Fluid Measurement (e.g., Mass, Pressure, Viscosity) Patents (Class 702/50)
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Patent number: 8935108Abstract: The invention relates to a rheometer (100) for high-viscosity materials and to a device and a method for estimating, by means of such a rheometer (100), the feeding pressure to be applied in order to overcome the feeding resistance of high-viscosity material in a pipe. The rheometer (100) has a receptacle for holding high-viscosity material in the receptacle. The receptacle is designed as a standard pipe section (102) that can be filled with high-viscosity material (300). In the rheometer (100), the standard pipe section (102) and high-viscosity material (300) filled into the standard pipe section (102) can be made to linearly move relative to each other at a first rate and at another rate differing from the first rate.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2011Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Putzmeister Engineering GmbHInventor: Knut Kasten
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Patent number: 8924166Abstract: This invention encompasses embodiments for multi-modal integrated simultaneous measurement of various aspects of fluids contained in circulating systems such as automotive reciprocating engines and vehicle transmissions. These circulating systems perform constant internal lubrication, and heat and contaminant removal to protect the internal moving parts from the inherent friction and damage in normal operation. Most commonly this is achieved with fluids based on hydrocarbon and/or related synthetics, which, over time, can lose their protective properties, and vary in their performance or breakdown/decay due to internal and external events. Several components within the lubricant fluid can be measured and can provide insight into the efficacy of the system to perform its designed mission.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: MASTINCInventors: Brian Von Herzen, Steven Van Fleet
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Patent number: 8924165Abstract: The measuring system has a measuring transducer which produces primary signals transmitter electronics for activating the measuring transducer and for evaluating primary signals. The measuring transducer includes at least one measuring tube; at least one electro-mechanical, oscillation exciter, a first oscillation sensor. The transmitter electronics, in turn, delivers at least one driver signal for the oscillation exciter for effecting vibrations of the at least one measuring tube and generates, by means of the first primary signal and by means of the second primary signal, as well as with application of a Reynolds number, measured value representing a Reynolds number, Re, for medium flowing in the measuring transducer, a pressure difference, measured value, which represents a pressure difference occurring between two predetermined reference points in the flowing medium.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2010Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Vivek Kumar, Martin Anklin
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Patent number: 8918293Abstract: A flow meter for monitoring fluid flow through a pipeline, the flow meter comprising a conduit having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for communication with respective sections of the pipeline; a target element positioned inside the conduit between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, the target element being mounted for resilient axial displacement under a pressure differential between the inlet and the outlet; an arm secured at an anchor point on one side of the conduit and extending radially across the conduit, the target element being coupled to the arm for applying a load to the arm, upon said axial displacement of the target element, so as to deflect the arm relative to the anchor point; a sensor arrangement for measuring deflection of the arm at a point on the opposite side of the applied load to the anchor point; and a processor configured for providing a signal representative of the steam flow through the conduit in response to said measured deflection.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2009Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Spirax-Sarco LimitedInventors: Richard Quentin Carmichael, Roger Manley, Ben Frisby
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Publication number: 20140365145Abstract: A simulation program, simulation method, or simulation device simulates the temporal shape change in a fluid. The simulation program, simulation method, and simulation device are characterized in that with respect to a fluid model representing the fluid as a collection of particles, a surface tension of an interface against another phase which is different from the phase of the fluid is calculated using a function to calculate a surface energy of the interface, and the shape change in the fluid is calculated on the basis of the calculated surface tension.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventor: Masaki KAZAMA
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Publication number: 20140365144Abstract: A system, a method and a computer program to predict a portion of used lubricant in an engine that is to be drained and replaced by fresh lubricant based on an analysis parameter value that is measured in a sample of used engine lubricant from the engine. The system includes a first input that receives the analysis parameter value from the used lubricant and stores the analysis parameter value in a memory of a processor. A second input receives an analysis parameter threshold value for the used lubricant at the end of a service interval and stores the analysis parameter threshold value in a memory of the processor. A determiner predicts a future analysis parameter value of the used lubricant at the end of the service interval based on the analysis parameter value, and the analysis parameter threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: Todd M. DVORAK, Robert T. DITTMEIER, Dewey P. SZEMENYEI
