Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus configured to perform viscosity compensation for a payload measurement system of a machine. The machine has at least one cylinder for elevating a payload carrier. The cylinder is connected to a fluid circuit having an actuating fluid. A plurality of pressure values of the actuating fluid are sensed during a lifting of a first payload. Then a plurality of pressure values of the actuating fluid are sensed during a lifting of a second payload. In addition a parameter indicative of the fluid viscosity associated with the first and second lift is established. A plurality of pressure values of the actuating fluid are sensed during a lifting of a third payload, and a parameter indicative of the viscosity of the actuating fluid associated with the third lift is established. A payload weight of the third payload is then determined in response to the viscosity indicative parameters, and the sensed plurality of actuating fluid pressure values.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for monitoring a system in which a fluid flows and which is characterized by a change in the system with time in space. A preselected place in the system is monitored to collect data at two or more time points correlated to a system event. The data is indicative of a system parameter that varies with time as a function of at least two variables related to system wash-in and wash-out behavior. A calibration map is made on a calculated basis with each pixel or voxel representative of a color hue indicative of wash-out behavior and a color intensity indicative of wash-in behavior. When a satisfactory map is obtained, the collected data is processed on the basis of the map to obtain an image of the preselected place with each spatial unit thereof correlated with a color hue and a color intensity. Software and a data processing system are provided to develop the calibration map. The calibration map and image of the preselected place are also novel implementations.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining fluid flow through a pressure regulator is disclosed. The pressure regulator is disposed in a fluid flow passage and has a throttling element moveable in the flow passage. A stem is attached to the throttling element. The apparatus includes a first pressure sensor for measuring pressure upstream of the throttling element, a second pressure sensor for measuring pressure downstream of the throttling element, and a travel sensor for detecting the position of the throttling element. A processor is provided which includes a stored algorithm for determining flow rate based on the measured pressure and travel values.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a system for monitoring liquid consumption at one or more establishments. At each establishment, the system includes one or more spouts and a local computer. Each spout is mounted on a liquid container. Also, each spout generates data regarding the amount of liquid poured from the spout's container. The local computer at each establishment collects data generated by the spouts at the establishment. In some embodiments, a wireless network links the local computer and the spouts at each establishment. The system also includes an external computer that gathers the data collected by the local computers of the establishments monitored by the system. In some embodiments, the external computer is located outside of all the establishments, while in other embodiments this computer is located within one of the establishments. Some embodiments of the invention provide a free-pour spout.

Abstract: Motion signals representing motion of a conduit of a mass flowmeter are mode selective filtered to generate a plurality of mode selective filtered motion signals such that the plurality of mode selective filtered motion signals preferentially represent motion associated with a vibrational mode of the conduit. A plurality of time difference estimates is generated from the plurality of mode selective filtered motion signals. A correlation measure is generated from the plurality of time difference estimates. A status of the mass flowmeter system is determined from the generated correlation measure. In some embodiments, the correlation measure comprises an intercept parameter of a scaling function that relates the plurality of time difference estimates to a plurality of reference time differences representing motion of the conduit at a known mass flow. In other embodiments, the correlation measure comprises a correlation coefficient estimated from the plurality of time difference estimates.

Abstract: Rupture path logic methods of detecting, locating and isolating ruptures within a fluid piping system are disclosed, wherein a rupture within a piping system can be detected and isolated based solely upon local pressure and flow rate measurements at individual valves within the system without the need for communication of measured fluid data between valves at various locations throughout the system. A fluid characteristic is determined individually for each valve based upon the pressure and flow rate measurements at the valve, and that fluid characteristic is compared with set point fluid characteristic information to determine whether each valve is on a fluid path between a fluid supply source and a rupture.

Abstract: A scaled quadrature pulse output signal is generated for representing direction and volume in predetermined increments of the flow of a liquid or a gas through a meter. An unscaled pulse signal is received from a meter. A scaling factor is applied to each unscaled pulse signal for accurately representing an increment of volume. The increments are sequentially added or subtracted to/from one another (depending upon flow direction) and a scaled quadrature output signal is provided for indicating the direction of flow and the volume of flow in predetermined increments.

