Patents by Inventor Francis M. Mess
Francis M. Mess has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11243105Abstract: Methods and systems for configuring a fluid flow meter include a processor obtaining a measurement signal recorded by the fluid flow meter. The processor can determine a whitening frequency band. The processor can then construct a whitening filter based on the measurement signal and the whitening frequency band. The processor can then generate a reference signal based on the whitening filter and the measurement signal. The processor can provide the whitening filter and the reference signal for use by the fluid flow meter to measure a time shift between the reference signal and another measurement signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2016Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: StreamLabs, Inc.Inventors: Brian Gestner, Francis M. Mess, Jeffrey L. Leaders
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Patent number: 11193805Abstract: A fluid flow meter can include a sensor capable of transmitting a transmit signal to propagate, at least partially, through a fluid in a pipe and receiving a respective receive signal. The fluid flow meter can include a memory storing computer code instructions and a plurality of pipe type signatures associated with a plurality of pipe types. Each pipe type signature of a respective pipe type of the plurality of pipe types can include one or more characteristics of receive signals associated with that pipe type. The fluid flow meter can also include a processor communicatively coupled to the sensor and to the memory. When executing the computer code instructions, the processor can determine one or more signal features of the receive signal, and identify a pipe type of the pipe based on the one or more signal features of the receive signal and the plurality of pipe type signatures.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2019Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: StreamLabs, Inc.Inventors: Brian Gestner, Thea Knudsen, Francis M. Mess, Jeffrey L. Leaders
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Patent number: 10969261Abstract: A fluid manifold is capable of channeling and monitoring fluid flow within a fluid distribution system. The manifold includes one or more input lumens. Each input lumen associated with a respective inlet port. The manifold also includes a plurality of output lumens such that each output lumen is associated with a respective outlet port and at least one input lumen is coupled to two or more output lumens. The manifold also includes one or more flow sensors capable of measuring fluid flow parameters of fluid flowing through at least one of the one or more input lumens and the plurality of output lumens. In some implementations, a flow sensor can be mounted to each output lumen of the manifold.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2020Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Reliance Worldwide CorporationInventors: Jeffrey L. Leaders, Matthew Shane Smith, Francis M. Mess, Samuel Elia, Jorge C. Almirall, Brian Gestner
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Patent number: 10870970Abstract: According to at least one aspect, a fluid flow monitoring system includes an ultrasonic sensor for generating measurement signals associated with respective ultrasonic signals propagating through the fluid in the lumen, a shut-off valve for blocking fluid flow in the lumen, and a controller. The controller can be communicatively coupled to the ultrasonic sensor and to the shut-off valve. The controller can be configured to compute a plurality of fluid flow parameter estimates based on a plurality of measurement signals generated by the ultrasonic sensor over a time window while the shut-off valve is open. The controller can obtain an offset value associated with fluid flow parameter measurements during a zero flow state of the shut-off valve. The controller can then check for presence of a fluid leak event based on the fluid flow parameter estimates over the time window and the offset value.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2017Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: RELIANCE WORLDWIDE CORPORATIONInventors: Michael Hammond, Francis M. Mess, Samuel Elia, Jorge C. Almirall, Brian Gestner, Jeffrey L. Leaders, Mathew Shane Smith
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Patent number: 10865546Abstract: According to at least one aspect, a fluid flow monitoring system includes an ultrasonic sensor for generating measurement signals associated with respective ultrasonic signals propagating through the fluid in the lumen, a shut-off valve for blocking fluid flow in the lumen, and a controller. The controller can be communicatively coupled to the ultrasonic sensor and to the shut-off valve. The controller can be configured to compute a plurality of fluid flow parameter estimates based on a plurality of measurement signals generated by the ultrasonic sensor over a time window while the shut-off valve is open. The controller can obtain an offset value associated with fluid flow parameter measurements during a zero flow state of the shut-off valve. The controller can then check for presence of a fluid leak event based on the fluid flow parameter estimates over the time window and the offset value.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2017Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: Reliance Worldwide CorporationInventors: Michael Hammond, Francis M. Mess, Samuel Elia, Jorge C. Almirall, Brian Gestner, Jeffrey L. Leaders, Mathew Shane Smith