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Patent number: 8909485Abstract: A method of measuring a pumping amount of groundwater by using water level fluctuation, a water level measuring sensor including an arithmetic operation unit for calculating a pumping amount by using the method, and a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for executing the method are disclosed. The method includes: obtaining groundwater level data according to a measurement time by measuring fluctuation of a groundwater level for a predetermined period continually at time intervals; comparing groundwater level formed in a full pumping period including an initial stage a quasi-balance period, and a recovery period calculates a total time when pumping has been performed, by using a measurement time of the sorted data; and calculates a total pumping amount by using the total pumping time calculated.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resource (KIGAM)Inventors: Hee-Jun Suk, Kyung-Seok Ko
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Patent number: 8903663Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Fumikazu Shiba, Koichi Takemura, Daisuke Bessyo
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Publication number: 20140350870Abstract: A gas sensor is used for determining a concentration of a predetermined gas in a measurement volume. The gas sensor comprises a light source and a detector arranged to receive light that has passed through the measurement volume. During a first measurement period, the detector is used to make a first measurement of an amount of light received in at least one wavelength band which is absorbed by the gas. The first measurement is compared to a predetermined threshold value. If the threshold is crossed, during a second measurement period the detector is used to make a second measurement of an amount of light received in at least one wavelength band which is absorbed by the gas. The concentration of said gas in said measurement volume is calculated using the first and/or second measurement.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2012Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventor: Håkon Sagberg
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Patent number: 8898024Abstract: A method for determining a lack of capacity of a pump, actuated by an electric motor, of a hydraulic brake system of a motor vehicle comprises the steps of generating a hydraulic pressure in a first brake circuit of the brake system by means of a plurality of pump elements of the pump that are assigned to the first brake circuit, limiting the generated hydraulic pressure to a test pressure and simultaneously acquiring a motor-related parameter, and determining a lack of capacity of at least one of the pump elements on the basis of a comparison of the parameter with a comparison value.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2009Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Lucas Automotive GmbHInventor: Leo Gilles
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Patent number: 8898018Abstract: Methods and systems are described for hydrocarbon production. One method embodiment of the invention comprises analyzing phases of hydrocarbon oil, gas and water at flowing conditions extracted from a hydrocarbon well; separating the oil, water and gas mixture into oil portions, water portions and gas portions, each respective portion being substantially only oil, water or gas; analyzing the separated oil portion and determining if the separated oil portion meets predetermined oil standards, and treating any separated oil portion that does not meet the oil standards to achieve those standards; transferring the oil portion meeting the predetermined oil standards to a predetermined destination; analyzing the separated water portion to determine if the water portion meets predetermined water standards and treating any separated water portion that does not meet the water standards to achieve those standards; and transferring the treated water portion meeting the predetermined standards to a destination.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2007Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Shiva Pariag, Hendry Lopez, Luis Manuel Doria, Umberto Marseglia
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Publication number: 20140343786Abstract: A system, a method and a computer program to determine the usability of a lubricant such as, e.g., engine oil, and when to replace the lubricant in a particular engine. The system, method, and computer program are further configured to generate a lubricant discard interval for each engine in, e.g., a company's fleet of vehicles. The system, method, and computer program are configured to generate lubricant discard interval schedule for each of the vehicles in the company's fleet based on the lubricant discard intervals.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Inventors: Todd M. DVORAK, Robert T. DITTMEIER, Dewey P. SZEMENYEI
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Publication number: 20140343687Abstract: An implant includes a microstructured hyperhydrophilic surface with protrusions and depressions in which a spacing between the protrusions as a statistical mean is in a range of 1 to 100 ?m and a profile height of the protrusions and depressions as a statistical mean is in the range of 1 to 80 ?m.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2012Publication date: November 20, 2014Inventor: Herbert Jennissen
