For Producing Uniform Flow Patents (Class 137/8)
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Patent number: 6701223Abstract: Pipelines are controlled by specifying operations along them. Control specifies sequential control values defining operations at each station to control the pipeline state. The time-dependent state is determinable by software calculations using continuous measurements along the pipeline. Forecasted deliveries dictate that the current pipeline state must change by future time (T). Control sequences are determined at pipeline stations to exercise optimum pipeline control while achieving predetermined goals from the current state to a sustainable target state which supports future deliveries by simulating current pipeline states through time interval T, while satisfying time-dependent forecast deliveries. An initial computable control set is iteratively improved and evaluated by computing the gradient of pipeline operational cost, costs of missing target(s), and costs of violating constraints by solving an adjoint problem each time the simulation is made.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Advantica, Inc.Inventors: Henry R. Rachford, Jr., Richard G. Carter
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Patent number: 6581625Abstract: The liquid supply system comprises a pump for delivering a liquid under high pressure and a vaporizer for vaporizing the liquid delivered from the pump. The liquid vaporized in the vaporizer is supplied to a reaction chamber. A pressure gage is provided in a passage extending from the pump to the vaporizer. A monitor device is provided so as to indicate a pressure, based on an output of the pressure gage.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: MKS Japan, Inc.Inventors: Mayumi Arai, Yoshiyuki Yamazaki
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Patent number: 6505134Abstract: A single meter blending fuel dispensing system utilizing a pair of proportional flow control valves each having a pressure transducer positioned aft of the valve flow control mechanism. A computer controller is used to program a desired fuel mixture by varying the pressure for each flow control valve. A pressure decrease in one valve produces a corresponding pressure increase in the other valve. A third pressure transducer can be situated downstream of the valves and is set such that the pressure it receives cannot exceed that of the two valve pressures. Flow meters can be substituted for the pressure sensors. A calibration method for calibrating the positive displacement meter is also disclosed. At installation the positive displacement meter is at its most accurate and is synchronized with the less accurate pressure sensors or flow meters.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2000Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.Inventors: Edward S. Poleshuk, Joseph D. Long
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Patent number: 6378542Abstract: A water valve assembly includes a valve component having defined therein a central cavity and a bypass channel. The water valve assembly also includes a flow control device positioned in the central cavity. The flow control device has defined therein a fluid passage and a sealing member secured to an outer periphery of the flow control device. The flow control device is positionable between a first pressure orientation and a second pressure orientation based on water pressure in the central cavity of the valve component. The sealing member is adapted to prevent advancement of water through the bypass channel when the flow control device is oriented in the first pressure orientation. The sealing member is adapted to allow advancement of water through the bypass channel when the flow control device is oriented in the second pressure orientation. A method of operating an appliance water valve assembly is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventor: Michael R. DuHack
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Patent number: 6324840Abstract: A portable fueling control system is provided for delivering bulk fuel to a vehicle from a pressurized source. The portable system includes a fluid driven power source for operating auxiliary instrumentation of the system. An inlet receives the bulk fuel from the pressurized source. The inlet has a primary fluid path and a secondary fluid path. A first flow rate control is in fluidic communication with the primary fluid path for adjustably controlling the flow rate of bulk fuel from the pressurized source to a system outlet. A first monitor is operably linked to the secondary fluid path and the first flow rate control. The first monitor is responsive to the flow rate of the secondary fluid path for actuating the first flow rate control to vary the pressure difference across the first flow rate control.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2000Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: General Transervice, Inc.Inventor: Owen Watkins
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Patent number: 6325094Abstract: A bubbler container assembly particularly adapted for use in vapor generating systems comprising a main outer vessel, an inner bubbler vessel, a carrier gas inlet and a vapor outlet such that the inner bubbler vessel is contained within the main outer vessel and the bubbler container assembly is constructed so as to self-meter an incoming supply of vaporizable liquid during the introduction of a carrier gas and extraction of resulting vapor. Preferably, the system further provides for magnetic induced centering and positioning of the inner buoyant bubbler vessel, fluid temperature sensing and control, connection of a fluid makeup supply, carrier gas inlet supply, and vapor extraction outlet.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1999Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Icon Dynamics, LLCInventor: Donald B. Rodgers