Abstract: A method for determining a plurality of fluid flow characteristic curves of a heat-dissipating system, wherein each fluid flow characteristic curve is a relationship curve of one of an air pressure and an air flow and the air pressure and a rotating speed of the heat-dissipating system.

Abstract: A computer (20) adapted to communicate with a measuring apparatus (12) for receiving liquid level measurements and delivering a calibrated fuel quantity output (24) to a readout instrument (14). The computer (20) has an input interface (34) with a first input (22A) for accepting a first liquid level measurement signal from said measuring apparatus (12). A first bias circuit (30A) provides an adjustable offset bias to minimize voltage errors due to input bias current received in the first liquid level measurement signal (26A). Computer(20) also has a calibrating circuit (36) for calibrating the first liquid level measurement signal to provide a calibrated fuel quantity output signal (24) that can be read by readout instrument (14) through output interface (42).

Abstract: Correction quantities are generated for yielding closer approximations of actual parameters. These are obtained by preliminarily subjecting parametric transducers to pre-selected parametric values and recording the measured values for each transducer in a data table for later use as or in correction quantities. An embodiment includes interpolation relative to data table values closest to the operationally measured parametric value and using the resulting interpolated value as a corrected parametric value. Such interpolations may be performed for two parametric transducers relative to two substances. The resulting corrected parametric values may then be subtracted to obtain a parametric difference. A further embodiment may include using correction quantities of a reference parametric transducer in interpolation calculations for the actual parametric transducers.

Abstract: A method of calibrating stock consistency sensors, that serve to measure the stock consistencies of fiber stock suspensions, required in the production of a fiber web, specifically a paper or cardboard web, whereby the stock consistency sensors are all based on the same measuring principle and the stock consistency sensors are calibrated on-line and automatically, and whereby the actual stock consistency values are determined from the obtained stock consistency readings by way of at least one mass balance and by way of the characteristic curves of the sensors.

Abstract: A method for approximating compressible flow is described that is applicable across any pressure range of interest uses upstream and downstream pressure. The approximation minimizes variance with respect to a true flow equation. A flow control system is given using the new method that achieves accurate control with minimum complexities. The control system is application to various systems, including internal combustion engine airflow control, internal combustion engine exhaust gas recirculation control, internal combustion engine alternative fuel flow control, and many other compressible flow control problems.

Abstract: A Coriolis flowmeter is operated to generate accurate output material flow information over a wide temperature range that includes cryogenic temperatures. Heretofore, temperature compensation was provided using linear expressions that erroneously assumed the value of Young's Modulus E varied linearly with temperature. This resulted in unacceptable output information errors. The Coriolis flowmeter of the present invention uses non-linear compensation information stored in memory to generate accurate non-linear temperature compensated material flow output information at all temperatures including cryogenic temperatures. In one embodiment, the stored non-linear information represents measured values of Young's Modulus E that are used to generate accurate temperature compensated material flow output information.

Abstract: A single meter blending fuel dispensing system utilizing a pair of proportional flow control valves each having a pressure transducer positioned aft of the valve flow control mechanism. A computer controller is used to program a desired fuel mixture by varying the pressure for each flow control valve. A pressure decrease in one valve produces a corresponding pressure increase in the other valve. A third pressure transducer can be situated downstream of the valves and is set such that the pressure it receives cannot exceed that of the two valve pressures. Flow meters can be substituted for the pressure sensors. A calibration method for calibrating the positive displacement meter is also disclosed. At installation the positive displacement meter is at its most accurate and is synchronized with the less accurate pressure sensors or flow meters.

Abstract: The mass of particulate matter in a particle laden gas stream is measured using a single mass detector. The particle laden gas stream and a substantially identical but particle-free gas stream alternately engage the mass detector during successive measurement time periods. A difference between a reading provided by the mass detector for a current measurement time period and a reading provided by the mass detector for a consecutive measurement time period is determined. This difference intrinsically corrects for volatilization losses occurring during the current measurement time period. A measure of the mass or concentration of particulate matter in the particulate laden gas stream is determined from this difference.

Abstract: A system for initializing parameters in a drive circuit. This invention applies initial drive signals to a drive circuit which causes said flow tube to vibrate. The configuration of the flow tube is then determined from pick-off signals received from pick-off sensors associated with the flow tube. Parameters for generation of said drive signals are then set based upon the configuration of said flow tube.