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Patent number: 8892371Abstract: A first apparent property of a multi-phase process fluid is determined based on the motion of the vibratable flowtube. One or more apparent intermediate values associated with the process fluid are determined based on the first apparent property. One or more corrected intermediate values are determined based on a mapping between the apparent intermediate values and the corrected intermediate values. One or more phase-specific properties of the multi-phase process fluid are determined based on the corrected intermediate values. A measure of wetness of the multi-phase process fluid is determined based on the one or more phase-specific properties that are determined based on the corrected intermediate values. A second apparent property of the multi-phase process fluid is determined using the differential pressure flowmeter. A phase-specific property of a phase of the multi-phase process fluid is determined based on the measure of wetness and the second apparent property.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2007Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventors: Manus P. Henry, Michael S. Tombs
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Patent number: 8892373Abstract: A method for determining the starting instant (t0) of a periodically oscillating signal response (E2; E2?), wherein the signal response comprises a first set of half periods (E2a-d; E2?a-d) having a polarity equal to a polarity of the first half period (E2a; E2?a) in the signal response, and a second set of half periods (E2e-h; E2?e-h) having a polarity opposite to the polarity of the first half period (E2a; E2?a) in the signal response. The method comprises the steps of: determining a peak half period (E2e; E2?f) as the half period with the highest amplitude in a selected one of the first and second sets; determining a zero-crossing instant (ZC1; ZC?1) of the signal response occurring a known time distance from the peak half period (E2e; E2?f); determining the starting instant (t0) of the signal response (E2; E2?) based on the zero-crossing instant (ZC1; ZC?1) and a relationship between the peak half period (E2e; E2?f) and the starting instant (t0).Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2009Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Axsensor ABInventor: Jan Bostrom
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Publication number: 20140336957Abstract: A method of calibration-free scanned-wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) absorption sensing is provided by obtaining absorption lineshape measurements of a gas sample on a sensor using 1/-normalized WMS-2/j where an injection current to an injection current-tunable diode laser (TDL) is modulated at a frequency ? where a wavelength modulation and an intensity modulation of the TDL are simultaneously generated, extracting using a numerical lock-in program and a low-pass filter appropriate band-width WMS-<</ (n=1, 2, . . .Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2012Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventors: Ronald K. Hanson, Jay B. Jeffries, Kai Sun, Ritobrata Sur, Xing Chao
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Publication number: 20140336956Abstract: The pressure in the combustion chamber of an electronically controlled spark plug ignition engine may be estimated in real time mode without specific sensors by processing sensed ionization current data to calculate features of the current waveform proven to be correlated to the pressure inside the engine cylinders and correlating them on the basis of a look up table of time invariant correlation coefficients generated through a calibration campaign of tests on a test engine purposely equipped with sensors. A mathematical model of the electrical and physical spark plug ignition system and combustion chamber of the engine is refined during calibration by iteratively testing the interactive performance of correlation coefficients of related terms of a mathematical expression of the model and comparing the expressed pressure value with the real pressure value as measured by a sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: DavideGiuseppe Patti, Mario Paparo
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Patent number: 8886472Abstract: A method for determining a condition indicator of an apparatus includes providing an apparatus configured to measure at least two different technical parameters. A respective parameter value is determined for each of the at least two different technical parameters of the apparatus using at least one sensor configured to determine a respective parameter value for each of the at least two different technical parameters. A respective deviation value is determined for each of the parameter values with respect to an associated respective parameter reference value for each of the technical parameters. A respective deviation relevance value is determined from each of the deviation values using a respective parameter-specific deviation relevance function for each of the parameter values, the parameter-specific deviation relevance functions being different from each other. Using an indicator function, a condition indicator is calculated from the determined deviation relevance values.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2013Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Hach Lange GmbHInventors: Toon Streppel, Torsten Seehaus, Ulrich Schmitz, Manfred Battefeld, Frank Thomas, Michael Kussmann, Michael Haeck
