Acoustic Patents (Class 702/48)
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Patent number: 8396675Abstract: The object is to facilitate determination of a flow rate of fluid discharged from a discharge opening. Intensity of a supersonic wave generated at and propagated from a discharge opening in association with discharge of the fluid from the discharge opening is determined at a determinate site distant from the discharge opening. And, a propagation distance from the discharge opening to the determination site is determined or investigated. Then, based upon a correlation existent among the intensity of the propagated supersonic wave, the propagation distance and the fluid discharge flow rate from the discharge opening, the fluid discharge rate is obtained from the determined or investigated supersonic wave intensity and the propagation distance.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: TLV Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masao Yonemura
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Patent number: 8374806Abstract: An ultrasonic phase-shift detection device includes a clock generator, a divider, a first counter, a comparator, a phase detector and a second counter. The divider is provided for dividing the clock signal to generate ultrasonic signals. The comparator is provided for comparing the counting value of the first counter and a predetermined number. The phase detector is provided for comparing the phase shift between different ultrasonic signals. The second counter is provided for counting to generate the digital result signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Tatung CompanyInventors: Shu-Ting Liao, Chao-Fa Lee, Cheng-Hsing Kuo
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Publication number: 20130013227Abstract: A method of detecting one or more blocked sampling holes in a pipe of an aspirated smoke detector system. The method includes ascertaining the base flow of fluid through a particle detector using a flow sensor; monitoring subsequent flow through the particle detector; comparing the subsequent flow with the base flow; and indicating a fault if the difference between the base flow and the subsequent flow exceeds a predetermined threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: VISION FIRE & SECURITY PTY LTDInventors: KEMAL AJAY, Arjun Vinoo Caprihan, Michael Rezny
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Patent number: 8346491Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying one or more fluid products flowing within a pipe are provided having a flow meter mounted on the pipe and a processing unit. The flow meter has a plurality of sensors operable to detect vortical disturbances flowing with the fluid products and acoustic waves propagating through the fluid. The sensors produce signals indicative of the vortical disturbances and acoustic waves. The processing unit is operable to determine the speed of sound and volumetric flow rate of the one or more fluid products using the signals from the flow meter. The processing unit includes a database having speed of sound data for a predetermined group of products. The processing unit is operable to identify the type of each product flowing within the pipe given a temperature and pressure value of the products within the pipe.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2008Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Expro Meters, Inc.Inventors: Douglas H. Loose, Daniel L. Gysling
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Patent number: 8346492Abstract: A system for detecting and locating leaks includes a pipeline, strain sensors positioned on the external surface of the pipeline, acoustic pressure sensors positioned at intervals along the pipeline, local processors connected to the strain sensors and acoustic pressure sensors, and a central processor connected to the local processors. The strain sensors measure a strain on the external surface of the pipeline indicative of changes in the pressure of the fluid within the pipeline. The acoustic pressure sensors sense acoustic signals within the pipline. Sensed acoustic pressure signals and sensed strain measurements are compared to each other and to stored profiles to detect and locate leaks.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignees: Acoustic Systems, Inc., Acoustic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Bao-Wen Yang, Eric Yang, Marion Recane, Stephanie H. Yang
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Publication number: 20120323502Abstract: A flow volume measurement device or a flow velocity measurement device include a measurement cell including a main pipe, an incident tube that is connected to the main pipe, an emission tube that is connected to the main pipe, and a first purge-fluid supply tube that is connected to the incident tube, a purge-fluid supply unit that supplies purge fluid into the first purge-fluid supply tube of the measurement cell, a light emitting unit that emits a laser beam to the measurement cell, a light receiving unit that receives the laser beam emitted from the light emitting unit and having passed through the measurement cell, and outputs a received amount of light as a light reception signal, a calculation unit that calculates a flow volume or a flow velocity of exhaust fluid flowing in the measurement cell, based on a light reception signal output from the light receiving unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2010Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventors: Masazumi Tanoura, Kenji Muta, Atsushi Takita, Minoru Danno, Shinichiro Asami, Kageharu Moriyama, Daishi Ueno, Ichiro Awaya, Tadashi Aoki
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Publication number: 20120271569Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring fluid flow in a conduit using ultrasonic transducers. A periodic signal is transmitted from a first transducer and received at a second transducer, and from the second transducer to the first. For each transmission, the phase difference between the signal as transmitted and received is measured. The rate of fluid flow in the conduit can be computed from the phase relationships of the transmitted and received signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: Neptune Technology Group, Inc.Inventor: Michael A. Wilson
