Patents by Inventor Robert E. Dutton

Robert E. Dutton 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).

  • Patent number: 10876874
    Abstract: A method for improving flowmeter (5) reliability is provided. The flowmeter (5) has at least one flow tube (130, 130?), at least one pickoff sensor (170L, 170R) attached to the flow tube (130, 130?), at least one driver (180L, 180R) attached to the flow tube (130, 130?), and meter electronics (20) in communication with the at least one pickoff sensor (170L, 170R) and driver (180L, 180R). The method includes the steps of vibrating at least one flow tube (130, 130?) in a drive mode vibration with the at least one driver (180L, 180R), and receiving a sensor signal based on a vibrational response to the drive mode vibration from the at least one pickoff sensor (170L, 170R). At least one flow variable is calculated. A pickoff sensor voltage is measured, and it is determined whether the pickoff sensor voltage is below a predetermined voltage threshold (304). The at least one flow variable is corrected during periods wherein the pickoff sensor voltage is below the predetermined voltage threshold (304).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Dutton
  • Publication number: 20190170552
    Abstract: A method for improving flowmeter (5) reliability is provided. The flowmeter (5) has at least one flow tube (130, 130?), at least one pickoff sensor (170L, 170R) attached to the flow tube (130, 130?), at least one driver (180L, 180R) attached to the flow tube (130, 130?), and meter electronics (20) in communication with the at least one pickoff sensor (170L, 170R) and driver (180L, 180R). The method includes the steps of vibrating at least one flow tube (130, 130?) in a drive mode vibration with the at least one driver (180L, 180R), and receiving a sensor signal based on a vibrational response to the drive mode vibration from the at least one pickoff sensor (170L, 170R). At least one flow variable is calculated. A pickoff sensor voltage is measured, and it is determined whether the pickoff sensor voltage is below a predetermined voltage threshold (304). The at least one flow variable is corrected during periods wherein the pickoff sensor voltage is below the predetermined voltage threshold (304).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Applicant: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Dutton
  • Publication number: 20140318212
    Abstract: Descriptions are provided for implementing flowmeter zero checking techniques. In operating a flowmeter, it may be the case that, even if previously calibrated, the flowmeter will produce erroneous measurements, e.g., will indicate a non-zero flow during a period of zero flow. Therefore, zero checking features are provided that allow for fast and accurate determinations of the zero-flow values, for use in adjusting later measurements. The zero-checking features include a button attached to an exterior of a flowmeter, so that it is easily accessible to an operator of the flowmeter. The button, in conjunction with an internal zero checking system, allows for a display of a zero value in response to a request from the operator of the flowmeter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Robert E. Dutton
  • Patent number: 8775110
    Abstract: Descriptions are provided for implementing flowmeter zero checking techniques. In operating a flowmeter, it may be the case that, even if previously calibrated, the flowmeter will produce erroneous measurements, will indicate a non-zero flow during a period of zero flow. Therefore, zero checking features are provided that allow for fast and accurate determinations of the zero-flow values, for use in adjusting later measurements. The zero-checking features include a button attached to an exterior of a flowmeter, so that it is easily accessible to an operator of the flowmeter. The button, in conjunction with an internal zero checking system, allows for a display of a zero value in response to a request from the operator of the flowmeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Dutton
  • Patent number: 8117921
    Abstract: A flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a vibratable flowtube, and a driver connected to the flowtube that is operable to impart motion to the flowtube. A sensor is connected to the flowtube and is operable to sense the motion of the flowtube and generate a sensor signal. A controller is connected to receive the sensor signal. The controller is operable to determine an individual flow rate of each phase within a multi-phase flow through the flowtube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventors: Michael S. Tombs, Manus P. Henry, Mihaela D. Duta, Robbie Lansangan, Robert E. Dutton, Wade M. Mattar
  • Publication number: 20110259077
    Abstract: Descriptions are provided for implementing flowmeter zero checking techniques. In operating a flowmeter, it may be the case that, even if previously calibrated, the flowmeter will produce erroneous measurements, e.g., will indicate a non-zero flow during a period of zero flow. Therefore, zero checking features are provided that allow for fast and accurate determinations of the zero-flow values, for use in adjusting later measurements. The zero-checking features include a button attached to an exterior of a flowmeter, so that it is easily accessible to an operator of the flowmeter. The button, in conjunction with an internal zero checking system, allows for a display of a zero value in response to a request from the operator of the flowmeter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Dutton