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Publication number: 20140330530Abstract: A method for determining a trajectory of an aqueous flow, implementing a mobile autonomous measurement device inserted into the aqueous flow, includes a step of measuring and a step of saving acceleration data in a reference base of the mobile device, and a step of processing data collected during the step of measuring to determine the trajectory by double integration of the processed data.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2012Publication date: November 6, 2014Applicants: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE, UNIVERSITE MONTPELLIER 2 SCIENCES ET TECHNIQUESInventors: Severin Pistre, Pascal Falgayrettes, Vivien Hakoun
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Publication number: 20140324366Abstract: An example system includes a separator that accepts and separates a multiphase flowback effluent stream into a plurality of secondary streams. A first sensor assembly monitors the multiphase flowback effluent stream and generates a first signal corresponding to at least one characteristic of the multiphase flowback effluent stream. A second sensor assembly monitors one of the plurality of secondary streams and generates a second signal corresponding to at least one characteristic of the one of the plurality of secondary streams. A signal processor receives the first and second signals and determines a mass flow rate of a substance present in both the multiphase flowback effluent stream and the one of the plurality of secondary streams.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Matthew Ljungdahl, Sean A. Roach, Alexis Wachtel
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Patent number: 8874388Abstract: A system and method for determining a rate of flow of an output from a vessel. The system includes a vessel having an inlet for receiving an output produced by an output generation device, and a measuring device for measuring a first pressure and a second pressure in the vessel. The first pressure is measured when the output generation device is in a standby mode and the second pressure is measured when the output generation device is in an operational mode. The system includes a programmable logic controller configured to calculate a rate of flow of the output utilizing the first pressure and the second pressure.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2010Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: On Site Gas Systems, Inc.Inventors: Sean Haggerty, Andrew Terwilliger
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Patent number: 8874390Abstract: An instrument (100) is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The instrument (100) includes an interface (101) configured to receive a Doppler measurement signal and a processing system (112) coupled to the interface (101) and receiving the Doppler measurement signal. The processing system (112) is configured to generate a two-sided velocity spectrum including a plurality of discrete frequency bins from the Doppler measurement signal, with the two-sided velocity spectrum distinguishing spectral elements, and process one or more velocity spectrum bin pairs against a plurality of local gate thresholds, with the one or more velocity spectrum bin pairs being substantially symmetrically located about one or more carrier wave bins and wherein each velocity spectrum bin pair is processed against a corresponding local gate threshold of the plurality of local gate thresholds.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2011Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Hach CompanyInventor: David Langley Rick
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Patent number: 8874374Abstract: A method and system for determining a rate of turbulent kinetic energy dissipation (TKED) in a turbulent fluid environment are provided. A light source provided at a first end of a predetermined path-length passes a beam of light through the turbulent fluid environment. An angle of arrival detection unit detects the angle of arrival of the at least one beam of light. The angle of arrival is then processed at a processing unit that calculates temperature dissipation spectra as a function of the autocorrelation of the angle of arrival. The peak of the temperature dissipation spectra represents the rate of TKED. A number of turbulent quantities can be determined by using the method and system.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2011Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Inventor: Darek J. Bogucki
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Publication number: 20140316722Abstract: An apparatus (and method) for characterizing interfacial tension between a non-wetting phase fluid and a wetting phase fluid of a slug flow employs a capillary structure that is configured to contain a slug of the non-wetting phase fluid of the slug flow. The slug has a leading edge meniscus and a trailing edge meniscus, and the capillary structure has a venturi-like section. A pressure sensor is configured to measure differential pressure between first and second locations of the capillary structure. The first location is disposed upstream of the leading edge meniscus of the slug with the leading edge meniscus of the slug contained within the venturi-like section. The second location is disposed downstream of the trailing edge meniscus of the slug. Data processing means is configured to derive a measure of interfacial tension based upon the differential pressure measured by the pressure sensor and, optionally, geometry of the capillary structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2012Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Geza Horvath Szabo, John Ratulowski, Dmitry Eskin