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Patent number: 10837160Abstract: According to at least one aspect, a fluid flow monitoring system includes an ultrasonic sensor for generating measurement signals associated with respective ultrasonic signals propagating through the fluid in the lumen, a shut-off valve for blocking fluid flow in the lumen, and a controller. The controller can be communicatively coupled to the ultrasonic sensor and to the shut-off valve. The controller can be configured to compute a plurality of fluid flow parameter estimates based on a plurality of measurement signals generated by the ultrasonic sensor over a time window while the shut-off valve is open. The controller can obtain an offset value associated with fluid flow parameter measurements during a zero flow state of the shut-off valve. The controller can then check for presence of a fluid leak event based on the fluid flow parameter estimates over the time window and the offset value.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2018Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: Reliance Worldwide CorporationInventors: Michael Hammond, Francis M. Mess, Samuel Elia, Jorge C. Almirall, Brian Gestner, Jeffrey L. Leaders, Mathew Shane Smith
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Publication number: 20200355529Abstract: A fluid manifold is capable of channeling and monitoring fluid flow within a fluid distribution system. The manifold includes one or more input lumens. Each input lumen associated with a respective inlet port. The manifold also includes a plurality of output lumens such that each output lumen is associated with a respective outlet port and at least one input lumen is coupled to two or more output lumens. The manifold also includes one or more flow sensors capable of measuring fluid flow parameters of fluid flowing through at least one of the one or more input lumens and the plurality of output lumens. In some implementations, a flow sensor can be mounted to each output lumen of the manifold.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2020Publication date: November 12, 2020Applicant: c/o Reliance Worldwide CorporationInventors: Jeffrey L. Leaders, Matthew Shane Smith, Francis M. Mess, Samuel Elia, Jorge C. Almirall, Brian Gestner
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Patent number: 10775213Abstract: A fluid manifold is capable of channeling and monitoring fluid flow within a fluid distribution system. The manifold includes one or more input lumens. Each input lumen associated with a respective inlet port. The manifold also includes a plurality of output lumens such that each output lumen is associated with a respective outlet port and at least one input lumen is coupled to two or more output lumens. The manifold also includes one or more flow sensors capable of measuring fluid flow parameters of fluid flowing through at least one of the one or more input lumens and the plurality of output lumens. In some implementations, a flow sensor can be mounted to each output lumen of the manifold.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2019Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Reliance Worldwide CorporationInventors: Jeffrey L. Leaders, Matthew Shane Smith, Francis M. Mess, Samuel Elia, Jorge C. Almirall, Brian Gestner
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Publication number: 20200033168Abstract: A fluid manifold is capable of channeling and monitoring fluid flow within a fluid distribution system. The manifold includes one or more input lumens. Each input lumen associated with a respective inlet port. The manifold also includes a plurality of output lumens such that each output lumen is associated with a respective outlet port and at least one input lumen is coupled to two or more output lumens. The manifold also includes one or more flow sensors capable of measuring fluid flow parameters of fluid flowing through at least one of the one or more input lumens and the plurality of output lumens. In some implementations, a flow sensor can be mounted to each output lumen of the manifold.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2019Publication date: January 30, 2020Applicant: Reliance Worldwide CorporationInventors: Jeffrey L. Leaders, Matthew Shane Smith, Francis M. Mess, Samuel Elia, Jorge C. Almirall, Brian Gestner
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Patent number: 10378940Abstract: A fluid manifold is capable of channeling and monitoring fluid flow within a fluid distribution system. The manifold includes one or more input lumens. Each input lumen associated with a respective inlet port. The manifold also includes a plurality of output lumens such that each output lumen is associated with a respective outlet port and at least one input lumen is coupled to two or more output lumens. The manifold also includes one or more flow sensors capable of measuring fluid flow parameters of fluid flowing through at least one of the one or more input lumens and the plurality of output lumens. In some implementations, a flow sensor can be mounted to each output lumen of the manifold.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2016Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Inventors: Jeffrey L. Leaders, Matthew Shane Smith, Francis M. Mess, Samuel Elia, Jorge C. Almirall, Brian Gestner
