Patents Assigned to Flowtec AG
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Publication number: 20060150750Abstract: The measurement transducer includes a transducer housing, which exhibits a plurality of natural oscillation modes, as well as at least one first flow tube held oscillatably in the transducer housing, vibrating at least at times, and conveying at least a portion of the medium to be measured. Additionally, the measurement transducer includes an electromechanical, especially electrodynamic, exciter arrangement acting on the at least one flow tube for producing and/or maintaining mechanical oscillations of the at least one flow tube, and a sensor arrangement reacting to movements of the flow tube, especially bending oscillations, for producing at least one oscillation measurement signal representing oscillations of the flow tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2005Publication date: July 13, 2006Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Martin Anklin-Imhof, Christian Schuetze
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Publication number: 20060146689Abstract: A method for transferring data via a field bus FB of an automation system, to which field bus multiple field devices D1, D2, D3, . . . ,Dn, V1, V2, V3, . . . ,Vn are connected. The field bus FB has multiple data channels, to which the field devices have simultaneous access.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2003Publication date: July 6, 2006Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventor: Joerg Roth
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Patent number: 7070324Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for system- and/or process-monitoring in connection with a measurement apparatus that determines/monitors at least one process parameter of a medium. The method and device enable statements to be made regarding the present and future functionality of a measurement apparatus, or individual components of the measurement apparatus. The temperature values (T) of the medium are ascertained directly or indirectly and a trend analysis regarding the thermal loading of the measurement apparatus or the thermal loading of individual components of the measurement apparatus is carried out on the basis of the ascertained temperature values (T) of the medium or on the basis of the derivatives of the ascertained temperature values of the medium.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2001Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Endress & Hauser Flowtec AGInventor: Thomas Budmiger
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Patent number: 7062977Abstract: The transducer (1) has at least one at least temporarily vibrating flow tube (101) of predeterminable lumen for conducting a fluid. The flow tube (101) communicates with a connected pipe via an inlet tube section (103), ending in an inlet end, and an outlet tube section (104), ending in an outlet end, and in operation performs flexural vibrations about an axis of vibration joining the inlet and outlet ends. The flow tube (101) has at least one arcuate tube section (101c) of predeterminable three-dimensional shape which adjoins a straight tube segment (101a) on the inlet side and a straight tube segment (101b) on the outlet side. At least one stiffening element (111, 112) is fixed directly on or in close proximity to the arcuate tube segment (101c) to stabilize the three-dimensional shape.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2005Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Alfred Wenger, Martin Anklin
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Publication number: 20060123922Abstract: An apparatus for the positioning of a clamp-on flow measuring device on a containment, which has a medium flowing through it. The apparatus includes at least two ultrasonic transducers, which emit measuring signals into the containment and/or receive measuring signals from the containment, a positioning unit for the variable positioning of the ultrasonic transducers on the containment, a control/evaluation unit, which calculates from predetermined process and/or system variables a characteristic, desired variable of the measuring signals and which determines on the basis of a comparison of the calculated, desired variable with the corresponding, measured, actual variable, whether the ultrasonic transducers are optimally positioned or whether the position of the ultrasonic transducers need to be changed, and an indicating unit, which indicates to operating personnel a required change of position and/or the direction in which a change of position needs to be made.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2003Publication date: June 15, 2006Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Thomas Froehlich, Achim Wiest, Andreas Berger, Harald Stocker, Torsten Strunz, Aurele Fleury, Klaus Bussinger, Oliver Brumberg
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Patent number: 7051598Abstract: The invention relates to a mount for electrical leads to a vibration-type sensor and/or for coils on a vibration-type sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Ennio Bitto, Gerhard Eckert