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Publication number: 20140316102Abstract: A method of predicting viscosity behavior of a thermosetting resin is provided that is capable of predicting viscosity behavior of a thermosetting resin and void generation in the underfill is suppressed while good solder connection is obtained.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Inventors: Toshiaki Enomoto, Arata Hayashigaki, Masaaki Hoshiyama, Toyokazu Hotchi, Toshiyuki Sato
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Patent number: 8862411Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining at least one flow parameter of a fluid flowing within a pipe, which fluid contains particles entrained within the fluid flow is provided. The method includes the steps of: 1) determining a velocity of the fluid flow within the pipe; 2) sensing the impingement of particles on a surface wetted with the fluid flow, and producing a signal relating to the impingement; and 3) determining the at least one flow parameter of the fluid flow utilizing the determined fluid flow velocity and the sensor signal relating to impingement of the particles on the surface wetted with the fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2008Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Expro Meters, Inc.Inventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Warren Sneedon
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Patent number: 8855958Abstract: A method for determining at least one characteristic for the correction of measurements of a Coriolis mass flowmeter which is characterized by an increased accuracy and a low error rate while determining the characteristic is implemented by detecting values of a measurand during constant flow with the reading sensors, calculating at least one location parameter from the detected values, an calculating at least one dispersion parameter from the detected values and the location parameter. The detection of additional values and the calculation of the location parameter and dispersion parameter from the existing and additional values is carried out until the dispersion parameter reaches a threshold value, and then, the location parameter corresponding to the dispersion parameter is used as the characteristic for the correction of the reading of the Coriolis mass flowmeter.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2010Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Krohne AGInventors: Xue Wang, Yousif Hussain
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Patent number: 8855948Abstract: A first apparent property of a multi-phase process fluid is determined based on the motion of the vibratable flowtube. One or more apparent intermediate values associated with the multi-phase process fluid are determined based on the first apparent property. A measure of wetness of the multi-phase process fluid is determined based on a mapping between one or more of the apparent intermediate values and the measure of wetness. A second apparent property of the multi-phase process fluid is determined using the differential pressure flowmeter. One or more phase-specific properties of the multi-phase process fluid is determined based on the measure of wetness and the second apparent property.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2007Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventors: Manus P. Henry, Michael S. Tombs
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Patent number: 8849593Abstract: The present invention provides a water heater, including a combustor, a gas pipe, a combustion controller, a pressure gauge, and a controller. The gas pipe supplies the combustor gas. The combustion controller controls combustion of the combustor. The pressure gauge detects a gas pressure in the gas pipe and generates an electrical signal in association with the gas pressure. The controller is electrically connected to the gas gauge and the combustion controller to receive the electrical signal from the gas gauge and controls the combustion controller according to the electrical signal to adjust the combustion of the combustor. In addition, the present invention further provides a method of controlling the water heater.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Grand Mate Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chung-Chin Huang, Chin-Ying Huang, Hsin-Ming Huang, Hsing-Hsiung Huang, Kuan-Chou Lin, Yen-Jen Yen
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Patent number: 8849589Abstract: A process fluid flow device includes a power supply module, a process communication module, a processor and measurement circuitry. The process communication circuitry is coupled to the power supply module and to the processor. The measurement circuitry is operably coupleable to plurality of process variable sensors to obtain an indication of differential pressure, static pressure and process fluid temperature. The processor is configured to compute process fluid mass flow, and to use the static pressure and process fluid temperature to obtain an energy per unit mass value relative to the process fluid and to provide an energy flow indication.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Rosemount Inc.Inventors: David E. Wiklund, Lowell A. Kleven
