Patents Examined by Jewel V. Thompson
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Patent number: 8915147Abstract: A method for operating a Coriolis mass flowmeter in which a simple and reliable detection of a multi-phase flow is implemented by determining at least one first measured value for at least one state variable that is dependent on the amplitude in a multi-phase medium, exciting the measuring tube with the oscillation generator to oscillate at a predetermined oscillation frequency and a first amplitude, and to oscillate with the excitation frequency and a second amplitude, detecting the resulting oscillation of the measuring tube and determining at least a second measured value for the state variable that is dependent on the amplitude in a multi-phase medium from the determined resulting oscillation, and using the deviation of at least one of the first measured value from at least a corresponding second value as an indicator for the presence of a multi-phase flow.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2011Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbHInventors: Kourosh Kolahi, Ralf Storm
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Patent number: 8910525Abstract: A differential pressure sensor positioned adjacent a pressure chambers separated by a nozzle. Flow in a conduit is determined by detecting the pressure on either side of a nozzle. Changes in pressure are proportional to a change in flow. An integrated differential pressure sensor having different pressure detecting portions with strain gauges thereon detects differences in deflection of each pressure sensor portion resulting from change in fluid flow. A bridge circuit detects changes in the signals from the two different pressure sensor portions creating a differential which is proportional to a change in liquid flow. The present invention reduces the need for calibration of pressure sensors and improves the detection of fluid flow. The invention can detect small changes in fluid flow and is particularly applicable to the medical field where, small fluid flows must be measured or determined accurately.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Strain Measurement Devices, Inc.Inventor: Daniel Shapiro
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Patent number: 8904883Abstract: A load cell structure for receiving strain gages to monitor applied torsional forces wherein the opposing force-receiving ends have a plurality of sensing beams spaced about an axis of rotation. Limit posts located between the ends each have a discontinuity therein that includes a U-shaped gap to limit relative rotation about the axis and thereby providing overload protection.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2012Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Inventors: LaVar Clegg, Lawrence J. Burrow
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Patent number: 8904881Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound transducer assembly for an ultrasound flowmeter, comprising a one-part or multi-part housing (2), which is provided to be connected to a line carrying the medium to be measured, wherein the ultrasound transducer transmits ultrasound through the housing (2) and the ultrasound transducer assembly has the following features: an ultrasound transducer body (4, 7) with a first main surface on the side facing the medium and a second main surface on the side facing away from the medium, first, preferably planar, contact means for electrically contacting the first main surface of the ultrasound transducer body (4, 7), second, preferably planar, contact means for electrically contacting the second main surface of the ultrasound transducer body (4, 7), wherein the first contact means are located between the ultrasound transducer body (4, 7) and the housing (2), through which ultrasound is to be transmitted, of the ultrasound flowmeter.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Hydrometer GmbHInventors: Hans-Michael Sonnenberg, Gerhard Dietz, Harald Kroemer, Wilhelm Oefelein, Tino Hofmann, Axel Schmidt-Schoenian, Roland Horn
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Patent number: 8899116Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer for an ultrasonic flow measuring device, comprising a first housing part and a second housing part. The second housing part is axially guided in the first housing part and is so biased relative to the first housing part that, in a first state of the ultrasonic transducer, a first axial stop of the second housing part rests on a first axial stop of the first housing part, wherein, by applying, counter to the bias, a predetermined force on a second axial stop of the second housing part, the second housing part is axially shiftable, so that, in a second state of the ultrasonic transducer, the first axial stop of the second housing part is moved out of the first state.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2012Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Pierre Ueberschlag, Michael Bezdek, Andreas Berger
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Patent number: 8899108Abstract: A flow sensor includes a main flow body, a laminar flow element, and first and second bypass channels. The first bypass channel is formed in, and extends at least partially around, the outer surface of the laminar flow element, and is in fluid communication with the main flow channel and defines a first bypass flow passage between the laminar flow element and the main flow body. The second bypass channel is formed in, and extends at least partially around, the outer surface of the laminar flow element, and is in fluid communication with the main flow channel and defines a second bypass flow passage between the laminar flow element and the main flow body.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2012Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Jamie Speldrich, Richard Charles Sorenson, Andrew Joseph Milley, Brian Speldrich