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Publication number: 20060107758Abstract: A measurement transducer includes a transducer housing, which exhibits a multiplicity of natural oscillation modes and at least a first measuring tube for conveying at least a volume fraction of the medium to be measured. The measuring tube is held to oscillation in the transducer housing and vibrator, at least at times. Also included is an electromechanical, exciter mechanism acting on the at least one measuring tube and a sensor arrangement reacting to movements, i.e. bending oscillations, of the measuring tube. Also included is a first support element fixed, i.e. directly, to the transducer housing and serving for the formation of essentially locationally fixed oscillation nodes in the transducer housing for suppressing or erasing at least one natural oscillation mode of the transducer housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2005Publication date: May 25, 2006Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Alfred Rieder, Christian Schuetze, Martin Anklin-Imhof
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Patent number: 7044001Abstract: A sonic- or ultrasonic flowmeter, suitable for replacement of differential pressure flowmeters, comprising: a pipe segment, to be connected to a first and a second pipe, each having a diameter, which complies to an industry standard for pipe diameters used in differential pressure flow measurement, having a length (L), which is equal to a standard length for a flow restricting element of a differential pressure flowmeter, having a diameter (D), which is equal to a standard for pipe diameters used in differential pressure flow measurement, comprising a first standard connector located on a first end of the pipe segment, and a second standard connector located on a second end of the pipe segment, a primary flow sensor, comprising at least one sonic- or ultrasonic transducer for transmission and/or reception of sonic- or ultrasonic signals through the pipe segment, mounted on the pipe segment, and a sensor electronic for providing a measurement signal representing a flow of fluid through the pipe segment, basedType: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Dean Sylvia, Joe Schaffer, Matthias Altendorf, Mike Touzin, Thomas Fröhlich
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Patent number: 7040181Abstract: A Coriolis mass flow measuring device includes a vibratory measuring transducer having at least one measuring tube, which has medium flowing through it during operation. In operation, the measuring tube is caused by an exciter arrangement to undergo mechanical oscillations, especially bending oscillations. Additionally, the Coriolis mass flow measuring device includes a sensor arrangement for producing oscillation measurement signals (s1, S2) representing the inlet-end and outlet-end oscillations of the measuring tube. Measuring device electronics controlling the exciter arrangement produces an exciter current (iexc) and an intermediate value (X?m) derived from the oscillation measurement signals (s1, s2). This intermediate value represents an uncorrected mass flow. Derived from the exciter current and/or from a component of the exciter current (iexc), an intermediate value (X2) is produced, which corresponds to a damping of the oscillations of the measuring tube.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2005Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Alfred Rieder, Wolfgang Drahm, Michael Fuchs, Hans-Jörg Sprich, Ibho Itin, Samuel Wyss
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Patent number: 7040179Abstract: A process meter for measuring at least one physical process variable of a medium stored in a container or flowing in a line, comprising: a transducer including a sensor arrangement providing measurement signals (s1, s2), said sensor arrangement having: at least a first sensor providing at least a first measurement signal (s1) in response to the physical process variable being measured, particularly to changes in the process variable, and at least a first temperature sensor mounted in said transducer for locally sensing a first temperature, T1, in the transducer, and by means of said at least one temperature sensor, at least a first temperature measurement signal (?1) representing the first temperature, T1, in said transducer; and meter electronics which, using at least said first measurement signal (s1) and a first correction value (K1) for the at least first measurement signal (s1), derive at least one measured value (X) currently representing the physical variable, wherein: during operation, said meter elecType: GrantFiled: December 8, 2003Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Endress+ Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Wolfgang Drahm, Alfred Rieder
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Patent number: 7040180Abstract: A Coriolis mass-flow/density meter includes at least one measuring tube, which is traversed in operation by medium. A support structure of the Coriolis mass-flow/density meter is fixed at an inlet end and at an outlet end of the measuring tube and thus clamps the measuring tube such that it can oscillate. In operation, the measuring tube is caused by means of an exciter arrangement to oscillate with mechanical oscillations, especially bending oscillations. Furthermore, the Coriolis mass-flow/density meter includes structure for producing measurement signals (xs1, xs2) representing inlet-end and outlet-end oscillations of the measuring tube. An evaluation electronics produces an intermediate value (X?m) derived from the measurement signals (xs1, xs2) and representing an uncorrected mass flow rate. The evaluation electronics also produces a correction value (XK) for the intermediate value (X?m).Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2004Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Christian Matt, Ida Vercna Kobel Wenger, legal representative, Michael Fuchs, Wolfgang Drahm, Alfred Wenger, deceased
