Flow Metering Patents (Class 702/45)
  • Patent number: 11967820
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the teachings herein include a method for deploying power quality monitoring (PQM) devices. The method may include: determining a maximum number of PQM devices and historical power data of candidate deployment points, wherein the number of the candidate deployment points is greater than the maximum number of the PQM devices; clustering the historical power data of the candidate deployment points, wherein a target number of categories is determined on the basis of a silhouette coefficient of each candidate number of categories and the maximum number of the PQM devices; and determining PQM device deployment points based on the center of each category in the target number of categories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Dan Wang, Jing Li, Hao Liu, Wen Tao Hua, Ang Li, Peng Fei Zhang
  • Patent number: 11953226
    Abstract: Implementations of vent extenders may include a first portion including a back wall, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall and a second portion including a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The second portion may be configured to extendably couple to the first portion. The vent extender may also include a pocket formed within the first portion and including a first pocket sidewall, a second pocket sidewall, a third pocket sidewall opposite the second pocket sidewall, an opening opposite the first pocket sidewall, and a base. The vent extender may also include a magnet coupled to the base of the pocket. The first pocket sidewall may be directly coupled to both of the second pocket sidewall and the third pocket sidewall. The magnet may be configured to secure the vent extender to a vent register.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Spectrum Products LLC
    Inventors: Renee Mosiman, Michael Mosiman
  • Patent number: 11927505
    Abstract: An aerodynamic characteristic estimation device is provided with a detection section to detect at least one of a velocity of a bicycle or an acceleration of the bicycle when being pedaled by a cyclist, a detection section to detect a pedaling power when being pedaled, and an estimation section to estimate aerodynamic drag information indicating an aerodynamic characteristic acting on the bicycle being ridden by the cyclist based on a computation result of mechanical analysis according to an equation of motion established for a direction of progress of the bicycle and using the velocity of the bicycle and the acceleration of the bicycle as obtained from a detection result together with the pedaling power as detected by the detection section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuo Uchida, Akihiro Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 11920811
    Abstract: Performance mapping of equipment performance parameters by capturing, mapping, and/or structuralizing equipment performance data of a device for installation in a system. This includes generating performance maps which outline the expected feature performance parameter behavior of the equipment based on a set of operating parameters that capture the operating conditions. Each performance parameter on the map is representative of an operating point of specific operating conditions taken at a particular point in time. In one example, a performance parameter can be defined by an individualized set of parameter coefficients which in turn are dependent on instantaneous operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: S.A. Armstrong Limited
    Inventors: Olatunji Asiwaju, Peter Thomsen
  • Patent number: 11918413
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system, an ultrasound probe and a corresponding method for measuring arterial parameters using non-imaging ultrasound. The system comprises an acquisition unit for acquiring doppler ultrasound signal from a blood vessel and a processing unit for processing the acquired doppler ultrasound signal and to determine the changes in the blood vessel through the measurements of at least Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV) and Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV). The acquisition unit comprises an ultrasound probe having a plurality of transducer elements arranged in a grid configuration, and comprising a first probe (102a) and a second probe (102b) detachably connected to each other. In the split configuration the ultrasound probe is provided to measure the PWV globally between the carotid and femoral arteries, or the PSV and PWV locally and simultaneously. In the integrated configuration the PSV or PWV may be measured locally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Krishnamoorthy Palanisamy, Rajendra Singh Sisodia, Shriram Sethuraman, Ravindra Balasaheb Patil, Vikram Basawaraj Patil Okaly
  • Patent number: 11913444
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium for determining the flow rate and fluid density in an electrical submersible pump (ESP) and controlling the ESP based on the flow rate and density. In one implementation, an ESP system includes an ESP, drive circuitry, a current sensor, a voltage sensor, and a processor. The ESP includes an electric motor. The drive circuitry is electrically coupled to the ESP and is configured to provide an electrical signal to power the ESP. The current sensor is configured to measure a current of the electrical signal. The voltage sensor is configured to measure a voltage of the electrical signal. The processor is configured to calculate speed of a shaft of the electric motor based on a frequency induced by rotation of the motor detected in the current. The processor is also configured to calculate a density of fluid in the ESP based on the speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Sensia LLC
    Inventors: Albert Hoefel, Gocha Chochua, Yves-Marie Clet Robert Subervie, Jonathan Wun Shiung Chong
  • Patent number: 11894588
    Abstract: A computer is provided for a fuel cell propulsion system of a motor vehicle. The computer includes one or more processors receiving a temperature signal from one or more temperature sensors and a pressure signal from one or more pressure sensors. The computer further includes a non-transitory computer readable storage medium including instructions, such that the processor is programmed to determine a feedback correction based on the temperature of the coolant and the pressure drop of the coolant across the fuel cell stack. The processor is further programmed to generate a pump command signal based on the feedback correction and a nominal pump command, with the pump command signal actuating a pump to pump coolant at a target pump speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Karthikeyan Rajagopal, Brian David Neilson, Sergio Eduardo Garcia, Christopher L Koppen