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Patent number: 8844552Abstract: Method and apparatus for mitigating slug formation in a multiphase fluid stream flowing through a conduit. The method includes (a) determining the pressure in the conduit upstream of a slugging zone, (b) determining the pressure in the conduit downstream of the slugging zone, (c) determining the actual pressure difference across the slugging zone by subtracting the downstream pressure from step (b) from the upstream pressure from step (a), (d) determining the error between a target pressure difference and the actual pressure difference, (e) producing a signal having a first component which is proportional to the error and a second component which is proportional to the rate of change of the error over time, and (f) using the signal produced in step (e) to control the position of an adjustable choke valve located downstream of the slugging zone so as to stabilize variations arising in the actual pressure difference over time.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2013Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: BP Exploration Operating Company LimitedInventors: Patrick James Calvert, Paul Roderick Allen Oram
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Patent number: 8849592Abstract: A fuel-injection condition detector includes a first approximate portion which approximates a plurality of fuel pressure values representing the descent pressure waveform or the ascent pressure waveform into a least-squares approximate line by least-squares method; and a weighting portion which applies a weight to the fuel pressure value. The weight is set greater as a difference between the fuel pressure and the least-squares approximate line is larger. Then, the weighted values are approximated into a weighted approximate line by the least-squares method.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Yoshimitsu Takashima
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Patent number: 8843281Abstract: Seed meters, agricultural planters, and methods of planting seed are provided. Such meters, planters, and methods may include a housing defining a chamber, a seed disc rotatably coupled to the housing and at least partially positioned within the chamber with the seed disc adapted to engage a seed, and a sensor for detecting a characteristic of the seed after the seed disengages the seed disc and before the seed exits the seed meter. The sensor may be coupled to a seed chute of the seed meter and may detect a wide variety of seed characteristics such as seed position within the seed chute, seed size, and seed shape. The seed characteristic may be used to adjust operation of the seed meters, agricultural planters, and methods. In some instances, the adjustment may be manual. In other instances, the adjustment may be automatic.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Courtney N. Achen, Marvin L. Bachman
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Patent number: 8843328Abstract: A hydraulic control system for operating a subsea blowout preventer includes a surface manifold configured to convey hydraulic power to the blowout preventer, a surface actuation valve hydraulically connected to subsea valves and configured to operate the blowout preventer, and a control system monitoring apparatus. The control system monitoring apparatus includes a surface manifold pressure transducer hydraulically connected to the surface manifold, an electronic readback system, and a surface control line pressure transducer hydraulically connected to the surface end of at least one control hose and the surface actuation valve. The control system monitoring apparatus is configured to read, record, and process pressure data supplied by the surface manifold and surface control line pressure transducers.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2012Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.Inventor: Jason Post Curtiss, III
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Patent number: 8843327Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for determining status of a canister of a topical negative pressure (TNP) system. The method includes the steps of monitoring pressure provided by a pump element of the TNP system, determining at least one characteristic associated with the monitored pressure and determining status of at least one parameter associated with a canister of the TNP system responsive to the determined characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2008Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLCInventors: Edward Vernon-Harcourt, Jake Turner, Benjamin Gordon
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Publication number: 20140276538Abstract: An ambulatory infusion system and a method of operating including a disposable infusion cartridge having a collapsible reservoir and a substantially rigid shell disposed over the collapsible reservoir having an interior volume, a pump device, a pressure sensor in communication with the interior volume and a processor. The method includes actuating the pressure sensor to take pressure measurements at regular time intervals; periodically assessing a preselected number of the pressure measurements with statistical analysis to identify statistical measures associated with the pressure measurements; and using the statistical measures to assess the status of the flexible reservoir and the pump device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventor: Michael Michaud
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Publication number: 20140266065Abstract: This invention encompasses embodiments for multi-modal integrated simultaneous measurement of various aspects of fluids contained in circulating systems such as automotive reciprocating engines and vehicle transmissions. These circulating systems perform constant internal lubrication, and heat and contaminant removal to protect the internal moving parts from the inherent friction and damage in normal operation. Most commonly this is achieved with fluids based on hydrocarbon and/or related synthetics, which, over time, can lose their protective properties, and vary in their performance or breakdown/decay due to internal and external events. Several components within the lubricant fluid can be measured and can provide insight into the efficacy of the system to perform its designed mission. The mass and level of the fluid may also be monitored on an on-going basis. Described herein is a real-time, simultaneous, integrated, multi-modal sensor system for early warning notification.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: MASTINCInventor: MASTINC
