Patents Examined by Jewel V Dowtin
  • Patent number: 9970798
    Abstract: A flow meter system includes a first ultrasonic transducer array to be flush-mounted to a pipe. The system also includes a second ultrasonic transducer array to be flush-mounted to the pipe. The system further includes a controller coupled to the first and second ultrasonic transducer arrays and configured to cause bidirectional beam steering between the first and second ultrasonic transducer arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: David Brian Barkin, Ira Oaktree Wygant
  • Patent number: 9970794
    Abstract: A flow sensor sub-assembly for sensing flow of a fluidic medicament includes a flow tube having a flow tube inlet and a flow tube outlet, and an acoustical transmission rate. The medicament flows through the flow tube. A first piezo element is arranged at an upstream position of the flow tube and a second piezo element is arranged at a downstream position of the flow tube, such that the first piezo element and the second piezo element are mounted apart a pre-selected distance from each other. An absorber sheath encircles the flow tube. The absorber sheath has an upstream end and a downstream end. The absorber sheath is comprised of a material with an acoustical transmission rate different than the flow tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: CRISI Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn Wayne DeKalb
  • Patent number: 9970755
    Abstract: A system for determining a velocity of air flowing in an air flow direction through an opening. The system includes first and second transducer assemblies with first and second transducers. The first and second transducers are positioned in respective predetermined first and second positions in which the first and second transducers are intervisible. The first and second transducers are disposed at respective selected tilt angles when in the respective predetermined first and second positions. Each of the first and second transducer assemblies includes means for measuring respective measured tilt angles of the first and second transducers. The system also includes a controller configured to compare the measured tilt angles to the selected tilt angles for the first and second transducers respectively, to determine whether there are measured differences therebetween exceeding a predetermined permitted difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Accutron Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Maenpaa, Michael Sharkey, Richard Dignard
  • Patent number: 9970795
    Abstract: A method for flow measurement using a magnetic-inductive flowmeter with a measuring tube and magnetic field generator that allows for detection of a zero flow error is achieved in that the measuring tube is filled with a first medium, the strength of the magnetic field is measured over a first measuring interval and a derivative with respect to time of the measured strength of the magnetic field is determined for the first measuring interval, that a second medium is made to flow through the measuring tube, the strength of the magnetic field is measured over a second measuring interval and a derivative with respect to time of the measured strength of the magnetic field is determined for the second measuring interval, that a deviation of the derivative for the second measuring interval from the derivative for the first measuring interval is determined, and assigned to a zero flow error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Krohne AG
    Inventors: Martijn Hunter, Josef Neven, Christian Paul, Christoph Spiegel
  • Patent number: 9964421
    Abstract: An fluid flow rate measuring device preferably includes an airfoil, a differential pressure sensor and a programmable electronic controller. The airfoil includes a leading edge, a first pressure chamber, a second pressure chamber, and a trailing edge. At least one first hole is formed through the first pressure chamber. At least one second hole is formed through the second pressure chamber adjacent the trailing edge. The at least one first hole communicates with the first pressure chamber. The at least one second hole communicates with the second pressure chamber. The first and second pressure chambers are connected to first and second input ports of the differential pressure sensor. The differential pressure sensor outputs a voltage to the programmable electronic controller. The programmable electronic controller takes a square root of the differential pressure and multiplies it by a K factor to produce an fluid flow rate in CFM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Inventors: Jim Buckley, Kieran L. Donohue
  • Patent number: 9962488
    Abstract: A device, method, and system are provided for monitoring the delivery of fluids through a drip chamber. The device includes an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) source and an EMR detector. A device body is employed to position the source and detector about the drip chamber so that the source and detector define an optical path across the drip chamber. A processor device is employed to detect fluid drops from differences between detector signal values separated by a lag time. The flow rate is determined from a drip factor and the detection of multiple drops. In the context of delivering intravenous (IV) fluids, a battery powered handheld monitoring device that includes the source, detector, device body, and processor device may be affixed to a drip chamber included in an infusion set. The device includes a user interface, including buttons, a display, and an audio speaker, for the input and output of information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: SHIFT LABS, INC.