  • Patent number: 11888313
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the teachings herein include a method for deploying power quality monitoring (PQM) devices. The method may include: determining a maximum number of PQM devices and historical power data of candidate deployment points, wherein the number of the candidate deployment points is greater than the maximum number of the PQM devices; clustering the historical power data of the candidate deployment points, wherein a target number of categories is determined on the basis of a silhouette coefficient of each candidate number of categories and the maximum number of the PQM devices; and determining PQM device deployment points based on the center of each category in the target number of categories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Dan Wang, Jing Li, Hao Liu, Wen Tao Hua, Ang Li, Peng Fei Zhang
  • Patent number: 11868585
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein are directed to resource monitoring and resource consumption analytics. Resource usage is tracked through a gateway device monitoring resources using remote input sensors, and usage data is transmitted to a central processing unit whereby the data is interpreted and compared with usage over time and site conditions such as weather. For example, incoming usage data is compared with resource signatures in a signature library representing an ideal usage or historical usage for given site condition. This data is interpreted into simple command displays with alerts, alarms, thereby reporting and alerting to an end-user via multiple delivery mechanisms, of potential sources of resource waste or loss. Further, the alerts or alarms can include easily interpreted recommendations to allow a non-skilled worker to take corrective procedures to maximize efficient use of the consumable resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: APANA Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Rose, Frank Burns, Tom Remmers, Matt Maher Peterson
  • Patent number: 11859767
    Abstract: A method for monitoring an amount of a commodity in a remote storage container via a system comprises: (i) measuring via a sensor the amount of the commodity in the remote storage container and outputting an analog or digital signal, wherein if the signal outputted by the sensor is an analog signal, the method further comprises converting the analog signal to a digital signal; (ii) packaging the digital signal into a data file; (iii) publishing via a wireless connection the data file to a message query telemetry transport (MQTT) broker for access by a user; (iv) receiving confirmation that the MQTT broker received the data file; (v) accessing by the user information from the data file; and (vi) repeating steps (i) to (v) after a predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Centri Group Inc.
    Inventors: Nicolas Oliver-Gabriel Theoret, Thomas Zagotta
  • Patent number: 11821765
    Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetically inductive flow measuring probe for determining flow rate and/or flow velocity of a medium, which includes a front part with a front end having a center, a housing, a magnetic field producing means arranged in the housing for producing a magnetic field passing through the front end, and a measuring- and evaluation unit, and characterized in that there are arranged on the front end and forming galvanic contact with the medium three measuring electrodes, which form three measuring electrode pairs, and in that the measuring- and evaluation unit is adapted to register induced measured voltages between at least two measuring electrode pairs, especially three measuring electrode pairs, and to ascertain flow rate and/or flow velocity of the medium as a function of the registered voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventor: Thomas Bier
  • Patent number: 11808149
    Abstract: A method and system for determining a flow rate of at least a phase or a component of a fluid produced from an oil and gas well are presented hereinafter. The fluid is one of a multiphase and of a multicomponent fluid. The method comprises, in a training phase, collecting primary measurements of pressure, temperature, and additional flow parameter of the produced fluid. The primary measurements are carried out at the wellhead by a set of sensors installed in a flow line for the produced fluid. In the training phase, the method also comprises collecting a flow rate of at least one of the phases or components of the produced fluid simultaneously measured by a reference multiphase flow meter installed in the flow line. It also includes establishing a relationship between the pressure, temperature, and the additional flow parameter and the flow rate of the at least one of the phases or components of the produced fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Denis Syresin, Ivan Vrabie, Pavel Evgenievich Spesivtsev, Jean-Philippe Hussenet, Bertrand Claude Theuveny, Victor Korneev, Nikolay Tarelko
  • Patent number: 11801001
    Abstract: A plasmapheresis system and a method for operating a plasmapheresis system are provided by which a volume of plasma product (i.e., anticoagulated plasma) so that that the targeted volume of pure plasma in the plasma product is determined based on donor-specific characteristics. In particular, the targeted amount of pure plasma to be collected is based on the weight, or the weight and the height, of the donor. The targeted volume of pure plasma to be collected, TVP, may be a multiple of the donor's weight. Alternatively, TVP may be a multiple of the donor's total blood volume, TBV, with the TBV of the donor being determined based on the donor's weight and height. A target volume for the plasma product to be collected, TVPP, is established, and separation of whole blood into a plasma component and a second component continues until the volume of plasma product in a collection container equals TVPP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: FENWAL, INC.
