Fluid Or Fluid Flow Measurement Patents (Class 702/100)
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Patent number: 7451789Abstract: A system and method for automatically maximizing the quantity of a fluid which can be placed within a tank car having a maximum product weight based on the lesser of either an industry maximum product weight limit and a maximum calculated product weight at 2% outage. The system includes a magnetostrictive probe having a movable float and a temperature gauge thereon and mounted within a tank car, such that the float is capable of being buoyed by a fluid. The system further includes a fluid pump capable of activation to transfer fluid from a bulk source to a tank car, and a controller coupled wirelessly to the magnetostrictive probe and an input device, and wired to one of either a fluid pump or shutoff valve, such that the maximum product weight is entered to the controller by the input device and the controller activates the pump or shutoff valve to begin addition of fluid to the tank car.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.Inventor: Joseph C. Fiore
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Publication number: 20080281535Abstract: Meter electronics (20) for a flow meter (5) is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The meter electronics (20) includes an interface (201) for receiving a vibrational response from the flow meter (5) and a processing system (203) in communication with the interface (201). The vibrational response is a response to a vibration of the flow meter (5) at a substantially resonant frequency. The processing system (203) is configured to receive the vibrational response from the interface (201), determine a frequency (?0) of the vibrational response, determine a response voltage (V) and a drive current (I) of the vibrational response, measure a decay characteristic (?) of the flow meter (5), and determine the stiffness parameter (K) from the frequency (?0), the response voltage (V), the drive current (I), and the decay characteristic (?).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2005Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventors: Matthew Joseph Rensing, Andrew Timothy Patten, Timothy J. Cunningham, Mark James Bell
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Patent number: 7444246Abstract: A system and method for accurately estimating the fluctuating pressure loads on components, such as steam dryers, within a BWR steam dome using pressure time history measurements made on components of the BWR facility external to the steam dome. The method uses existing sensors to obtain the pressure time histories. An accurate determination of the fluctuating pressure loads within the steam dome may be obtained by modeling and analyzing the steam delivery system external to the steam dome, including all possible acoustic sources, using acoustic circuit methodology and pressure time histories, and then coupling these results, essentially as part of the boundary conditions, to the solutions for Helmholtz equation within the steam dome.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2005Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Inventors: Alan J. Bilanin, Milton E. Teske
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Patent number: 7437905Abstract: System and method for calibrating a sensor comprises a detector capable of detecting electromagnetic radiation at least at a radiation wavelength of interest, an analyzer capable of determining concentration values in response to the detected radiation, and a calibrator capable of automatically calibrating the analyzer in response to at least one concentration value. A method for operating a calibrator comprises receiving an initiation signal capable of initiating the calibrator, automatically obtaining concentration values in response to the initiation signal, and automatically determining a calibration value from the obtained concentration values. In an embodiment, the calibrator automatically determines when a calibration gas equilibrates within a sample chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Digital Control Systems, Inc.Inventor: Michael M. Mueller
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Publication number: 20080255762Abstract: Method for processing seismic data to correct for errors caused by variation in water conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2007Publication date: October 16, 2008Inventor: Charles Vincent Carvill
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Patent number: 7437256Abstract: 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. The calibration map serves as a criteria for selecting the time points. Software and a data processing system are provided to develop a color coded output map. The calibration map, the color coded output map and image of the preselected place are also novel implementations.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2007Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Yeda Research and Development Co. Ltd.Inventor: Hadassa Degani
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Publication number: 20080243418Abstract: A method of calibrating a fluid-level measurement system is provided. A first response of the system is recorded when the system's sensor(s) is (are) not in contact with a fluid of interest. A second response of the system is recorded when the system's sensor(s) is (are) fully immersed in the fluid of interest. Using the first and second responses, a plurality of expected responses of the system's sensor(s) is (are) generated for a corresponding plurality of levels of immersion of the sensor(s) in the fluid of interest.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicants: Space AdministrationInventors: Stanley E. Woodard, Bryant Douglas Taylor
