of a measured medium (25) through a measuring tube (2), wherein the measuring system (1) includes: At least one control/evaluation unit (8), which, based on ultrasonic measurement signals, or based on measurement data derived from the ultrasonic measurement signals, ascertains volume, and/or mass, flow of the measured medium (25) flowing in the measuring tube (2); and a sensor housing (3), which surrounds a first ultrasonic sensor (5) and at least a second ultrasonic sensor (6); wherein at least the first ultrasonic sensor (5) is seated shiftably in the sensor housing (3); wherein the measuring system (1) further includes a sensor holder (4), which is securable on the measuring tube (2) and includes a securement mechanism (9) for the releasable securement of the sensor housing (3) on the sensor holder (4); wherein the sensor housing (3) forms with the ultrasonic sensors (5, 6) a unit securable on the sensor holder (4) and releasable from the sensor hType: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2009Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Andreas Berger, Achim Wiest
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Patent number: 7980142Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ultrasonic flow rate measuring device capable of improving the measurement accuracy. Such an ultrasonic flow rate measuring device comprises first to third ultrasonic flow rate sensors in the measurement passage which are equipped with first ultrasonic wave transmitter-receivers and second ultrasonic wave transmitter-receivers. First to third ultrasonic wave propagation paths connecting the first ultrasonic wave transmitter-receiver and the second ultrasonic wave transmitter-receivers, respectively, intersect at different angles with the flow direction of fluid flowing through the measurement passages. The ultrasonic flow rate measuring device of the present invention obtains a flow rate measurement selectively from one of the first to third ultrasonic flow rate sensors in response to a flow rate Q.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Yuji Nakabayashi, Akihisa Adachi, Masato Satou
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Patent number: 7981082Abstract: A method and pump that accurately senses air in a fluid delivery line pulses or activates and deactivates the air sensor(s) multiple times during the pumping phase of the fluid delivery cycle and can generate alarms based upon a single indication or a cumulative indication of air in the line. The pump can include multiple air sensors spaced along the delivery line so that the method can use the multiple signals therefrom to distinguish real moving air bubbles from false positives and/or air bubbles adhered to the inner wall of the line.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Hospira, Inc.Inventors: David T. Wang, Robert P. Cousineau, Lori E. Lucke, Marwan A. Fathallah, John S. Ziegler
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Publication number: 20110163298Abstract: Graphene layers, hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) layers, as well as other materials made of primarily sp2 bonded atoms and associated methods are disclosed. In one aspect, the present invention provides graphene and hBN devices. In one aspect, for example, an electronic device is provided including a graphene layer and a planar hBN layer operably associated with the graphene layer and forming a functional interface therebetween. Numerous functional interfaces are contemplated, depending on the desired functionality of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Inventor: Chien-Min Sung
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Patent number: 7963175Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 13, 2009Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Expro Meters, Inc.Inventor: Daniel L. Gysling
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Patent number: 7963174Abstract: An ultrasonic flowmeter includes two ultrasonic transceivers. Each of the ultrasonic transceivers includes a cylindrical transmitting body closely fixed to the outer peripheral surface of a measurement pipe through a fluid flows so as to surround the measurement pipe, and an ultrasonic transducer surrounding the measurement pipe and spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the measurement pipe. The transmitting body is made of a rubber material and has axial end surfaces extending perpendicular to the axis of the measurement pipe. The axial end surface of the ultrasonic transducer is fixedly secured to the axial end surface of the transmitting body, and the ultrasonic transducer is extended and contracted in the axial direction thereof by applying a voltage between the axial end surfaces of the ultrasonic transducer.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Asashi Organic Chemicals Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shinobu Kamimura
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Publication number: 20110132102Abstract: Measuring system for determining and/or monitoring flow of a measured medium through a measuring tube, including: At least one ultrasonic transducer; and at least one control/evaluation unit, which, on the basis of measurement signals or on the basis of measurement data derived from the measurement signals, ascertains volume- and/or mass-flow of the medium flowing in the measuring tube; wherein the ultrasonic transducer has at least one electromechanical transducer element, which sends and/or receives ultrasonic signals; and at least one coupling layer in the region between electromechanical transducer element and measured medium, which coupling layer conducts the ultrasonic signals, and which ultrasonic transducer is acoustically coupleable with the measuring tube and at least partially fittable on the outer shape of the measuring tube and which electromechanical transducer element is flexible.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2009Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventor: Pierre Ueberschlag