    Inventors: Amit J. Patel, Samantha M. Planas, Walter T. Watts, Kyungyoon Min, Daniel R. Boggs, Katherine N. Radwanski
  • Patent number: 11781306
    Abstract: Fluid stream management systems and methods relating thereto are described. The fluid management system includes: (1) one or more storage chambers; (2) two or more flow condition attribute measuring devices configured to measures certain flow condition attribute values; (3) one or more flow controllers that are communicatively coupled to receive the flow condition attribute values and use them to establish certain cost functions; and (4) one or more flow-modifying devices, each of which is coupled to at least one of the flow controllers, and based upon instruction received from at least one of the flow controllers, the flow-modifying device is capable of modifying flow of fluid through one or more of the flow-modifying devices to minimize a difference between the established cost functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: XYLEM VUE INC.
    Inventors: Luis Montestruque, Ruben Kertesz, Frederic Myers
  • Patent number: 11782068
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method, a system, and a computer program product for detecting objects are disclosed. The method can include receiving, by a computer communicatively connected to a plurality of anemometers positioned throughout the space, first sensor data from the plurality of anemometers, creating a baseline profile of airflow in the space based on the first sensor data, and receiving second sensor data from the plurality of anemometers at a different time than the first sensor data. The method can include comparing the second sensor data with the first sensor data to determine first different data, rendering, in response to determining that the second sensor data is different from the first sensor data, a representation of the object using the first different data and first location data related to the first different data, and calculating a vector associated with the object using the first different data and the first location data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Doga Tav, Richard James McCarty, Cesar Augusto Rodriguez Bravo
  • Patent number: 11768179
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a “tool-kit” of processing techniques which can be employed in different combinations depending on the circumstances. For example, flow speed can be found using eddy tracking techniques, or by using speed of sound measurements. Moreover, composition can be found by using speed of sound measurements and also by looking for turning points in the k-w curves, particularly in stratified multi-phase flows. Different combinations of the embodiments can therefore be put together to provide further embodiments, to meet particular flow sensing requirements, both on the surface and downhole. Once the flow speed is known, then at least in the case of a single phase flow, the flow speed can be multiplied by the interior cross-sectional area of the pipe to obtain the flow rate. The mass flow rate can then be obtained if the density of the fluid is known, once the composition has been determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignees: Silixa Ltd, Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammad Amir, Mahmoud Farhadiroushan, Daniel Finfer, Veronique Mahue, Tom Parker
  • Patent number: 11761868
    Abstract: A method for determining flow rates and phase fractions within a throughbore is disclosed. The method includes providing a mixture of one or more fluids through a fluid flow path in a throughbore at a flow rate, reducing the flow rate, slidably moving a first and second sleeve along the throughbore to a first position of a plurality of positions, measuring a first and second differential pressure at the first position, calculating a first loss pressure ratio from the first and second differential pressure. The method further includes slidably moving the first sleeve and second sleeve to each of the others of the plurality of positions in succession after the first position, measuring a plurality of differential pressures and calculating a loss pressure ratio at each of the plurality of positions, and calculating a plurality of flow rates phase fractions of the fluids flowing through the fluid flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignees: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY, GM FLOW MEASUREMENT SERVICES LTD.
