Patents Assigned to Liquid Controls
-
Patent number: 11788872Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for accurately determining the volume of liquid in a container, such as after or prior to a fluid transfer into/from the container. The volume of liquid flowing through a flow meter can be measured at multiple data intervals by a flow meter. Further, the height of a liquid inside the container can be measured by a liquid level sensor at the multiple data intervals. A register can receive data indicative of the respective measurements, and the volume of liquid in the container can be determined based on the relationship between data indicative of the measurement of the volume of liquid flowing through a flow meter at the multiple data intervals and the measurement of the height of a liquid inside the container at the multiple data intervals.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Liquid Controls LLCInventors: Douglas E. Bond, Bryan Haynes, Dan Clevenger, Jeff Hageman
-
Patent number: 11199187Abstract: A plunger pump, comprising: a liquid tank; a pump body including a liquid storage part, a suction passage configured to allow communication between the liquid storage part and the liquid tank and a discharge passage configured to discharge a liquid in the liquid storage part to outside; and a plunger reciprocally movably supported in the pump body so that a tip reaches the liquid storage part. The suction passage includes a first suction passage, the tip of the plunger being reciprocally slidably inserted into the first suction passage, and a second suction passage provided in parallel to the first suction passage, and a check valve configured to allow only a flow of the liquid from the liquid tank to the liquid storage space is disposed in the second suction passage.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2018Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignees: NITTOKU CO., LTD., NAKA LIQUID CONTROL CO., LTD.Inventors: Norio Oda, Yasuhiro Tanaka, Takahiro Sato, Yuji Kanbayashi
-
Publication number: 20210325215Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for accurately determining the volume of liquid in a container, such as after or prior to a fluid transfer into/from the container. The volume of liquid flowing through a flow meter can be measured at multiple data intervals by a flow meter. Further, the height of a liquid inside the container can be measured by a liquid level sensor at the multiple data intervals. A register can receive data indicative of the respective measurements, and the volume of liquid in the container can be determined based on the relationship between data indicative of the measurement of the volume of liquid flowing through a flow meter at the multiple data intervals and the measurement of the height of a liquid inside the container at the multiple data intervals.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2021Publication date: October 21, 2021Applicant: Liquid Controls LLCInventors: Douglas E. Bond, Bryan Haynes, Dan Clevenger, Jeff Hageman
-
Publication number: 20210031946Abstract: An improved fluid transfer accuracy, information collection, and overall management. A system may utilize a pump to transfer fluid from a source to a target vessel, a meter for measuring an amount of fluid transferred, a density meter to detect actual fluid density, and a control unit to determine actual fluid transfer amount based on density. As an example, a fluid flow meter can be coupled with a flow conduit to determine fluid volume, along with the density meter to detect real-time density of transferred fluid. During a fluid transfer event, such as aircraft refueling, LPG fueling, or other refined fuels or valuable liquids, fluid volume can be converted to fluid weight in real-time based on actual density. The real-time fluid weight can be used to determine if a target fluid weight has been reached, and fluid flow can be shut off at the appropriate time.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2020Publication date: February 4, 2021Applicant: Liquid Controls LLCInventors: Jeff Hageman, Bryan Haynes, Dan Clevenger, Frank Montalvo
-
Publication number: 20200332794Abstract: A plunger pump, comprising: a liquid tank; a pump body including a liquid storage part, a suction passage configured to allow communication between the liquid storage part and the liquid tank and a discharge passage configured to discharge a liquid in the liquid storage part to outside; and a plunger reciprocally movably supported in the pump body so that a tip reaches the liquid storage part. The suction passage includes a first suction passage, the tip of the plunger being reciprocally slidably inserted into the first suction passage, and a second suction passage provided in parallel to the first suction passage, and a check valve configured to allow only a flow of the liquid from the liquid tank to the liquid storage space is disposed in the second suction passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2018Publication date: October 22, 2020Applicants: NITTOKU CO., LTD., NAKA LIQUID CONTROL CO., LTD.Inventors: Norio ODA, Yasuhiro TANAKA, Takahiro SATO, Yuji KANBAYASHI
-
Patent number: 10697453Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for providing for improved liquid fuel delivery, by helping to mitigate damage to pumps when operated in an undesired condition. A sensor detects the presence of a liquid fuel at the inlet to the pump during pump operation, and sends the signal to a controller. Based on the detection signal from the sensor, the controller can determine whether a desired amount of liquid is present at the inlet to the pump. If a desired amount of liquid is not identified at the inlet to the pump, the controller may interrupt the power provided by a power supply, which is supplying power to operate the pump, thereby interrupting operation of the pump.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2018Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: Liquid Controls LLCInventors: Don Crowder, Grant Davisson, Jeremy Patten
-
