Fluid Or Fluid Flow Measurement Patents (Class 702/100)
  • Patent number: 12099026
    Abstract: A thermal conductivity estimation method includes: measuring temperature distribution of a measurement sample surface in a steady state by partially heating the measurement sample under predetermined heating conditions; calculating temperature distribution of a sample model surface by performing a heat-transfer simulation on the sample model of the same shape as the measurement sample for a plurality of combinations of provisional thermal conductivities and heating conditions; making a regression model, whose input is temperature distribution of the measurement sample surface and whose output is a thermal conductivity of the measurement sample, by a machine learning technique using training data in a form of a calculation result of the plurality of combinations and the temperature distribution obtained from the plurality of combinations; and estimating the thermal conductivity of the measurement sample by inputting a measurement result of the temperature distribution of the measurement sample surface into the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: SUMCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryusuke Yokoyama, Toshiyuki Fujiwara, Yusuke Higuchi, Toru Ujihara
  • Patent number: 11965769
    Abstract: A method, meter and device capable of determining the accuracy, proof, or percent of error of a meter in service. The method is configured to establish one or more baseline flow measurements for the meter, the meter configured to measure a flow through the meter; obtain a current flow measurement for the meter; and determine a proving result in accordance with a comparing of the current flow measurement to the one or more baseline flow measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: ROMET LIMITED
    Inventors: Brent Collver, Mohammadreza Soudmand-Asli, Frederick Joseph Maly, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11893088
    Abstract: New software systems and capabilities that facilitate the rapid development, evaluation, and deployment of advanced inspection and detection systems using high-fidelity synthetic imagery. The present invention generates high-fidelity synthetic imagery for detection systems that analyze data across the electromagnetic spectrum in an automated, random, directed, or semi-directed manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Cignal LLC
    Inventor: Eric M. Fiterman
  • Patent number: 11815500
    Abstract: An integrated carrier for a calibration gas storage cylinder is provided. The integrated carrier may comprise a carrier base, a carrier cap, and carrier beams. Each of the carrier beams may comprise a cap-end and a base-end. A cap-end bolt may be threaded into the cap-end and a base-end bolt may be threaded into the base-end. The carrier cap may comprise a laterally-oriented keyhole access opening that may be configured to mate with the cap-end of the carrier beams and the carrier base may comprise an axially-oriented bolt passage that may be configured to pass the base-end bolt of the carrier beams. The carrier base, the carrier cap, and the carrier beams may collectively define a cylindrical receiving space that may include the calibration gas storage cylinder and may define a longitudinal containment height. The carrier base may comprise a regulator-receiving depression and a detector-receiving depression that may each comprise open sides facing the carrier cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Hassan Shaker Ali Al-Sinan
  • Patent number: 11767782
    Abstract: A reductant dosing system includes: an injector; a fixed displacement pump in fluid communication with the injector; a reductant source in fluid communication with the fixed displacement pump; a pressure sensor assembly configured to detect a pressure of reductant in the reductant dosing system; and a controller communicatively coupled to the fixed displacement pump and to the pressure sensor assembly, wherein the controller is configured to calculate a flow rate of the fixed displacement pump based on at least a calibration value determined based on data received from the pressure sensor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: CUMMINS EMISSION SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Vikram Sundararajan, Masoud Ziabakhsh Deilami, Catherine Alviz-Radi, Joe V. Hill, Patrick E. Conlon, Stephen M. Holl
  • Patent number: 11714078
    Abstract: Systems for determining GW/SW interaction are provided. The systems can include: a sensing assembly comprising sensors for pressure, fluid conductivity, temperature, and transfer resistance; processing circuitry operatively coupled to the sensing assembly and configured to receive data from the sensing assembly and process the data to provide a GW/SW interaction, wherein the data includes pressure, fluid conductivity, temperature, transfer resistance data. Methods for determining GW/SW interaction are provided. The methods can include: receiving real time data including pressure, fluid conductivity, temperature, and transfer resistance; from at least some of the data received simulating the SW/GW interaction; and fitting the real time data with the simulated data to provide actual SW/GW interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Timothy C. Johnson, Christopher E. Strickland, Yue Zhu, Jonathan N. Thomle, James C. Stegen
  • Patent number: 11698322