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Publication number: 20120271568Abstract: A method and apparatus utilizing a pair of ultrasonic transducers simultaneously transmitting and receiving to measure the mean time of flight of an ultrasonic signal over a given distance, and thereby the speed of sound of a fluid in a conduit at a given temperature, independent of flow rate, and the flow rate of the fluid. A signal source simultaneously drives an upstream transducer and a downstream transducer, each of which receive the signal transmitted by the other. The difference between the upstream and downstream signals is substantially invariant with rate of flow of the fluid, and measurement of parameters of this signal takes into account the speed of sound of the fluid. The time of flight for the upstream and downstream signals can then be used to calculate the flow rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2011Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: Neptune Technology Group, Inc.Inventor: Michael A. Wilson
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Patent number: 8296082Abstract: A performance inspection system for an array ultrasound transducer includes: a driver for selectively applying an electric signal to all or some parts of constituent channels of the array ultrasound transducer; an acoustic power measurement unit for measuring an ultrasound acoustic power emitted from individual channels receiving the same voltage from the driver; a radiation conductance conversion unit for measuring a voltage signal applied to each channel although the driver applies different voltages to the individual channels, and converting the measured voltage into an ultrasound acoustic power acquired when the same voltage is applied to the channels; and a channel uniformity estimation unit for estimating uniformity of the acoustic power value acquired by the radiation conductance conversion unit or uniformity of acoustic power values of the individual channels measured under the same voltage.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2007Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Standards and ScienceInventors: Yong-tae Kim, Moon-jae Jho, Sung-soo Jung, Ho-chul Kim, Yong-hyeon Yun
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Publication number: 20120265454Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining flow characteristics (e.g. flow rate, direction of flow, mass flow rate, etc.) of a multi-layered medium are described, such as a multi-layered medium in a pipeline. Such a multi-layered medium may be considered to have a first layer and second layer and an interface region, wherein the interface region is defined between the first and second layers. In some examples, a flow characteristic can be determined by using the time of flight of advanced signal communicated in a particular manner across the medium with the time of flight of a retarded signal communicated in a different manner across the medium, such that it is possible to use the time of flights together with a static speed of the advanced and retarded signal in both the first and second layers and the location of the interface region in order to determine the flow characteristics of the medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2010Publication date: October 18, 2012Inventors: Wayne Rudd, Allison Mason, Laurie Linnett
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Patent number: 8290632Abstract: A method for controlling the influx of fluids into a multizone well in which each inflow zone is provided with an inflow control device, comprises: assessing the flux of oil, gas, water and other effluents from the well; monitoring production variables, including ICD position and/or fluid pressure in each inflow zone upstream of each ICD and/or downstream of each ICD; sequentially adjusting the position of each of the ICDs and assessing the flux of crude oil, natural gas and/or other well effluents; monitoring production variables; deriving a zonal production estimation model for each inflow zone of the well; and adjusting each ICD to control the influx of crude oil, natural gas and/or other effluents into each inflow zone on the basis of data derived from the zonal production estimation model for each inflow zone of the well.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Jan Jozef Maria Briers, Keat-Choon Goh, Christophe Lauwerys, Peter Stefaan Lutgard Van Overschee, Henk Nico Jan Poulisse
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Publication number: 20120239312Abstract: Motion is induced in a conduit that contains a fluid. The motion is induced such that the conduit oscillates in a first mode of vibration and a second mode of vibration. The first mode of vibration has a corresponding first frequency of vibration and the second mode of vibration has a corresponding second frequency of vibration. At least one of the first frequency of vibration or the second frequency of vibration is determined. A phase difference between the motion of the conduit at a first point of the conduit and the motion of the conduit at a second point of the conduit is determined. A quantity based on the phase difference and the determined frequency is determined. The quantity includes a ratio between the first frequency during a zero-flow condition and the second frequency during the zero-flow condition. A property of the fluid is determined based on the quantity.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventor: Michael S. Tombs