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.

Abstract: A method of correcting the phase difference between first and second data signals from a Coriolis flowmeter using three parallel input stages which process the signals and a pair of phase detectors for receiving the signals by delivering the first and second signals continuously to first and second input stages, respectively, to produce processed data signals therefrom while delivering the first and second signals alternately to the third input stage to produce a processed data signal therefrom, routing the processed data signals to at least one additional phase detector to produce first and second corrective phase differences, and producing a corrected phase difference by summing the uncorrected phase difference and the difference between the first and second corrective phase differences. A circuit for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for resetting vehicle engine oil sensors includes determining whether a vehicle hood is opened. If the hood is opened, an oil sensor disposed in an oil pan is awakened and instructed to monitor the oil level. If, while the hood is opened, an oil parameter is altered a predetermined amount, the sensor and a corresponding output device are reset.

Abstract: A method and a device are proposed for controlling and/or diagnosing a control system influencing a mass flow. In this context, a correction value is calculated, which corrects the controlling, or is evaluated for diagnostic purposes. The correction value, in this context, is derived from the line resistance of the mass flow line.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting and monitoring flow conditions in the coolant of a nuclear reactor that relies upon acoustic or optical differences in the various flow conditions. The system uses a database of acoustic or optical characteristics of the various known flow conditions being monitored, and a processor that compares the detected acoustic signals with the known acoustic characteristics. The processor uses various methods of discrimination, such as altering or decaying the transmitted signal, to aid in the interpretation and comparison of the signals. The acoustic detection is provided by a pair of sensor assemblies positioned a distance from each other to detect variations in the acoustic patterns associated with the coolant flow.

Abstract: Precalibrated flow meters which include electronic modules that contain, in a storage memory thereof, a plurality of calibration factors that correspond to a plurality of different fluids. The calibration factors can be chosen during field operations using a touch pad on the face of the meters. The precalibrated flow meters monitor current and accumulative totals of fluid volumes. The precalibrated flow meters can be used in conjunction with air flow compensators which sense the flow of air through a fluid flow passage.

Abstract: A method for determining corrected gas flow values from measured physical gas flow values is provided. A laser-based sensor system is deployed in a duct through which the gas moves. The sensor system includes two or more pairs of photoemitters/photodetectors that emit and detect light beams. Spectral changes in the light beams associated with the laser sensor system caused by the properties of the gas passing through the duct are referenced to known gas physical properties, including density. That information as well as the velocity of the gas and the temperature in the duct are analyzed and manipulated in a programmed processing unit. The processing unit is programmed to calculate a corrected gas flow value from the information obtained directly and indirectly from the detected light beams. The system and the method for obtaining the corrected flow value are suitable for use in the determination of corrected airflow through a duct, including a duct of an aircraft engine.

Abstract: In a method for calibration and measurement of a micro-dialysis system and a micro-dialysis system, one sensor is employed. Measurement times in micro-dialysis tend to be long, since concentration equilibrium at the measurement probe is necessary. The method enables calibration and measurement to be performed with two dialysates with differing analyte contents in order to facilitate measurement with no need to wait for complete equilibrium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-situ calibration of quantity measurement of a fluid flowing in a channel, in which a device for measuring the volume of the fluid is disconnected from the fluid flow, measuring fluid is accumulated in a pre-determined amount on site of the calibration, this pre-determined amount of measuring fluid is led through the measuring device with a pre-determined volume flow, in the course of which the volume values measured by the measuring device are saved, then the measured volume values and the real values of the fluid led through are compared to each other and, with this, the quantity measurement of the flowing fluid is calibrated.

Abstract: A system for initializing parameters in a drive circuit. This invention applies initial drive signals to a drive circuit which causes said flow tube to vibrate. The configuration of the flow tube is then determined from pick-off signals received from pick-off sensors associated with the flow tube. Parameters for generation of said drive signals are then set based upon the configuration of said flow tube.