    Abstract: A system for measuring water flows in a sub-network of a water distribution network is provided. The system includes a plurality of sensors, for example pressure sensors, on the network. The system further comprises communication links between the sensor and one a computing device, and a measurement acquisition system. The computing device is configured to retrieve values of measurements, directly or through the measurement acquisition system; use values of measurements to determine values of control variables of a model of the water distribution network which minimize residue values between measurements values and predicted physical values on the network; then use the model parameter with the values of control variables to calculate water flows at the boundaries of the sub-network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: SUEZ INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Pierre-Antoine Jarrige, Aurélie Chazerain
  • Patent number: 11619534
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring a flow of saturated steam can include a temperature sensor that measures process temperature, and one or more pressure sensors that measure pressure including differential pressure and static pressure. A flow of saturated steam can be calculated from two sets of measurements, one measurement using the differential pressure and the static pressure and a second measurement using the differential pressure and the process temperature. Redundant flow measurements can be provided with respect to the flow of saturated steam in case of failure of the temperature sensor or the pressure sensors. In addition, a deviation between the flow of the saturated steam as calculated from the process temperature and the differential pressure compared to a flow of saturated steam as calculated from the differential pressure and the static pressure can provide an indication of degradation of the temperature sensor or the pressure sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Pane, Usha Kuloor, Siva Sagar Kuricheti, Augustene Manohar Shyam Pasala
  • Patent number: 11614400
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described, and one method includes providing an optical fiber extending into a chamber with a volume of the gas; passing an optical beam, from an optical source, through the optical fiber; applying a spectral analysis to the optical beam as received after passing through the optical fiber, and outputting a corresponding spectral analysis signal; and determining, based on the output spectral analysis signal, whether a liquid is carried by the volume of the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Inventor: Sohrab Zarrabian
  • Patent number: 11548493
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle includes an engine that combusts fuel to generate power. A drive motor assists the engine power and selectively operates as a generator to generate electrical energy. A clutch is disposed between the engine and drive motor. A battery supplies electrical energy to the drive motor or is charged by the generated electrical energy. A DC converter transforms a DC from the battery. An electric supercharger supplies supercharged air to the engine. A controller determines an optimal air amount to maximize system efficiency based on a drive motor limited output value determined by a battery SOC, and determines an output drive motor power output and an output engine power output based on the optimal air amount when an atmospheric pressure is less than a predetermined pressure, intake temperature is greater than a predetermined temperature and the SOC is less than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Heechang Oh, Dong Hee Han, Hyunjin Kang, Kwanhee Lee, Yeongseop Park, Seungwoo Hong, Jonghyeok Lee, Yong Kak Choi
  • Patent number: 11525840
    Abstract: A non-nulling gas velocity measurement apparatus performs a non-nulling measurement of gas velocity parameters and includes: a non-nulling pitot probe; gas valves in fluid communication with a different entrant aperture of the non-nulling pitot probe via a different pressure channel; receives stagnant gas from the respective entrant aperture; receives a reference gas; receives a valve control signal; and produces a valve-selected gas based on the valve control signal, the valve-selected gas consisting essentially of the reference gas or the stagnant gas; and a plurality of differential pressure transducers, such that each differential pressure transducer: is separately and independently in fluid communication with a different gas valve, and that gas valve communicates the valve-selected gas to the differential pressure transducer; receives the valve-selected gas from the gas valve; and produces a differential pressure signal from comparison of the pressure of the valve-selected gas to a reference gas pressure
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE
    Inventors: Iosif Isaakovich Shinder, Aaron Nathaniel Johnson, Bernard James Filla
  • Patent number: 11465716
    Abstract: An advisory system of a vessel that monitors variables of a vessel system inclusive of systems and subsystems that are used to operate the vessel. The advisory system may use machine-learning to learn from an operator (i) whether or not two variables are related to one another, and (ii) likelihood that a variable will reach a threshold, and, optionally, time until reaching the threshold. The system may receive operator feedback (i) to indicate whether the two variables are related to one another, and (ii) whether a behavior of the variable is normal or not normal. Thereafter, if a determination that the same two variables are related to one another and behaving in a similar manner, provide notification to the operator of the behavior. In response to determining that the variable is behaving (e.g., trending) in a similar manner that is not normal, providing a notification to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: MARINE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Tor Eirik Oestrem, Kjell Larsen