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Patent number: 7430500Abstract: A method including: a dividing step (A) of dividing external data into a plurality of cells (13) having boundaries orthogonal to each other, the external data including boundary data of an object which contacts incompressible viscous fluid; a cell classifying step (B) of classifying the divided cells into an internal cell (13a) positioned inside or outside the object and a boundary cell (13b) including the boundary data; a cut point determining step (C) of determining cut points in ridges of the boundary cell on the basis of the boundary data; a boundary face determining step (D) of determining a polygon connecting the cut points to be cell internal data for the boundary face; and a analyzing step (E) of applying a cut cell finite volume method combined with a VOF method to a boundary of a flow field to analyze the flow field.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2003Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: RikenInventors: Kangbin Lei, Masako Iwata, Ryutaro Himeno, Kiwamu Kase
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Publication number: 20080228424Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for determining the viscosity of a lubricating fluid in a process on line. The method of the present invention obviates the need to accurately control the temperature of the lubricating fluid in the system when taking fluid viscosity measurements.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2008Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventors: Richard W. Grosser, Eugenio Sanchez, Angela Galiano-Roth, Alan M. Schilowitz
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Patent number: 7424894Abstract: A fluid flow control system that includes a fluid inlet to receive a flow of process fluid and a plurality of fluid outlets. The plurality of fluid outlets include a first fluid outlet and at least one second fluid outlet. The first fluid outlet provides a first predetermined portion of the flow of process fluid, and the at least one second fluid outlet provides the remaining portion of the flow of process fluid. In one embodiment, the control system includes a pressure transducer, first and second multipliers, and first and second flow controllers. The first multiplier multiplies a pressure signal received from the pressure transducer by a first setpoint to control a first flow controller that provides the first predetermined portion of the flow of process fluid. The second multiplier multiplies the pressure signal by a second setpoint to control a second flow controller that provides the remaining portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2006Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: Celerity, Inc.Inventors: John M. Lull, William S. Valentine
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Publication number: 20080221822Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for rapid calibration of a flow device. A flow device can be provided with a calibration flow curve (e.g., represented by an nth degree polynomial) by the manufacturer or a third party. The calibration curve can be adjusted for a process fluid and the system for which the flow device is actually installed using one or more correction factors. The correction factors can be determined for the flow curve based on a simple empirical test or fluid properties of the process fluid. The corrected flow curve is then saved at the flow device so that it can be used for future flow control.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2005Publication date: September 11, 2008Inventors: Marc Laverdiere, Robert F. Mcloughlin, J. Karl Niermeyer
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Patent number: 7424346Abstract: A mass flow controller includes a thermal mass flow sensor in combination with a pressure sensor to provide a mass flow controller that is relatively insensitive to fluctuations in input pressure. The pressure sensor and thermal sensor respectively provide signals to an electronic controller indicating the measured inlet flow rate and the pressure within the dead volume. The electronic controller employs the measured pressure to compensate the measured inlet flow rate and to thereby produce a compensated measure of the outlet flow rate, which may be used to operate a mass flow controller control valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2005Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Ali Shajii, Nicholas Kottenstette, Jesse Ambrosina
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Publication number: 20080208504Abstract: This impulse line-clogging detecting apparatus is provide with: a differential pressure detecting unit that detects a differential pressure of a fluid, and outputs time series data of the differential pressure; a differential pressure fluctuation calculating unit that calculates a differential pressure fluctuation; a fluctuation variance calculating unit that calculates a variance of the differential pressure fluctuation; a variance ratio calculating unit that calculates a variance ratio of the differential pressure fluctuation variance calculated by the fluctuation variance calculating unit to a differential pressure fluctuation variance obtained in advance in a normal state of the high and low pressure side impulse lines; a variance ratio correcting unit that calculates a correction value for suppressing change of the variance ratio; and a clogging determining unit that determines whether the high and low pressure side impulse lines are clogged, based on the variance ratio corrected by the variance ratio coType: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicants: Yokogawa Electric CorporationInventors: Takumi HASHIZUME, Tetsuya Wakui, Jyun-ichi Eino, Nobuo Miyaji, Yoshitaka Yuki