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Publication number: 20190219428Abstract: A fluid flow meter can include a sensor capable of transmitting a transmit signal to propagate, at least partially, through a fluid in a pipe and receiving a respective receive signal. The fluid flow meter can include a memory storing computer code instructions and a plurality of pipe type signatures associated with a plurality of pipe types. Each pipe type signature of a respective pipe type of the plurality of pipe types can include one or more characteristics of receive signals associated with that pipe type. The fluid flow meter can also include a processor communicatively coupled to the sensor and to the memory. When executing the computer code instructions, the processor can determine one or more signal features of the receive signal, and identify a pipe type of the pipe based on the one or more signal features of the receive signal and the plurality of pipe type signatures.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2019Publication date: July 18, 2019Applicant: Reliance Worldwide CorporationInventors: Brian Gestner, Thea Knudsen, Francis M. Mess, Jeffrey L. Leaders
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Patent number: 10281437Abstract: A sensor assembly is configured to mount transducers on a conduit, such as a pipe, for measuring properties of a fluid flowing in the conduit. The sensor assembly can include a sensor cradle capable of seating and maintaining a pair of transducers. The sensor assembly can include a mounting device arranged to couple the sensor cradle to the conduit such that the transducers maintained at the sensor cradle are oriented to allow transmission of ultrasonic waves traversing the conduit. The sensor assembly allows for mechanically stable coupling of the transducers to the conduit. The transducers can be fixed to the sensor cradle though an adhesive. In some implementations, the transducers can be oriented substantially orthogonal to each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2015Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: Reliance Worldwide CorporationInventors: Jeffrey L. Leaders, Francis M. Mess, Clayton C. Pumphrey, Jorge C. Almirall
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Patent number: 10240955Abstract: A fluid flow meter can include a sensor capable of transmitting a transmit signal to propagate, at least partially, through a fluid in a pipe and receiving a respective receive signal. The fluid flow meter can include a memory storing computer code instructions and a plurality of pipe type signatures associated with a plurality of pipe types. Each pipe type signature of a respective pipe type of the plurality of pipe types can include one or more characteristics of receive signals associated with that pipe type. The fluid flow meter can also include a processor communicatively coupled to the sensor and to the memory. When executing the computer code instructions, the processor can determine one or more signal features of the receive signal, and identify a pipe type of the pipe based on the one or more signal features of the receive signal and the plurality of pipe type signatures.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: Reliance Worldwide CorporationInventors: Brian Gestner, Thea Knudsen, Francis M. Mess, Jeffrey L. Leaders
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Publication number: 20180335330Abstract: Methods and systems for configuring a fluid flow meter include a processor obtaining a measurement signal recorded by the fluid flow meter. The processor can determine a whitening frequency band. The processor can then construct a whitening filter based on the measurement signal and the whitening frequency band. The processor can then generate a reference signal based on the whitening filter and the measurement signal. The processor can provide the whitening filter and the reference signal for use by the fluid flow meter to measure a time shift between the reference signal and another measurement signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2016Publication date: November 22, 2018Applicant: Reliance Worldwide CorporationInventors: Brian Gestner, Francis M. Mess, Jeffrey L. Leaders
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Publication number: 20180291594Abstract: According to at least one aspect, a fluid flow monitoring system includes an ultrasonic sensor for generating measurement signals associated with respective ultrasonic signals propagating through the fluid in the lumen, a shut-off valve for blocking fluid flow in the lumen, and a controller. The controller can be communicatively coupled to the ultrasonic sensor and to the shut-off valve. The controller can be configured to compute a plurality of fluid flow parameter estimates based on a plurality of measurement signals generated by the ultrasonic sensor over a time window while the shut-off valve is open. The controller can obtain an offset value associated with fluid flow parameter measurements during a zero flow state of the shut-off valve. The controller can then check for presence of a fluid leak event based on the fluid flow parameter estimates over the time window and the offset value.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2018Publication date: October 11, 2018Applicant: Reliance Worldwide CorporationInventors: Michael Hammond, Francis M. Mess, Samuel Elia, Jorge C. Almirall, Brian Gestner, Jeffrey L. Leaders, Mathew Shane Smith