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Patent number: 8893559Abstract: An ultrasonic consumption meter includes an ultrasonic transducer for emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, a flow channel, an electronic circuit for operating the meter, and a housing for the ultrasonic transducer and the electronic circuit. The housing is locked in position relative to the flow channel by a locking mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Miitors ApsInventor: Jens Drachmann
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Patent number: 8893560Abstract: The present invention provides an acoustic flow meter assembly (2) for pipes or open channels, said assembly including a frame (24) with a predetermined geometry. The frame has at least one user accessible port (36-42) with the at least one user accessible port (36-42) adapted to receive an interchangeable cartridge (44) which contains at least one acoustic transducer (46) to measure fluid velocity through said frame (24).Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2013Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Rubicon Research Pty Ltd.Inventors: David John Aughton, Damien Vernon Pearson
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Patent number: 8887578Abstract: A subassembly of a Coriolis flowmeter is fabricated from a single monolithic piece of elastic polymeric material. The subassembly includes two flow-sensitive members and a base integrally connected to the two flow-sensitive members. The two flow-sensitive members include straight sections, and are substantially similar and parallel to each other. Flow passages are drilled along the straight sections of the two flow-sensitive members, and drilled entrances are sealed using the elastic polymeric material. A temperature sensor is fixedly attached to a flow-sensitive member for measuring a temperature of the flow-sensitive member and communicating the temperature to a metering electronics. The metering electronics determines a calibrated flow rate of fluid flowing through the Coriolis flowmeter that accounts for the temperature.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2013Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Malema Engineering CoprorationInventors: Alan M. Young, Jianren Lin, Claus W. Knudsen
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Patent number: 8887579Abstract: A flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a vibratable conduit, and a driver connected to the conduit that is operable to impart motion to the conduit. A sensor is connected to the conduit and is operable to sense the motion of the conduit and generate a sensor signal. A controller is connected to receive the sensor signal. The controller is operable to detect a single-phase flow condition and process the sensor signal using a first process during the single-phase flow condition to generate a validated mass-flow measurement. The controller is also operable to detect a two-phase flow condition and process the sensor signal using a second process during the two-phase flow condition to generate the validated mass-flow measurement.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventors: Manus P. Henry, Maria Jesus De La Fuente
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Patent number: 8881602Abstract: A magnetic-inductive flowmeter (1) for measuring the through-flow of a flowing medium (2), with a measuring line (3), a magnetic field generating device (4) and two electrodes (6) for picking off a measuring voltage induced in the flowing medium (2). In the case of the flowmeter in question a supplementary magnetic field generating device (7) is provided for generating a supplementary magnetic field at least partially passing through the measuring line (3), the supplementary magnetic field at least partially extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (5) of the measuring line (3) in the region of the measuring line (3) in which the two electrodes (6) are located. In this way, measuring of the degree of filling of the measuring line takes place in a manner that is as easy as possible.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Krohne AGInventors: Arnould Leendert van Willigen, Wenny Poortman
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Patent number: 8881605Abstract: A Coriolis flow sensor including a loop-shaped Coriolis tube mounted in a housing with two ends lying next to one another, the ends being fixed in a fixation element, while the portion of the tube located between the ends lies free from the housing, which flow sensor includes an excitation element for causing the tube to oscillate about an excitation axis as well as a detection element for detecting displacements of portions of the tube during operation. The tube is connected through the fixation element to a balancing member, the assembly of the balancing member and the tube being resiliently arranged with respect to the housing, while the excitation element are arranged to rotate the tube and the balancing member with counter-phase about the excitation axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Berkin B.VInventors: Wouter Hagedoorn, Christian Johan Nieuwenhuis, Andre Johannes Maria Hilderink, Marcel Ronald Katerberg, Jan Wouter van de Geest
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Patent number: 8881601Abstract: The invention relates to a flow meter for determining a flow of a medium. The flow meter comprises a flow tube for transporting the medium whose flow is to be measured. The flow tube has a supply end and a discharge end disposed downstream thereof. The flow meter is provided with a first flow sensor for measuring the flow of the medium at a first position of the flow tube. The flow meter is provided with a second flow sensor for measuring the flow of the medium at a second position of the flow tube.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2012Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Berkin B.V.Inventors: Theodorus Simon Josef Lammerink, Joost Conrad Lötters, Marcel Dijkstra, Jeroen Haneveld, Remco John Wiegerink