  • Patent number: 11460320
    Abstract: Analysis of smart meter and/or similar data based on frequency content is disclosed. In various embodiments, for each of a plurality of resource consumption nodes a time series data including for each of a series of observation times a corresponding resource consumption data associated with that observation time is received. At least a portion of the time series data, for each of at least a subset of the plurality of resource consumption nodes, is transformed into a frequency domain. A feature set based at least in part on the resource consumption data as transformed into the frequency domain is used to detect that resource consumption data associated with a particular resource consumption node is anomalous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: EMC IP Holding Company LLC
    Inventors: Kaushik K. Das, Rashmi Raghu
  • Patent number: 11421800
    Abstract: To provide a flow rate regulating valve capable of detecting a state where a flow path is fully closed even when there is no lead wire or the like for detecting the state where the flow path is fully closed. A flow rate regulating valve is a fluid regulating valve including a valve body for opening and closing fluid flow paths provided in a body and includes an actuator unit for moving the valve body, and the actuator unit includes a drive motor, a slider moved by a rotation of the motor, a cylindrical body mounted on the slider, and a shaft interlocked with the cylindrical body and provided with the valve body fixed to a distal end thereof. The motor is a stepping servomotor, and has a pressing control function for moving the valve body in the closing direction at a continuous rated torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Keigo Kobayashi, Masakazu Nagao, Tadayuki Yakushijin, Ryousuke Dohi
  • Patent number: 11423342
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a salon sustainability resource management system is described. The salon sustainability resource management system includes one or more backwash stations, a sustainability status unit communicatively coupled to each of the one or more backwash stations. The sustainability status unit is configured to generate a virtual display including one or more instances of a current sustainability status associated with a utilization of at least one resource. An enticement unit is configured to activate one or more appraisals associated with the resource utilization at the backwash station. An integrated verdant unit is configured to predict a wholistic sustainability status associated with the current sustainability status at the sustainability status unit associated with each backwash station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Grégoire Charraud, Céline Farcet
  • Patent number: 11402254
    Abstract: An ultrasonic flow meter configured to measure a flow within a conduit configured for autozeroing during active flow operation of the flow meter. The flow meter includes a printed circuit board including circuitry for conducting ultrasonic transit time flow measurements, the printed circuit board including transducer swap relays and first and second transducer cables connecting the first and second transducers, respectively, to the transducer swap relays. The flow meter further includes a programmable processor configured to generate flow measurement data based on an ultrasonic flow meter calibration performed by the ultrasonic flow meter in situ while measuring flow through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Badger Meter, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Wusterbarth, Paul W. Eserkaln, Robert Herriges
  • Patent number: 11340135
    Abstract: A rising main pipeline assessment system and method. An analysis system obtains data recorded on the pipeline and generates a steady state hydraulic model for the pipeline which defines expected performance zones under normal operating conditions and zone boundaries delineating normal and abnormal operating conditions. Model data is recorded in a data repository of the processing hub. A monitoring system includes a pipeline-connectable pressure transducer configured to obtain measurements during operation of the pipeline and generate, for each of a plurality of predetermined time periods, a data record including minimum, maximum and mean measurements. The data record is communicated to a processing hub which is configured to classify each received data record measurement according to its measurements and the performance zones of the model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: SYRINIX LTD
    Inventors: Paul Linford, Benjamin Smither, Alex Forbes
  • Patent number: 11313714
    Abstract: A device for measurement of ultrasonic wave transit times of an ultrasonic flow sensor consists of: 1) a synchronization signal generator, 2) a reference pulse generator, 3) a sine wave generator, 4) an analog signal amplifier, 5) a comparator, 6) a plurality of latch circuits, 7) a digital adder, 8) an integrator, 9) an A/D converter. 10) a master counter, 11) a plurality of edge counters, and 12) an arithmetic circuit. The device measures the ultrasonic wave transit times using a method of averaging the ultrasonic wave arriving limes at different measuring points (triggering point). This method has less dependency on triggering threshold level and the ultrasonic signal amplitude, and thus has less dependency on threshold drift, threshold stability, system gain fluctuation, electronic noise and signal amplitude variations. As a result, the method can greatly improve the velocity measurement accuracy and system robustness of an ultrasonic flow sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Inventor: Chang Shen