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Patent number: 6314980Abstract: A pressure compensating flow control device is disclosed which has a needle valve/spring assembly as a reference restriction which is in axial alignment with a reducing valve situated in a housing of the device. A piston and piston rod is provided in axial alignment with the needle valve and reducing valve to provide compensation for alterations to pressure differential about the piston. The piston rod has an internal channel to allow for fluid communication between inlet and outlet chambers and to allow for passive control of pressure differential. The device provides pressure control for low fluid flows and low pressures.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2000Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Inventors: Paul R. Beswick, Gary Treadwell
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Patent number: 6311712Abstract: A method and system for producing constant-flow valves having a plurality of different flow rates includes a plurality of orifices each having a seat defining contoured flow control surfaces, the orifices having at least K different configurations of flow control surfaces, where K≧2, and a plurality of diaphragms of identical shape each formed of an elastomeric material having a defined Shore A durometer hardness, the diaphragms having at least M different Shore A durometer hardnesses, where M≧2, each diaphragm being configured to engage the flow control surfaces of the seat of each orifice so as to create flow control passages between the diaphragm and the flow control surfaces, the diaphragm being deflected by pressure differential across the diaphragm so as to constrict the flow control passages as the pressure differential increases.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2000Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Hays Fluid ControlsInventor: James Harvey Moore Meyer
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Patent number: 6286986Abstract: An improved oil and gas well servicing apparatus for blending and delivering a slurry of fracturing fluid and particulate matter at constant flow rate and pressure to a downhole pump is disclosed. Multiple blending tubs are mounted on a trailer or skid and are manifolded together in a slurry discharge manifold. The slurry discharge manifold combines the slurry discharged by the blending tubs and incorporates pipe sections of equal length to connect the blending tubs to the manifold. It is believed that the slurry discharge manifold and equal length piping provide balanced pressure drop between the individual blending tubs and creates a constant outlet pressure from the slurry discharge manifold. A fluid intake manifold may also be included to distribute fracturing fluid to the blending tubs. Hose connectors on each of the manifolds are provided on both sides of the apparatus for convenient operation from either side.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Maverick Stimulation Company, LLCInventors: Kristian E. Grimland, Timothy Lloyd Anderson
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Patent number: 6165267Abstract: A spin coating apparatus requires less cleanroom air flow than prior spin coating apparatus to minimize cleanroom contamination. A shaped exhaust duct from the spin coater maintains process quality while requiring reduced cleanroom air flow. The exhaust duct can decrease in cross section as it extends from the wafer, minimizing eddy formation. The exhaust duct can conform to entrainment streamlines to minimize eddy formation and reduce interprocess contamination at minimal cleanroom air flow rates.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1998Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventor: John R. Torczynski
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Patent number: 6019114Abstract: A bubbler container assembly particularly adapted for use in vapor generating systems comprising a main outer vessel, an inner bubbler vessel, a carrier gas inlet and a vapor outlet such that the inner bubbler vessel is contained within the main outer vessel and the bubbler container assembly is constructed so as to self-meter an incoming supply of vaporizable liquid during the introduction of a carrier gas and extraction of resulting vapor. Preferably, the system further provides for magnetic induced centering and positioning of the inner buoyant bubbler vessel, fluid temperature sensing and control, connection of a fluid makeup supply, carrier gas inlet supply, and vapor extraction outlet.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1997Date of Patent: February 1, 2000Assignee: Icon Dynaamics, LLCInventor: Donald B. Rodgers
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Patent number: 5896881Abstract: The process and device according to the invention make it possible to reduce the pressure build-up in the head space as a function of the quantity of inflow medium. It also makes it possible to maintain or create defined flow conditions in the head space gas. This is accomplished by measuring the quantity of gaseous and/or liquid inflow medium and then venting the head space gas as a function of the quantity of inflow medium.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1996Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Assignee: Messer Griesheim GmbHInventors: Friedhelm Herzog, Franz Lurken
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Patent number: 5878766Abstract: A fluid flow control valve and method for operating which maintains the rate of flow of fluid therethrough at a substantially constant rate regardless of variations in pressure of the fluid flowing therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1997Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Vickers, IncorporatedInventor: Iosif Dekhtyar
