Fluid Or Fluid Flow Measurement Patents (Class 702/100)
  • Patent number: 6947862
    Abstract: A method for determining the flow of a fluid (60) in a gap (64) between a pad (48) and a substrate (12) includes the step of utilizing a hybrid Navier-Stokes/lubrication formulation to calculate the flow of the fluid (60) in the gap (64) at a plurality of time steps. The gap (64) can be divided into a plurality of elements (700). The hybrid Navier-Stokes/lubrication formulation can be used to calculate the fluid flow and the pressure of the fluid (60) at each element (700) at the plurality of time steps. Additionally, a method for tracking and estimating the composition of the fluid (60) at various locations in the gap (64) and a material removal rate model that attempts to account for the effects of the fluid flow in the gap (64), the hydrostatic pressure in the gap (64) and the composition of the fluid (60) in the gap (64) are provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: John K. Eaton, Christopher J. Elkins, Tristan M. Burton
  • Patent number: 6944563
    Abstract: A method and a system to provide allocation of mixed flow to individual sources in oil and gas production systems by measuring mixed flow; analyzing the composition; accessing the data for the mixed flows; and calculating the flow from each source with an allocation algorithm using the mixed flow, the analyzed composition and the composition of at least one source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Hallgeir Melbø, Robert Anton Bernard van der Geest, Svein Arne Morud, Bjørn Øyvind Bringedal
  • Patent number: 6931342
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method to regulate and/or calibrate a mixing valve, in particular in a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine, with which a volume flow can be separated into two partial flows as a function of controlled quantity, whereby the separating ratio of the mixing valve is determined by comparing a target quantity with an actual measured quantity. It is planned that a correction value that is computed during operation is taken into consideration in calculating the separating ratio or mixing ratio (MR). In addition, the invention relates to a corresponding regulating device to regulate and/or calibrate a mixing valve. In this case, it is planned that a correction value that is computed during operation can be taken into consideration in calculating the separating ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Karsten Mann, Oliver Kaefer
  • Patent number: 6925398
    Abstract: Water measurement apparatus and methods of operation. An exemplary implementation of water measurement apparatus comprises a measurement circuit outputting a voltage. A processor is operatively associated with the measurement circuit to receive the voltage and determine a capacitance value proportional to a water level. Computer readable program code is provided in computer readable storage and executable by the processor. The computer readable program code includes program code for determining the water level based on the capacitance value. Water measurement apparatus may also be implemented in an auto-network of water measurement stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Colorado vNet, LLC
    Inventor: John McDermid
  • Patent number: 6920401
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the amount of liquid in a container, and for causing the liquid to flow from the container to a point of use. The weight of the container is measured at several time intervals to determine the weight change of the liquid contained within. When the weight change is less than a predetermined fraction of either the weight of container weight and/or of the liquid originally contained in the container, a signal is generated to indicate that the container may be empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide-Societe Anonyme a'Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Guillaume Rameau, Pascal Mengolli
  • Patent number: 6917891
    Abstract: A fluid flow system for continuously monitoring the flow of fluid including fluid flow conduit with an upstream side and a downstream side, sensors and fluid flow elements, with the method for analyzing the operation of a fluid flow system by determining whether the fluid flow subsystem of the main system is operating properly, inputting a sensor reading of the parameter in the fluid flow of the main system and outputting an error indication of the main system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin A. Rothfuss, Richard J. Depoint, Sami S. Hanna, Ahmed-Mohsen T. Shehata
  • Patent number: 6907371
    Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating operation of a fuel-level indicator of a vehicle are disclosed. The systems and methods include means of determining and/or receiving configuration information about the vehicle and integrating appropriate logic for converting raw fuel-level signals produced by a fuel-level sensor into appropriate processed fuel-level signals to be received by the fuel-level indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Rodney J. Klinger, James C. Bradley, Brian P. Marshall
