Patents Examined by Jewel V. Thompson
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Patent number: 9404784Abstract: A surveillance system with electricity converting module and sensors and method thereof are described. The surveillance system with electricity converting module and sensors and method thereof for converting dynamic energy into electrical energy by the electricity converting module, for sensing at least one status of fluid by the sensors, and for determining whether to issue the at least one status, a charging status and a power status to a remote server wherein the surveillance system and method thereof are used in a fluid transferring apparatus, such as water, oil and/or liquid related devices, to implement the interconnections based on the Internet of Things (IOT). Further, the power supply of the surveillance system becomes self-sufficient advantageously and it is not required to exchange the dry battery in the surveillance system.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2015Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: GEMTEK TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Yun-Cheng Hsieh
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Patent number: 9404744Abstract: A handheld current profiler (HCP) system and method for wading discharge measurement is disclosed. The disclosed HCP has dual capabilities. It serves as a single point current meter that can measure velocity in as little as 3 cm of water. It becomes a current profiler with an additional near surface velocity measurement cell in water about 15 cm or deeper. The HCP has a surface tracking acoustic beam that measures the water level. Thus, in most cases, no manual measurements for water depth and transducer depth are required because both depths may be measured acoustically. In addition, the disclosed HCP can have a very small transducer with a form factor which can lead to minimum flow disturbance.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2015Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: Teledyne Instruments, Inc.Inventor: Hening Huang
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Patent number: 9404782Abstract: An ultrasonic meter includes a group of piezoelectronic ceramic arrays, wherein each array comprises array stripes, such that a signal associated with each array can be split and a required phase shaft added to the signal to obtain simultaneously different data from the signal such as, for example, the transit time of a direct path and crosstalk. The smaller array can provide a higher aperture and improve the use of crosstalk.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2014Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventors: Michael Teufel, Bas Kastelein
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Patent number: 9404935Abstract: The present invention relates to metrological rotary devices, such as anemometers and the like. Specifically, the present invention relates to a mechanical coupling for the same, whereby an anemometer cup-rotor or like device, can be replaced without the use of a tool. The present invention seeks to provide a coupling device which makes a mechanical coupling between a first and a second member such that the locking together and release action is positive, without likelihood of failure, and can be conducted simply and quickly without the use of a tool. Further objects of the invention are to provide couplings in which a positive axial and rotational location of shaft as first member and mating bore in a second member are obtained which do not cause damage to either of the sliding surfaces when excessive force is applied, and which are capable of transmitting a torque, such couplings being suitable for attaching a rotor to an anemometer.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2014Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: Windspeed LimitedInventors: Richard John Parry Jones, David Spencer Dicks, Benjamin James Davies
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Patent number: 9399199Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a mass flow controller for controlling a flow of a fluid. In one embodiment, the mass flow controller comprises an inlet for receiving the fluid; a flow path in which the fluid passes through the mass flow controller; a mass flow meter for providing a signal corresponding to mass flow of the fluid through the flow path, the mass flow meter having a bypass through which a majority of fluid flows; a turning vane positioned upstream of the bypass for generating a more uniform fluid flow; an adjustable valve for regulating the flow of the fluid out of an outlet of the mass flow controller; and a controller configured to apply a valve control signal to adjust the adjustable valve to a desired valve position to control the flow of the fluid out of an outlet of the mass flow controller.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2014Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Joseph C. Dille, Robert W. Altonji, Guoging Wang
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Patent number: 9395224Abstract: A Coriolis flowmeter (205) is provided. The Coriolis flowmeter (205) includes a flowmeter assembly (206) including one or more flowtubes (210), a driver (220) coupled to and configured to vibrate the flowmeter assembly (206), two or more pickoff sensors (230, 231) coupled to and configured to generate two or more vibration signals from the flowmeter assembly (206), and meter electronics (20) coupled to the driver (220) and the two or more pickoff sensors (230, 231), with the meter electronics (20) configured to provide a drive signal to the driver (220) and receive the resulting two or more vibration signals from the two or more pickoff sensors (230, 231), wherein the two or more pickoff sensors (230, 231) are affixed at two or more corresponding pickoff sensor locations that maximize a Coriolis vibration mode of the Coriolis flowmeter (205).Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2012Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventors: Manoj Rao, Anand Vidhate, Timothy J. Cunningham