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Patent number: 7414525Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely testing the operational status of a remediation system installed within a building or structure are disclosed. An illustrative remote monitoring system can include a sensor adapted to sense at least one characteristic of the remediation system, an interface in communication with the sensor, a gateway in communication with the interface, and a remote computer located away from the building or structure. The interface can be configured to convert sensor signals received from the sensor into an output signal having a format or platform supported by the gateway. The remote computer can include an interface that can be used by a servicing agent to transmit and receive signals to and from the gateway for monitoring and testing the operation of the remediation system.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2006Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Emil Costea, Richard Simons
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Publication number: 20080195332Abstract: A gas flow rate verification apparatus is provided for shared use in a multiple tool semiconductor processing platform. The gas flow rate verification apparatus is defined to measure a pressure rate of rise and temperature within a test volume for determination of a corresponding gas flow rate. The apparatus includes first and second volumes, wherein the second volume is larger than the first volume. The apparatus also includes first and second pressure measurement devices, wherein the second pressure measurement device is capable of measuring higher pressures. Based on the target gas flow rate to be measured, either the first or second volume can be selected as the test volume, and either the first or second pressure measurement device can be selected to measure the pressure in the test volume. Configurability of the apparatus enables accurate measurement of gas flow rates over a broad range and in an time efficient manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2008Publication date: August 14, 2008Applicant: Lam Research CorporationInventors: Vernon Wong, Richard J. Meinecke
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Patent number: 7409871Abstract: A thermal mass flow meter associated with an inclination sensor that detects an angle of inclination of at least one portion of a thermal mass flow sensor relative to at least one reference axis. Based upon the detected angle of inclination, the output signal of the mass flow meter that is indicative of the mass flow rate of fluid through the sensor may be compensated to account for any inaccuracies relating to the orientation in which the mass flow meter is installed. Inaccuracies for which compensation may be provided include thermal siphoning effects and fluid buoyancy effects. By compensating for such inaccuracies, the mass flow meter may be used in any orientation, and/or may be used in non-inertial (e.g., accelerating) environments. The flow meter may be used as a stand alone device, or incorporated in a thermal mass flow controller.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2006Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Celerity, Inc.Inventors: Chiun Wang, Eric J Redemann
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Patent number: 7412336Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for attitude insensitive flow devices. The system can include a flow device having a processor and a computer readable medium accessible by the processor that stores a set of computer instructions executable by the processor. The computer instructions can include instructions executable to receive an orientation signal, receive a sensed flow signal, and determine a flow through the flow device based on the sensed flow signal and the orientation signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Celerity, Inc.Inventor: Dwight S. Larson
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Publication number: 20080189054Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that guides a user through a sequence of steps that will allow the user to complete a predefined task using the flow meter. The steps include: selecting a predefined task, displaying a sequence of steps that directs the user through a process for using the Coriolis flow meter to complete the predefined task, and operating the Coriolis flow meter in response to the sequence of steps to complete the predefined task.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2004Publication date: August 7, 2008Applicant: Micro Motion Inc.Inventors: Craig B. McAnally, Andrew T. Patten, Charles P. Stack, Jeffrey S. Walker, Neal B. Gronlie
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Publication number: 20080178580Abstract: The invention relates to a volume quantity dispensing unit, in particular as a unit for metering an aqueous solution such as a urea/water solution, which can be used in an exhaust gas aftertreatment unit (17), comprising a pressure transducer (1), in particular comprising an electric pressure sensor, the volume quantity dispensing of the volume quantity dispensing unit following an electric signal (2) and the volume quantity dispensing unit being calibrated. There is provided at least one means (3) for changing a pressure value (4), which means changes the pressure value (4) in such a way that the pressure value (4), which is intended to correspond to the pressure in the volume quantity dispensing unit, is an input signal for a volume quantity (5) to be dispensed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2008Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: Hydraulik-Ring GmbHInventors: Friedrich Zapf, Thorsten Pelz, Heico Stegmann
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Publication number: 20080173065Abstract: A method of calibrating a gas sensor that generates an output related to the concentration of a sensed gas, the method comprising: i) obtaining the value of said output or a related value at each of a set of known values of a first variable and at each of a set of known values of a second variable, one of the variables being gas concentration; ii) for each value of said second variable, determining a first best fit function relating said output or related value to the first variable, each best fit function utilizing at least one coefficient whose value is determined; iii) for the, or the corresponding, coefficient values from each of the first best fit functions, determining a second best fit function relating said coefficient to the second variable, and replacing the coefficient values in the first best fit functions by the second best fit function, and, iv) repeating step iii) for each further coefficient, if any, in the first best fit functions so as to generate a final function relating said output orType: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2008Publication date: July 24, 2008Applicant: LIFE SAFETY DISTRIBUTION AGInventors: Malcolm WOODFORD, John DARBY