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Patent number: 8838399Abstract: A method for estimating a location of a leak (x) in a pipe (1). A liquid of a known density is fed into the pipe at a first inlet pressure (P1). When the liquid achieves a substantially steady flow rate, the flow rate passing into the pipeline is recorded. This step is repeated at a second, different, inlet pressure (P2). Using this data, an estimate of the leak location (x) and the area of the leak is calculated by simultaneously solving an expression which is based on relating the frictional energy losses of the liquid travelling through the pipeline (1) to the pressure in the pipeline at the leak (Pleak) and the flow rate of liquid from the leak.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2009Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Seal-Tite, LLC.Inventor: Nicholas John Ryan
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Patent number: 8831896Abstract: 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 mass 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 mass-density product to an accumulated mass-density product and add the mass flow to an accumulated mass flow, and determine a non-aerated mass-weighted density for the fluid transfer by dividing the accumulated mass-density product by the accumulated mass flow.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2010Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.Inventors: Joel Weinstein, Steven M. Jones
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Publication number: 20140231319Abstract: A device removes first pulses in a pressure signal of a pressure sensor which is arranged in a fluid containing system to detect the first pulses, which originate from a first pulse generator, and second pulses, which originate from a second pulse generator. The first pulse generator operates in a sequence of pulse cycles, each pulse cycle resulting in at least one first pulse. The device repetitively obtains a current data sample, calculates a corresponding reference value and subtracts the reference value from the current data sample. The reference value is calculated as a function of other data sample(s) in the same pressure signal. The fluid containing system may include an extracorporeal blood flow circuit, e.g. as part of a dialysis machine, and a cardiovascular system of a human patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2012Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: GAMBRO LUNDIA ABInventors: Bo Olde, Kristian Solem, Mattias Holmer, Jan Sternby
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Patent number: 8810394Abstract: A number of parameters related to the operation of a fluid delivery device are determined based on a pressure within the device sensed using a pressure sensor. In one example, the volume of therapeutic fluid added to or removed from a reservoir of a fluid delivery device is determined based on a sensed pressure of the reservoir. In another example, the volume of therapeutic fluid added to or removed from the reservoir is determined based on a sensed pressure of a refill port assembly of the device. In another example, an initial temperature of the reservoir as a therapeutic fluid is removed from the reservoir is estimated based on a sensed pressure within the device. In another example, a temperature of a therapeutic fluid added to the reservoir is estimated based on a sensed pressure within the device.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2010Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Scott L. Kalpin
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Patent number: 8812238Abstract: A sensor assembly includes an optical computing device having an integrated computational element (ICE) configured to optically interact with a fluid stream and detect a first characteristic of a substance within the fluid stream. The optical computing device is configured to generate a first signal corresponding to the first characteristic. The sensor assembly also includes a parameter sensor configured to measure a second characteristic of the fluid stream and generate a second signal corresponding to the second characteristic and a processor communicatively coupled to the optical computing device and the parameter sensor. The processor is configured to receive the first and second signals and determine a mass flow rate of the substance.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Matthew Ljungdahl, Sean A. Roach, Alexis Wachtel, II
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Patent number: 8805626Abstract: A singular sealed apparatus and method suitable for confirming pressure measurements in a rebreather prior to use of the rebreather. The singular sealed apparatus may have a canister lid, gas sensors and a processor, all from a rebreather, as well as a pressure sensor, an input device, a processor, an indicator and a pod with a pressure measurement outlet, a gas supply inlet, a relief valve and a gas exit valve. Alternatively, the singular sealed apparatus may have a gas sensor from a rebreather and an analyzer, a pressure sensor, an input device, a processor, an indicator, a lid and a pod with a pressure measurement outlet, a gas supply inlet, a relief valve and a gas exit valve.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2013Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Inventor: Kevin W Juergensen