  • Patent number: 6907383
    Abstract: A flow diagnostic system for a flow sensing element and impulse lines. A pressure transmitter coupled to the impulse lines provides digital pressure data to a control system. The control system provides the pressure data and real time clock readings to a diagnostic application. The diagnostic application calculates a difference between current pressure data and its moving average. A condition of the primary element or impulse lines is diagnosed from a current pressure data set relative to an historical data set. The diagnostic application is downloadable from an application service provider (ASP). The application can run on the control system, a remote computer or the ASP. A diagnostic report is preferably provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Evren Eryurek, Kadir Kavaklioglu
  • Patent number: 6898552
    Abstract: An electronic plumbing device, such as a faucet, has a microprocessor that is programmed to periodically purge stagnant water remaining in the faucet at predetermined time intervals. The microprocessor energizes a solenoid associated with a water valve to initiate the flow of water through the faucet in response to a detector sensing the presence of a user near the faucet. A first timer is programmed into the microprocessor and controls the minimum run time of the faucet for activations initiated by either a user or by the purge feature. A second timer is also programmed into the microprocessor to measure a second predetermined time interval. If the faucet is not used during the second predetermined time interval, the microprocessor will energize the solenoid for the minimum run time to open the water valve and flush out any stagnant water remaining in the faucet from the prior activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Martin E. Marcichow
  • Patent number: 6898541
    Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method for determining component flow rates of a multiphase fluid in a conduit, the fluid consisting of at least three known components, the method including the steps of: measuring at each of two different positions along the conduit at least four mixture quantities, typically the sound speed, the flow velocity of the multiphase fluid, the pressure and the temperature; providing a speed of sound in each of the components at the measured pressures and temperatures; providing a trial value for each of either the component flow rates or the phase fractions; using a predetermined model to calculate values for the measured mixture quantities based on the trial values for each of either the component flow rates or the phase fractions; using a predetermined error function to determine an error value; and using a predetermined optimizing algorithm to determine whether the calculated values are acceptable, and, if they are not, to provide a new trial value for each of either the compone
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Mark R. Myers
  • Patent number: 6895287
    Abstract: In a control method, the first controlled variable is made to coincide with a predetermined controlled variable set point. A relation variable representing the relationship between second controlled variables which are designated in advance from measured second controlled variables different from the first controlled variable so as to maintain a predetermined relationship is calculated. A control actuator is so controlled as to make the calculated relation variable coincide with a predetermined relation variable set point. The difference between the calculated relation variable and a relation variable set point corresponding to the calculated relation variable is calculated. The calculated difference is added to the measured first controlled variable. A manipulated variable is calculated by performing feedback control calculation so as to make the sum coincide with the controlled variable set point. The calculated manipulated variable is output to a corresponding control actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Yamatake Corporation
    Inventor: Masato Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6882941
    Abstract: A fuel dispenser with a flow meter prevents fraud in the form of flow meter replacement by storing a unique identifier in the memory associated with the flow meter. The unique identifier is stored in the memory of the fuel dispenser as well. Prior to each fueling transaction, the unique identifiers in the respective memories are compared. In the event that a match is not found, an alarm may be generated. A calibration factor may likewise be stored in both memories and compared concurrently with the unique identifiers. In an alternate embodiment, each element of the flow meter has a unique identifier which is compared prior to a fueling transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Gilbraco Inc.