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Publication number: 20120239539Abstract: Sub-metering of fluid use is performed using a single acoustic transducer positioned at a common supply point. A computer attached to the transducer determines when each consumption point is active and measures the respective amount of fluid drawn by each. Acoustic signatures of each consumption point differ depending on the length of piping runs, location of elbows, tees, and other structures which cause acoustic energy as the fluid flows through. The acoustic signatures are recorded by the computer and are used to simultaneously differentiate fluid use at each consumption point.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2011Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventor: David Chun-Hao Shen
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Publication number: 20120232811Abstract: The invention relates to meter electronics (20) for vibratory flowmeter friction compensation is provided. The meter electronics (20) includes an interface (201) configured to communicate with a flowmeter assembly (10) of a vibratory flowmeter (5) and receive a vibrational response and a processing system (203) coupled to the interface (201) and configured to measure a mass flow rate of a fluid using the vibrational response. The processing system (203) is configured to determine a fluid velocity (V) using the mass flow rate, a fluid density (?), and a cross-sectional flow area (A), determine a friction factor (f) using the fluid velocity (V) and a pressure drop (?P), and determine a compensation factor using the friction factor (f). The invention also relates to a vibratory flowmeter compensation method.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2009Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventors: Anthony William Pankratz, Joel Weinstein
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Publication number: 20120227647Abstract: A particulate flow monitor for a pneumatic system including a particulate flow tube defining a particulate flow path, a blower connected to the flow tube and the flow tube terminating at a particulate discharge, which flow monitor comprises an acoustic transducer connected to the flow tube intermediate the blower and the discharge; said acoustic transducer being located in said particulate flow path; an impact surface on said acoustic transducer adapted for being impacted by the particulate matter in said flow path; and an electrical signal generator connected to said acoustic transducer and adapted for generating an electrical signal in response to sound waves created by particulate matter impact; said signal generator including an output adapted for providing an electrical output signal corresponding to said sound waves; and a processor connected to said signal generator output; and said processor being programmed to monitor particulate flow based on said detected particulate matter impact.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2011Publication date: September 13, 2012Inventors: Joshua N. Gelinske, Adam A. Reich, Barry D. Batcheller
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Patent number: 8260562Abstract: A meter electronics (20) for generating a drive signal for a vibratory flowmeter (5) is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The meter electronics includes an interface (201) and a processing system (203). The processing system is configured to receive the sensor signal (201) through the interface, phase-shift the sensor signal (210) substantially 90 degrees to create a phase-shifted sensor signal, determine a phase shift value from a frequency response of the vibratory flowmeter, and combine the phase shift value with the sensor signal (201) and the phase-shifted sensor signal in order to generate a drive signal phase (213). The processing system is further configured to determine a sensor signal amplitude (214) from the sensor signal (210) and the phase-shifted sensor signal, and generate a drive signal amplitude (215) based on the sensor signal amplitude (214), wherein the drive signal phase (213) is substantially identical to a sensor signal phase (212).Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2011Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventors: Timothy J Cunningham, William M Mansfield, Craig B McAnally
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Publication number: 20120209542Abstract: A method of and apparatus for monitoring fluid flow passing within a pipe is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a flow pressure value and a flow temperature value for the fluid flow within the pipe; b) providing a fluid flowmeter operable to be attached to an exterior of the pipe; c) providing a processor adapted to include an equation of state model for the pressure, volume, and temperature properties for the fluid flow, and further adapted to receive composition data values for the fluid flow, the flow pressure value, and the flow temperature value, and the flow velocity signals from the flowmeter; and d) determining a volumetric flow rate of one or more phases of the fluid flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2010Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: Expro Meters, Inc.Inventor: Daniel L. Gysling
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Publication number: 20120203476Abstract: Apparatus and method for non-invasively determining the level of a constituent of a patient's blood drawn though an elastomeric tubing to a dialysis machine deforms the tubing in the slot of a measuring head having two points of different transverse length with a transmit/receive sensor at each point that transmits a signal through the tubing and the blood and is reflected back to it from the tubing internal wall. The round trip transit time of the signal at each sensor is measured and the blood sound velocity is calculated from the two round trip transit times and the differential of the transverse lengths at the two points. Blood hematocrit level, which is related to blood volume, is calculated from the calculated sound velocity and an empirical relationship.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2011Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: COSENSE, INCInventor: Naim Dam