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Publication number: 20080154528Abstract: In an abnormality diagnostic device and an abnormality diagnostic device for an air-fuel ratio sensor that detects the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, a system extending from a fuel injection valve to the air-fuel ratio sensor is model by a first order response delay, and a parameter in the first order response delay is identified based on an input air-fuel ratio that is given to the air-fuel ratio sensor and an output air-fuel ratio that is output from the air-fuel ratio sensor. Then, the presence/absence of abnormality regarding a predetermined characteristic of the air-fuel ratio sensor is determined based on the parameter identified. Thus, abnormality is diagnosed regarding individual characteristics of the air-fuel ratio sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yasushi Iwazaki
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Publication number: 20080133182Abstract: Various methods are described for measuring parameters of a stratified flow using at least one spatial array of sensors disposed at different axial locations along the pipe. Each of the sensors provides a signal indicative of unsteady pressure created by coherent structures convecting with the flow. In one aspect, a signal processor determines, from the signals, convection velocities of coherent structures having different length scales. The signal processor then compares the convection velocities to determine a level of stratification of the flow. The level of stratification may be used as part of a calibration procedure to determine the volumetric flow rate of the flow. In another aspect, the level of stratification of the flow is determined by comparing locally measured velocities at the top and bottom of the pipe. The ratio of the velocities near the top and bottom of the pipe correlates to the level of stratification of the flow. Additional sensor arrays may provide a velocity profile for the flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: CIDRA CORPORATIONInventor: Daniel L. Gysling
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Patent number: 7377152Abstract: The invention relates to a device and methods for characterizating flowing substances, liquid or gas. The device includes: a transport duct with a heating or a cooling element; a temperature difference sensor having a temperature measurement cell downstream of the heating or cooling element and means to determine a temperature difference in the flowing substance upstream and downstream of the heating or cooling element; a flow control means having flow measurement means for measuring a mass flow characteristic and a flow correction means for correcting for measured mass flow variations; and an evaluation means for evaluating a characterizing feature of the flowing substance comprising a function relating temperature differences measured on one or more calibration substances to one or more characterizing features of the flowing substance. Various embodiments relate to the related use and methods of the device for identification and control of the flowing substance.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2003Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Brooks Instrument, LLCInventors: Kees C. J. M. N. Brekelmans, Jan Willem J. W. Van Rijswijk
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Patent number: 7379832Abstract: Multi-channel metering apparatus with automatic calibration, where the individual dispensing channels 1, the micro-valves 4 of which are connected with the outlets of a distributor 8, 13 or 15 whose inlet is filled with fluid by a vessel 9, 14 or 17 thus connected, are able to be calibrated in relation to each other in that between the vessel 9, 14 or 17 and the inlet of the distributor 8, 13 or 15 a flow sensor 10 is arranged which for calibration during delivery of the fluid via a respective nozzle 2 of a respective dispensing channel 1 records the flow and generates signals which are respectively assigned to a defined opening time of a micro-valve 4 and a specific dispensing channel 1 and thus stored allows for individual control of the micro-valves 4 in order to equalize the tolerances of the dispensing channels 1.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: CyBio AGInventors: Peter Zimmermann, Torsten Rausch, Gerd Heibe, Hartmut Köberich, Simon Renard, Thomas Moore, Wolfgang Krämer
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Patent number: 7376522Abstract: In an exemplary implementation of a method and system for determining the direction of fluid flow, one or more sound transducers are positioned in proximity to a conduit, each such sound transducer generating a signal representative of a selected characteristic of acoustic waves emanating from the conduit. Such signals are collected and analyzed to determine a threshold value for the selected characteristic (e.g., frequency) indicative of a change in the direction of fluid flow through the conduit. Based on whether subsequent measurements of the selected characteristic (e.g., frequency) are above or below the threshold value, the direction of fluid flow can be predicted and/or a change in the operational state of a component associated with the conduit can be identified.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Genscape Intangible Holding, Inc.Inventors: Sterling Lapinski, Deirdre Alphenaar, Susan Olson