    Inventors: Seifollah S. Nanaji, Brent K. Price, David S. Shuttleworth
  • Patent number: 6877354
    Abstract: To balance ozone sensors for the onboard diagnosis of a catalytic element which is arranged in a vehicle and is exposed to an ambient airstream, for breaking down ozone, predetermined enable conditions allowing the sensor balancing to be carried out are checked, and if the enable conditions are fulfilled the values of the output signals from the ozone sensors are recorded and compared with one another. This comparison gives a deviation value which is characteristic of the deviation between the two values, and the deviation value is used to decide whether sensor balancing is required and indeed possible. If sensor balancing is required and possible, the values of the output signals from the ozone sensors are compared with a threshold value and depending on the result of this comparison either an additive or a multiplicative correction of the values of the output signals is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Bayerle, Frank Hacker, Hong Zhang
  • Patent number: 6873946
    Abstract: A method for presenting a graphic user interface (GUI) facilitating generation of selected ones of a Euler grid and a Navier-Stokes grid from a single set of predetermined parameters includes step for defining the geometry of a vehicle to be tested, defining the environment in which the vehicle is to tested, generating the selected ones of the Euler grid and the Navier-Stokes grid responsive the set of predetermined parameters generated in two defining steps, and post-processing the output of the generating step. Computer readable instructions for permitting a general purpose computer to instantiate a graphic user interface (GUI) generating selected ones of a Euler grid and a Navier-Stokes grid from a single set of predetermined parameters and a storage medium storing the computer readable instructions are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: David F. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6868862
    Abstract: A mass flow controller includes an electronic controller for which a plurality of closed loop control codes sets may be uploaded. In a dual processor embodiment, one processor may upload a plurality of codes sets for another, with the selection of codes sets determined by the uploading processor either autonomously or through user interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Shajii, Nicholas Kottenstette, Jesse Ambrosina
  • Patent number: 6860988
    Abstract: A water filtration system incorporating a fluid flow meter has a modular turbine casing assembly in which a turbine is located between upstream and downstream casing elements of identical shape and formed to be stacked so as to trap the turbine in between. The turbine is magnetized and rotation of the turbine is monitored electronically with a reed switch having a lead wire which is positioned proximate to the turbine to sense fluctuations in a magnetic field created by the turbine on rotation of the turbine. The reed switch housing itself is disposed at a location remote from the turbine. The system further includes processor for calculating an adjusted accumulated count data for low volumetric flow rates which are less than a predetermined threshold value. Advantageously, the invention can be used to reliably measure very low flow rates with very little power drawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Envirogard Products Ltd.
    Inventors: I. Scott MacDonald, Edmond Leveson Rampen
  • Patent number: 6853937
    Abstract: To provide a soil characteristics survey device capable of efficiently acquiring high precision data information about the distribution of soil characteristics in an agricultural field, and managing the data information collectively. The soil characteristics survey device is composed of a pedestal connected to the rear of the tractor, a control unit (a computer) mounted on the pedestal, and a soil excavating unit attached below the rear end of the pedestal. While being towed by a vehicle 2 such as a tractor, the device surveys in real time the distribution of soil characteristics in a given agricultural field. At the top of the control unit is attached a GPS antenna. The soil excavating unit 50 is composed of a shank 51 connected to the bottom of the pedestal and a sensing unit which is fixed so the bottom of the shank 51 and advance in the soil approximately parallel to the ground at a predetermined depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology TLO Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sakae Shibusawa, Atsushi Ohtomo, Shinichi Hirako
  • Patent number: 6847901
    Abstract: An electromagnetic flowmeter includes a exciting coil, exciting section, and arithmetic processing section. The exciting coil applies a magnetic field to a fluid flowing in a pipe line. The exciting section supplies an exciting current to the coil. The arithmetic processing section calculates a measurement flow rate on the basis of the measurement signal detected from the excited fluid. The arithmetic processing section includes a measurement flow rate calculation section. In calculating a measurement flow rate from the measurement signal, the measurement flow rate calculation section corrects the flow rate calculated from the measurement signal on the basis of one of adjustment coefficients, set in advance in correspondence with current values of exciting currents, which corresponds to a current value of an exciting current by which the measurement signal is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Yamatake Corporation