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Patent number: 8881606Abstract: There is offered a water meter that requires no coil so that its cost is reduced. The water meter is formed to include an impeller, a rotation reduction unit, a first circular plate, a second circular plate, a rotation detection unit and an arithmetic unit. The rotation detection unit forms first, second and third combination capacitors with a switching circuit. The rotation detection unit detects changes in capacitances of the first, second and third combination capacitors associated with a rotation of the first circular plate. The arithmetic unit is configured so as to electrically detect the rotation angle ? of the first circular plate based on the changes in the capacitances.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2013Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Semiconductor Components Industries, LLCInventors: Hideo Kondo, Yoshiaki Yonezawa
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Patent number: 8881607Abstract: A miniature universal dynamometer for use in teaching and measuring horsepower of scaled down electronic vehicles and DC generators is provided. The miniature universal dynamometer relates generally to electro-mechanical vehicles that use DC energy and DC generators that produce electrical power. This miniature universal dynamometer relates specifically to vehicles that easily and quickly demonstrate to students and auto workers the design and horsepower used by the electronic vehicles in moving vehicles on various roadways. The device also utilizes a switch which allows the device to measure horsepower required to produce electrical power from a DC generator.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2013Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Advins, Inc.Inventor: Arthur Seymour
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Patent number: 8875586Abstract: A method and a gas flow meter for measuring gas flow. A cylinder is supported in the flow meter with a horizontal orientation. A piston is disposed movably within the cylinder, the piston having a surface which forms a clearance seal with a surface of the cylinder. The piston may have a low-friction coating such as diamond-like carbon. A gas flow to be measured is received at a gas inlet, and directed to the cylinder so as to move the piston within the cylinder. The gas flow is directed by valves and conduits alternately to the two ends of the cylinder, for measuring the gas flow in both directions of the cylinder. From the detected movement of said piston electrical signals representative of the gas flow are generated.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2012Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Mesa Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Edward Albert Morrell
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Patent number: 8869627Abstract: The multi-phase flow metering system facilitates the measurement of the flow of oil, gas, and/or other materials from one or more producing petroleum wells. The system has an expansion chamber to separate liquid and as phases. The gas rises through a pipe extending from the top of the expansion chamber. Liquids flow from the bottom of the expansion chamber through a generally U-shaped line having a sediment trap therein. Separate metering devices are provided in the gas outflow line and in the liquid line for accurately measuring the flow of each phase, and in the inlet line for measuring temperature, pressure, and flow at that point. The system includes float valves at the inlet to the gas outflow line and at the liquid phase outlet to control flow through the system. The gas outflow line may continue as a separate line, or reconnect to the liquid outflow line.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2012Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and MineralsInventors: Luai M. Al-Hadhrami, Shafiqur Rehman, Aftab Ahmad
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Patent number: 8869628Abstract: A magnetic circuit device (1) for implementing the magnetic circuit of a magnetic-inductive flow meter (12) has at least one coil (2b) which generates a magnetic field, at least two opposing flat pole elements (3a, 3b), between which, in the installed state, the measurement tube (13) of the magnetic-inductive flow meter is located, and with at least one magnetically conductive connecting element (4a, 4b) for magnetic closure of the magnetic circuit. The cross section of the core (2a) of the coil (2) and/or of the magnetically conductive connecting elements (4a, 4b) is as small as possible. Preferably, the magnetically conductive connecting element or the magnetically conductive connecting elements (4a, 4b) are arc-shaped so that the resulting magnetic circuit device (1) has a ring-shaped outer contour and extensively encompasses at least one of the flat pole elements (3a, 3b).Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2012Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Krohne AGInventors: Stefan Neuburger, Chris Paul, Jef Neven
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Patent number: 8869629Abstract: An agricultural product delivery system includes a conduit. The conduit of the agricultural product delivery system is configured to enable agricultural product to pass therethrough. The agricultural product delivery system also includes a first electrostatic sensor coupled to the conduit, and configured to detect the agricultural product passing through the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2012Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.Inventors: Scott David Noble, David Matthew Pastl
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Patent number: 8863588Abstract: In a flow sensor, a horizontal dimension Xt between short side wall portions facing respective sides of a vortex generator is longer than a vertical dimension Yt between long side wall portions facing respective ends of the vortex generator. The short side wall portions are formed linearly or in straight lines along the vortex generator, whereas the long side wall portions are curved at a predetermined radius of curvature.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2012Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: SMC Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshinori Kurata