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).
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Patent number: 10876874Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 13, 2016Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventor: Robert E. Dutton
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Publication number: 20190170552Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2016Publication date: June 6, 2019Applicant: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventor: Robert E. Dutton
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Publication number: 20140318212Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Inventor: Robert E. Dutton
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Patent number: 8775110Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 11, 2011Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventor: Robert E. Dutton
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Patent number: 8117921Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 10, 2010Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Inventors: Michael S. Tombs, Manus P. Henry, Mihaela D. Duta, Robbie Lansangan, Robert E. Dutton, Wade M. Mattar
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Publication number: 20110259077Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventor: Robert E. Dutton
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Patent number: 7979230Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 18, 2008Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventor: Robert E. Dutton
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Publication number: 20110016988Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: INVENSYS SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Michael S. Tombs, Manus P. Henry, Mihaela D. Duta, Robbie Lansangan, Robert E. Dutton, Wade M. Mattar
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Patent number: 7698954Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 5, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Tombs, Manus P. Henry, Mihaela D. Duta, Robbie Lansangan, Robert E. Dutton, Wade M. Mattar
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Patent number: 7337084Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 21, 2005Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventor: Robert E Dutton
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Patent number: 7249500Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 5, 2003Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Dutton, Christopher M. Russell
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Patent number: 7231835Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 1, 2006Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Dutton, Wade M. Mattar
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Patent number: 7188534Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 2, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Tombs, Manus P. Henry, Mihaela D. Duta, Robbie Lansangan, Robert E. Dutton, Wade M. Mattar
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Patent number: 7013715Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 19, 2004Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Dutton, Chad Steele
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Patent number: 7013740Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 18, 2003Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Dutton, Wade M. Mattar
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Publication number: 20040221660Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2003Publication date: November 11, 2004Inventors: Robert E. Dutton, Wade M. Mattar
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Patent number: 6810719Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 5, 2003Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Dutton, Chad Steele
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Publication number: 20030136185Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2003Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventors: Robert E. Dutton, Chad Steele
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Patent number: 6564619Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 19, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Dutton, Chad Steele
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Patent number: RE40095Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 6, 2003Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventor: Robert E. Dutton