    Inventors: Shin Suzuki, Ichiro Mitsutake
  • Patent number: 6845330
    Abstract: An electromagnetic flowmeter includes a coil, exciting section, noise eliminating section, and arithmetic processing section. The coil applies a magnetic field to a fluid flowing in a pipe line. The exciting section supplies an exciting current to the coil. The noise eliminating section eliminates noise from a measurement signal detected from the fluid under excitation by using a differential frequency component between a commercial power frequency and an exciting frequency. The arithmetic processing section calculates a measurement flow rate on the basis of the measurement signal output from the noise eliminating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Yamatake Corporation
    Inventors: Kouji Okuda, Shin Suzuki, Ichiro Mitsutake
  • Patent number: 6839643
    Abstract: In a thermal-type airflow meter that measures an intake airflow rate in an internal combustion engine of an automobile or the like, there has been a problem that pulsation errors caused by external fluctuations under the environment including a large pulsation and reverse flow in the intake valve are difficult to be reduced. In order to solve this problem, the invention provides a flowmeter comprising a detection element that outputs a non-linear signal corresponding to a flow rate, and a regulation means that regulates an output signal of the detection element for controlling. With this construction, the regulation means executes output regulation processing that regulates irregularities of the detection element in the output signal, and inequality linearization processing that regulates an average value of the output signal after the output regulation processing by means of regulating parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Kanke, Masahiro Matsumoto, Shinya Igarashi, Keiji Hanzawa, Kei Ueyama
  • Patent number: 6839637
    Abstract: An exhaust emission control system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The system includes a NOx removing device provided in an exhaust system of the engine for removing NOx contained in exhaust gases, and an oxygen concentration sensor provided in the exhaust system. The air-fuel ratio of the air-fuel mixture to be supplied to the engine is changed from a value which is leaner than the stoichiometric ratio to a value which is richer than the stoichiometric ratio. It is determined whether or not a sulfur oxide concentration in the exhaust gases is high according to a transient characteristic of an oxygen concentration detected by the oxygen concentration sensor after the air-fuel ratio is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norio Moteki, Kotaro Miyashita, Yuichiro Tanabe, Mitsuo Hashizume, Hiroaki Hasumi
  • Publication number: 20040267473
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for instructing users on performing an automatic home laundry process in a non-aqueous laundering apparatus comprising loading fabric articles into the non-aqueous laundering device, entering data describing the fabric articles, processing the data to determine the laundering process, and treating the fabric articles by the laundering process
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: William Michael Scheper, Richard Timothy Hartshorn, Christiaan Arthur Jacques Kamiel Thoen
  • Publication number: 20040261492
    Abstract: A system and method for in-situ verification and calibration of flow control devices includes a first network physical layer connecting the flow control devices to a flow verification device. A controller of the flow verification device is programmed to communicate with each of the flow control devices through the first network physical layer, receive gas specific information and a transfer function from each of the flow control devices, and verify the flow of each flow control device. The controller of the flow verification device is further programmed to communicate with each of the flow control devices through the first network physical layer and, if necessary, calibrate the flow control devices. The verification and calibration of the flow control devices is preferably carried out based upon a single command provided through a tool controller connected to a second network physical layer connected to the flow control devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Kaveh Zarkar, Michael Frank L'Bassi, Mark James Quaratiello
  • Patent number: 6832620
    Abstract: An apparatus for dosing lubricant into a compressed air flow includes a lubricant container, a pneumatically operated lubricant pump, an injection channel, a non-return valve interposed between the outlet of the pump and the injection channel, and an electronic sensor cooperating with or coupled to the non-return valve so that the sensor emits an electrical signal responsive and corresponding to the stroke travel of the non-return valve. When the pump carries out a lubricant injection cycle, the pressurized lubricant pushes open the non-return valve, flows into the injection channel and from there into a main channel through which compressed air flows. The travel of the valve is sensed by the sensor, and the sensor signal indicates whether the lubricant injection was proper or faulty, e.g. if the proper amount of lubricant was injected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Lindauer Dornier Gesellschaft mbH