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Patent number: 7036355Abstract: The viscometer provides a viscosity value (X?) which represents the viscosity of a fluid flowing in a pipe connected thereto. It comprises a vibratory transducer with at least one flow tube for conducting the fluid, which communicates with the pipe. Driven by an excitation assembly, the flow tube is vibrated so that friction forces are produced in the fluid. The viscometer further includes meter electronics which feed an excitation current (iexc) into the excitation assembly. By means of the meter electronics, a first internal intermediate value (X1) is formed, which corresponds with the excitation current (iexc) and thus represents the friction forces acting in the fluid. According to the invention, a second internal intermediate value (X2), representing inhomogeneities in the fluid, is generated in the meter electronics, which then determine the viscosity value (X?) using the two intermediate values (X1, X2).Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Wolfgang Drahm, Alfred Rieder
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Publication number: 20060086196Abstract: An inline measuring device includes a vibration-type measurement pickup having at least one measuring tube, which has a medium to be measured flowing through it during operation. The measuring tube is made by means of an exciter arrangement to execute, at least at times and/or at least in part, lateral oscillations and, at least at times and/or at least in part, torsional oscillations about an imaginary measuring tube longitudinal axis. The torsional oscillations alternate with the lateral oscillations or are, at times, superimposed thereon. Also included is a sensor arrangement for producing oscillation measurement signals correspondingly representing oscillations of the measuring tube. Measuring device electronics controlling the exciter arrangement generates, by means of at least one of the oscillation measurement signals and/or by means of the exciter current, at least at times, at least one measured value, which represents the at least one physical quantity to be measured.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2005Publication date: April 27, 2006Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Alfred Rieder, Wolfgang Drahm, Michael Fuchs, Hans-Jorg Sprich, Ibho Itin, Samuel Wyss
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Publication number: 20060081067Abstract: A flow meter includes a measuring tube for conveying a fluid to be measured and a magnetic field system, which has at least one field coil, through which an exciter current (IM) flows, at least at times, for producing a magnetic field passing through the fluid at least partly perpendicularly to a stream direction. In the method, the voltage (UH) instantaneously driving the exciter current (IM) is changed at a second point in time, t2, from the second voltage level, Udrv, to a third voltage level, Ushort, especially to a third voltage level which is constant or controlled to be constant, in order to achieve a sinking of the electrical current strength of the exciter current (IM) instantaneously flowing in the at least one field coil from the maximum current value, Im, to an electrical current end value, Iczu, especially a constant end value, predetermined for the exciter current (IM) In such case, the third voltage level, Ushort, is chosen smaller than the second voltage level, Urev.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2005Publication date: April 20, 2006Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventor: Thomas Budmiger
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Publication number: 20060083941Abstract: A composite system includes a first component, for instance of metal, and a second component extending at least partly through the first component along an imaginary longitudinal axis of the composite system. The second component contacts, with an at least partially curved, especially cylindrical, outer surface, an inner surface of the first component flushly such that the first component at least sectionally, at least partly, grips around the second component. Joining surfaces of the composite system, which are formed by the mutually contacting surfaces of the two components, are formed in such a manner that the two components exhibit contour portions in the area of these joining surfaces embodied as self-closing, peripheral surfaces. The contour portions fit at least partly into one another, to form a mechanical interference locking effective, at least in part, likewise in the direction of the longitudinal axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2005Publication date: April 20, 2006Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventor: Ranier Lorenz