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Patent number: 9389109Abstract: An inline ultrasonic transducer assembly is disclosed. The transducer assembly can include a body having a cylindrical flow passage and a transducer mounting space having a track on along which at least one transducer chassis can be slidingly engaged. The transducer chassis can include at least one piezo member oriented at an angle with the axial centerline of the flow passage.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2014Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: Blue-White Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Robert Gledhill, III, John Nguyen, Jason A. Woolard, Darrell B. Freeman
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Patent number: 9383238Abstract: A system for determining characteristics of a multiphase fluid includes pipe and multiple pairs of transducers positioned circumferentially around the pipe. Each pair of transducers includes a transmitting transducer and a receiving transducer. The transmitting transducer of each pair of transducers is oriented to transmit a respective acoustic signal toward the receiving transducer of the pair of transducers. The transmitting transducer of each pair of transducers is operable to transmit the respective acoustic signal sequentially with respect to other transmitting transducers of the multiple pairs of transducers. A reception of a first acoustic signal transmitted by a transmitting transducer of a first pair transducers of the multiple pairs of transducers is completed by a receiving transducer of the first pair transducers before a transmitting transducer of another pair of transducers of the multiple pairs of transducers transmits a second acoustic signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2014Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventors: Farid G. Mitri, Cole T. Brinkley, Robert Louis Williford
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Patent number: 9383235Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a flow rate or volume of fluid. The system includes a positive displacement meter including a plurality of non-contact sensors and gears configured to rotate in response to fluid flow through the meter. The gears may include detectable areas that may be sensed by the plurality of non-contact sensors to determine a rotational direction of the gears. The plurality of non-contact sensors may also be configured to generate respective detection signals indicative of a rotation state of the gears. The controller may be configured to receive the detection signals, determine a current rotation state, and increment a rotational count based on the changes in the current rotation state. The controller may use the rotational count to determine a flow rate or volume of fluid.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Anatoly Skirda, Christopher J. Owen, William M. Christensen, Paul S. Schilling
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Patent number: 9383242Abstract: A method for determining fluid characteristics of a multicomponent fluid is provided. The method includes a step of measuring a first density, ?1, of a multicomponent fluid comprising one or more incompressible components and one or more compressible components at a first density state. The method further includes a step of adjusting the multicomponent fluid from the first density state to a second density state. A second density, ?2, of the multicomponent fluid is then measured at the second density state and one or more fluid characteristics of at least one of the compressible components or the incompressible components are determined.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2012Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventors: Frederick Scott Schollenberger, Joel Weinstein, David John Shepherd
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Patent number: 9383241Abstract: A fluid flow system (300) is provided. The fluid flow system (300) includes a pipeline (302) with a flowing fluid. The fluid flow system (300) further includes a first vibrating meter (5) including a first sensor assembly (10) located within the pipeline (302) and configured to determine one or more flow characteristics, including a first flow rate. A second vibrating meter (5?) including a second sensor assembly (10?) located within the pipeline (302) is provided that is in fluid communication with the first sensor assembly (10) and configured to determine one or more flow characteristics, including a second flow rate. The fluid flow system (300) further includes a system controller (310) in electrical communication with the first and second vibrating meters (5, 5?). The system controller (310) is configured to receive the first and second flow rates and determine a differential flow rate based on the first and second flow rates.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2011Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventors: Joel Weinstein, Paul J. Hays
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Patent number: 9377332Abstract: A system and method of measuring volumetric flow through a meter. One step of the method involves providing a flow meter connected to a duct having fluid flowing therethrough. A memory having at least two Roshko/Strouhal curves stored therein is also provided. A viscosity of the fluid is measured. One of the Roshko/Strouhal is selected curves based on the method viscosity. A volumetric flow through the meter is determined utilizing the selected Roshko/Strouhal curve.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.Inventor: Giovanni Carapelli
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Patent number: 9377333Abstract: A turbine flow meter housing is provided for hot oil trucks and similar applications. The ends of the housing are configured with external threads and flat end faces with embedded O-rings for connection to the inlet and outlet pipes with hammer unions. Because of the flat end face style hammer union connections, the housing and turbine assembly can be removed for service and cleaning using only a hammer and without having to remove the inlet and outlet pipes. The housing is sized for use with 2-inch pipes and has an overall length of only 6.167 inches yet maintains a minimum crush zone of 0.157 inches on each end to prevent deformation when the hammer unions are tightened.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2014Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Inventors: Lloyd A. Webb, Trinten S. Bennett