    Inventors: Beth Elise Kolko, Lisa Kathryn Lafleur, Robert John Flickenger, Jennifer Hu, Koji Intlekofer, Phillip Edward Rutschman
  • Patent number: 9958304
    Abstract: Milk meter for measuring a flow rate of a milk flow, provided with an inlet, an outlet, and a liquid flow path from the inlet to the outlet. The milk meter has a measuring chamber and a float in the measuring chamber configured to float on milk. The milk meter determines the flow rate from the level of milk and the milk meter is provided with a magnetic unit for generating a magnetic field and the magnetic field varies in height direction of the measuring chamber, and the float has an electronic measuring unit for measuring the strength of the magnetic field. The measured strength of the magnetic field is a measure of the height at which the float is floating on the milk and the measured strength of the magnetic field is a measure of the flow rate of the milk flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: N. V. NEDERLANDSCHE APPARATENFABRIEK NEDAP
    Inventor: Jeroen Martin van Dijk
  • Patent number: 9945747
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to methods and systems for detecting pressure. A pressure sensor assembly may comprise a sensor unit having a pressure input port on one side, the sensor unit comprising a printed circuit board; a pressure sensor secured to a side of the printed circuit board; a support secured to the side of the printed circuit board, the support circumferentially surrounding the pressure sensor and defining the pressure input port; and a media isolation layer comprising a first media isolation layer applied adjacent to the pressure sensor, and a second media isolation layer comprising a material different from the first media isolation layer located between the first media isolation layer and the pressure input port, wherein the media isolation layer is configured to transfer a pressure caused by a sense media to the pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Vishal Shalitkumar Kusanale, Palani Thanigachalam, Todd Eckhardt, Lamar Floyd Ricks, Jim Cook, Pavan R. Kashyap, Vignesh Murugesan
  • Patent number: 9939345
    Abstract: A fluid leakage detection system that includes identical positive displacement flow meters positioned on a working fluid supply line of a system through which the fluid flows and a flow meter positioned on a working fluid return line. The positive displacement flow meters are mechanically coupled between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Adam Rubinstein
  • Patent number: 9939267
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide an inertial force detection device that can more accurately detect faults in a temperature sensor. Provided is an inertial force detection device configured so that in a state where an oscillating body is made to oscillate in a first direction, the amount of displacement when the oscillating body is displaced in a second direction due to the generation of angular velocity is detected as angular velocity, wherein the inertial force detection device has a means for performing control so that the oscillating body enters a state of resonance in the first direction, a temperature detection means for detecting temperature, and a means for detecting faults in the temperature detection means, and outputs a plurality of signals, which indicate the fault detection results of the three means, continuously from a single signal wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Nakamura, Heewon Jeong, Masahide Hayashi
  • Patent number: 9936912
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (100) for measuring a cycling cadence, a method (500) of operating a device (100) for measuring a cycling cadence, and a cycling cadence computer program. The device (100) comprises a motion sensor (such as, e.g., an accelerometer) for detecting a movement of the device (100) and for generating a motion signal (x, y, z) corresponding to the movement; a cadence determination unit (300) for determining cycling cadence based on the motion signal (x, y, z). The device (100) can be worn on the cyclist's wrist or arm (110). The motion sensor in the device is able to pick up the tiny movements of the arm or wrist that correspond to the cadence. Optionally, an algorithm is applied that can derive the cadence from a noisy signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: David Antoine Christian Marie Roovers, Laurentia Johanna Huijbregts, Alphonsus Tarcisius Jozef Maria Schipper, Felipe Maia Masculo
  • Patent number: 9933290
    Abstract: A flow measurement sensing device includes a first venturi having a first shield portion, an elongated portion connected to an outer surface of the first venturi, and a second venturi housed within the first venturi. The second venturi has a second shield portion and at least one air inlet. The flow measurement sensing device further includes a first integral passageway extending from the air inlet through the elongated portion. The first integral passageway has a first segment with a first cross-sectional shape and a segment with a second cross-sectional shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Wigen, Walter S. Pekala