    Inventor: Siegfried Jaeger
  • Patent number: 6832166
    Abstract: A method and system for determining the effect of precipitation on flow within a sewer network includes identifying a modeled response of the sewer to a precipitation event. Once the modeled response is identified, scaled responses to future precipitation events may be predicted, in real time, by measuring intervals of the precipitation event and calculating the scaled response as a function of the modeled response and the precipitation quantity measured during the precipitation event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: ADS Corporation
    Inventor: James S. Schutzbach
  • Publication number: 20040244461
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for compensating for the measurement deviation of an air flow rate sensor, which is disposed in a flow conduit, on the basis of soiling or aging. To compensate for the measurement error, it is proposed that the sensor be acted upon by an air surge and that the response time of the sensor be evaluated. The sensor error caused by the deposit of soil or by aging is finally corrected as a function of the response time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Lenzing, Uwe Konzelmann
  • Patent number: 6826501
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing water bottom reflection time differences. The method includes selecting a plurality of trace groups, each trace having an offset from a midpoint and a water bottom reflection time. The method also includes determining a rate of change of the water bottom reflection time of each trace and generating a model water velocity and a model water bottom reflection time for each trace midpoint using a preselected function of the water bottom reflection times and the rates of change. Furthermore, the method includes generating a plurality of water bottom reflection time corrections for the traces in each trace group using a pre-selected function of the water bottom reflection times, the model water bottom reflection times, the model water velocities, and the trace offsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: WesternGeco, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Charles V. Carvill
  • Patent number: 6820632
    Abstract: A fluid supply apparatus with a plurality of flow lines branching out from one pressure regulator with the flow lines arranged in parallel and constructed so that opening or closing one flow passage will have no transient effect on the steady flow of the other flow passages. Each flow passage is provided with a time delay-type mass flow controller MFC so that when one closed fluid passage is opened, the mass flow controller on that flow passage reaches a set flow rate Qs in a specific delay time At from the starting point. The invention includes a method and an apparatus in which a plurality of gas types can be controlled in flow rate with high precision by one pressure-type flow control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignees: Fujikin Incorporated, Tokyo Electron Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Satoshi Kagatsume, Kazuhiko Sugiyama, Yukio Minami, Kouji Nishino, Ryousuke Dohi, Katsunori Yonehana, Nobukazu Ikeda, Michio Yamaji, Jun Hirose, Kazuo Fukazawa, Hiroshi Koizumi, Hideki Nagaoka, Akihiro Morimoto, Tomio Uno, Eiji Ideta, Atsushi Matsumoto, Toyomi Uenoyama, Takashi Hirose
  • Publication number: 20040225463
    Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating operation of a fuel-level indicator of a vehicle are disclosed. The systems and methods include means of determining and/or receiving configuration information about the vehicle and integrating appropriate logic for converting raw fuel-level signals produced by a fuel-level sensor into appropriate processed fuel-level signals to be received by the fuel-level indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Rodney J. Klinger, James C. Bradley, Brian P. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20040225464
    Abstract: A method and a system to provide allocation of mixed flows back to individual sources in an oil and/or gas production system. The method is independent of sub sea on-line measurements. Instead the method uses comparably inexpensive topside equipment for compositional allocation of the flows. The method comprises the use of an on-line allocation algorithm. The method is suitable where improved reliability of flow allocation back to wells and reservoirs is needed. The allocated flow may be used to calculate and estimate the remaining volumes in a reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Hallgeir Melbo, Robert Anton Bernard van der Geest, Svein Arne Morud, Bjorn Oyvind Bringedal
  • Patent number: 6810345
    Abstract: A gas flow meter having a gas flow detection circuit for detecting a current flowing through a resistor installed in a gas passage and a voltage generated across the resistor and outputting a voltage signal representing a gas flow passing through the gas passage; a noise reduction circuit for reducing external noise; and a digital adjusting circuit for digitally adjusting a signal representing the detected gas flow and outputting the adjusted signal; wherein a voltage signal based on the signal adjusted by the digital adjusting circuit is output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takafumi Matsumura, Noboru Sugiura, Kenichi Katagishi, Masahiro Matsumoto, Keiji Hanzawa
  • Publication number: 20040210410