  • Patent number: 11259754
    Abstract: Provided are conformable devices to measure subdermal fluid flow and related methods. A soft, stretchable and flexible substrate supports a thermal actuator and various specially positioned temperature sensors. A microprocessor in electronic communication with sensors calculates subdermal fluid flow from the measured upstream and downstream temperatures, as well as various application-dependent parameters. Devices and methods provided herein are particularly useful for measuring cerebral spinal fluid in a ventricular shunt placed for treatment of hydrocephalus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: John A. Rogers, Siddharth Krishnan, Tyler R. Ray, Amit B. Ayer, Philipp Gutruf, Jonathan T. Reeder, Kun Hyuck Lee, Chun-Ju Su
  • Patent number: 11215493
    Abstract: Diagnostic data characterizing operation of a flow meter in an industrial plant monitoring can be received. An asset state object characterizing a state of the flow meter can be determined. The determining can be performed by a data processor configured within the flow meter. The asset state object can be provided by the data processor. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: GE INFRASTRUCTURE SENSING, LLC
    Inventor: Mikhail Brusilovsky
  • Patent number: 11209287
    Abstract: A smart metering device being part of an advanced metering infrastructure is provided. The smart metering device might comprise one or more sub devices such as: metering devices, actuator devices, sensor devices etc. The smart metering device includes a valve arranged to limit the delivery of a utility to the consumer. Moreover the smart metering devices includes a communication device including a transmitter and a receiver for wireless communication with a collector, utilizing a listen after talk mechanism to perform a two-way communication to the head end system through a collector. The presented invention is especially beneficial for battery supplied smart metering devices. The advanced metering infrastructure will provide a given service level for communication between the meter and the head end system. The service level will be changed dynamically in order to meet the adequate service level at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Kamstrup A/S
    Inventors: Flemming Hald, Johnny Dørken Christiansen, Karsten Kobæk Bidstrup
  • Patent number: 11199431
    Abstract: A method of automatically verifying accurate operation of a flowmeter during field operation is provided that comprises providing a flowmeter having meter electronics with a storage system, and flowing a non-calibration process fluid through the flowmeter. Meter electronics are configured to perform the steps of: detecting a model of the flowmeter as well as retrieving an initial factory calibration factory zero value and a stored zero drift specification from the storage system. A zero value is measured during field operation of the flowmeter and compared with the factory zero value. An error zero value is calculated. Whether the error between the field operation zero value and the factory zero value is within the zero drift specification is determined, and the flowmeter is calibrated if the error is outside the zero drift specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Timothy Patten
  • Patent number: 11193805
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: StreamLabs, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Gestner, Thea Knudsen, Francis M. Mess, Jeffrey L. Leaders
  • Patent number: 11169239
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture to trigger calibration of a sensor node using machine learning are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a machine learning model trainer to train a machine learning model using first sensor data collected from a sensor node. A disturbance forecaster is to, using the machine learning model and second sensor data, forecast a temporal disturbance to a communication of the sensor node. A communications processor is to transmit a first calibration trigger in response to a determination that a start of the temporal disturbance is forecasted and a determination that a first calibration trigger has not been sent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yatish Mishra, Mats Agerstam, Mateo Guzman, Sindhu Pandian, Shubhangi Rajasekhar, Pranav Sanghadia, Troy Willes
  • Patent number: 11143540
    Abstract: A system and method for calibrating discharge coefficients using either an orifice plate flow rate meter or a venturi flow rate meter in a well operation is provided. Using differential pressures obtained from the flow rate meter along with real time calibration of the discharge coefficient with density and rheology data, the flow rate meter can be used in a much more analytical manner. In this way, real time detection of influx or cuttings can be determined in real time, along with estimated concentrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Jamison, Xiangnan Ye
  • Patent number: 11067423
    Abstract: A method for temperature compensation of a test tone used in meter verification is provided. The method uses a drive amplifier to provide a drive signal to a drive circuit, wherein the drive circuit includes a drive mechanism in a meter assembly of a vibratory meter. The method measures a first maximum amplitude of the drive signal at a first temperature of the drive circuit, and measures a second maximum amplitude of the drive signal at a second temperature of the drive circuit. The method also determines a maximum amplitude-to-temperature relationship for the drive circuit based on the first maximum amplitude at the first temperature and the second maximum amplitude at the second temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventor: Miles Keeney-Ritchie