Publication number: 20200126401Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for providing for improved fluid transfer information collection and management. Such a system may utilize scannable codes to collect fluid transfer information, mitigating the use of printable tickets, manual collection, or wireless connection and transmission to remote external devices while improving security. As an example, a fluid flow meter can be coupled with a register that collects flow information from the meter and other collected information associated with fluid transfer. Upon completion of a fluid transfer event, such as aircraft refueling, LPG fueling, or other refined fuels or valuable liquids, data associated with the transfer event, such as amount, type, conditions, operator, time, etc., can be converted into an encryptable, scannable code, such as a QR code. The scannable code can be displayed on a display screen, and captured by a portable device, and stored.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2019Publication date: April 23, 2020Applicant: Liquid Controls LLCInventor: Dan Clevenger
-
Publication number: 20180230996Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for providing for improved liquid fuel delivery, by helping to mitigate damage to pumps when operated in an undesired condition. A sensor detects the presence of a liquid fuel at the inlet to the pump during pump operation, and sends the signal to a controller. Based on the detection signal from the sensor, the controller can determine whether a desired amount of liquid is present at the inlet to the pump. If a desired amount of liquid is not identified at the inlet to the pump, the controller may interrupt the power provided by a power supply, which is supplying power to operate the pump, thereby interrupting operation of the pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2018Publication date: August 16, 2018Applicant: Liquid Controls LLCInventors: Don Crowder, Grant Davisson, Jeremy Patten
-
Publication number: 20160178423Abstract: A flow meter with a metallic case and bearing plates but with a blocking rotor and displacement rotors that are polymeric. The rotors may be sized for a reduced clearance between the rotors and surfaces of the case, bearing plates and blocking rotor. Using closer clearances between the rotors and the case bearing plates reduces leakage and provides for a more accurate measurement of the fluid through the flow meter.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2014Publication date: June 23, 2016Applicant: Liquid Controls LLC.Inventors: David T. Vaughn, William J. Kolb
-
Patent number: 8752425Abstract: A flow meter is disclosed with a hollow blocking rotor. The flow meter includes a housing that has a cavity with an inlet and an outlet. The flow meter also includes a pair of displacement rotors with a blocking rotor disposed between the displacement rotors. The blocking rotor includes a pair of convex walls and a pair of concave walls. The blocking rotor further includes a shaft coupled to the pair of concave walls. Each concave wall is disposed between and coupled to a pair of opposing convex walls. The concave walls provide clearance for rotation of the displacement rotors when the displacement rotors sweep along the concave walls. The hollow configuration of the blocking rotor reduces the impedance of the flow meter.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2012Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Liquid Controls Group, A Unit of IDEX CorporationInventors: David T. Vaughn, Sean P. Hays
-
Publication number: 20130319106Abstract: A flow meter is disclosed with a hollow blocking rotor. The flow meter includes a housing that has a cavity with an inlet and an outlet. The flow meter also includes a pair of displacement rotors with a blocking rotor disposed between the displacement rotors. The blocking rotor includes a pair of convex walls and a pair of concave walls. The blocking rotor further includes a shaft coupled to the pair of concave walls. Each concave wall is disposed between and coupled to a pair of opposing convex walls. The concave walls provide clearance for rotation of the displacement rotors when the displacement rotors sweep along the concave walls. The hollow configuration of the blocking rotor reduces the impedance of the flow meter.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: Liquid Controls GroupInventors: David T. Vaughn, Sean P. Hays
-
Patent number: 8100023Abstract: A rotary positive displacement flowmeter of the type utilizing two displacement rotors and a blocking rotor with the blocking rotor having a single recess and the displacement rotor cylinders being of substantially similar size as the blocking rotor, resulting in a uniform flowpath through the flowmeter with alignment of the rotor axes in a 180 degree plane.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2010Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Liquid Controls, LLCInventor: Vince Herr
-
Patent number: 7765978Abstract: A differential pressure sensor apparatus for use in a fuel delivery system measures the differential pressure of the fuel between a point immediately upstream and a point immediately downstream of a fuel monitor element. The differential pressure sensor apparatus uses an electronic transducer to monitor differential pressure and may be used with interlocks to shutdown fuel delivery if the measured value of the differential pressure is above a predetermined threshold value and to notify an operator of the fuel delivery system of such an increase in the differential pressure.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2005Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Liquid Controls CorporationInventors: James R. Ruesch, Bryan P. Haynes
-