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Patent number: 8234933Abstract: An ultrasonic meter may include, but is not limited to, an emitter that emits a series of ultrasonic burst signals towards a fluid containing bubbles and/or particles, the series of ultrasonic burst signals being reflected by the air bubbles and/or particles in the fluid to be a series of reflected signals, a receiver that receives the series of reflected signals, and a calculator that calculates a plurality of correlation coefficients by performing a correlation processing on a series of received signals outputted from the receiver, the calculator calculating a physical quantity of the fluid based on the plurality of correlation coefficients.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Yokogawa Electric CorporationInventors: Satoshi Fukuhara, Akira Kataoka, Nobuhiro Ukezono, Kohei Izu, Kazutoshi Okamoto
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Publication number: 20120191382Abstract: The present invention implements an ultrasonic flow meter device which does not require a complicated configuration such as a hermetic seal, in an inexpensive and easy manner. A typical ultrasonic flow meter device includes a fluid passage body, a measurement fluid passage placed within the fluid passage body, a pair of ultrasonic sensors, a wall defining the measurement fluid passage and attached with the ultrasonic sensors, a propagation time measuring means for measuring a propagation time of an ultrasonic sound wave propagating between the ultrasonic sensors, and a fluid flow calculating means for calculating a fluid flow based on a propagation time, and a seal member is provided between the fluid passage body and the wall to prevent a fluid from leaking.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2010Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Yuji Nakabayashi, Yuji Fujii, Masato Satou
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Patent number: 8229695Abstract: Meter electronics for geometric thermal compensation in a flow meter is provided according to the invention. The meter electronics includes an interface configured to receive sensor signals and a temperature signal (T) of the flow meter. The meter electronics further includes a processing system coupled with the interface and configured to receive the sensor signals and the temperature signal (T) and compute a geometric thermal compensation factor (TFe) for one or more flow conduits of the flow meter using the temperature signal (T). The geometric thermal compensation factor (TFe) is used to process the first and second sensor signals.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventors: Aart R Pruysen, Jacob Andreas Sinte Maartensdijk, Robert Barclay Garnett
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Patent number: 8229686Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a flow rate of a component of a stratified two-phase fluid flow within a substantially horizontally extending pipe is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) determining a first fluid velocity value and a second fluid velocity value within the pipe section; b) determining a density of the fluid flow within the pipe section, and creating a measured fluid density value; c) determining a degree of fluid phase stratification of the fluid flow using at least one of the top and bottom fluid flow velocity values, and the measured fluid density value; and d) determining a flow rate value for at least one of a liquid component of the fluid flow and a gas component of the fluid flow within the pipe section.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Expro Meters, Inc.Inventor: Abhinav Singh Rawat
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Patent number: 8225678Abstract: A fluid flow meter is described that uses thermal tracers to measure flow speed. For fluid flowing through a conduit, the fluid is heated at a heating location in the conduit with a time-dependent heating strength. A speed of sound in fluid flowing in the conduit is measured at multiple sensing locations downstream from said heating location. The flow speed of the fluid is determined from a delay with which the time dependence is detected in the sound speeds measured at the sensing locations. A frequency of the variation of heating strength that is used to determine the flow speed is selected automatically based on the flow speed and/or other circumstances.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNOInventors: Arno Willem Frederik Volker, Huibert Blokland, Johannes Fransiscus Maria Velthuis, Joost Conrad Lötters
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Publication number: 20120185183Abstract: In a flow meter device of the present invention, a unit measuring step is defined as a procedure for measuring ultrasonic sound wave propagation times by changing the direction in which an ultrasonic sound wave is transmitted and received between a first transducer (2) and a second transducer (3), and a time measuring means (12) measures a propagation time in a forward direction and a propagation time in a reverse direction in a unit measuring step. A time difference detecting means (16) detects a difference between the propagation time in the forward direction and the propagation time in the reverse direction which are measured by the time measuring means (12). A determiner means (17) determines whether or not there is a fluid flow based on the time difference. According to presence/absence of a fluid flow, the number of times the unit measuring step is performed is determined. Therefore, it can be determined whether or not there is a fluid flow quickly in real time.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2010Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Kouichi Takemura, Fumikazu Shiba