  • Patent number: 11047320
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for predicting a fluid type, comprising sensing, by a first sensor, mass flow data of a fluid in an engine, wherein the first sensor operates based on a first fluid property; sensing, by a second sensor, mass flow data of the fluid, wherein the second sensor operates based on a second fluid property; and detecting, by a logic circuit of a controller, a percent difference in the mass flow data provided by the first and second sensors, the percent difference indicating that the fluid is comprised of at least a first fluid type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Marten H. Dane, Shu Li
  • Patent number: 10982984
    Abstract: A system for determining a measurement of a discharge of a streamflow in open channel conditions using a velocity-area technique featuring a signal processor configured to receive ADCP measurement signaling containing information about ADCP measurements taken in conjunction with the streamflow, GPS signaling containing information about GPS readings in conjunction with ADCP measurements, and signaling containing information about a projection or virtual tag line using two (2) Global Position System (GPS) locations having start and end latitudes and longitudes at a measurement site in a hydrographic operation for a measurement of a discharge in open channel conditions, and an instantaneous GPS position for a station; and determine control signaling containing information to take the ADCP measurements and the GPS readings in conjunction with the ADCP measurements, as well as corresponding signaling containing information about the measurement of the discharge of the streamflow, based upon a respective distance
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: YSI, INC.
    Inventors: Muthiah Radhakrishnan, Martin Milanov, Daniel J. Wagenaar, Issac Jones
  • Patent number: 10899420
    Abstract: An advisory system of a vessel that monitors variables of a vessel system inclusive of systems and subsystems that are used to operate the vessel. The advisory system may use machine-learning to learn from an operator (i) whether or not two variables are related to one another, and (ii) likelihood that a variable will reach a threshold, and, optionally, time until reaching the threshold. The system may receive operator feedback (i) to indicate whether the two variables are related to one another, and (ii) whether a behavior of the variable is normal or not normal. Thereafter, if a determination that the same two variables are related to one another and behaving in a similar manner, provide notification to the operator of the behavior. In response to determining that the variable is behaving (e.g., trending) in a similar manner that is not normal, providing a notification to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Marine Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tor Eirik Oestrem, Kjell Erik Larsen
  • Patent number: 10884891
    Abstract: Interactive detection of system anomalies is disclosed. One example is a system including a data processor, an anomaly processor, and an interaction processor. Input data related to a series of events and telemetry measurements is received by the data processor. The anomaly processor detects presence of a system anomaly in the input data, the system anomaly indicative of a rare situation that is distant from a norm of a distribution based on the series of events and telemetry measurements. The interaction processor is communicatively linked to the anomaly processor and to an interactive graphical user interface. The interaction processor displays, via the interactive graphical user interface, an output data stream based on the presence of the system anomaly, receives, from the interactive graphical user interface, feedback data associated with the output data stream, and provides the feedback data to the anomaly processor for operations analytics based on the feedback data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: MICRO FOCUS LLC
    Inventors: Morad Awad, Gil Elgrably, Mani Fischer, Renato Keshet, Mike Krohn, Alina Maor, Ron Maurer, Igor Nor, Olga Shain, Doron Shaked
  • Patent number: 10801867
    Abstract: A mass flow control system can be self verified for its accuracy when controlling a flow to a process. The system comprises: a control valve for controlling the flow of fluid through the system as a function of a control signal; a controller for generating the control signal as a function of measured flow of fluid through the system and a targeted flow set point; a pressure sensor for measuring the controlling fluid pressure for use in measuring and verifying the flow rate; and a source of fluid for providing a known volume of fluid for use in verifying the system accuracy anytime between steps of the flow control process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Junhua Ding
  • Patent number: 10782171
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, a method, and a computer program product for detecting a process disturbance from entrained gas or particulates within a fluid flowing in a vibrating flow device (5). In one embodiment, the system, the method and the computer program may involve a comparison between a measured drive gain and a drive gain threshold value and a comparison between a void fraction and a void fraction threshold value. In another embodiment, the system, the method and the computer program may involve a comparison between a measured drive gain and a drive gain threshold value, a comparison between a void fraction and a void fraction threshold value, and a comparison between a measured mass flow rate and a nominal mass flow rate threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Paul Stack, Joel Weinstein