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Patent number: 5875806Abstract: A fluid metering system comprises a source of pressurized fluid, a proportional metering valve and a delta-p regulator, which maintains a constant pressure drop across the proportional metering valve. The delta-p regulator is referenced to the static pressure upstream of the metering valve and the stagnation pressure downstream of the metering valve. By referencing the stagnation pressure downstream of the metering valve, the effective static pressure across the metering valve increases as a function of fluid flow rate and therefore provides an increased flow range and corresponding turndown ratio for any given proportional metering valve.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.Inventor: Frederick C. Maynard
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Patent number: 5767384Abstract: A flow conditioning system includes a flow randomizing section for receiving an input fluid stream and for increasing the uniformity of the streamwise velocity components of the input fluid stream while randomizing the non-streamwise velocity components, so as to provide a randomized fluid stream; a flow expansion section for receiving the randomized fluid stream and damping the non-streamwise velocity components therein, so as to provide a damped fluid stream; and a flow straightening section for receiving the damped fluid stream and for dividing the damped fluid stream into multiple, parallel output substreams so as to provide a laminar flow profile in an output fluid stream.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1995Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventors: Tak Kui Wang, James W. Baker, Stephen M. Craig
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Regulating drum for multiphase effluents and associated draw-off means and method for operating same
Patent number: 5711338Abstract: The invention is a system for drawing off multiphase effluents. The system includes a drum; at least one assembly, located in the drum, for drawing a multiphase fluid contained in the drum to outside the drum, the at least one assembly including a section through which the multiphase fluid is drawn to flow outside the drum, and extending over a substantial portion of a height of the drum; at least one sensor for sensing at least one flow condition of the multiphase fluid and for providing a signal representing each sensed flow condition of the multiphase fluid; and a mechanism, coupled to the at least one sensor, for modifying the section of multiphase flow as a function of each signal representing a sensed flow condition.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1996Date of Patent: January 27, 1998Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventor: Rene Talon -
Patent number: 5671767Abstract: A gas mixing valve has first and second inlet chambers linked to supplies of a first and second gas, and a mixing chamber having a blended gas outlet. The inlet chambers are connected to the mixing chamber via first and second control valves, each valve having a valve seat and valve member with opposing surfaces defining a flow control orifice. Each valve seat and valve member are relatively movable between a closed position in which no flow occurs and a maximum opening position to define a series of orifices of progressively increasing area corresponding to the same geometrical progression. The position of each valve member can be controlled to provide a desired mixing ratio. Each valve seat is provided in a respective piston, and the pistons are tied together to move in response to variations in pressure drop across each piston, in order to vary the orifice size to compensate for changes in flow rate without changing the mixing ratio.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1996Date of Patent: September 30, 1997Assignee: Infrasonics, Inc.Inventor: Edmund F. Kelly
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Patent number: 5564456Abstract: A method for mitigating slugs in pipelines carrying multiphase mixtures of gas and liquid by adding a quantity of a surfactant selected from the group consisting of ethoxylated alcohols, polyglycosides and alpha olefin sulfonates to the multiphase mixture in the pipeline. After addition of a quantity of surfactant, a determination is made as to whether the quantity of surfactant added is sufficient to mitigate the slugs, and thereafter adjusting the quantity of surfactant added to an amount sufficient to mitigate the slugs.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: October 15, 1996Assignee: Atlantic Richfield CompanyInventors: Miroslav M. Kolpak, Richard L. Payne, Sophany Thach
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Patent number: 5551469Abstract: Steam quality is maintained substantially equal in the two outlet legs of a horizontal impact T junction, as the mass extraction ratio in each leg varies, by orifice plates fixed in each outlet leg and bypass pipes connected between a point upstream of the junction and down stream of the respective orifice plates.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1995Date of Patent: September 3, 1996Assignee: Texaco Inc.Inventor: Edward A. Woerheide
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Patent number: 5524659Abstract: The present invention provides a flow control valve which makes it possible to prevent the leakage of hydraulic fluid when the valve is closed while continuously controlling the flow rate. An axially slidable piston (12) housed in a housing (11) provided with a first port (13) and second port (16) is urged by an electromagnet (20). A first closing valve (14) for connecting and isolating the first port (13) and first fluid chamber (A), with a valve seat portion (14C) opened opposite one end portion of the piston (12) in the first fluid chamber (A) and a valve body (14B) which is seated in and separated from the valve seat portion in accordance with the axial displacement of the piston (12), is provided between the first port (13) and the first fluid chamber (A). An orifice (15) is provided in the conduit connecting the first fluid chamber (A) and the second fluid chamber (B).Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1995Date of Patent: June 11, 1996Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Koji Takata, Koichi Hashida