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Patent number: 9378725Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer comprises a metal plate; an acoustic matching member fastened to one of surfaces of the metal plate, a piezoelectric substrate which is fastened to the other surface of the metal plate and generates a vibration; and an insulating damping member covering a surface of the piezoelectric substrate which surface is on an opposite side of a surface fastened to the metal plate; wherein a thickness of the insulating damping member is set to a length which is n/2 of a wavelength of the vibration propagating through the insulating damping member.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2013Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Masato Satou, Hidetomo Nagahara, Yuji Fujii, Akihisa Adachi, Aoi Watanabe
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Patent number: 9372129Abstract: A sensor using a carbon-based element for measuring a flow or a pressure in an environment includes: a substrate; a carbon-based element; and one or more electrodes electrically communicating with the carbon based element, wherein the electrodes are located between the substrate and the carbon-based element so that the electrodes are not exposed to the environment.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Quarkonics Applied Research CorporationInventor: Nagesh P. Kulkarni
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Patent number: 9372107Abstract: The measuring system comprises: a vibration element for guiding flowing medium and having a lumen; and a vibration element, which is adapted to be contacted, at least at times, by a part of the medium. Additionally, the measuring system includes at least two oscillation exciters for exciting resonant oscillations of the respective vibration elements, two mutually spaced oscillation sensors for registering vibrations of the vibration element, each of which generates an oscillatory signal dependent on vibrations of the vibration element, as well as at least one oscillation sensor for registering vibrations of the vibration element and generating, dependent on vibrations of the vibration element, an oscillatory signal, which has a signal frequency corresponding to a resonant frequency, of the vibration element.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Michael Kirst, Alfred Rieder
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Patent number: 9366274Abstract: The present invention pertains to a flow conditioner for displacing and mixing fluid flow to minimize the effects of thermal gradients on the accuracy of a transit time ultrasonic flowmeter and defines an envelope in a cross sectional direction in a pipe having a first ramp adapted to be disposed in the pipe and extending from the outside of the envelope inward toward the center of the pipe in a downstream direction with respect to the fluid flow and forming an angle between 0° and 90° relative to the pipe's inner surface. The conditioner has a second ramp adapted to be disposed in the pipe and in juxtaposition with the first ramp, the second ramp extending from the outside of the envelope inward toward the center of the pipe in an upstream direction with respect to the fluid flow and forming an angle between 0° and 90° relative to the pipe's inner surface. An apparatus for determining fluid flow in a pipe having ultrasonic transducer sites. A method for determining fluid flow in a pipe.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2015Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Christopher B. Laird, Gregor Brown
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Patent number: 9366559Abstract: A Coriolis flow meter for measuring a liquid volume fraction of a multiphase flow. The Coriolis meter includes a vibrating measurement conduit through which the multiphase flow, a wet gas flow or the like, is flowed and measured and/or analyzed. Operation of the Coriolis flow meter includes obtaining a measure of the input energy required to vibrate the conduit and a measure of the vibrational energy of the conduit, and determining the liquid volume fraction of the wet gas flow from the input energy and the vibrational energy. The liquid volume fraction may be used to correct other measurements made by the Coriolis flow meter such as density or mass flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2014Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Gary Martin Oddie
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Patent number: 9366556Abstract: A method of retrofitting an orifice meter includes providing an orifice fitting body having a bore, an orifice plate, a plurality of tap holes, and a plurality of pressure sensors installed in the plurality of tap holes. The method further includes removing the orifice plate and the plurality of pressure sensors from the orifice fitting body and installing a plurality of transducers into the plurality of tap holes. At least one of the plurality of transducers is configured to generate a signal and at least one of the plurality of transducers is configured to receive the signal. Additionally, the method includes measuring a flow rate of a fluid flowing through the bore based on an output of each of the plurality of transducers.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2015Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: DANIEL MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL, INC.Inventor: Darren Scott Schwarz
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Patent number: 9360358Abstract: The present invention relates to a Coriolis mass flow meter, a vibrating tube density meter and a vibrating sheet used therein, and more particularly, to a vibrating sheet for use in a Coriolis mass flow meter or a vibrating tube density meter, the vibrating sheet having at least one welded connecting portion that is fixedly welded to the flow tube of the Coriolis mass flow meter or the vibrating tube density meter, the flow tube being excited to vibrate around a revolving axis at the welded junction of the vibrating sheet and the flow tube. The welded connecting portions of the vibrating sheet are only formed in the stress insensitive region of the vibrating sheet, wherein the stress insensitive region is the region of the vibrating sheet which has an angle of not more than 45 degrees with respect to the revolving axis. In addition, the present invention also provides a Coriolis mass flow meter and a vibrating tube density meter using the vibrating sheet.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2012Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: QINGDAO ADD VALUE FLOW METERING CO., LTD.Inventors: Fahui Wang, Xinwang Cui, Tingxu Zhang, Junbao Wu