Abstract: A system, method and computer-program product for automatically calibrating a current measuring device. The system and method includes a means for automatically determining viable data segments that can be used for calibration purposes. A quality factor that is associated with each calibration realization is provided. The quality factor is an assessment of the quality of the data in a viable data segment as determined based on user input, statistical information, and the validity of the assumptions used to calculate the calibration coefficient.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and device for measuring the volumetric flow of a fluid. According to this method, a volume-measuring device comprising a movable element, for example two or more screw spindles emits measurement signals derived from the cyclical movement of the element to a measuring transducer which forms counting signals from the measurement signals. In order to improve measuring accuracy, the cycle frequency of the movable element is determined from the measurement signals, and stored correction factors for the respective cycle frequency are used to form and emit counting signals proportional to the actual volumetric flow.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a linearized sensor signal p from a sensor signal m using a kth-degree polynomial The coefficients of the kth-degree polynomial can be calculated using a least-squares method by a computer. The computer can calculate for 1<j≦k the (2j−1) root of the jth coefficient aj of the kth-degree polynomial and download the coefficients and the resulting roots rj to a storage device in a digital signal processor (DSP).

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

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controlling the amount of water in the vapor of multiple zones of a calcination or oxidation operation have been developed. The process begins with calibration of a vessel housing a capacitance probe. The level of water in a vessel housing the capacitance probe is adjusted so as to immerse from about 5 to about 15 percent of the probe and measuring and recording an initial capacitance, CI. A measured amount of vapor is passed through a condenser, the condensed water is conducted to the vessel and a final capacitance, CF, is measured and recorded. The change in capacitance is calculated, &Dgr;C=(CF−CI), and the difference, &Dgr;C, is used along with the calibration to determine the amount of water condensed. With the amount of water condensed and the measured amount of vapor passed through the vessel, the amount of water in the vapor may be readily calculated.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved automated flow through electrode liquid monitoring system. The automated system has a sample inlet to a sample pump, a sample outlet from the sample pump to at least one flow through electrode with a waste port. At least one computer controls the sample pump and records data from the at least one flow through electrode for a liquid sample. The improvement relies upon (a) at least one source of a calibration sample connected to (b) an injection valve connected to said sample outlet and connected to said source, said injection valve further connected to said at least one flow through electrode, wherein said injection valve is controlled by said computer to select between said liquid sample or said calibration sample. Advantages include improved accuracy because of more frequent calibrations, no additional labor for calibration, no need to remove the flow through electrode(s), and minimal interruption of sampling.

Abstract: A pressure sensor often is employed to provide an indication of a pressure differential that results from air flowing through an HVAC system. An apparatus processes the pressure differential indication to derive a measurement of the air flow rate. Greater measurement accuracy is achieved by calibrating the apparatus at both the minimum and maximum flow rates expected in the system. This is accomplished by deriving separate gain factor coefficients for the performance of the sensing at both the minimum and maximum flow rates. The use of these coefficients also eliminates the dependency of the flow rate calculation on the density of the fluid and the cross-sectional area of the fluid conduit.

Abstract: A summing module (10) and method for interfacing a compound meter with two metering signals to a plurality of different output devices for displaying or retransmitting meter data includes an enclosure (20), a summing circuit (32), networks (41) for setting a ratio between the two metering signals before they are summed, and a ratio between one of the input signals and an output signal, and output subcircuits (60, 65) for providing signals compatible with at least two meter data output devices. The module (10) also provides for testing of the inputs for short circuits and open circuits and passing the result on to the output.

Abstract: A system and method for modeling a reformate composition in an electric power system. The electric power system may include a reformer, which produces a reformate, and an electrochemical cell, which utilizes the reformate to generate electricity. The system and method comprise: a reformer temperature sensor, which generates a reformer temperature signal representative of a reformer temperature; an airflow sensor, which generates an airflow signal representative of a measured airflow to the reformer; and a controller configured to receive the abovementioned signals. The controller performs the modeling and generates an estimate of the reformate composition, where the estimate is responsive to at least one of the reformer temperature signal, the fuel flow signal, and the airflow signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing particles suspended in a fluid. The fluid has electrical properties different from that of the particles. The fluid and particles move from a first fluid containing portion to a second fluid containing portion through a conduit or aperture. A first pair of electrodes, each electrode of the pair being in a respective fluid containing portion. A constricted electrical path is defined between the first and second electrodes, and the path extends along the aperture. At least one other pair of electrodes is positioned in a non-encircling arrangement, and are aligned with each other and transversed to the constricted electrical path. This configuration eliminates many common errors suseptible to other devices.