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Patent number: 5509434Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling and metering gas flowing through a pipeline is provided. The apparatus includes an orifice flow meter for accurately measuring the flow rate of gas through the pipeline within a certain range. The apparatus further includes a turbine flow meter which provides a measurement of the flow rate of the gas flowing through the pipeline over a broad range. A control circuit coupled to the turbine flow meter is provided for evaluating the flow rate to determine whether the flow rate is higher than a predetermined maximum value which can be recorded by the orifice flow meter or lower than a predetermined minimum value which can be recorded by the orifice flow meter. If the flow rate is higher than the predetermined maximum value, the control circuit generates a first voltage signal, if the flow rate is lower than the predetermined minimum value, the control circuit generates a second voltage signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1994Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Assignee: Halliburton CompanyInventors: Charles L. Boyd, Joseph A. Stewart
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Patent number: 5488969Abstract: A method and a metering valve for metering a fluid by incrementally adjusting a position of a flow control element that directly varies a flow area of a flow port opening in a valve housing. The flow control element is adjustably mounted with respect to the valve housing. The metering valve maintains an approximately constant percentage variation of a mass flow rate of a fluid with respect to the current total flow rate flowing through the flow port opening, for each incremental adjustment of the flow control element position, throughout the metering range of the metering valve yielding an exponentially varying mass flow rate as a result of linearly varying the flow control element position.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1994Date of Patent: February 6, 1996Assignee: Gas Research InstituteInventors: Steven R. King, James J. Cole, Kennon H. Guglielmo, John P. Latusek
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Patent number: 5447173Abstract: A mass flow controller comprising (a) a valve casing having a flow path for a fluid; (b) an electromagnetic actuator comprising a stationary yoke made of a soft magnetic material, an electromagnetic coil for magnetizing the stationary yoke, and a movable yoke made of a soft magnetic material and movable toward the stationary yoke, both of the stationary yoke and the movable yoke having a magnetic flux density of 1.5 T or more at 300 AT/m, whereby the temperature elevation of the valve casing is within 4.degree. C. from ambient temperature when the electromagnetic coil is energized; (c) a diaphragm valve means disposed in the flow path for adjusting the degree of opening the flow path; (d) a sensor pipe disposed on the upstream side of the diaphragm valve means and bypassing the flow path; and (e) a pair of sensor coils wound around the sensor pipe on the upstream and downstream sides.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1994Date of Patent: September 5, 1995Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.Inventors: Yoichiro Kazama, Tomihisa Oyama, Makoto Tanaka, Makoto Ishikawa
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Patent number: 5433237Abstract: A differential pressure regulator connected in a fluid system including a bypass line and including a valve body with a high pressure inlet and a compensation inlet connected to the high pressure side of the system, a low pressure inlet, and a bypass outlet. A valve member is reciprocable within the valve housing and includes an intermediate passage between the compensation inlet and the bypass outlet, a metering port between the intermediate passage and the bypass outlet, and a compensating port between the compensating inlet and the intermediate passage. The position of this valve member controls the degree of opening of the ports. Also included is spring biasing the valve toward the closed position of the ports. The high and low pressure inlets are coupled to high and low pressure faces on the valve member, and the resulting forces act with the spring force to adjust bypass flow to achieve the substantially constant pressure drop.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1994Date of Patent: July 18, 1995Assignee: Woodward Governor CompanyInventors: Mark C. C. Kao, Daniel J. McLevige
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Patent number: 5421357Abstract: The characteristics of a device for regulating and damping the composition fluctuations of a multiphase flow comprising a tank or surge drum and a sample tube located between a source of effluents and a multiphase pump are optimized by selecting the volume of the tank and the distribution of the apertures of the sample tube so as to define an average level around which the level of the liquid-gas interface is stabilized and so that the volume of the liquid phase corresponding to this average level is at least equal to the volume of liquid necessary to discharge any foreseeable volume of gaseous phase coming from the source of effluents. In case of a large volume of gaseous phase, an unpierced tube is introduced inside the sample tube.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1992Date of Patent: June 6, 1995Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventor: Emile Levallois