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Publication number: 20060081069Abstract: A mount for electrical leads to a vibration-type sensor and/or for coils on a vibration-type sensor. The mount includes at least one resilient first arm attached to a first sensing tube of the sensor and at least one resilient arm attached to a second sensing tube of the sensor. The two sensing tubes, which are caused to vibrate during operation of the sensor, form a double-tube arrangement having a longitudinal gravity line, which lies in an imaginary central plane extending between the two, preferably parallel, sensing tubes. The two arms of the mount are essentially rigidly connected to one another at a connecting location remote from the two sensing tubes, and the mount exhibits a first eigenmode of predeterminable mechanical resonance frequency, f1, at which the first arm attached to the first sensing tube and the second arm attached to the second sensing tube oscillate pendularly essentially perpendicular to the central plane of the double-tube arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2005Publication date: April 20, 2006Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Ennio Bitto, Gerhard Eckert
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Publication number: 20060080049Abstract: The process measuring device comprises a flow sensor having a measuring tube, a sensor arrangement for producing a measurement signal, and an evaluation and operating circuit. The method serves to compensate for the effects of interfering potentials which are caused especially by foreign particles or air bubbles in the liquid to be measured. For this purpose, an anomaly in the waveform of the measurement signal caused at least in part by an electrical, especially pulse-shaped, interfering potential is detected by determining within a stored first data set a data group which digitally represents the anomaly. To generate an interference-free data set, the data belonging to the data group are removed from the stored first data set.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2005Publication date: April 13, 2006Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Thomas Budmiger, Saso Jezernik
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Patent number: 7017424Abstract: To conduct a fluid, the transducer has a flow tube which in operation is vibrated by an excitation assembly and whose inlet-side and outlet-side vibrations are sensed by means of a sensor arrangement. To produce shear forces in the fluid, the flow tube is at least intermittently excited into torsional vibrations about a longitudinal flow-tube axis. The transducer further comprises a torsional vibration absorber which is fixed to the flow tube and which in operation covibrates with the torsionally vibrating flow tube, thus producing reactive torques which at least partially balance torques developed in the vibrating flow tube. One of the advantages of the transducer disclosed is that it is dynamically balanced to a large extent even in the face of variations in fluid density or viscosity.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2003Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Alfred Rieder, Wolfgang Drahm
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Patent number: 7010989Abstract: To conduct a fluid, the transducer has a flow tube which in use is vibrated by an excitation system and whose inlet-side and outlet-side vibrations are detected by means of a sensor system. In response to transverse forces produced in the vibrating flow tube, the latter is, at least temporarily, laterally displaced from an assigned static rest position. To improve the dynamic balance of the transducer, a first cantilever and a second cantilever are rigidly fixed to an inlet-side tube section and an outlet-side tube section, respectively. By means of the cantilevers, the inlet-side and outlet-side tube sections are deformed as a result of lateral displacements of the flow tube. This produces counterforces which at least partially counterbalance the transverse forces produced in the vibrating flow tube. One advantage of the proposed transducer is that it is well balanced even during variations in fluid density.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2004Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Endress & Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Alfred Rieder, Wolfgang Drahm
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Patent number: 7007556Abstract: A method wherein vortices are produced in a flowing fluid by means of a bluff body and the repetition frequency with which the vortices are produced is determined. The repetition frequency is used to determine a flow rate measurement value, which represents a volume flow or a flow velocity. Additionally, pressures p1 and p2 acting in the flowing fluid at two measurement points separated from one another in the flow direction are registered. At least one of these pressures changes at least as a function of the repetition frequency. The registered pressures p1, p2 are used to produce a pressure measurement value, which represents an average dynamic pressure acting in time average at least partly in the flow direction. The pressure measurement value and the flow rate measurement value are used to determine a mass flow rate value for the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Mamadi Keita, Rainer Höcker, Oliver Popp