    Abstract: A gas flow meter having a gas flow detection circuit for detecting a current flowing through a resistor installed in a gas passage and a voltage generated across the resistor and outputting a voltage signal representing a gas flow passing through the gas passage; a noise reduction circuit for reducing external noise; and a digital adjusting circuit for digitally adjusting a signal representing the detected gas flow and outputting the adjusted signal; wherein a voltage signal based on the signal adjusted by the digital adjusting circuit is output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicants: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takafumi Matsumura, Noboru Sugiura, Kenichi Katagishi, Masahiro Matsumoto, Keiji Hanzawa
  • Publication number: 20040210409
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of estimating moisture content in a material involving directing a first frequency (f1) signal and a second frequency (f2) signal through a material, determining a first absolute phase shift (&phgr;1), of said frequency signal and a second absolute phase shift (&phgr;2) of said second frequency signal, transforming &phgr;1 to a first corrected absolute phase shift (&phgr;1c) and &phgr;2 to a second corrected absolute phase shift (&phgr;2c) in accordance with an expected relationship between &phgr;1 and &phgr;2, and estimating moisture content from &phgr;1c and &phgr;2c.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: David Geoffrey Miljak
  • Publication number: 20040204885
    Abstract: A method of obtaining at least one representation of a characteristic function of a sensor from a test fluid during calibration of the sensor according to a sensor model having a transfer function operating on flow rate, at least one sensor property and at least one fluid property and employing the at least one representation of the characteristic function to determine flow rates through the sensor during operation with an arbitrary fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Chiun Wang, William S. Valentine, John M. Lull
  • Publication number: 20040200260
    Abstract: An apparatus for improving the procedure for quantifying the volume of liquid dispensed by a liquid-dispensing mechanism of an analytical instrument. The apparatus of this invention comprises (a) at least one weigh cup; (b) at least one standard mass; (c) at least one transducer assembly to convert a value of weight to an electrical response; and (d) at least one electronic circuit for converting the electrical response to a measurement of volume. This invention provides a method for calibrating readings of the volume of liquid dispensed by a liquid-dispensing mechanism of an analytical instruments so that absolute measurements of the volume of liquid dispensed can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Kurt M. Klosterman, Ganesh Rajagopal, Larry R. Jibson, James L. Dempski, Paul A. Matuszewski, Jeffrey W. Stewart, Jeffrey R. Swanson, David M. Tipotsch, Randall E. Youngs, Norman A. Abunimeh
  • Publication number: 20040200259
    Abstract: Descriptions are provided for implementing flowmeter zeroing techniques. In operating a flowmeter, it may be the case that, if not properly calibrated, the flowmeter will produce erroneous measurements, e.g., will indicate a non-zero flow during a period of zero flow. By determining a magnitude of such erroneous measurements, calibration values may be determined, which may later be used to adjust a measurement that is output by the flowmeter and thereby improve an accuracy of the flowmeter. Such calibration values may be determined for a plurality of operational conditions associated with the flowmeter, such as densities of materials being measured, and/or configurations of flow elements associated with transporting material to the flowmeter. Then, the calibration values may be correlated with the relevant operational conditions, and stored for later use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Wade M. Mattar
  • Publication number: 20040172210
    Abstract: A fluid flow system for continuously monitoring the flow of fluid including fluid flow conduit with an upstream side and a downstream side, sensors and fluid flow elements, with the method for analyzing the operation of a fluid flow system by determining whether the fluid flow subsystem of the main system is operating properly, inputting a sensor reading of the parameter in the fluid flow of the main system and outputting an error indication of the main system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Kevin A. Rothfuss, Richard J. Depoint, Sami S. Hanna, Ahmed-Mohsen T. Shehata
  • Publication number: 20040167735
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for calibrating a flow meter having an array of sensors arranged in relation to a pipe that measures a flow rate of a fluid flowing in the pipe. The method features the step of calibrating the flow rate using a calibration correction function based on one or more parameters that characterize either the array of sensors, the pipe, the fluid flowing in the pipe, or some combination thereof. The calibration correction function depends on either a ratio t/D of the pipe wall thickness (t) and the pipe inner diameter (D); a ratio t/&lgr; of the pipe wall thickness (t) and the eddie wavelength (X) of the fluid; a Reynolds number (&rgr;UD/&mgr;) that characterizes the fluid flow in the pipe; a ratio &Dgr;x/D of the sensor spacing (&Dgr;x) and the pipe inner diameter (D); a ratio f&Dgr;x/Umeas of usable frequencies in relation to the sensor spacing (&Dgr;x) and the raw flow rate (Umeas); or some combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Paul Rothman, Daniel L. Gysling, Douglas H. Loose, Alex Kravets