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Patent number: 5415195Abstract: Unequal phase splitting at branch T pipe junctions, wherein the branch line is of substantially lesser diameter than the main line, is substantially eliminated by structure (either a weir or sump) in the main line which collects at least a portion of the liquid phase and a bypass line which connects the weir or sump to the branch line downstream of a constriction creating a reduced pressure section in the branch pipe.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1994Date of Patent: May 16, 1995Assignee: Texaco Inc.Inventors: James R. Stoy, Eric L. Berger, Edward A. Woerheide, James L. G. Schrodt
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Patent number: 5370146Abstract: A valve for obtaining a sample from a continuous flow of fluid includes a primary flow path for directing a continual flow of the fluid through the valve, a valve stem which engages a passage in a valve seat for metering a sample of fluid passing through the primary flow path out through a separate outlet passage in the valve. The valve further includes a passage separate from the primary flow path for injecting a purge gas into the sample outlet passage to remove any sample fluid contained in the outlet passage after the sample valve has been closed and before the sample container is taken off-line so as to avoid atmospheric emissions of the sample fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1993Date of Patent: December 6, 1994Assignee: Hoechst Celanese CorporationInventors: Gerald V. King, Thomas M. Kenesson
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Patent number: 5357995Abstract: A valve for metering a slurry includes a primary flow path for directing a continual flow of slurry through the valve, a valve stem which extends through the primary flow path and engages a passage in a valve seat for metering a portion of slurry passing through the primary flow path out through a second outlet in the valve. A portion of the valve stem which engages the valve seat passage is cut-away and when placed in communication with the primary flow path allows the flushing of accumulated solids through the valve seat passage to avoid persistent plugging of the valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1993Date of Patent: October 25, 1994Assignee: Hoechst Celanese CorporationInventors: Gerald V. King, Kenneth J. Busch, Thomas M. Kenesson
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Patent number: 5331995Abstract: A system including the method employed, for controlling the flow of a pressurized gas through a variable orifice flow control valve in a pressurized gas conduit system, such as a ventilator, in response to either a desired flow rate/volume input signal, a desired pressure signal or both. With respect to the flow rate input signal, the system generates a flow signal indicative of the actual flow rate of gas through the flow control valve by measuring the pressure drop across the valve and using the actual orifice area based on a control valve position signal given to the valve. This flow signal is compared to the flow rate input signal to give a correction signal which is used to form a volume flow reference signal. With respect to the desired pressure signal, a signal indicative of the effective pressure at a set location in the system is compared to the desired pressure signal and processed to give a pressure flow reference signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1992Date of Patent: July 26, 1994Assignee: Bear Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas P. Westfall, Alberto Ruiz-Vela, Anthony J. Caterina, Clyde R. Visser
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Patent number: 5323661Abstract: A means and method of design and installation of a pre-rotator ahead of an elbow are disclosed in order to eliminate or reduce elbow-induced turbulence in pipe flows. Experimental verification was conducted, and noise and pressure loss for flow around the elbow can be substantially reduced.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1992Date of Patent: June 28, 1994Inventor: Dah Y. Cheng
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Patent number: 5282487Abstract: Existing devices for controlling flow in water and wastewater treatment systems utilize mechanical valves, adjustable height weirs and gates which are expensive to manufacture and maintain, and in some circumstances such as during winter, difficult to operate. A relatively simple substitute for such devices to control the flow from one zone or area to another includes a casing defining a weir chamber, a submerged weir in the chamber, an inlet on one side of the casing for introducing liquid into the chamber, a liquid outlet from the chamber on the other side of the weir, connected to a second zone or area at a flooded level below the liquid level in the second zone or area, and a duct in the casing for introducing gas under pressure into and out of the chamber for actively controlling the liquid level in the chamber and consequently the flow of liquid over the weir between the inlet and outlet. The use of the above described apparatus involves a novel method of controlling the flow of liquid over a weir.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1992Date of Patent: February 1, 1994Inventor: Peter L. Timpany