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Method, apparatus and computer medium for correcting transient flow errors in flowmeter proving data
Patent number: 7366625Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the accuracy of meter factors of a flow instrument in conjunction with a prover having upstream and downstream prover detection switches and a flow computer including a computer program embodied on a computer readable medium for correcting errors in a meter factor of the flow instrument measured in a proving run and correcting effects of flow rate changes during proving. A computer program embodied on a computer readable medium whose contents causes a processor to increase the accuracy of meter factors of a flow instrument in conjunction with a prover having upstream and downstream prover detection switches and a flow computer. A method for increasing the accuracy of the meter factors of a flow instrument in conjunction with a prover having upstream and downstream prover detection switches and a flow computer.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Donald R. Augenstein, Herbert Estrada, Matthew Mihalcin -
Patent number: 7363183Abstract: The invention provides a method of compensating for the error of a signal indicative of the mass of air flow output from an air mass flow sensor for an internal combustion engine, the method comprising deriving an air mass flow value from an air mass flow sensor output, calculating a compensated air mass flow value based on the air mass flow value and a compensation value, calculating an estimated air mass flow value from engine operating parameter values, calculating a new compensation value based upon the compensated air mass flow value and the estimated air mass flow value and using the new compensation value for subsequent calculations of the compensated air mass flow value.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2006Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Andrea Gelmetti, Vesna Music, Jonathan Crook
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Patent number: 7363182Abstract: Systems and methods for correcting measurements of fluid flow using device-specific information to compensate for differences between individual devices of the same design. In one embodiment, a method includes providing device-specific calibration data; sensing a fluid flow; computing a measured fluid flow based on the sensed fluid flow, and correcting the measured fluid flow based on the device-specific calibration data. More particularly, the fluid flow measurement is corrected using correction factors that compensate for the use of a gas that is different from the calibration gas (CF0 (1+aF+bF2+cF3)), for device variations in sensor sensitivity (1+??R), and for variations in the split flow of fluid through the flow meter (1???ADC(Sp/100)2). The sensor and split flow correction factors may be used independently of each other in some embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2005Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Celerity, Inc.Inventors: Stuart A. Tison, Shiliang Lu
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Patent number: 7356427Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for estimating the height of a fluid contained in a mixing tank. A dynamic control device which operates as an external observer is used for controlling and monitoring the estimation. This estimate of the height is then compared to the measured fluid height in the mixing tank to obtain an estimation of the height error. The mixing tank has one or more input volumetric rates which are known along with the output volumetric rates. This height error is used to drive the estimation to the nominal height of the mixing tank through the use of a Proportional Integral PI type controller. By setting the PI gains, the noise and oscillations of the mixing tank can be removed from the height estimation while tracking the nominal value of the height. The methods and the systems can also be implemented for estimating the volume or quantity of fluid contained in a mixing tank.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2005Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Jason Dykstra, Justin Borgstadt
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Patent number: 7340353Abstract: A dual function flow measurement apparatus is provided that combines the functionality of an apparatus that measures the speed of sound propagating through a fluid flowing within a pipe, and measures pressures disturbances (e.g. vortical disturbances or eddies) moving with a fluid to determine respective parameters of the flow propagating through a pipe. The apparatus includes a sensing device that includes an array of pressure sensors used to measure the acoustic and convective pressure variations in the flow to determine desired parameters. The measurement apparatus includes a processing unit the processes serially or in parallel the pressure signals provided by the sensing array to provide output signals indicative of a parameter of the fluid flow relating to the velocity of the flow and the speed of sound propagating through the flow, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: CiDRA CorporationInventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Alan D. Kersey, Michael A. Davis
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Patent number: 7337084Abstract: Descriptions are provided for implementing flowmeter zero checking techniques. In operating a flowmeter, it may be the case that, even if previously calibrated, the flowmeter will produce erroneous measurements, e.g., will indicate a non-zero flow during a period of zero flow. Therefore, zero checking features are provided that allow for fast and accurate determinations of the zero-flow values, for use in adjusting later measurements. The zero-checking features include a button attached to an exterior of a flowmeter, so that it is easily accessible to an operator of the flowmeter. The button, in conjunction with an internal zero checking system, allows for a display of a zero value in response to a request from the operator of the flowmeter.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2005Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventor: Robert E Dutton