  • Patent number: 6782326
    Abstract: A flow rate measuring apparatus capable of accurately measuring a flow rate of fluctuating fluid. A mode setting circuit selectively sets any one of a plurality of predetermined transmission modes different in transmission timing. The mode setting circuit sets any one of a first transmission mode which permits an ultrasonic wave to be transmitted at a predetermined timing for every period of a flow waveform of exhaust gas, a second transmission mode which permits an ultrasonic wave to be transmitted at a timing shifted by a predetermined time for every period of the flow waveform of the exhaust gas and a third transmission mode which permits an ultrasonic wave to be transmitted at predetermined intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignees: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan Automobile Research Institute, Kaijo Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Takamoto, Akira Yamasaki, Kenzo Hosoi, Satoshi Arai, Kazuyoshi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6782344
    Abstract: A sign of abnormality of a valve apparatus during its operation is grasped, an abnormal position and a portion requiring repair are specified, a range of inspection of an electric valve is limited and the degree of the sign of abnormality is judged without touching at all the valve apparatus. A driving force sensor provided to a driving portion of a valve apparatus is connected to a diagnosing apparatus, an energy sensor for detecting feed energy to the driving portion and a vibration sensor for detecting vibration of the valve apparatus are provisionally fitted to the valve apparatus. A data conversion unit converts the detection signals outputted from these three kinds of sensors to predetermined signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Japan Atomic Power Co.
    Inventors: Haruo Ito, Susumu Watanabe, Tomoaki Sumita
  • Publication number: 20040162688
    Abstract: A method for determining the flow of a fluid (60) in a gap (64) between a pad (48) and a substrate (12) includes the step of utilizing a hybrid Navier-Stokes/lubrication formulation to calculate the flow of the fluid (60) in the gap (64) at a plurality of time steps. The gap (64) can be divided into a plurality of elements (700). The hybrid Navier-Stokes/lubrication formulation can be used to calculate the fluid flow and the pressure of the fluid (60) at each element (700) at the plurality of time steps. Additionally, a method for tracking and estimating the composition of the fluid (60) at various locations in the gap (64) and a material removal rate model that attempts to account for the effects of the fluid flow in the gap (64), the hydrostatic pressure in the gap (64) and the composition of the fluid (60) in the gap (64) are provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: John K. Eaton, Christopher J. Elkins, Tristan M. Burton
  • Patent number: 6778927
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (1) for obtaining measuring characteristic correction factors for a respiratory flow measuring device (50) using a differential pressure difference. The system (1) has a 3 L syringe (10), a detecting unit (20), an A/D converter (30) and a computer (40). The 3 L syringe (10) is connected to a respiratory tube of the respiratory flow measuring device (50) through a duct line. The detecting unit (20) detects volume variation within the syringe (10) and outputs the detected result as a voltage signal. The A/D converter (30) converts a volume variation signal, detected as the voltage signal by the detecting unit (20), and a differential pressure variation signal, detected as a voltage signal by a differential pressure sensor (54) through a signal extracting circuit (56) into digital signals. The computer (40) calculates measuring characteristic correction factors using the digital signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventors: Un Jong Cha, Hyun Sik Kim, Kyoung A Kim
  • Publication number: 20040149031
    Abstract: The invention concerns bubble level meter having a pneumatic tube connected to a gas generator and to a pressure sensor. A deflecting valve is interposed along the pneumatic tube, for deflecting the air outlet at a predetermined height from the usual lower outlet of the tube. A control circuit controls the deflecting valve and the gas generator based on predetermined set values, processes the pressure measurements obtained from the pressure sensor, checks the calibration of the sensor on the basis of the measurements and the differences in height between the tube outlet, and generates level data based on the processed pressure measurements and a calibrating coefficient. Another valve interposed between the sensor and the tube and monitored by the circuit control, enables to take into account the possible drift of the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Claude Bouchard
  • Publication number: 20040149003