Publication number: 20060093538Abstract: A system and method for controlling the nucleation level of a stream of material such as a polyol resin for forming a polyurethane foam. Temperature and pressure control devices communicate with a stream of nucleated material flowing in a recirculation loop from and into a supply of nucleated material. Continuous density measurements are made of the nucleated material in the recirculation loop and are fed to a controller which regulates the amount of a gas injected into the recirculation loop. A material feed line extends from the recirculation loop to a material dispenser. A material bypass line extends from the dispenser back to the recirculation loop for returning unused nucleated material.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2004Publication date: May 4, 2006Applicant: Liquid Control CorporationInventors: Malcolm Larsen, Jean-Paul Mahieu
-
Patent number: 7000628Abstract: A liquid flow metering system is disclosed which includes a pump disposed between a liquid supply and a reservoir. The reservoir includes an inlet connected to the pump, an air/liquid outlet and a liquid outlet. The air/liquid outlet is connected to an air separation chamber. The liquid outlet is connected to a flow meter and a liquid outlet valve. The air separation chamber is connected to an air outlet. The air outlet is connected to an air release valve. The air separation chamber accommodates an optical sensor for sensing the presence of air in front thereof and within the air separation chamber. The optical sensor, air release valve and liquid outlet valve are all linked to a controller. When the optical sensor senses air in front of the optical sensor, the sensor sends a signal to the controller to open the air release valve and close the liquid outlet valve.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2004Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Liquid ControlsInventors: James R. Ruesch, James S. Nerstrom, Thomas T. Tschanz
-
Patent number: 6535830Abstract: A scaled quadrature pulse output signal is generated for representing direction and volume in predetermined increments of the flow of a liquid or a gas through a meter. An unscaled pulse signal is received from a meter. A scaling factor is applied to each unscaled pulse signal for accurately representing an increment of volume. The increments are sequentially added or subtracted to/from one another (depending upon flow direction) and a scaled quadrature output signal is provided for indicating the direction of flow and the volume of flow in predetermined increments.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Liquid Controls, Inc.Inventors: James R. Ruesch, Bryan P. Haynes, Arthur J. Degner
-
Patent number: 6422427Abstract: A dispensing tool according to the present invention includes a dispensing outlet and at least a first material storage tube having a material storage chamber and an outlet. The tool also includes a drive assembly that is at least partially disposed within the first material storage tube and adapted to dispense material from the first material storage tube through the dispensing outlet. A valve assembly allows the material storage tube to be automatically reloaded when the tool is placed in a reloading station. A clamp may be used to hold the tool at the station.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Liquid Control CorporationInventors: Jeffery E. Brown, Aaron D. Marshall, William C. Schiltz, Brent R. Kaiser, John R. Scopelite
-
Patent number: 6308868Abstract: The high pressure cartridge feed system of the invention includes a cradle that supports the material cartridge so that the cartridge will not fail at the high dispensing pressures. A powered ram assembly drives a ram head into the cartridge to create the high dispensing pressure. The cartridge is supported on all sides to prevent failure. A smooth connection fitting is provided to allow cartridges to be quick changed. The cradle is pivotably mounted to allow the cartridge to be loaded in a substantially horizontal position. In one embodiment, the cradle is removable.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2000Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Liquid Control CorporationInventors: Alexander M. Hoffman, Kenneth L. Miller
-
Patent number: 6234359Abstract: A dispensing tool according to the present invention includes a dispensing outlet and at least a first material storage tube having a material storage chamber and an outlet. The tool also includes a drive assembly that is at least partially disposed within the first material storage tube and adapted to dispense material from the first material storage tube through the dispensing outlet. A valve assembly selectively controls the flow of material from the material storage tube to the dispensing outlet. The valve assembly and the drive assembly are linked such that activation of the drive assembly causes the valve to open allowing material to be dispensed. When the drive assembly is stopped, the valve is automatically closed. Material may be reloaded into the material storage tube through an inlet that is selectively connected to a source of bulk material. The selective connection may be provided by a controllable valve, or a selective connection between a pair of coupling elements.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: Liquid Control CorporationInventors: Jeffery E. Brown, Aaron D. Marshall, William C. Schiltz
-
Patent number: 6105822Abstract: A device for mixing and dispensing a pair of flowable materials includes a housing containing a pair of control valves for controlling the flow of the two materials into a mixer tube mounted on an outlet end of the housing. The mixer tube contains a mixing element within the bore of the tube. A control device such as a pneumatic piston, moves a shaft which is connected to the mixing element, to move the mixing element linearly axially within the tube to prevent the leakage of materials from within the tube after the control valves on the housing are moved to a closed position. An air motor may be connected to the shaft for rotating the mixing element within the tube to enhance the mixing of the materials moving therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1999Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Liquid Control CorporationInventors: Malcolm C. Larsen, Craig W. Decker