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Publication number: 20110126636Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for determining a flow rate through a pipe, wherein a first measurement device is provided which determines the flow profile of the fluid in a first region by means of a Doppler frequency shift, and a second measurement device is provided which determines the flow profile of the fluid in the pipe in a second region by means of a travel time measurement method.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2009Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicant: HYDRO VISION GMBHInventor: Juergen Skripalle
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Patent number: 7925456Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 30, 2004Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventors: Craig B. McAnally, Andrew T. Patten, Charles P. Stack, Jeffrey S. Walker, Neal B. Gronlie
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Patent number: 7913575Abstract: An ultrasonic flow rate measuring device according to the present invention improves a measuring accuracy. An ultrasonic flow rate measuring device includes an ultrasonic measuring portion in which a first ultrasonic transmitter-receiver and a second ultrasonic transmitter-receiver are provided to a measurement passage, and first to fifth partitioning plates are set substantially in parallel with an ultrasonic wave propagation path that connects the first ultrasonic transmitter-receiver and the second ultrasonic transmitter-receiver, whereby first to sixth flat passages are laminated/formed in the measurement passage by the partitioning plates. In this ultrasonic flow rate measuring device, the first ultrasonic transmitter-receiver and the second ultrasonic transmitter-receiver are arranged such that the ultrasonic measuring portion 20 measures the flow rate of the flat passage that is offset from the center along the lamination direction of the flat passages.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2007Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Shigeru Iwanaga, Yuji Nakabayashi
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Patent number: 7911306Abstract: A transformer board is disclosed. In some embodiments, the transformer board includes a base, a circuit board, a transformer having a first and second winding, a first and a second connector, a ribbon cable and a nonconductive fill material. The base has a recess within which the circuit board is positioned. The transformer is mechanically coupled to the circuit board. The first connector is configured to electrically couple to transducers within a pressure boundary of an ultrasonic flow meter and is electrically coupled to the second winding of the transformer. The ribbon cable is electrically coupled between the first winding of the transformer and the second connector. The nonconductive fill material is contained by the recess and encases the circuit board, the transformer, the coupling of the first connector to the second winding of the transformer, and the coupling of the ribbon cable to the first winding of the transformer.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2008Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Daniel Measurement and Control, Inc.Inventor: Charles Robert Allen
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Publication number: 20110054812Abstract: The object is to facilitate determination of a flow rate of fluid discharged from a discharge opening. Intensity of a supersonic wave generated at and propagated from a discharge opening in association with discharge of the fluid from the discharge opening is determined at a determinate site distant from the discharge opening. And, a propagation distance from the discharge opening to the determination site is determined or investigated. Then, based upon a correlation existent among the intensity of the propagated supersonic wave, the propagation distance and the fluid discharge flow rate from the discharge opening, the fluid discharge rate is obtained from the determined or investigated supersonic wave intensity and the propagation distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: TLV Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masao Yonemura
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Publication number: 20110016985Abstract: A device for determining a flow characteristic, in particular flow velocity, of a fluid in a conduit, comprises a conduit body (110), at least four pairs of ultrasonic transducers (116, 118; 122, 124; 128, 130; 132, 1340 defining swirl sensitive acoustic paths (128, 130; 132, 134). The ultrasonic transducers are arranged such that they define paired acoustic paths. The device also comprises means (142, 144) for measuring the transit times of transmitted ultrasonic waves and for determining a flow characteristic from the measured transit times.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2009Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: Elster NV/SAInventor: Arjan STEHOUWER
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Patent number: 7870793Abstract: Ultrasonic transit time flow meters using transducers mounted on insertion probes spaced apart along a pipe axis provide an economical way to measure fluid flow. The accuracy of these flow meters can be improved by providing additional transducers to measure the current speed of sound of a working fluid; the actual spacing of the probes; and the diameter of the pipe through which the fluid is flowing.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2009Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Inventor: Murray F Feller