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Patent number: 7330797Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a parameter of a flow passing through a pipe is provided, wherein the apparatus includes at least two spatial array of sensors disposed at different axial locations along the pipe, wherein each of the sensors provide a signal indicative of unsteady pressure created by coherent structures convecting with the flow within the pipe at a corresponding axial location of the pipe. The apparatus also includes a signal processor configured to determine the flow rate at the circumference location of each sensor array in response to the respective measured unsteady pressures. The signal processor compares the velocity of the flow at each respective location and provides a signal indicative the presence of solids settled at the bottom of the pipe and/or the level of the settled solids in the pipe, in response to an uncharacteristic increase in the velocity of a lower portion of the flow in comparison to the velocity measured above the lower portion of the flow.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2006Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: CiDRA CorporationInventors: Timothy J. Bailey, Mark R. Fernald
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Patent number: 7330794Abstract: A toxicant detection system comprises at least one watertight chamber containing a mollusk. Water to be screened is introduced into the chamber. The mollusk is preferably supported on a mounting structure which facilitates quick mounting of the mollusk in the device, comprising a releasable element affixed to the shell of the mollusk, e.g., a bolt which is screwed into a nut affixed to the mollusk's shell. A sensing apparatus is provided which includes a movable member supported in the chamber so that it engages the shell of the mollusk, and moves when the shell opens and closes. The sensing apparatus detects the position of the mollusk shell based on the position of the movable member. The sensing apparatus preferably includes a Hall effect transducer which co-acts with a magnet carried on the movable member.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: Aqueous Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Jason Ezratty, Robert Morgan, David Eddy, Donald Morgan
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Patent number: 7328112Abstract: A method of operating a magneto-inductive flow meter in which the damping constant for processing of measurement signal values is automatically increased during a cleaning procedure, in order that, during the cleaning procedure, the amount of the used cleaning medium can be easily determined, despite increased fluctuation in the measurement signal values.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2006Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Frank Wandeler, Markus Ruefenacht
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Patent number: 7324901Abstract: Water measurement auto-networks and methods of operation are disclosed herein. An exemplary method may include determining a water level at a first water measurement station in an auto-network. The method may also include reducing power to at least a transmitter at the first water measurement station to conserve battery power during an inactive state. The method may further include increasing power to the transmitter only at predetermined times to communicate the water measurement data to a second water measurement station in the auto-network.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2005Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Colorado vNet, LLCInventor: John McDermid
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Patent number: 7308374Abstract: A method, system and article of manufacture of siting one or more detectors in a facility represented with zones are provided. Signals Si,j representing an effect in zone j in response to a release of contaminant in zone i for one or more flow conditions are provided. A candidate architecture has one or more candidate zones. A limiting case signal is determined for each flow condition for multiple candidate architectures. The limiting case signal is a smallest system signal of multiple system signals associated with a release in a zone. Each system signal is a maximum one of the signals representing the effect in the candidate zones from the release in one zone for the flow condition. For each candidate architecture, a robust limiting case signal is determined based on a minimum of the limiting case signals. One candidate architecture is selected based on the robust limiting case signals.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2005Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Sandia National LaboratoriesInventor: Nathaniel Jeremy Meyer Gleason
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Patent number: 7302356Abstract: A Coriolis flowmeter having an improved measurement accuracy, especially in measurement applications, where conventional Coriolis flowmeters may have a reduced accuracy due to erroneous flow spiking or outputs during no-flow situations is described, comprising: a measurement tube, a driver for imparting a force proportional to an applied excitation signal to the measurement tube for setting the measurement tube into an oscillatory motion, motion sensors for measuring the motion of the measurement tube, an excitation signal generator, for generating the excitation signal to be supplied to the driver based on the measurement signals derived by the motion sensors, means for monitoring the excitation signal or a damping-coefficient of a damping of the measurement tube and for determining whether an amplitude (A) of the excitation signal or the damping coefficient exceeds an application-specific range, and means for determining a corrected flow (Fc) of a fluid through the measurement tube, wherein the corrected flType: GrantFiled: September 15, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Paul Logue, Jerry E. Stevens