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Publication number: 20120143529Abstract: Apparatus and method for non-invasive measuring of the sound velocity of a fluid, such as a liquid, flowing in a tubing having points of two different and known transverse length has one sensor mounted at each point connected to a circuit that provides signals to each sensor that are returned to it after passing through the tubing wall and flowing fluid and reflection from the tubing internal wall opposing each sensor and from which the round trip transit time of the signals is measured and the sound velocity calculated from the two measured round trip transit times and the differential between the known transverse lengths. Flexible tubing is placed in the slot of a measuring head which deforms it to provide the two points at one location or the slot has two sections of different transverse length along its length with a point at each section.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2010Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventor: Naim Dam
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Publication number: 20120109543Abstract: Meter electronics (20) for quantifying a fluid being transferred is provided. The meter electronics (20) includes an interface (201) configured to communicate with a flowmeter assembly of a vibratory flowmeter and receive a vibrational response and a processing system (203) coupled to the interface (201). The processing system (203) is configured to measure a volume flow and a density for a predetermined time portion of the fluid transfer, determine if the fluid transfer is non-aerated during the predetermined time portion, if the predetermined time portion is non-aerated then add a volume-density product to an accumulated volume-density product and add the volume flow to an accumulated volume flow, and determine a non-aerated volume-weighted density for the fluid transfer by dividing the accumulated volume-density product by the accumulated volume flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventors: Joel Weinstein, Steven M. Jones
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Patent number: 8170812Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting deposit buildup within an ultrasonic flow meter are disclosed. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are ultrasonic flow meters comprising a spool piece configured to couple within a flow of fluid, a first transducer pair mechanically mounted to the spool piece and configured to fluidly couple to the flow of fluids (wherein the first transducer pair comprises an upstream transducer and a downstream transducer in operational relationship to the upstream transducer and defines a first chord there between), and electronics electrically coupled to the first transducer pair. The electronics is configured to detect deposit buildup over an inner surface of the ultrasonic flow meter.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2007Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Daniel Measurement and Control, Inc.Inventor: Henry Charles Straub, Jr.
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Patent number: 8155895Abstract: Detecting liquid in an acoustic flow meter. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including flowing a gaseous substance through a central passage of a meter body, sending acoustic signals along respective chordal pathways across the central passage (none of the chordal pathways intersect a lower portion of the central passage where liquid, if present during flow of the gaseous substance, accumulates), calculating a flow velocity of the gaseous substance proximate to each chordal pathway based on transit times of the acoustic signals along the respective chordal pathways, and determining the presence of a liquid accumulated in the lower portion based on the flow velocity proximate to each chordal pathway.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Daniel Measurement and Control, Inc.Inventors: Charles W. Derr, Henry Charles Straub, Jr.
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Patent number: 8126661Abstract: A multi-phase process fluid is passed through a vibratable flowtube. Motion is induced in the vibratable flowtube. A first apparent property of the multi-phase process fluid based on the motion of the vibratable flowtube is determined, and an apparent intermediate value associated with the multi-phase process fluid based on the first apparent property is determined. A corrected intermediate value is determined based on a mapping between the intermediate value and the corrected intermediate value. A phase-specific property of a phase of the multi-phase process fluid is determined based on the corrected intermediate value.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2009Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Inventors: Manus P. Henry, Michael S. Tombs
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Publication number: 20120041693Abstract: An ultrasonic phase-shift detection device includes a clock generator, a divider, a first counter, a comparator, a phase detector and a second counter. The divider is provided for dividing the clock signal to generate ultrasonic signals. The comparator is provided for comparing the counting value of the first counter and a predetermined number. The phase detector is provided for comparing the phase shift between different ultrasonic signals. The second counter is provided for counting to generate the digital result signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: Tatung CompanyInventors: Shu-Ting Liao, Chao-Fa Lee, Cheng-Hsing Kuo
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Publication number: 20120029846Abstract: A system for use in installation of blown fiber for detecting a signal indicative of presence of at least one of a gas flow or an optical fiber at a remote location, comprising a gas vibration detector configured to acoustically couple with an installation duct through which the signal can travel after its generation at the remote location, and a processor arranged to receive an input from the vibration detector and to process the input to identify the signal present within the input; and a sensor for generating the signal upon sensing the presence of at least one of the gas flow or the optical fiber at the remote location. The signal can be provided by a whistle mounted on the remote end of the installation duct. The vibration sensor is typically a microphone.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: BRITISH TELECOMMUNICATIONS PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANYInventors: David John Taylor Heatley, Ian Neild