  • Patent number: 7979230
    Abstract: Descriptions are provided for implementing flowmeter zero checking techniques. In operating a flowmeter, it may be the case that, even if previously calibrated, the flowmeter will produce erroneous measurements, that is, the flowmeter will indicate a non-zero flow during a period of zero flow. Therefore, zero checking features are provided that allow for fast and accurate determinations of the zero-flow values, for use in adjusting later measurements. The zero-checking features include a button attached to an exterior of a flowmeter, so that it is easily accessible to an operator of the flowmeter. The button, in conjunction with an internal zero checking system, allows for a display of a zero value in response to a request from the operator of the flowmeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Dutton
  • Publication number: 20110016988
    Abstract: A flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a vibratable flowtube, and a driver connected to the flowtube that is operable to impart motion to the flowtube. A sensor is connected to the flowtube and is operable to sense the motion of the flowtube and generate a sensor signal. A controller is connected to receive the sensor signal. The controller is operable to determine an individual flow rate of each phase within a multi-phase flow through the flowtube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: INVENSYS SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael S. Tombs, Manus P. Henry, Mihaela D. Duta, Robbie Lansangan, Robert E. Dutton, Wade M. Mattar
  • Patent number: 7698954
    Abstract: A flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a vibratable flowtube, and a driver connected to the flowtube that is operable to impart motion to the flowtube. A sensor is connected to the flowtube and is operable to sense the motion of the flowtube and generate a sensor signal. A controller is connected to receive the sensor signal. The controller is operable to determine an individual flow rate of each phase within a multi-phase flow through the flowtube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Tombs, Manus P. Henry, Mihaela D. Duta, Robbie Lansangan, Robert E. Dutton, Wade M. Mattar
  • Patent number: 7337084
    Abstract: Descriptions are provided for implementing flowmeter zero checking techniques. In operating a flowmeter, it may be the case that, even if previously calibrated, the flowmeter will produce erroneous measurements, e.g., will indicate a non-zero flow during a period of zero flow. Therefore, zero checking features are provided that allow for fast and accurate determinations of the zero-flow values, for use in adjusting later measurements. The zero-checking features include a button attached to an exterior of a flowmeter, so that it is easily accessible to an operator of the flowmeter. The button, in conjunction with an internal zero checking system, allows for a display of a zero value in response to a request from the operator of the flowmeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E Dutton
  • Patent number: 7249500
    Abstract: A measurement system (200) is disclosed comprising a Coriolis flow meter (222) and a control system (224). A base fluid (250) is first flowed through the Coriolis flow meter. The Coriolis flow meter measures a density of the base fluid and transmits a base fluid density measurement to the control system. A proppant (252) is then added to the base fluid to create a fracture fluid (202). The fracture fluid is then flowed through the Coriolis flow meter. The Coriolis flow meter measures a density of the fracture fluid and transmits a fracture fluid density measurement to the control system. The control system determines an amount of proppant in the fracture fluid based on the base fluid density measurement, the fracture fluid density measurement, and a density of the proppant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Dutton, Christopher M. Russell
  • Patent number: 7231835
    Abstract: A steam measurement system includes a Coriolis flowmeter associated with a vibratable flowtube to receive a flow of wet steam. A first sensor is associated with the flowtube to relay information about a motion of the flowtube by way of a first sensor signal. A second sensor determines a property of the flow and relays the property by way of a second sensor signal. A computing device receives the first and second sensor signals and is configured to calculate a steam quality of the flow from the first and second sensor signals. The computing device also may calculate the total heat energy flow rate of the flow. Other implementations may include a full or partial separator to separate the flow of wet steam into a substantially gas flow and a substantially liquid flow and a second Coriolis meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Dutton, Wade M. Mattar