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Publication number: 20180113013Abstract: A fluid flow meter can include a sensor capable of transmitting a transmit signal to propagate, at least partially, through a fluid in a pipe and receiving a respective receive signal. The fluid flow meter can include a memory storing computer code instructions and a plurality of pipe type signatures associated with a plurality of pipe types. Each pipe type signature of a respective pipe type of the plurality of pipe types can include one or more characteristics of receive signals associated with that pipe type. The fluid flow meter can also include a processor communicatively coupled to the sensor and to the memory. When executing the computer code instructions, the processor can determine one or more signal features of the receive signal, and identify a pipe type of the pipe based on the one or more signal features of the receive signal and the plurality of pipe type signatures.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2017Publication date: April 26, 2018Applicant: Reliance Worldwide CorporationInventors: Brian Gestner, Thea Knudsen, Francis M. Mess, Jeffrey L. Leaders
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Patent number: 9851230Abstract: A fluid flow meter can include a sensor capable of transmitting a transmit signal to propagate, at least partially, through a fluid in a pipe and receiving a respective receive signal. The fluid flow meter can include a memory storing computer code instructions and a plurality of pipe type signatures associated with a plurality of pipe types. Each pipe type signature of a respective pipe type of the plurality of pipe types can include one or more characteristics of receive signals associated with that pipe type. The fluid flow meter can also include a processor communicatively coupled to the sensor and to the memory. When executing the computer code instructions, the processor can determine one or more signal features of the receive signal, and identify a pipe type of the pipe based on the one or more signal features of the receive signal and the plurality of pipe type signatures.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2017Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Reliance Worldwide CorporationInventors: Brian Gestner, Thea Knudsen, Francis M. Mess, Jeffrey L. Leaders
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Publication number: 20170298597Abstract: According to at least one aspect, a fluid flow monitoring system includes an ultrasonic sensor for generating measurement signals associated with respective ultrasonic signals propagating through the fluid in the lumen, a shut-off valve for blocking fluid flow in the lumen, and a controller. The controller can be communicatively coupled to the ultrasonic sensor and to the shut-off valve. The controller can be configured to compute a plurality of fluid flow parameter estimates based on a plurality of measurement signals generated by the ultrasonic sensor over a time window while the shut-off valve is open. The controller can obtain an offset value associated with fluid flow parameter measurements during a zero flow state of the shut-off valve. The controller can then check for presence of a fluid leak event based on the fluid flow parameter estimates over the time window and the offset value.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2017Publication date: October 19, 2017Applicant: Reliance Worldwide CorporationInventors: Michael Hammond, Francis M. Mess, Samuel Elia, Jorge C. Almirall, Brian Gestner, Jeffrey L. Leaders, Mathew Shane Smith
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Publication number: 20170268915Abstract: A fluid flow meter can include a sensor capable of transmitting a transmit signal to propagate, at least partially, through a fluid in a pipe and receiving a respective receive signal. The fluid flow meter can include a memory storing computer code instructions and a plurality of pipe type signatures associated with a plurality of pipe types. Each pipe type signature of a respective pipe type of the plurality of pipe types can include one or more characteristics of receive signals associated with that pipe type. The fluid flow meter can also include a processor communicatively coupled to the sensor and to the memory. When executing the computer code instructions, the processor can determine one or more signal features of the receive signal, and identify a pipe type of the pipe based on the one or more signal features of the receive signal and the plurality of pipe type signatures.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2017Publication date: September 21, 2017Applicant: Reliance Worldwide CorporationInventors: Brian Gestner, Thea Knudsen, Francis M. Mess, Jeffrey L. Leaders
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Publication number: 20170152648Abstract: According to at least one aspect, a fluid flow monitoring system includes an ultrasonic sensor for generating measurement signals associated with respective ultrasonic signals propagating through the fluid in the lumen, a shut-off valve for blocking fluid flow in the lumen, and a controller. The controller can be communicatively coupled to the ultrasonic sensor and to the shut-off valve. The controller can be configured to compute a plurality of fluid flow parameter estimates based on a plurality of measurement signals generated by the ultrasonic sensor over a time window while the shut-off valve is open. The controller can obtain an offset value associated with fluid flow parameter measurements during a zero flow state of the shut-off valve. The controller can then check for presence of a fluid leak event based on the fluid flow parameter estimates over the time window and the offset value.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2017Publication date: June 1, 2017Inventors: Michael Hammond, Francis M. Mess, Samuel Elia, Jorge C. Almirall, Brian Gestner, Jeffrey L. Leaders