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Patent number: 8103461Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the temporal position of a wave packet (31) in a flow measuring apparatus, and to a flow measuring apparatus. The method includes the sampling of the wave packet at a plurality of points in time, wherein a measured value is created at each point in time. Subsequently, a sum of products (43, 54, 55, 63, 64) is calculated, wherein each product is calculated for a determined point in time from a plurality of points in time and each product is the product of a value of a compare function (44, 53, 56, 61, 62) at the determined point in time and the measured value at the determined point in time. Finally, the temporal position of the wave packet is calculated from the sum of products.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2006Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Carefusion Germany 234 GmbHInventors: Eckard Glaser, Daniel Scheder
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Publication number: 20110301878Abstract: Method comprises transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals (USS) in and counter direction of flow (ICDF) of controlled medium in pipeline (CMP); determining times of USS transmission ICDF of CMP and difference therebetween; forming time difference code; forming array of address codes corresponding to zero crossing moments of codes of USS passed ICF of CMP; determining zero crossing moment address code for codes of USS passed ICF of CMP closest to mutual correlation function (MCF) maximum address codes; selecting codes of USS passed ICDF of CMP corresponding to MCF maximum; forming MCF of selected part of codes of USS passed ICDF of CMP and signal shifted by 90° to primary USS; digitizing these MCF forming codes of time transmission of USS passed ICDF of CMP within sampling rate interval; determining accurate difference code of time intervals between USS passed ICDF of CMP; and determining CMP volume flow rate from a formula.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventors: Yuriy Igorevich Romanov, Dmitry Yurievich Svilpov, Stanislav Vladimirovich Maletskiy, Olga Vladimirovna Chagina
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Patent number: 8068999Abstract: A system and method of characterizing or controlling a flow of a fluid is provided that involves a sensor conduit and a bypass. A plurality of fluids may be utilized in the flow control device based on characteristic information of the device generated during calibration thereof. The characteristic information, in turn is based on a dimensionless parameters, such as adjusted dynamic pressure and adjusted Reynolds number.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2009Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Brooks Instrument, LLCInventors: Chiun Wang, John M. Lull, William S. Valentine
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Publication number: 20110282596Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus can be configured to detect gas usage. The apparatus can include: (a) a processing module configured to run on a computational unit; and (b) a sensing unit configured to be coupled to a gas regulator, the sensing unit having: (1) at least one acoustic sensor configured to detect two or more acoustic signals produced by the gas regulator and convert the two or more acoustic signals into one or more first data signals; and (2) a transmitter electrically coupled to the at least one acoustic sensor and configured to transmit the one or more first data signals to the computational unit. The processing module is configured to use the one or more first data signals to determine the gas usage. Other embodiments are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: Belkin International, Inc.Inventors: Shwetak N. Patel, Sidhant Gupta, Matthew S. Reynolds
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Publication number: 20110271769Abstract: A flow measuring apparatus (300, 500) measures a fluid flow (130) within a conduit (120) including a wall (110). The apparatus (300, 500) includes a transducer arrangement including at least two transducers (100A, 100B) for alternately emitting and receiving ultrasonic radiation through the conduit wall (110) and the flow (130). The apparatus (300, 500) also includes a signal processing arrangement (310) for generating signals to excite the transducer arrangement (100A, 100B) and for processing received signals provided by the transducer arrangement (100A, 100B) for generating output signals from the signal processing arrangement (310) indicative of properties of the flow. The transducer arrangement (100A, 100B) in cooperation with the conduit (120) provides a first path (200) for Lamb-wave ultrasonic radiation coupling directly from a first of the at least two transducers (100A, 100B), to a second of said at least two transducers to generate a first received signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2010Publication date: November 10, 2011Inventors: Remi Andre Kippersund, Kjell Eivind Frøysa, Per Lunde
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Publication number: 20110264385Abstract: A method for calculating a fluid parameter of a fluid flowing through a vibratory flow meter is provided. The method comprises vibrating the flow meter at one or more frequencies and receiving a vibrational response. The method further comprises generating a first fluid property and generating at least a second fluid property. The method further comprises calculating a fluid parameter based on the first fluid property and the at least second fluid property.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2008Publication date: October 27, 2011Inventors: Joel Weinstein, Mark James Bell, Andrew Timothy Patten