    Inventors: Sakethraman Mahalingam, Gavin Munro, Victor Gawski
  • Patent number: 11704918
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include reconfigurable integrated circuits for characterizing particles of a sample in a flow stream. Reconfigurable integrated circuits according to certain embodiments are programmed to calculate parameters of a particle in a flow stream from detected light; compare the calculated parameters of the particle with parameters of one or more particle classifications; classify the particle based on the comparison between the parameters of the particle classifications and the calculated parameters of the particle; and adjust one or more parameters of the particle classifications based on the calculated parameters of the particle. Methods for characterizing particles in a flow stream with the subject integrated circuits are also described. Systems and integrated circuit devices programmed for practicing the subject methods, such as on a flow cytometer, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
    Inventor: Paul Barclay Purcell
  • Patent number: 11680392
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drinking water supply system including a drinking water line system, a plurality of drinking water withdrawal points connected to the drinking water line system, at least one sensor which is designed to determine measuring values, a central control device which is designed to receive and evaluate the measuring values determined by the at least one sensor, a plurality of decentralized control elements which are designed to influence at different locations in the drinking water supply system one or more properties of the water guided in the drinking water supply system, wherein the central control device is designed to control the control elements for influencing the one or more properties of the water guided in the drinking water supply system, and wherein a plurality of control elements are or can be combined to form a virtual group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Viega Technology GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Kramer, Christian Schauer, Christian Otto, Patrick Steger, David Löher, Arthur Winterholler
  • Patent number: 11673789
    Abstract: A system determines an interaction period during which a fuel dispensing operation is performed at a fuel dispensing terminal. The system determines a measured volume per unit time parameter associated with fuel dispensed from the fuel dispensing terminal by dividing the determined volume for fuel by the interaction period. The system compares the measured volume per unit time parameter with a threshold volume per unit time parameter. In response to determining that the measured volume per unit time parameter is less than the threshold volume per unit time parameter, the system retrieves a video feed that shows the fuel dispensing terminal during the fuel dispensing operation. The system creates a file for the fuel dispensing operation. The system stores the video feed in the created file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: 7-ELEVEN, INC.
    Inventors: Boonchai Matthew Ragan, Sravan Kumar Ayyappa Akula, Joshua Michael Rothenberg, Jake Ylli Hoxha, Deviprasad Mulluru, Srikanth Gandra, Scott Albert, Srikanth Subramanian
  • Patent number: 11614384
    Abstract: An enclosure or housing for an air monitoring instrument package for mounting on the roof or other surface on the outside of vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses, trams, trains and ships. By measuring air pollutants from moving vehicles, it is possible to explore the distribution of air pollutants throughout a city or rural area for the identification of sources of different pollutants, estimating human exposures to air pollutants, and mapping air pollutants with high resolution. The disclosed device provides continuous sampling of outside air while simultaneously protecting the delicate instruments from weather elements such as high wind, rain, snow, sleet and hail. The design also allows a nearly constant flow rate of sampled air independent of vehicle velocity. An optional impaction region further reduces transmission of mist and large particles to the chamber containing the measurement package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: LUDLUM MEASUREMENTS, INC.
    Inventors: John William Birks, Peter Christian Andersen, Craig Joseph Williford, Andrew Allen Turnipseed
  • Patent number: 11614560
    Abstract: A method and system for outputting a state of a physical system using a calibrated model of the physical system, where the calibrated model is used to generate a model prediction. The system includes a plurality of sensors connected to a routing node are used to monitor measured data of the physical system. A first sensor of the plurality of sensors includes a logic module configured to determine an uncertainty quantification, and to combine the uncertainty quantification with the model prediction to output the state of the physical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ernesto Arandia, Fearghal O'Donncha, Eli Michael Dow, Frank Liu, Campbell D Watson
  • Patent number: 11610181
    Abstract: A system tracks material flow during a production process. In particular, the system receives, from a materials container, a plurality of sensor readings. The materials container comprises a plurality of sensors at one or more intake locations and one or more outlet locations. The system generates an input data set and an output data set from the plurality of sensor readings. The system stores a first electronic ledger entry on an electronic ledger. The first electronic entry comprises the input data set and a time that sensor readings corresponding to the one or more intake locations were taken. The system stores a second electronic ledger entry on the electronic ledger. The second electronic entry comprises the output data set and a time that sensor readings corresponding to the one or more outlet locations were taken. The system generates display data associate with the first and second electronic ledger entries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: ThinkIQ, Inc.