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for accommodating indirect ascertainment of fill-characteristics of fluid tanks on marine vessels. The invention includes providing an experientially-based mapping of volume characteristics of a fluid tank positioned on a marine vessel that are correlated with respect to measurable fluid surface positions within the fluid tank. In consideration of this volume characteristic mapping, fluid fill condition information is output for operator use based on quantification of a parameter other than sensed fluid level in the fluid tank. While it is contemplated that the other parameter may be any characteristic that readily reads back to the volume characteristic mapping, it is particularly advantageous, and a preferred embodiment of the invention, that the other parameter be a volumetric quantification of fluid consumed out of the tank that can be compared to an earlier ascertained tank volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: AB Volvo Penta
    Inventor: Per Nestvall
  • Publication number: 20040123659
    Abstract: A low-water cut-off system [A] determines if fluid [W] within a boiler or other enclosure drops below a predetermined level within the enclosure. A signal generator introduces a signal into the enclosure so that the signal is present for sensing at the predetermined level, where a probe is provided for sensing the signal if present as occurs if the water is at the predetermined level. A control, which includes a microcontroller, is responsive to the probe for providing a control function in response to whether the signal is so sensed by the probe, and so to determine if water has dropped below the predetermined level. The function may be causing alarm signalling or boiler heating cut-off. Self-test and time delay features are also included. Provision is made so that the control compensates for variation in electrical conductivity of the water through which the probe signal is sent, including circuitry to adjust for a wide range of possible purity levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey Merwin
  • Patent number: 6757630
    Abstract: An integrated system for certifying the safety and efficacy of intravenous (“IV”) pumps is provided wherein a test station having a first component in liquid flow communication with a pump to be tested and a second component adopted for electrical connection to the pump can be operated accurately by persons without extensive technical training and without the need to ship the IV pump off-site. In a preferred embodiment, an output element prompts the operator to input responses based upon a prescribed test protocol to certify the safety and efficacy of the IV pump's operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: MEDIQ/PRN Life Support Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. McClendon, Aleandro DiGianfilippo
  • Publication number: 20040122612
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method to regulate and/or calibrate a mixing valve, in particular in a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine, with which a volume flow can be separated into two partial flows as a function of controlled quantity, whereby the separating ratio of the mixing valve is determined by comparing a target quantity with an actual measured quantity. It is planned that a correction value that is computed during operation is taken into consideration in calculating the separating ratio or mixing ratio (MR). In addition, the invention relates to a corresponding regulating device to regulate and/or calibrate a mixing valve. In this case, it is planned that a correction value that is computed during operation can be taken into consideration in calculating the separating ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Karsten Mann, Oliver Kaefer
  • Patent number: 6751683
    Abstract: An impact of configuration changes on controllers is projected. This projection quantifies the impact for each controller affected by the change, such that it is known by a quantifiable value how much the change impacts the controller. In order to project the impact, a projected I/O velocity of the controller is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Francis E. Johnson, Gary M. King, William J. Rooney, Peter B. Yocom
  • Patent number: 6745104
    Abstract: A fraud detection system within a fuel dispenser includes the ability to measure the amount of fuel dispensed through the fuel dispenser. The measurement is compared to a value independently created representing what the amount of fuel dispensed should approximate. If the values are not comparable, an alarm may be generated to indicate that the fuel dispenser has been modified to perpetrate fraud upon the customers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy E. Dickson
  • Patent number: 6745135
    Abstract: A system, method, and software are disclosed that determine a proportion of a majority component of a fluid that is flowing through a Coriolis flowmeter. Circuitry receives pickoff signals and a temperature signal from the Coriolis flowmeter responsive to the fluid being flowed through the Coriolis flowmeter. The circuitry processes the pickoff signals and the temperature signal to determine a proportion of the majority component relative to the fluid. To determine the proportion of the majority component in one example, the circuitry determines a first volumetric flow rate based on a measured mass flow rate of the fluid and a reference density of the majority component. The circuitry then determines a second volumetric flow rate based on a measured volumetric flow rate, a temperature-varying density, and the reference density. The circuitry determines the proportion of the majority component based on the first volumetric flow rate and the second volumetric flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Keilty, Andrew T. Patten