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Publication number: 20140222354Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the determination of relative pressure fields from flow-sensitive data, the method comprising: applying a finite element discretisation to the Pressure Poisson Equation (PPE): b = f + ?? ? ? u - ? ? ( ? u ? t + ( ( u - w ) · ? ) ? u ) where vecter b is a function of a given blood velocity data, u represents the velocity, w the reference velocity, t the time, f a volume force, p the pressure and p and ? the fluid density and viscosity, respectively, and wherein the PPE is now defined as the divergence of the above equation and gives a higher order derivative of the pressure field p: ?p=?·b.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2013Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: ISIS INNOVATION LTD.Inventors: Sebastian Benedikt Sylvester KRITTIAN, Nicolas Smith
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Patent number: 8798943Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 26, 2009Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Metso Automation OyInventor: Matti-Paavo Sarén
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Patent number: 8798941Abstract: A differential pressure sensor (105) for determining a differential pressure value is provided. The differential pressure sensor (105) includes a selector valve (110) configured to receive a first pressure at a first location and a second pressure at a second location that is spaced-apart from the first location, a single-sided pressure sensor (120) coupled to the selector valve (110) and receiving either the first pressure or the second pressure, and a processing system (130) coupled to the single-sided pressure sensor (120) and configured to receive one or more first single-sided pressure measurements from the single-sided pressure sensor (120), subsequently receive one or more second single-sided pressure measurements from the single-sided pressure sensor (120), and generate the differential pressure value from the one or more first single-sided pressure measurements and the one or more second single-sided pressure measurements.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2010Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Norgren LimitedInventors: Chris Wheater, Paul Hartley, Gavin Jamieson
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Publication number: 20140214341Abstract: An apparatus includes a valve having at least two input ports. A first of the at least two input ports connected to a first source of material and a second of the at least two input ports connected to a second source of material. The also valve includes an output port and a valve selector for selectively connecting one of the at least two input ports to the output port. An electric circuit selectively connects an output device to receive data from a first sensor associated with the first source of material that senses at least one characteristic associated with the first source of material when the valve selector is in a first position connecting the first of the two input ports to the output port, and a second sensor associated with a second source of material that senses at least one characteristic associated with the second source of material when the valve selector is in a second position connecting the second of the two input ports to the output port.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2011Publication date: July 31, 2014Inventor: David Duane Rogers, JR.
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Patent number: 8793083Abstract: A device (20) for processing tissue samples has a processing room (22) for introducing and processing the tissue samples (20). A chamber (34) communicates with the processing room (22). At least one filling level sensor (28, 30, 32) detects a measurement value which is representative of a filling level of a liquid in the chamber (34). A calculating unit determines a filling level of the liquid in the processing room (22) depending on the filling level of the liquid in the chamber (34).Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2010Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventor: Claus Haberkorn
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Publication number: 20140207394Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless diagnostic equipment. HVAC equipment is configured with wireless technologies that are enabled to communicate diagnostic data with a wireless communications device, such as a smart phone, tablet, laptop or other wireless communications device. Software on the wireless communications device is enabled to receive the diagnostic data and to perform various operations based on the diagnostic data and other data at the wireless communications device. Furthermore, the software is enabled to remotely configure and operated the HVAC equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Inventors: David Madden, Scott Randall
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Patent number: 8786698Abstract: A blow tracking user interface method and apparatus may detect an orientation of blowing of a user's breath and a magnitude of blowing of the user's breath. A blow vector may be generated from the orientation and magnitude of the blowing of the user's breath. The blow vector may be used as a control input in a computer program.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2010Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.Inventors: Ruxin Chen, Steven Osman