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Patent number: 7299139Abstract: Systems, apparatus, methods, and computer program products relate to measuring the combined accuracy of a gas meter and a volume corrector as a system. The measurement is performed with a transfer prover, and may be performed automatically on either integrated or non-integrated volume correctors and meters. In one embodiment, a test interface provides a convenient connection with controllable data switches for routing information between the meter/volume corrector, the transfer prover, and a processing device. Software running on the processing device can automatically configure the parameters for performing a combined accuracy test by downloading parameters from the meter/corrector and transfer prover via the test interface. Upon user selection of the test type, and optionally flow rates, for running the test, the software may configure data switches on the test interface to automatically perform the selected combined accuracy test.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Dresser, Inc.Inventors: Roman Leon Artiuch, Charles Grissom Steele, Miguel D. Gandara
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Patent number: 7295933Abstract: A configurable multi-function flow measurement apparatus is provided that can selectably function to measure the speed of sound propagating through a fluid flowing within a pipe and/or to measure pressures disturbances (e.g. vortical disturbances or eddies) moving with a fluid to determine respective parameters of the flow propagating through a pipe and detects the health of an industrial process. The configurable flow measurement device can also be selectable to function as a system diagnostic meter that provides a diagnostic signal indicative of the health of the industrial process, namely health of pumps, valves, motors and other devices in an industrial flow loop. The apparatus includes a sensing device that includes an array of strained-based or pressure sensors used to measure the acoustic and convective pressure variations in the flow to determine desired parameters. In response to a remote or local configuration signal, a control logic selects the desired function of the flow measurement apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2004Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: CiDRA CorporationInventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Alan D. Kersey
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Patent number: 7289923Abstract: A system comprises a plurality of sensors disposed at predetermined locations in a fluid distribution network and a server receiving sensor data from the sensors indicative of at least one predetermined characteristic of flow through the network, the server comparing the sensor data to stored data to determine an existence of a problem condition in the network and, when a problem condition is determined to exist, executing a predetermined response procedure.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2005Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: NagareInventor: Daniel Jordan Marovitz
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Publication number: 20070233412Abstract: A method for calibrating a mass flow controller comprising a calibrating valve disposed on the most upstream side of a path, a mass flow rate control valve mechanism, a tank provided at the path on the upstream side of the mass flow rate control valve mechanism, a mass-flow-rate-sensing means, a pressure-sensing means, a means for controlling the mass flow rate control valve mechanism, and a mass flow rate calibration control means, the method comprising the steps of (1) permitting a fluid at a set mass flow rate to flow through the path, (2) setting the mass flow rate control valve mechanism at a degree of opening that the mass flow rate of the fluid is equal to the set mass flow rate, (3) closing the calibrating valve, (4) measuring the pressure and mass flow rate of the fluid after a fluid flow from the tank is stabilized, (5) determining a variation ratio of the pressure and mass flow rate to reference pressure and mass flow rate measured by the same procedures in an initial state, is and (6) performing cType: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2007Publication date: October 4, 2007Inventors: Takao Gotoh, Akifumi Hayashi, Tohru Matsuoka, Shigehiro Suzuki, Yoshiyuki Furukawa, Makoto Tanaka
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Patent number: 7270013Abstract: The present invention includes methods of determining the volume of liquid dispensed by a dispenser. Initially, a refractive index analysis is preformed on a first liquid that has been dispensed from the dispenser in question. From the refractive index analysis, information is obtained about the volume of first liquid dispensed. The invention also includes methods for verifying the volumetric accuracy of a dispenser. The methods include dispensing a first liquid having a known refractive index into a vessel having a second liquid with a known volume and a known refractive index to form a test mixture. The refractive index of the test mixture is measured and then correlated with the refractive index of the first liquid to obtain information about the volume of first liquid dispensed. The dispensed volume is then compared to the theoretical volume of liquid dispensed by the dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Streck, Inc.Inventors: Balwant S. Bhullar, Daniel T. Bourne
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Patent number: 7272512Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 4, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Celerity, Inc.Inventors: Chiun Wang, William S. Valentine, John M. Lull