    Inventors: Niels Andersen, Douglas C. Lawson
  • Patent number: 11601506
    Abstract: Techniques determine if an appliance having a fixed-rate of gas-consumption is degrading over time. In one example, a flowrate of gas at a service site is obtained. The flowrate of gas is disaggregated to obtain a flowrate of gas corresponding to an appliance having a generally fixed-rate of gas-consumption. The flowrate of gas of the appliance is compared to historical gas consumption by the appliance. Based at least in part on the comparing, it may be determined that performance of the appliance has changed over time. For example, the gas consumption of a hot water tank may increase due to mineral build-up in the bottom of the tank. Responsive to the determined degradation of the appliance, warnings may be sent, repairs may be made, and/or appliance(s) may be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark K. Cornwall, James Lee Kann, Peter Clevenger
  • Patent number: 11585797
    Abstract: Systems and method for automatically determining offset correction values in a differential measurement system, and for correcting measurement offsets between two measurement devices in the differential measurement system. A method for determining real-time offset corrections in a gas analysis system having first and second gas analyzers includes for each of a plurality of gas concentrations within a range of gas concentrations: a) supplying the concentration of gas to the first and second gas analyzers through first and second gas flow lines, respectively; b) measuring a first gas concentration value using the first gas analyzer; and c) measuring a second gas concentration value using the second gas analyzer. The method may also include determining an offset value between each corresponding first and second gas concentration value, and determining a functional relationship between the offset values and gas concentration measurements of the first gas analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Li-Cor, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Welles, Aaron Saathoff
  • Patent number: 11530937
    Abstract: A flow measurement apparatus comprising an elongated mounting stem having an inner stem cavity, the mounting stem configured to be mounted in an area of flow to be measured. A probe housing is mounted to an outer surface of the mounting stem and positioned on an upstream side of the mounting stem. The probe housing has a first hole near a center point of the housing and a second, third and fourth hole positioned near the perimeter of the housing. A fifth hole is located on a downstream side of the mounting stem. At least five pressure sensors and a plurality of pressure tapping tubes connecting the holes to the corresponding pressure sensors are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Guillermo Paniagua Perez, David Gonzalez Cuadrado, Valeria Andreoli, James Braun, Zhe Liu
  • Patent number: 11519766
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement of a flow measuring device with a testing device. The flow measuring device comprises an inlet section and an outlet section. A rotor is arranged between the inlet section and the outlet section. The rotor is designed for a rotational movement in the event of a fluid flow between the inlet section and the outlet section. At least one indicator element is arranged on the rotor. The flow measuring device further comprises a measuring element, which is adapted to detect a movement of the indicator element. The indicator element comprises a magnetic material. The testing device is designed to set the rotor in rotational motion, preferably without contact. The invention further relates to a method for the functional testing of a flow measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignees: INNOVATIVE TAP SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Hermann Redl
  • Patent number: 11448618
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for monitoring slug flow in subterranean wells. In one aspect, a method includes at a time instant, transmitting an acoustic signal across a cross-section of a pipeline flowing multiphase fluid including gaseous fluid and liquid fluid, wherein a portion of the acoustic signal is carried through the cross-section of the pipeline by the multiphase fluid and determining, at the time instant, a first quantity of the gaseous fluid and a second quantity of the liquid fluid passing the cross-section of the pipeline based, in part, on an energy of the portion of the acoustic signal carried through the cross-section and at least a portion of a total energy of the transmitted acoustic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Talha Jamal Ahmad, Michael J. Black, Mohamed Nabil Noui-Mehidi
  • Patent number: 11423203
    Abstract: A method for modeling a thermal circuit of power inverter includes setting a first input node of the thermal circuit to a first measured temperature. The method also includes setting a second input node of the thermal circuit to a second measured temperature. The method also includes determining at least one thermal characteristic of the thermal circuit using, at least, the first measured temperature. The method also includes determining an operating temperature of the thermal circuit based on the at least one thermal characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES IP LIMITED
    Inventors: Lijun Zheng, Ronald J. Krefta
  • Patent number: 11408906
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring fluid-dynamic drag on an object, such as a bicycle, ground vehicle, watercraft, aircraft, or portion of a wind turbine are provided. An array of sensors obtain sensor readings for example indicating: power input for propelling the object; air speed and direction relative to motion of the object; and ground speed of the object. Sensor readings may also indicate: temperature; elevation and humidity for providing a measurement of air density. Sensor readings may also indicate inclination angle and forward acceleration. Processing circuitry determines a coefficient of drag area based on the sensor readings and optionally one or more stored parameters, according to a predetermined relationship. A pitot tube based apparatus for measuring fluid speed and direction is also provided. Methods for dynamic in situ calibration of the pitot tube apparatus, and of adjusting correction factors applied to correct measurement errors of this apparatus are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: 1323079 Alberta Ltd.