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Patent number: 5218985Abstract: The separation of wet steam into its liquid and vapor phases, prior to encountering a pipe junction, is facilitated. The liquid phase is then recombined by aspiration to effectively behave as a single phase vapor of homogeneous density at the point where the flow stream is divided by the junction.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1992Date of Patent: June 15, 1993Assignee: Texaco Inc.Inventors: Eric L. Berger, James R. Stoy, Mark T. Rubel, James L. G. Schrodt
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Patent number: 5197509Abstract: A means and method of design and installation of a pre-rotator ahead of an elbow are disclosed in order to eliminate or reduce elbow-induced turbulence in pipe flows. Experimental verification was conducted, and noise and pressure loss for flow around the elbow can be substantially reduced.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1990Date of Patent: March 30, 1993Inventor: Dah Y. Cheng
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Patent number: 5190068Abstract: Control apparatus and method for controlling the flow of fluid across a valve includes a differential pressure measurement across the valve and a flow meter for measuring the flow, and the information from the differential pressure and from the flow meter is compared to predetermined parameters, and in response to the comparison, the valve is modulated to provide the desired flow.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1992Date of Patent: March 2, 1993Inventor: Brian Philbin
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Patent number: 5152309Abstract: The present invention provides a valve control apparatus which can be programmed to deliver a desired flow of gas. A valve 22 is connected to a stepper motor 28 which is controlled by a computer 32 to open or close the valve in steps within a gas flow line 24 to deliver a desired rate of flow. A flowmeter 30 is provided along the gas flow line 24 for measuring the flow and inputting this flow to the computer 32. The computer 32 calculates rate of flow information obtained from the flowmeter 30 and controls the stepper motor 28 to open or close the valve 22 as necessary in accordance with the received rate of flow information and a desired rate of flow preprogrammed into the computer 32. As a result, a precise desired rate of flow can be obtained. Also, position indicators 34 may be added to the valve 22 to indicate when the valve 22 is completely open or completely closed. The valve 22 may be provided with a return spring 36 to automatically close the valve 22 in the event of a power loss.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1991Date of Patent: October 6, 1992Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: Michael Twerdochlib, David E. Bateman
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Patent number: 5146941Abstract: A high turndown mass flow control system for the regulation of gas flow to a variable pressure system such as a gas turbine engine. The herein described system controls the flow of gas into a load system where the gas delivery pressure at the load varies directly as a function of the mass flow. The system employs flow control and mass flow measurement subsystems, controlling the mass flow to maintain a mass reference value called for by an outside master control. Flow control apparatus includes a throttling control valve while the flow measurement subsystem includes a flow restriction element, .delta.P, pressure and temperature transducers while using a flow calculation algorithm to calculate the actual gas mass flow passing through the system. The high turndown mass flow control characteristic of the invention acquired by an unique placement and usage of the gas restriction element allows the reading of .delta.P parameters with conventional instrumentation.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1991Date of Patent: September 15, 1992Assignee: Unitech Development Corp.Inventor: William O. Statler
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Patent number: 5052425Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the volume stream of a sub-quantity which is continuously removed from a gas stream and which is supplied and mixed with a gaseous dilutant stream, the sub-quantity is conducted from the main stream through a back-up region where the control of the flow of sub-quantity without affecting its composition is effected by a counterflow in a back-up region which is controllably directed in opposition to the sub-quantity flow such as by an annular upstream directed gap surrounding the sub-quantity conduit or by openings which are directed in a direction against the sub-quantity flow or by a pipe directing a flow against the discharge end of the sub-quantity flow. The sub-quantity flow is mixed in a mixing tunnel with a dilution gas and a small quantity of this mixed gas is removed for testing.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1990Date of Patent: October 1, 1991Assignee: AVL Gesellschaft fuer Verbrennungskraftmaschinen und Messtechnik mbH. Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Hans ListInventors: Guenter Hohenberg, Heimo Denk
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Patent number: 4987914Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for a liquid mass non-venting flowmeter. The flowmeter apparatus gives correct flow regardless of changes in density, viscosity, or composition of the liquid and corrects flow in spite of errors common in currently used flowmeters, such as calibration shifts, restricted orifices and/or bearing drag and blade wear of turbine meters. The non-venting characteristic allows use with toxic and corrosive materials.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1990Date of Patent: January 29, 1991Assignee: Conoco Inc.Inventors: Billy R. Adney, Charles W. Alworth, John B. Durkee, Bryce T. Jeffries