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Publication number: 20110257906Abstract: A method for processing a time discrete, one dimensional, measurement signal. The method includes the step of applying to the sequence a recursive filter having a variable recursion coefficient (K(n)), wherein the recursive filter is embodied in such a manner that, in each case, the output, measured value (y(n)) obtained for a measured value (x(n)) is obtainable by subtracting a preceding output, measured value (y(n?1)) from such measured value (x(n)), by multiplying the obtained difference value (d(n)) with a recursion coefficient (K(n)) associated with such measured value (x(n)) and by adding the obtained product to the preceding output, measured value (y(n?1)).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Inventor: Rémy Scherrer
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Publication number: 20110246098Abstract: Switching a transmitting and receiving direction of two transducers (2,3) in the forward and the reverse direction, a time differential memory part (17b) storing a propagation time differential every K times a unit measurement process being executed, the propagation time differential being a differential between a propagation time of the ultrasonic wave signal in a forward direction and in a reverse direction, a flow rate calculating part (15) calculating a flow rate of a passing fluid based on a lump sum of propagation times in both the forward and the reverse directions obtained at least every K times of a unit measurement process being executed, an estimating part (18) estimating a change in a momentary flow rate of the fluid based on the time differential obtained every K times of the unit measurement process being executed and storing thereof in a time differential memory part (17b), thus obtaining an accurate flow rate and detecting the change in the momentary flow rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 25, 2009Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Koichi Takemura, Fumikazu Shiba, Daisuke Bessho
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Publication number: 20110238332Abstract: To find the propagation time of an ultrasonic wave, a difference occurs between the waveforms received upstream and downstream in a portion where the reception amplitude is comparatively large and it is prevented from being detected as an error of the propagation time. A reception signal is amplified in a reception unit 35 and reception point storage units 38 store the most recent reception point data in a plurality of storage sections in order until the signal level becomes a predetermined value (Vref). An average value of the two zero crossing points before and after the signal level becomes Vref can be adopted as a reception point, the propagation time with a small error of up and down offset, etc., is measured, and it is made possible to realize power saving operation by shortening the measurement time.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2008Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Fumikazu Shiba, Koichi Takemura, Daisuke Bessyo
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Publication number: 20110238333Abstract: An ultrasonic flowmeter that measures flow velocity of a measured fluid by propagating ultrasonic waves through a measuring flow path with a rectangular cross section through which the measured fluid flows and the measured fluid that flows through the measuring flow path. The measuring flow path is provided with partition plates so that they are in parallel with the flow direction of the measured fluid. Simultaneously, the partition plates are placed in parallel with wall surfaces such that flow velocity distribution between opposing wall surfaces of the measuring flow path is more symmetrical with respect to the center of the flow direction of the measured fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2009Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hajime Miyata, Youichi Itou
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Patent number: 8019559Abstract: A flow meter and method for measuring flow in liquids which may have entrained bubbles or foreign matter. The meter performs alternate transit time and Doppler measurements. The transit time measurements are used to calculate flow so long as they are successful. If the transit time measurements are not successful, the Doppler measurements are used.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Racine Federated, Inc.Inventors: Robert K. Stevens, Richard L. Little, William W. Roeber
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Patent number: 8010303Abstract: A system and method of characterizing or controlling a flow of a fluid is provided that involves a sensor conduit and a bypass. A plurality of fluids may be utilized in the flow control device based on characteristic information of the device generated during calibration thereof. The characteristic information, in turn is based on a dimensionless parameters, such as adjusted dynamic pressure and adjusted Reynolds number.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2009Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Brooks Intrument, LLCInventors: Chiun Wang, John M. Lull, William S. Valentine
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Publication number: 20110208447Abstract: An apparatus for measuring at least one parameter associated with a fluid flowing within a pipe includes a single sheet of piezoelectric film material wrapped around at least a portion of the pipe and an array of sensors disposed at different locations on the film material. Each of the sensors provides a signal indicative of pressure within the pipe at a corresponding axial and/or circumferential location of the pipe. The sensors are selectively configurable to provide the pressure signals. The signals are processed to determine the parameter. The array of sensors is configurable in response to different criteria. The criteria includes at least one of the parameter of the fluid to be output, an input signal specifying sensors to be selected, a predetermined configuration based on the parameter to be determined, and in response to a previously determined parameter of the fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: CIDRA CORPORATE SERVICES INC.Inventors: Michael A. DAVIS, Mark R. FERNALD, Timothy J. BAILEY