    Inventors: Chris Morton, Kelly Zwarych
  • Patent number: 11402279
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus may be applicable to managing and monitoring refrigeration assets, including refrigeration plants and cold-storage facilities comprising large numbers of refrigeration assets. A method of managing refrigeration systems includes receiving measurements captured by a plurality of sensors deployed with a refrigeration asset, the measurements being related to temperatures within a temperature-controlled chamber of the refrigeration asset, identifying a difference between a first temperature measurement obtained from measurements provided by a first sensor and a second temperature measurement obtained from measurements provided by at least one sensor, and calibrating the first sensor based on the difference between the first temperature measurement and the second temperature measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: KLATU NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventor: Richard Kriss
  • Patent number: 11397102
    Abstract: It is possible to suppress overcorrection. A physical quantity detecting device includes: a physical quantity detecting sensor that detects a physical quantity of a measurement target fluid and outputs a detection signal; a compensation amount calculation unit that calculates, by using the detection signal, a lead compensation amount used in lead compensation for the detection signal; and a gain control unit that adjusts the lead compensation amount based on a deviation that is an amount of change in lead compensation amount over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.
    Inventors: Takahiro Yamamoto, Tsutomu Kono, Takahiro Miki, Yuki Isoya
  • Patent number: 11379801
    Abstract: A maintenance support system for a plurality of maintenance-target apparatus in a plant includes a maintenance information delivery unit that delivers maintenance information Im that indicates an operational status of each maintenance-target apparatus to maintenance personnel every preset time T, wherein the maintenance information delivery unit delivers predictive information If to the maintenance personnel at a specified time Tf between the previous delivery of the maintenance information Im and the next delivery of the maintenance information Im, the predictive information If providing predictions regarding the operational status of each maintenance-target apparatus at the next delivery of the maintenance information Im.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: TLV Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyasu Fujiwara, Kazunori Oda, Yoshio Miyamae, Hiroki Kawahara
  • Patent number: 11300933
    Abstract: Described herein is automated water pressure monitoring system. The system monitors the water use within a pressurized water system. A pressured water system may include a water line receiving water from a water source such as a well. The system includes a sensor, control module, and data repository. The sensor is mounted along a water line configured to detect pressure generated by a water pressurization system within the water line. The sensor continuously provides data regarding the pressure generated by the water within the water line. The control module is operatively coupled to the sensor and continuously receives data from the sensor. The control module is configured to detect variances over time in the pressure generated by the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: 541 Water Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Funderburk
  • Patent number: 11299983
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed that provide chemical composition data of a fluid. The system includes a first downhole electro-opto-mechanical device to transmit microwave radiation through the fluid. The microwave radiation is generated by the first downhole electro-opto-mechanical device in response to a first light signal. A second downhole electro-opto-mechanical device receives the microwave radiation and generates a second light signal in response to the received microwave radiation. A light detection device is coupled to the second downhole electro-opto-mechanical device to generate an electrical signal in response to the second light signal. The electrical signal is indicative of the chemical composition of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Satyan Gopal Bhongale, Wolfgang Hartmut Nitsche, Yenny Natali Martinez
  • Patent number: 11274621
    Abstract: An air flow measurement device that measures an air flow rate based on an output value of a sensing unit attached in an environment in which air flows, the air flow measurement device is provided. The air flow measurement device may calculate an average air amount, which is an average value of the air flow rate, from the output value. The air flow measurement device may calculate a pulsation maximum value, which is a maximum value of the air flow rate, from the output value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kengo Ito
  • Patent number: 11230300