  • Patent number: 10724980
    Abstract: A humidity detector a humidity sensor detecting a relative humidity of an air inside a sensor case housing the humidity sensor. The humidity detector has an air volume obtaining section, a flow direction obtaining section, a setting section, and a correction section. The air volume obtaining section obtains air volume information correlated with an air volume of the air flowing around the humidity sensor. The flow direction obtaining section obtains flow direction information correlated with a flow direction of the air flowing around the humidity sensor. The setting section sets correction factors configuring a dynamic compensator based on the air volume information and the flow direction information. The dynamic compensator compensates for a response delay of the humidity sensor. The correction section corrects a detection value, which is detected by the humidity sensor, by using the dynamic compensator to obtain the relative humidity of the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryuta Yamazaki, Syo Okabe, Tatsumi Kumada, Kazuaki Takemoto, Kyoichiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 10704942
    Abstract: Flow rate measurement device includes flow rate measurement unit that measures a flow rate of gas at a prescribed time interval, and arithmetic unit that calculates a characteristic flow rate from the flow rates measured within a predetermined period, and calculates a ratio of each flow rate measured at multiple times within the predetermined period with respect to the characteristic flow rate. In addition, flow rate measurement device includes appliance characteristic extraction unit that extracts an appliance characteristic quantity which indicates a characteristic of a flow rate change in currently using gas appliances within the predetermined period, the appliance characteristic quantity being the ratio or information obtained from the ratio, and appliance inherent characteristic information holding unit that holds an appliance inherent characteristic quantity indicating a characteristic flow rate state of a specific gas appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Kitano, Mitsuo Yokohata
  • Patent number: 10704945
    Abstract: A system for measuring concentration of water vapor in a gas includes a pressure sensor configured to sense a static pressure of the gas and a differential pressure sensor configured to sense a differential pressure. A temperature sensor senses a temperature of the gas. Circuitry estimates determines a concentration of water vapor in the gas based upon the measured pressures and temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: ROSEMOUNT INC.
    Inventors: David Eugene Wiklund, Dale Scott Davis
  • Patent number: 10690546
    Abstract: A system and method for non-destructive, in situ, positive material identification of a pipe selects a plurality of test areas that are separated axially and circumferentially from one another and then polishes a portion of each test area. Within each polished area, a non-destructive test device is used to collect mechanical property data and another non-destructive test device is used to collect chemical property data. An overall mean for the mechanical property data, and for the chemical property data, is calculated using at least two data collection runs. The means are compared to a known material standard to determine, at a high level of confidence, ultimate yield strength and ultimate tensile strength within +/?10%, a carbon percentage within +/?25%, and a manganese percentage within +/?20% of a known material standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: TDW Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth James Greene, Chris Caraway, Gregory Donikowski, Joel Troyer
  • Patent number: 10662954
    Abstract: Apparatus, including a pump system controller, features a signal processor or processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about pump differential pressure, flow rate and corresponding power data at motor maximum speed published by pump manufacturers, as well as instant motor power and speed, for a system of pumps arranged in a multiple pump configuration; and determine corresponding signaling containing information about instant pump differential pressure and flow rate for the system of pumps arranged in the multiple pump configuration using a combined affinity equation and numerical interpolation algorithm, based upon the signaling received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Fluid Handling LLC
    Inventors: Andrew A. Cheng, Kyle D. Schoenheit
  • Patent number: 10648843
    Abstract: A measurement system for providing real-time tracking. The measurement system includes a system tracking measurement unit, a system tracking processing unit, and a user interface device for receiving data corresponding to one or more system conditions over an electronic communications channel, the user interface device including a display. The system tracking measurement unit calculates temporal flow data when the orientation of one or more objects corresponds to an event trigger value and transmits the data to the system tracking processing unit. The system tracking processing unit determines one or more tracking parameters based on the temporal flow data. In addition, the system tracking processing unit determines one or more system conditions based on the one or more tracking parameters. The system tracking processing unit transmits data corresponding to the system conditions for display on a user interface device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventor: Christopher M Toner