  • Patent number: 9933288
    Abstract: The flow channel unit includes: a pair of end flow channels disposed at an inflow port and an outflow port, respectively, and extending along in flow direction; a center flow channel including a pressure receiving portion having a thin film shape and disposed at a position sandwiched between the pair of end flow channels, a distance from an inner peripheral surface of the pressure receiving portion to an outer peripheral surface thereof being shorter than a distance from an inner peripheral surface of the pair of end flow channels to an outer peripheral surface thereof. The pair of end flow channels and the center flow channel are integrally formed of a flexible resin material, and the pressure detection portion is disposed such that the pressure of the fluid circulated through a flow channel is transmitted via the pressure receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Imai, Takashi Imai
  • Patent number: 9933291
    Abstract: An ultrasonic consumption meter includes two ultrasonic transducers for emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, a flow channel, an electronic circuit for operating the meter, and a housing for the ultrasonic transducers and the electronic circuit. The housing is locked in position relative to the flow channel by a locking mechanism, and the flow channel has two holes for allowing the housing to get into contact with a media flowing in the flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: APATOR MIITORS APS
    Inventor: Jens Drachmann
  • Patent number: 9927269
    Abstract: Provided is a pressure detection device including: a pressure detection unit; and a flow channel unit provided with a flow channel and a pressure receiving portion. The pressure detection unit includes a pressure sensor including a diaphragm, and a pressure transmission portion which is disposed in a state where one end of the pressure transmission portion is in contact with the diaphragm and the other end thereof is in contact with the diaphragm, and transmits a pressure of a fluid received by the diaphragm to the diaphragm. The pressure transmission portion is disposed in a state where the diaphragm is displaced toward the flow channel and an urging force directed from the diaphragm to the diaphragm is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Imai, Takashi Imai
  • Patent number: 9921093
    Abstract: A first magnetic holder is attached to a U-shaped curved tube portion of a synthetic resin made measurement tube, and a magnetomotive body having a magnetic pole surface facing forward is embedded in a distal end of the first magnetic holder. A second magnetic holder is provided on a substrate at a position facing the distal end of the first magnetic holder with a space apart therefrom. The second magnetic holder includes a permanent magnet disposed to face the magnetomotive body in the first magnetic holder with a magnetic pole surface facing toward the first magnetic holder, so that the magnetic pole surface having a magnetic pole opposite to that of the magnetomotive body face each other. The permanent magnet of the second magnetic holder retains the curved tube portion of the measurement tube elastically with a space apart therefrom by attracting the magnetomotive body with a magnetic attraction force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: ATSUDEN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eiichi Murakami, Yoshiaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9903748
    Abstract: A liquid level sensor and a method for sensing a liquid level adapated to a liquid storage container are provided. The liquid level sensor includes a pluraity of sensing electrodes and a liquid level determining circuit. The sensing electrodes are arranged on a side wall of the liquid storage container, and correspond to different liquid levels. The liquid level determining circuit is coupled to the sensing electrodes, and scans capacitance values of the sensing electrodes, so as to determine a liquid level of a liquid in the liquid storage container based on the current capacitance values of the sensing electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: ITE Tech. Inc.
    Inventor: Chih-Hsuan Lo
  • Patent number: 9869570
    Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly for simultaneously providing a time-resolved total pressure measurement and steady state flow angles of an airflow. The assembly includes an outer shroud having a front face, a rear face and a central bore having a wall. A dynamic absolute pressure sensor is positioned within the bore and provides a time-resolved total airflow pressure measurement. First and second spaced apart static pressure ports extend from the front face of the shroud to the rear face of the shroud and adjacent to the bore. The pressure ports provide a pressure that can be measured by pressure probes, where a combination of the time-resolved total pressure measurement and pressure measurements from the probes provides a steady state flow angle of the airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher A. Harris, Yuan Li, Russell V. Westphal, Kris I. Lawrence, Htet Htet Oo, James A. Gerhardt, Daniel R. Cuppoletti