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Patent number: 4977916Abstract: A mass flow controller including a valve assembly wherein a flow rate-controlling portion of the valve assembly is mirror finished and wherein the maximum flow rate through the flow rate-controlling portion during the time that the flow rate is not being controlled is set so as to be sufficiently large in comparison with the flow rate during control whereby a moisture purging function may be performed without external fluid bypass circuits.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1989Date of Patent: December 18, 1990Assignee: Stec Inc.Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Hiroshi Mihara, Kiyoshi Satoh
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Patent number: 4901759Abstract: The present invention provides constant fluid flow and constant pressure to chemical analysis monitors 24-26 for reliably monitoring the quality of fluid in a plant such as a power generating plant. A high pressure fluid source 28 provides fluid to a forward pressure regulating valve 30. The valve 30 supplies a metering valve 36 which regulates flow. The pressure on the output side of the metering valve 36 is maintained constant by a back-pressure regulating valve 40. The constant pressure and flow fluid is supplied from between valves 36 and 40. Excess fluid bled off by valve 40 can be returned to the source 28. A second stage of pressure regulation which improves pressure constancy can be provided by valves 45 and 46 at the first stage pressure or at a different pressure.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1988Date of Patent: February 20, 1990Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventor: James C. Bellows
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Patent number: 4887628Abstract: A vortex amplifier functions as a choke valve to control flow in a flow line from, for example, a gas or oil well. The vortex amplifier is arranged in the flow line such that flow passes radially through the vortex amplifier to emerge at an axial port. A control flow is introduced tangentially into the vortex amplifier along a line by a pump. The pump is regulated by a transducer responsive to signals generated by the flow in the flow line.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 1988Date of Patent: December 19, 1989Assignee: United Kingdom Atomic Energy AuthorityInventors: Michael J. Bowe, Alistair L. Wright
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Patent number: 4858636Abstract: A pressure-compensating, self-flushing, preset flow valve utilizing an emitter for maintaining a continuous microscopic flow of water at a specified continuous rate. The valve includes a housing adapted with an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber and a preset emitter device encapsulated between the inlet and outlet chamber having selectively unplugged outlet ports each capable of delivering a preset microscopic volume of water into the outlet chamber for collective distribution to a moisture maintenance system. The valve housing is adapted with inlet and outlet ports for connecting to a water source and a moisture maintenance system, respectively. In an alternative embodiment the housing may be modified to provide multiple stages of the encapsulated preset emitter device such that each stage is preset for a flow rate for selectively utilization according to seasonal needs.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1988Date of Patent: August 22, 1989Inventor: Donald E. Adkins
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Patent number: 4848657Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling a flow rate of viscous fluid for feeding the fluid under pressure from a pump through a hose to a spray gun with a control unit. A temperature and a pressure of the viscous fluid in the hose is detected. Based on the detected temperature and a temperature-supplying pressure characteristic data stored in the unit, viscous fluid supplying pressure for obtaining a desired set flow rate is calculated. Based on the detected pressure of the fluid and the calculated supplying pressure, a signal for obtaining a desired supplying pressure is obtained and outputted. The gun is switched on to operate the pump at a constant speed to provide the desired set flow rate. Alternatively, only the pressure is detected and a pressure which is obtained in a previous operation and stored in the unit is used.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1987Date of Patent: July 18, 1989Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hirofumi Hashimoto, Sensuke Hayashi
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Patent number: 4842162Abstract: Apparatus and method for dispensing fluid materials wherein the fluid is discharged from a nozzle at a rate controlled by a metering valve having a seat and a stem moveable with respect to the seat to modulate the flow. A servo-actuator connected in a feedback control loop is used to position the valve stem with respect to its seat in accordance with a control signal. The control signal is derived in accordance with the difference between a driving signal representing a desired flow rate and the sum of a pair of feedback signals. One feedback signal represents the actual flow rate while the other feedback signal is correlated to both the relative velocity and position of the stem with respect to the seat. The position-dependent velocity signal is generated by a transducer comprising a magnet and a coil influencable by the field of the magnet as the magnet and coil move relative one another.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1988Date of Patent: June 27, 1989Assignee: Nordson CorporationInventor: Stephen L. Merkel