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Patent number: 7983855Abstract: A meter electronics (20) for generating a drive signal for a vibratory flowmeter (5) is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The meter electronics includes an interface (201) and a processing system (203). The processing system is configured to receive the sensor signal (201) through the interface, phase-shift the sensor signal (210) substantially 90 degrees to create a phase-shifted sensor signal, determine a phase shift value from a frequency response of the vibratory flowmeter, and combine the phase shift value with the sensor signal (201) and the phase-shifted sensor signal in order to generate a drive signal phase (213). The processing system is further configured to determine a sensor signal amplitude (214) from the sensor signal (210) and the phase-shifted sensor signal, and generate a drive signal amplitude (215) based on the sensor signal amplitude (214), wherein the drive signal phase (213) is substantially identical to a sensor signal phase (212).Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2006Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Cunningham, William M Mansfield, Craig B McAnally
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Publication number: 20110167906Abstract: A torsional sensor for sensing at least one parameter of a fluid is disclosed. The torsional sensor includes a torsional portion coupled to a reference portion and including a plurality of projections extending outward and spaced apart from each other. At least a portion of the torsional sensor is mountable for immersion in the fluid and operable to propagate a torsional wave that interacts with the fluid along the at least portion of the torsional sensor so as to affect propagation of the torsional wave in a manner dependent on the at least one parameter of the fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2010Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Shivappa Ningappa Goravar, Edward Randall Furlong, Manoj Kumar Koyithitta Meethal, Vamshi Krishna Reddy Kommareddy, Baskaran Ganesan, Xiaolei Shirley Ao
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Publication number: 20110161018Abstract: The measuring system comprises: A measuring transducer of vibration-type, through which medium flows during operation and which produces primary signals corresponding to parameters of the flowing medium; as well as a transmitter electronics electrically coupled with the measuring transducer for activating the measuring transducer and for evaluating primary signals delivered by the measuring transducer. The measuring transducer includes: At least one measuring tube for conveying flowing medium; at least one electro-mechanical, oscillation exciter for exciting and/or maintaining vibrations of the at least one measuring tube; and a first oscillation sensor for registering vibrations of the at least one measuring tube and for producing a first primary signal of the measuring transducer representing vibrations at least of the at least one measuring tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2010Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Vivek Kumar, Martin Anklin
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Publication number: 20110153229Abstract: A measurement system and method of use include a fluid conduit for routing a base fluid therethrough, a gas conduit in fluid communication with the fluid conduit for mixing a gas into the base fluid to form a foamed bi-phase fluid, a foam conduit in fluid communication with the fluid conduit and the gas conduit to receive the bi-phase fluid therein, a first sensor disposed to measure a characteristic of the base fluid in the fluid conduit, a second sensor disposed to measure a characteristic of the gas in the gas conduit, a third sensor disposed to measure a characteristic of the bi-phase fluid in the foam conduit, and a processor for receiving data representing the measurement from at least one of the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor, analyzing the data, and calculating a parameter of the bi-phase fluid based upon the data.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventors: Brian Goddard, Wakova Carter, Brian Eldredge
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Publication number: 20110153230Abstract: A measurement device measures a liquid flow discharged from a funnel in a lower branch and/or a side branch. A modelling function is established between liquid flows received with the funnel and/or liquid flows discharged through the lower branch and/or the side branch. In drainability measurement, a sensor measures the flow through a wire out of a measurement chamber at least at two points in time. A processor establishes a parameter descriptive of the drainability from flows measured at the different points in time based on a modelling function stored in a memory.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: METSO AUTOMATION OYInventor: Matti-Paavo Saren
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Patent number: 7962293Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a level of stratification of a multiphase fluid flow passing through a pipe is provided. The method includes, and the apparatus is operable to perform, the steps of: 1) determining a flow velocity of the multiphase fluid flow passing through a first radial region of the pipe; 2) determining a flow velocity of a portion of the multiphase fluid flow passing within a second radial region of the pipe, wherein the second radial region is above the first radial region; and 3) comparing the flow velocity from the first radial region and flow velocity from the second radial region to determine information indicative of the stratification of the multiphase fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Expro Meters, Inc.Inventor: Daniel L. Gysling