    Abstract: Implementations are described for maintaining helium/air mixture within a tube in an evacuated tube transportation system. A first implementation includes a set of helium tanks uniformly fitted along the tube length, where helium is injected with controlled valves that open or close to maintain the desired level of helium. An operations control center (OCC) receives helium concentration levels in the tube and instructs a controller in the tube to release helium into the tube when detected levels of helium is lower than the desired level of helium. Another implementation is described where a capsule traversing the tube may have a source of helium gas that can be released into the tube. A hybrid approach is also described where helium can be released from a source within the tube and from another source within the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandre Neophytou, Michael Sarin, Alexandre Zisa, Spencer John Baldwin
  • Patent number: 11215476
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gas meter query method based on a compound Internet of Things (IoT) and an IoT system, and relates to the field of the IoT. The method includes: sending, by the first gas meter of a plurality of gas meters, when reading the data information corresponding to the second gas meter, the data information to the management platform via the sensor network platform; sending, by the management platform, the first control signal to the second gas meter via the sensor network platform, so that the second gas meter sends the first prompt information; sending the second prompt information to at least one of a plurality of service sub-platforms; and sending, by one of the service sub-platforms that receives the second prompt information, the second prompt information to the user sub-platform corresponding to the second gas meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: CHENGDU QINCHUAN IOT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zehua Shao
  • Patent number: 11214282
    Abstract: A tubular transportation system is disclosed for transporting one or more passengers or one or more cargos via a capsule along a predetermined route. A method and an algorithm are described for determining optimum operating points for power/cost and helium-air ratios in a plurality of substantially evacuated tubes in a tubular transportation system for transporting one or more passengers or one or more cargos via a capsule along a predetermined route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandre Neophytou, Michael Sarin, Alexandre Zisa, Spencer John Baldwin
  • Patent number: 11169657
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein are directed to resource monitoring and resource consumption analytics. Resource usage is tracked through a gateway device monitoring resources using remote input sensors, and usage data is transmitted to a central processing unit whereby the data is interpreted and compared with usage over time and site conditions such as weather. For example, incoming usage data is compared with resource signatures in a signature library representing an ideal usage or historical usage for given site condition. This data is interpreted into simple command displays with alerts, alarms, thereby reporting and alerting to an end-user via multiple delivery mechanisms, of potential sources of resource waste or loss. Further, the alerts or alarms can include easily interpreted recommendations to allow a non-skilled worker to take corrective procedures to maximize efficient use of the consumable resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: APANA Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Rose, Frank Burns, Tom Remmers, Matt Maher Peterson
  • Patent number: 11162832
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a flowmeter (5) is provided. A relationship between a flow calibration factor and a pressure coefficient for a class of flowmeter is determined. A unique flow calibration factor is then determined for a flowmeter (5). A unique pressure coefficient for the flowmeter (5) is determined, and the unique pressure coefficient is applied to the flowmeter (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew G. Kolbeck, Aart R. Pruysen, Dean M. Standiford, Jacob Andreas Sinte Maartensdijk
  • Patent number: 11132061
    Abstract: A fluidic haptic device includes a chamber, a compressible or incompressible fluid disposed within the chamber, and an actuatable element in hydraulic or pneumatic contact with the fluid. The actuatable element is adapted to be displaced by movement of a user of the device, which can apply pressure to the fluid. The haptic device may interact directly with one or more body parts of a user, including the user's skin, and may be operable without an external pressure source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Arthur Stanley, Nathan Scot Usevitch, Amirhossein Hajiagha Memar, Nicholas Colonnese
  • Patent number: 11122043
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided that allow the authentication of devices within analyte monitoring systems. The analyte monitoring systems can be in vivo systems and can include a sensor control device with a sensor and accompanying circuitry, as well as a reader device for communicating with the sensor control device. The analyte monitoring systems can interface with a trusted computer system located at a remote site. Numerous techniques of authentication are disclosed that can enable the detection of counterfeit components, such as a counterfeit sensor control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: ABBOTT DIABETES CARE INC.