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Patent number: 7272525Abstract: Fluid monitoring methods, systems and apparatus are disclosed, including a portable subassembly that is in electrical communication with a sensor in contact with the fluid being monitred. Preferred embodiments for the sensor include one or more flexural resonator sensing elements. In preferred embodiments the sensor subassembly is ported to multiple fluidic systems to monitor the fluid properties in an effecient manner.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Visyx Technologies, Inc.Inventors: James Bennett, G. Cameron Dales, John M. Feland, III, Oleg Kolosov, Eric Low, Leonid Matsiev, William C. Rust, Mikhail Spitkovsky, Mark Uhrich
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Patent number: 7266467Abstract: A method for performing system characterization in situ for a system comprising a actuator controlled by a proportional controller. The system includes a quasi-linear region characterized by a slope of the system response and by a delay in the quasi-linear region of the system. The system includes at least one dead zone (DZ).Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2006Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Trimble Navigation, LimitedInventor: John William Peake
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Patent number: 7260486Abstract: A flow meter includes a measuring tube for conveying a fluid to be measured and a magnetic field system, which has at least one field coil, through which an exciter current (IM) flows, at least at times, for producing a magnetic field passing through the fluid at least partly perpendicularly to a stream direction. In the method, the voltage (UH) instantaneously driving the exciter current (IM) is changed at a second point in time, t2, from the second voltage level, Udrv, to a third voltage level, Ushort, especially to a third voltage level which is constant or controlled to be constant, in order to achieve a sinking of the electrical current strength of the exciter current (IM) instantaneously flowing in the at least one field coil from the maximum current value, Im, to an electrical current end value, Iczu, especially a constant end value, predetermined for the exciter current (IM). In such case, the third voltage level, Ushort, is chosen smaller than the second voltage level, Urev.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2005Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventor: Thomas Budmiger
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Patent number: 7257495Abstract: A flow meter filter system (200) according to an embodiment of the invention includes a noise pass filter (203) configured to receive a first version of a flow meter signal and filter out the flow meter data from the flow meter signal to leave a noise signal, a noise quantifier (204) configured to receive the noise signal from the noise pass filter (203) and measure noise characteristics of the noise signal, a damping adjuster (205) configured to receive the noise characteristics from the noise quantifier (204) and generate a damping value based on the noise characteristics, and a filter element (206) configured to receive a second version of the flow meter signal and receive the damping value from the damping adjuster (205), with the filter element (206) being further configured to damp the second version of the flow meter signal based on the damping value in order to produce a filtered flow meter signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2003Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Timothy Patten, Denis M. Henrot, Craig B. McAnally, Paul J. Hays, Wayne R. Brinkman
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Patent number: 7254523Abstract: A selectively reduced bi-cubic interpolation on quadrilateral grids for level set re-distancing improves finite-difference-based ink-jet simulation. The “bi-cubic” nature of the interpolation helps the scheme conserve droplet mass. The “selectively reduced” logic prevents the higher-order simulation algorithm from introducing new instability factors.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Jiun-Der Yu
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Publication number: 20070179728Abstract: A flow measuring device has a sensor element for outputting a nonlinear signal according to a flow rate. The device comprises: a first signal processing system for obtaining a first signal by filtering the nonlinear signal output from the sensor element, thereafter correcting a sensitivity of the filtered signal; a second signal processing system for obtaining a second signal by linearizing the nonlinear signal from the sensor element, thereafter filtering the linearized signal and correcting a sensitivity of the filtered signal, and then nonlinearizing the linearized signal with a corrected sensitivity; an amplifier for amplifying a differential signal between the first and second signals; and a correcting section for correcting the nonlinear signal by using the amplified differential signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2007Publication date: August 2, 2007Inventors: Atsushi Kanke, Takahiro Miki, Kelji Hanzawa
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Patent number: 7251591Abstract: A consistent back pressure formulation is introduced into ink-jet simulation models and algorithms to solve an instability problem that occurs as the head of an ink droplet reaches the end of the solution domain during simulation. The consistent back pressure formulation is obtained in a way that is consistent with the idea of interface smearing. Formulas for calculating the pressure boundary condition on quadrilateral grids are disclosed. An ink-jet simulation example is given to demonstrate the improved models and algorithms.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2003Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Jiun-Der Yu, Shinri Sakai