Abstract: A method for inspecting the liquid discharge condition of a liquid jet recording head, which is structured by assembling a ceiling plate having discharge ports formed on it to discharge liquid, and energy generating means to generate energy for discharging liquid, comprises the steps of forcing liquid to flow out from the discharge ports of the ceiling plate after the discharge ports are processed and formed on the ceiling plate, but before the assembled structure is formed, of observing and measuring the flow out condition of the liquid, and of calculating the discharge angle of the liquid. With the method thus arranged, it is possible to promptly reflect the inspection result of the liquid discharge direction and angle on the processing step accordingly if any deviation thereof is found from the regular value, thus enhancing the production yields significantly.

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. In particular, a reference used in the comparison is created from data known to contain fraudulent information. If there is a match between the reported profile and the known fraudulent material an alarm may be generated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring the fluid consumption of a user over a given measurement time, including a volumetric meter (26) connected to a central information processing unit (28). This unit is designed to take a series of readings at successive intervals in said measurement time, so as to compare each reading with a reference value that corresponds to a predetermined nominal consumption threshold and thus from this deduce the quantity consumed over said measurement time corresponding to consumption with a flow rate higher than the nominal consumption threshold.

Abstract: An ultra accurate gas injection system includes an input device for inputting setpoint data including a target flow rate for the flow of gas into the system. The gas flows through a mass flow controller at an actual flow rate. The mass flow controller issues a flow rate signal indicative of at least the actual flow rate and receives a flow control signal. The mass flow controller is configured to control the actual flow rate dependent at least in part upon the flow control signal. A programmable controller is electrically connected to the input device and the mass flow controller. The programmable controller receives the setpoint data from the input device and issues the flow control signal, the flow control signal being dependent at least in part upon the target flow rate contained within the setpoint data. The programmable controller repeatedly reads the flow rate signal and compares the actual flow rate with the target flow rate.

Abstract: The operational performance of a fluid storage and dispensing system is monitored by measurement apparatus which measures a volume associated with the system. A plurality of measurement data is collected from the measurement apparatus in a form readable by a computer and is stored in a compressed matrix format in a computer memory. The compressed matrix format is statistically analyzed to determine operational monitoring information regarding the system. The temperature of the fluid may also be measured for calculating the volume associated with the system. The operational performance and volume of the fluid storage system may be precisely monitored without requiring presumptions as to the accuracy of the measurement apparatus.

Abstract: A method for controlling the gas flow within a digital mass flow controller. The method calculates a digitally enhanced flow rate signal that more accurately represents an actual flow rate through the digital mass flow controller. The digitally enhanced flow rate is calculated using a sensed flow rate signal output from a flow sensor, a scaled first derivative of the sensed flow rate signal, and a scaled, filtered second derivative of the sensed flow rate signal. A set-point signal is compared to the digitally enhanced flow rate signal to generate a digital error signal. The digital error signal is provided to a digitally realized PI (proportional integral) controller. The PI controller generates a digital control signal which is used to control a valve in the digital mass flow controller.

Abstract: A multiple single use optical sensor includes a series of continuous sensor stripes deposited on a substrate web. At least one sample chamber is adapted to extend transversely across a discrete portion of the series of sensor stripes to facilitate analysis of a sample disposed therein. The sample chamber may be moved, or additional sample chambers provided to enable subsequent measurements of additional samples at unused discrete portions of the sensor stripes. The continuous nature of the sensor stripes provides consistency along the lengths thereof to enable calibration data obtained from one discrete portion of the sensor stripes to be utilized for testing an unknown sample an other discrete portion of the sensor stripes. This advantageously eliminates the need for any particular discrete portion of the sensor stripes to be contacted by more than one sample, for improved sensor performance.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas recirculation system, a mass airflow (MAF) sensor is disposed at the air inlet to an engine cylinder. For engines with an EGR recirculation path, the sensor is upstream of that path. The MAF sensor provides signals to an engine control module (ECM) indicative of the mass airflow of the intake charge to the engine. A system and method for on-line self-recalibration of the MAF sensor and the MAF values includes comparing the sensed MAF value with an ideal MAF value obtained using data from sensors downstream from the MAF sensor. If a comparison of the sensed versus the actual MAF values reveals that the MAF sensor is out of calibration, a regression analysis is applied to several data pairs of MAF sensor output magnitude and ideal MAF value to modify the relationship between MAF sensor output and sensed MAF value.