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Patent number: 4796651Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring gas flow volume in a system (of the kind in which the amount of gas flowing in a duct can vary in response to the variation of area of a variable area orifice in a duct and/or in response to changes in the total pressure of the gas upstream of the orifice) references the total pressure upstream of the orifice to the static pressure downstream of the orifice to produce a first signal representative of the differential pressure between the total pressure upstream of the orifice and the static pressure downstream of the orifice. The method and apparatus produce a second signal corresponding to the area of the opening in the orifice. The first and second signals are supplied to a gas flow volume database which is correlated to the sensors and to the orifice in the duct. The gas flow volume occurring in the duct at the first and second signals is read out from the database.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1988Date of Patent: January 10, 1989Assignees: LeRoy D. Ginn, LeRoyce S. GinnInventors: LeRoy D. Ginn, LeRoyce S. Ginn, Karen B. Schneider
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Patent number: 4763681Abstract: Process for controlling the flow of a fluid through a valve having a given section and a movable valve member, in which the pressures of the fluid which are upstream P.sub.upstream and downstream P.sub.downstream of the valve and the position d of the valve member are measured, then the real flow Q.sub.real of the fluid is calculated and compared with a set value Q.sub.0, the difference signal Q.sub.real -Q.sub.0 commanding the displacement of the valve member in the desired direction, said process comprising effecting the real flow calculation by measuring the ratio R=P.sub.upstream /P.sub.downstream which is compared with a predetermined value R and calculating the product Q.sub.sonic =k.times.P.sub.upstream .times.d so that when R>R.sub.0, the product Q.sub.sonic is directly compared with a set value Q.sub.0, the difference signal Q.sub.sonic -Q.sub.0 commanding the displacement of the valve member in the desired direction whereas, when R<R.sub.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1987Date of Patent: August 16, 1988Assignee: L'Air LiquideInventors: Francis Cuny, Hugues Vermeille, Jean Arnault
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Patent number: 4735225Abstract: The invention provides a method and an apparatus for drawing a liquid from a reservoir and regulating the output and pressure of the liquid in order to inject it in precise proportions into another liquid flowing in a distribution system with a predetermined pressure and output. A pump is disposed in a principal circuit which connects the reservoir to the distribution system. An intake of the pump is connected to the reservoir and an outlet of the pump is connected via an electrically controlled valve to the system. Prior to injecting liquid additive into the system, the output and pressure of the principal circuit may be preset by isolating the reservoir from the pump intake and connecting the pump intake to an auxiliary circuit having a water inlet controlled by a valve. After presetting, the pump intake may be connected to the reservoir to draw liquid additive therefrom and inject the liquid additive into the system.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1986Date of Patent: April 5, 1988Assignee: Robinetterie S.F.R. S.A.Inventor: Jean L. Huveteau
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Patent number: 4718443Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for a liquid mass flowmeter. The flowmeter apparatus gives correct flow regardless of changes in density, viscosity, or composition of the liquid and corrects flow in spite of errors common in currently used flowmeters, such as, calibration shifts, restricted orifices and/or bearing drag and blade wear of turbine meters.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1987Date of Patent: January 12, 1988Assignee: Conoco Inc.Inventors: Billy R. Adney, Charles W. Alworth, John B. Durkee, Bryce T. Jeffries
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Patent number: 4690163Abstract: A method for regulating the flow volume of a fluid medium and apparatus therefor wherein the actual value of the flow volume of the fluid medium is measured and an analogous signal is generated representing the actual value. A signal representing a desired value of flow volume is also generated and is compared with the actual value signal with the analogous differential signal being applied as an electrical control signal consisting of individual pulse signals having a frequency proportional to the value of the analogous differential signal. The control signal is amplified and applied to control either the pressure or the rate of flow of the fluid medium.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1986Date of Patent: September 1, 1987Assignee: Georg Fischer AktiengesellschaftInventor: Robert Steinemann
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Patent number: 4660587Abstract: Apparatus for producing uniform velocity distribution of fluids in conduits using a non-homogeneous resistance element. A system is described using a non-homogeneous resistance element together with, in the preferred embodiment, a homogeneous resistance element or a second non-homogeneous resistance element to obtain a uniform velocity distribution of fluids flowing in a conduit. The non-homogeneous resistance element is made up of a plurality of flow channels in the form of a honeycomb, with this honeycomb divided into various regions or zones where flow adjustment is desired in order to achieve the uniform velocity distribution. Specific control within these regions or zones is accomplished by inserting resistance units in the flow channels with the units of highest resistance value being inserted in those regions where the velocity is to be reduced the greatest.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1986Date of Patent: April 28, 1987Inventor: Joseph W. Rizzie