  • Patent number: 7188534
    Abstract: A flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a vibratable flowtube, and a driver connected to the flowtube that is operable to impart motion to the flowtube. A sensor is connected to the flowtube and is operable to sense the motion of the flowtube and generate a sensor signal. A controller is connected to receive the sensor signal. The controller is operable to determine an individual flow rate of each phase within a multi-phase flow through the flowtube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Tombs, Manus P. Henry, Mihaela D. Duta, Robbie Lansangan, Robert E. Dutton, Wade M. Mattar
  • Patent number: 7013715
    Abstract: A fully automated Coriolis-based well system which can deliver accurate volumetric flow rate measurements in three phase flow. Measurements are performed according to a process including using N equations and N unknowns technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Dutton, Chad Steele
  • Patent number: 7013740
    Abstract: A steam measurement system includes a Coriolis flowmeter associated with a vibratable flowtube to receive a flow of wet steam. A first sensor is associated with the flowtube to relay information about a motion of the flowtube by way of a first sensor signal. A second sensor determines a property of the flow and relays the property by way of a second sensor signal. A computing device receives the first and second sensor signals and is configured to calculate a steam quality of the flow from the first and second sensor signals. The computing device also may calculate the total heat energy flow rate of the flow. Other implementations may include a full or partial separator to separate the flow of wet steam into a substantially gas flow and a substantially liquid flow and a second Coriolis meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Dutton, Wade M. Mattar
  • Publication number: 20040221660
    Abstract: A steam measurement system includes a Coriolis flowmeter associated with a vibratable flowtube to receive a flow of wet steam. A first sensor is associated with the flowtube to relay information about a motion of the flowtube by way of a first sensor signal. A second sensor determines a property of the flow and relays the property by way of a second sensor signal. A computing device receives the first and second sensor signals and is configured to calculate a steam quality of the flow from the first and second sensor signals. The computing device also may calculate the total heat energy flow rate of the flow. Other implementations may include a full or partial separator to separate the flow of wet steam into a substantially gas flow and a substantially liquid flow and a second Coriolis meter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Robert E. Dutton, Wade M. Mattar
  • Patent number: 6810719
    Abstract: A fully automated Coriolis-based well system which can deliver accurate volumetric flow rate measurements in three phase flow. Measurements are performed according to a process including using N equations and N unknowns technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Dutton, Chad Steele
  • Publication number: 20030136185
    Abstract: A fully automated Coriolis-based well system which can deliver accurate volumetric flow rate measurements in three phase flow. Measurements are performed according to a process including using N equations and N unknowns technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Robert E. Dutton, Chad Steele
  • Patent number: 6564619
    Abstract: A method and system of performing multiphase flow measurements. The method includes separating an incoming multiphase flow into a majority liquid component and a majority gas component. The majority liquid component comprises a water component and an oil component. The method further includes determining if the majority liquid component includes entrained gas. If the majority liquid component is substantially free from entrained gas, then the method further includes determining a water-cut of the majority liquid component, determining a density of the majority liquid component using a Coriolis flowmeter, and processing the water-cut and the density of the majority liquid component to determine a density of the oil component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Dutton, Chad Steele
  • Patent number: RE40095
    Abstract: A Coriolis flowmeter is operable as a vibrating tube densitometer where a flowtube is driven to vibrate at a fundamental frequency from which density of the material flowing through the flowtube may be calculated. The drive gain is monitored as an indicator of multiphase flow including gas and liquid components where a substantial increase in drive gain indicates gas damping of the flowtube vibrations due to a transient bubble entering the flowtube. The gas damping effects of the transient bubble and the correspondingly reduced density readings are remediated by the use of historical density measurements corresponding to periods of flow when no transient bubble has entered the flowtube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Dutton