    Inventors: Michael R. Love, Mark Sloan, Glenn Berman, Nathan Crouther, Gil Porat
  • Patent number: 11085802
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for operating a magnetic-inductive flow meter for measuring the flow rate or the volumetric flow of a medium in a measuring tube and to such a flow meter, wherein the medium is acted upon by magnetic fields of different polarity and field strength, wherein the alternation between magnetic fields causes a voltage pulse in the medium, wherein a voltage pulse during a phase without a magnetic field is used for calculation of a correction of an electrode voltage characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Thomas Küng, Günther Bähr
  • Patent number: 11061416
    Abstract: A system is provided for determining whether a specific water appliance is malfunctioning. The system may comprise at least one processor configured to detect, from at least one sensor in a distributed water infrastructure upstream of the plurality of water appliances, a plurality of normal water usage profiles; associate at least one of the plurality of profiles with each of the plurality of appliances; detect at least one current water usage profile; and compare the at least one current profile with at least one of the stored profiles to determine a corresponding identity of an associated appliance and to determine if a deviation exists between the stored profile for the identified appliance and the at least one current profile. The deviation may be reflective of a potential malfunction in the associated appliance. The system may initiate remedial action if the deviation, reflective of a potential malfunction, is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: WINT WI LTD
    Inventors: Shay Ravid, Alon Haim Gal, Dror Galron
  • Patent number: 11047392
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining a use condition of an appliance, such as a sump pump, and outputting an indication of the current use condition of the appliance. A system implementing the method will first generate an actual first signature of a first characteristic associated with the appliance. The system will then generate an actual second signature of a second characteristic associated with the appliance. Each of the actual first and second signatures are then compared to corresponding expected signatures. The system then selects a current use condition from a plurality of use conditions based on the relationship between the actual signatures and the expected signatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: CONNECTM TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Nayeem M. Hussain, Ryan T. Fant, William J. McLeod, Theodore R. Ullrich, Dean DiPietro, Nathan Gardner Meryash, Pepin Sebastian Gelardi
  • Patent number: 11002111
    Abstract: The disclosure describes hydrocarbon flowline corrosion inhibitor overpressure protection. Such a protection system includes a fluid flow pathway fluidically coupled to a corrosion inhibitor injection pump that injections corrosion inhibitor into a hydrocarbon carrying flowline. When the injection pump pressure exceeds a threshold flow pressure, the corrosion inhibitor is flowed through a first branch of the fluid flow pathway to relieve the excess pressure. The first branch is fluidically isolated from a second branch. When a rupture disc in the first branch fails, then the corrosion inhibitor is diverted to flow through the second branch and the first branch is isolated from the corrosion inhibitor flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Fathi BuGubaia, Khalid Al Ghamdi, Mohammad R. Khunaizi, Rashid D. Al Hajri, Khalid Al Subaie, Zayed Qahtani
  • Patent number: 10996756
    Abstract: The disclosed tactile input mechanisms may include a bladder dimensioned to hold a fluid, a pressure sensor coupled to the bladder and configured to sense a pressure exerted against the bladder, and a fluidic valve coupled to the bladder and configured to vent the bladder in response to the sensed pressure reaching a predetermined threshold. Various other related systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Ahne, Nicholas Roy Corson, Andrew Arthur Stanley
  • Patent number: 10969431
    Abstract: A semiconductor package comprises a controlled voltage domain (CVD) and a master voltage domain (MVD). The MVD comprises an error-tolerance control (ETC) circuit. A basic execution block in the CVD generates a basic output value, based on at least two input values. A test execution block in the CVD generates a test digital root, based on digital roots of the input values. A digital root comparator in the CVD determines whether a digital root of the basic output value matches the test digital root. An error reporter in the CVD sends an error report to the ETC circuit in response to a determination that the digital roots do not match. The ETC may automatically adjust at least one power characteristic of the CVD, based on the error report. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Richard William Dorrance, Andrey Vladimirovich Belogolovy, Xue Zhang, Hechen Wang
  • Patent number: 10955276
    Abstract: A wet gas measuring system for calculating mass and volume of a gas and a liquid independently and simultaneously, having one or two hollow bodies, each hollow body having conical section mount interrupting the flow of a mixture of gas and liquid, a conical area ratio changer conditioning the gas to a uniform geometric shape; a protruding dome upstream of the first conical area ratio changer; a ram inlet bore through the dome unaffected by changes in gas viscosity, changes in Reynolds' number, changes in gas and liquid turbulence, and an upstream static pressure sensor; downstream pressure sensor for detecting a differential pressure; a temperature sensor; a ram velocity sensor with a processor and computer instructions for calculating velocity and mass of the gas using a detachable and re-attachable conical area ratio changer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: DYNAMIC FLOW COMPUTERS
    Inventor: Sami O. Halilah