Abstract: A residual chlorine meter, which is easy to calibrate and enables measurement results of good precision to be obtained, wherein an oxygen reduction voltage of for example −1V is applied across an anode electrode and a cathode electrode when the power is turned ON with a sensor part being in air (step S1), the polarographic current corresponding to the concentration of oxygen in air is detected (step S3), span calibration is performed based on this detection result (step S4), the voltage applied across the electrodes is then switched (step S6), and the residual chlorine concentration of the sample solution is measured (step S7). By thus performing span calibration based on the oxygen concentration of air, a calibration standard solution containing a predetermined concentration of residual chlorine does not have to be prepared, making the calibration procedure easy and enabling measurement results of good precision to be obtained.

Abstract: A scaled quadrature pulse output signal is generated for representing direction and volume in predetermined increments of the flow of a liquid or a gas through a meter. An unscaled pulse signal is received from a meter. A scaling factor is applied to each unscaled pulse signal for accurately representing an increment of volume. The increments are sequentially added or subtracted to/from one another (depending upon flow direction) and a scaled quadrature output signal is provided for indicating the direction of flow and the volume of flow in predetermined increments.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for monitoring a system in which a fluid flows and which is characterized by a change in the system with time in space. A preselected place in the system is monitored to collect data at two or more time points correlated to a system event. The data is indicative of a system parameter that varies with time as a function of at least two variables related to system wash-in and wash-out behavior. A calibration map is made on a calculated basis with each pixel or voxel representative of a color hue indicative of wash-out behavior and a color intensity indicative of wash-in behavior. When a satisfactory map is obtained, the collected data is processed on the basis of the map to obtain an image of the preselected place with each spatial unit thereof correlated with a color hue and a color intensity. Software and a data processing system are provided to develop the calibration map. The calibration map and image of the preselected place are also novel implementations.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for monitoring a system in which a fluid flows and which is characterized by a change in the system with time in space. A preselected place in the system is monitored to collect data at two or more time points correlated to a system event. The data is indicative of a system parameter that varies with time as a function of at least two variables related to system wash-in and wash-out behavior. A calibration map is made on a calculated basis with each pixel or voxel representative of a color hue indicative of wash-out behavior and a color intensity indicative of wash-in behavior. When a satisfactory map is obtained, the collected data is processed on the basis of the map to obtain an image of the preselected place with each spatial unit thereof correlated with a color hue and a color intensity. Software and a data processing system are provided to develop the calibration map. The calibration map and image of the preselected place are also novel implementations.

Abstract: A self-characterizing vibrating conduit sensor for measuring a process parameter in a material processing system includes a conduit configured to contain material from the material processing system and a plurality of motion transducers operative to produce a plurality of motion signals representing motion at a plurality of locations on the conduit. A modal parameter estimator is configured to receive the plurality of motion signals and operative to estimate a modal parameter from the received plurality of motion signals. The modal parameter, e.g., a modal filter parameter or a force projection parameter, relates behavior of the conduit to behavior of a single degree of freedom (SDOF) system. A process parameter estimator is configured to receive the plurality of motion signals, responsive to the modal parameter estimator and operative to estimate a process parameter associated with a material in the conduit from the received plurality of motion signals according to the estimated modal parameter.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for detecting one or more fluids, the apparatus comprising a sensor means having electrical properties dependent upon one or more of the presence and the concentration of one or more fluids, an electrical excitation means for applying one or more electrical excitation pulses to the sensor means, a detector means for detecting the electrical behavior of the sensor means in response to the electrical excitation means, and a transformation means for transforming an output of the detector means from the time domain to the frequency domain to determine the electrical properties of the sensor means as a function of frequency over a pre-determined frequency range.