  • Patent number: 10620081
    Abstract: A method for operating a magnetic-inductive flowmeter that has at least one measuring unit for measuring the flow of a medium through a pipeline, a housing and at least one control and evaluation unit, wherein the measuring unit has at least one coil for generating a magnetic field, and wherein at least one capacitance formed in conjunction with the coil forms a resonant circuit and wherein the resonant circuit has at least one measured variable characterizing it. A particularly reliable operation of the flowmeter is achieved in that the resonant circuit is excited with an excitation frequency, that the measured variable characterizing the resonant circuit is determined, that a comparison value of the measured variable characterizing the resonant circuit for the leak-free case is stored in the control and evaluation unit and that the measured variable characterizing the resonant circuit is compared to the comparison value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: KROHNE MESSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: Wilhelm Florin
  • Patent number: 10609858
    Abstract: A method includes performing a plurality of calibration routines in which a metering element operates at different speeds. The method also includes receiving a respective plurality of measurements of commodity amounts metered out during the calibration routines. The method further includes generating a calibration factor for operating the metering element based on data generated from the measurements taken from the calibration routines. Also, the method includes generating a control command for the metering element according to the calibration factor. The method additionally includes operating, by the control system, the metering element according to the control command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Elijah B. Garner, Jonathan T. Miller, Stanley R. Borkgren
  • Patent number: 10598531
    Abstract: A system that includes a flow tube configured to provide a flow path through the flow tube. The system also includes a plurality of actuators distributed radially about the flow tube, wherein a first actuator of the plurality of actuators is configured to drive a first oscillation in a first plane and a second actuator of the plurality of actuators is configured to drive a second oscillation in a second plane. Further, the system includes a plurality of sensor sets disposed on the flow tube, wherein each sensor set comprises two or more sensors configured to sense the first oscillation, the second oscillation, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Philipp Lang, Jens Ruetten, Charles Erklin Seeley
  • Patent number: 10473512
    Abstract: A method of detecting an inaccurate flow rate measurement by a vibratory meter is provided. The method includes flowing fluid through the vibratory meter and measuring a flow rate and a density of the fluid with the vibratory meter, and calculating a density change rate of the fluid. The method also includes determining if the measured flow rate is inaccurate based on a comparison between the measured density and a density reference, and a comparison between the density change rate and a density change rate reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick John Zimmer, Craig Andrew Riggins
  • Patent number: 10408153
    Abstract: An engine control device controls an engine including a turbo-supercharger, a waste gate valve, an air-bypass valve, and a high-pressure fuel system. The engine control device includes: an air-bypass valve control unit and an abnormality detection unit. The air-bypass valve control unit controls the air-bypass valve. The abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality in the high-pressure fuel system. The air-bypass valve control unit increases an opening degree of the air-bypass valve in accordance with detection of the abnormality by the abnormality detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Makoto Ito, Ryotaro Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 10394256
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a gas supply system, a gas panel monitoring system and to a gas distribution platform controlled via a high availability computing cluster. In one case, a gas supply system is provided which includes a gas panel defining an enclosure that includes a gas dispensing manifold. Gas flow through the gas dispensing manifold is regulated using solenoids. The gas supply system also includes a redundant control system that is electrically connected to the solenoids. The redundant control system is configured to send actuation signals to the solenoids to allow or prevent gas from flowing through the gas dispensing manifold. The gas supply system further includes a communications module that allows the redundant control system to monitor multiple gas panels. The monitoring includes receiving feedback from gas cabinet components regarding component operational status, and also transmitting actuation signals from the redundant control system to the gas panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: CRITICAL SYSTEMS, INC
    Inventor: Theodore J. Jones
  • Patent number: 10385679
    Abstract: A system and associated method for monitoring pressure of water at a sub-surface water location. The system includes a chamber, enclosing a fluid, and a fluid line. The system includes a differential pressure sensor with first and second fluid pressure inputs connected to the chamber and the fluid line, respectively. The system includes a first valve configured to have a first position in which the chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid line through the first valve and configured to have a second position in which the chamber is blocked from fluid communication with the line. The system includes a second valve configured to have a first position in which the fluid line is blocked from fluid communication with the water at the sub-surface location and is configured to have a second position in which the line is in fluid communication with the water through the second valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dag Thorstein Wang, Bjorn Erik Seeberg, Christopher Grinde
  • Patent number: 10378941
    Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for monitoring a multiphase flow in a pipe, the apparatus comprising: a first monitoring module coupled to the pipe and adapted to provide first output data representing a respective concentration of one phase of a plurality of phases, or a mixture of at least two of the phases, in the multiphase flow by processing at least one first variable representing electrical permittivity of one phase or a mixture of at least two of the phases of the multiphase flow; a second monitoring module coupled to the pipe and adapted to provide second output data representing a respective concentration of one phase, or a mixture of at least two of the phases, of the plurality of phases in the multiphase flow by processing at least one second variable representing electrical conductivity of one phase or a mixture of at least two of the phases of the multiphase flow; and a third monitoring module coupled to the pipe and adapted to provide third output data representing a respective velocity of at least one
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: iPhase Limited
    Inventors: Dominic Patrick McCann, Kevin John Forbes, Andrew Hunt
  • Patent number: 10378942
    Abstract: A method for operating a Coriolis mass flowmeter having at least one controller, at least one electric actuating device, at least one electromagnetic driving mechanism with a drive coil as oscillation generator, at least one measuring tube and at least one oscillation sensor involves excited oscillation of the measuring tube being detected by the oscillation sensor and emitted as at least one output signal and the electric actuating device causing the electromagnetic driving mechanism to produce oscillation of the measuring tube largely in resonance by the output signal of the oscillation sensor, the drive voltage at the drive coil, and phasing of the drive current in relation to the phasing of the output signal of the oscillation sensor being determined and a new target phasing for the drive voltage derived from the determinations and supplied to the controller to generate a drive voltage with the new target phasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: KROHNE MESSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: Johannes Kunze
  • Patent number: 10341167
    Abstract: A system and method for distributed error detection in gas distribution systems comprises sensors coupled to a metering device, and configured to collect sensor information indicative of an operation of the metering device. An electronic volume corrector associated with the metering device serves as a gateway for transmission of sensor information indicative of the operation of the metering device. A computer system is configured to receive sensor information indicative of an operation of the metering device provided by an electronic volume corrector, identify parameters indicative of deviations from the intended operation of the metering device, perform pattern comparisons of the sensor information with reference information, and provide a performance indication of the metering device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Soundari Arunachalam, Dinesh Kumar K N, Suresh Kumar Palle, Pierre Dufour
  • Patent number: 10330508
    Abstract: A method of ultrasound flow metering includes applying a first and second pulse train to an ultrasound transducer pair (T1, T2) positioned for coupling ultrasonic waves therebetween. Responsive to the first pulse train applied to T1, T1 transmits an ultrasonic wave received as received ultrasonic wave (R12) by T2 after propagating through fluid in a pipe. Responsive to the second pulse train applied to T2, T2 transmits an ultrasonic wave received as received ultrasonic wave by (R21) T1 after propagating through the fluid. During the pulse trains, R12 and R21 build up in amplitude to provide excitation portions. The pulse trains are terminated, so that R12 and R21 decay as a damped free oscillation. Windowing is applied to R12 and R21 to generate windowed portions. A signal delay between t12 and t21 (?TOF) is calculated using only windowed portions, and a fluid flow is calculated from the ?TOF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Amardeep Sathyanarayana, Anand Dabak, David Patrick Magee
  • Patent number: 10317261
    Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating a flow rate through a device are provided. One or more pressure sensors measure a plurality of pressure differentials across a tested device. A temporary flow rate sensor measures a plurality of flow rates through the tested device. Each of the measured flow rates corresponds to one of the measured pressure differentials. A regression model trainer generates regression coefficients for a flow rate model using the measured pressure differentials and corresponding flow rates. A flow rate estimator uses the flow rate model to estimate a flow rate through a tested or untested device as a function of a measured pressure differential across the tested or untested device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Homero L. Noboa, Kirk H. Drees