Abstract: A system for processing biological or other samples includes an array of transducer elements that are positioned to align with sample wells in a microplate. Each transducer element produces ultrasound energy that is focused towards a well of the microplate with sufficient acoustic pressure to cause inertial cavitation. In one embodiment, the transducers are configured to direct ultrasound energy into cylindrical wells. In other embodiments, the transducer elements are configured to direct ultrasound energy into non-cylindrical wells of a microplate.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for user's food taste intelligence-based personalized recommendations, wherein the method includes collecting evaluation information including an evaluation of each of a plurality of foods, calculating association scores of the foods on the basis of the evaluation information, and ontology-based information previously possessed for the foods, and recommending one or more foods on the basis of first behavioral information of a user and the association scores.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a microfluidic substrate, a microfluidic chip and a micro total analysis system. The microfluidic substrate includes a substrate and an ultrasonic structure on the substrate. The ultrasonic structure is configured to generate ultrasonic waves during a droplet splitting process to vibrate a droplet.

Abstract: A system of monitoring diffuse waves over a concrete beam under different loads. Ultrasound transmitters and receivers are placed over the concrete beam to emit sound waves and collect diffuse waves under different loads. The waveform variations are observed to quantify a decorrelation coefficient (DC) indicating global structural changes and crack position. An inversion of the correlations is applied to estimate distribution density at each localized position following the sensitivity kernel and inversion algorithms. Then, three-dimensional imaging comprised of density values at each localized position are generated to indicate number, position, and depth of multiple cracks.

Abstract: A measurement system for measuring an inhomogeneity of a medium in a vessel includes: a first ultrasound emitter for sending a first ultrasound signal along a first path; a second ultrasound emitter for sending a second ultrasound signal along a second path different from the first path; a first ultrasound receiver for receiving the first ultrasound signal and measuring a first measurement parameter p1 of the received first ultrasound signal; a second ultrasound receiver for receiving the second ultrasound signal and measuring a second measurement parameter p2 of the received second ultrasound signal; and a control unit: receives the first measurement parameter p1 from the first ultrasound receiver, receives the second measurement parameter p2 from the second ultrasound receiver, and determines a ratio p1/p2 of the first measurement parameter p1 to the second measurement parameter p2.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for metering water are disclosed. In some implementations, audio energy corresponding to a flow of material in a pipe that meets a threshold audio energy is detected using a sensor of a batter-operated device connected to the pipe. One or more components of the battery-operated device are activated in response to detecting the audio energy that meets the threshold audio energy. Audio data corresponding to the flow of material in the pipe is collected using the sensor in response to detecting the audio energy that meets the threshold audio energy. The audio data is analyzed using a processing component of the batter-operated device to determine one or more events. An indication of the one or more events is transmitted to an external computing system in response to determining the one or more events.

Abstract: A fluid leakage diagnosing device includes: when fluid leakage relating to a pipeline is being diagnosed by employing adaptive signal processing to suppress a component of a disturbance vibration contained in a vibration measured at a prescribed location in the pipeline, an acquiring unit that acquires distribution information that is associated with a characteristic of the pipeline and represents an actual distribution result of a value of a parameter in the adaptive signal processing when performance of suppressing the component of the disturbance vibration satisfies a criterion; an estimating unit that, based on the distribution information, estimates a probability density at which the value of the parameter with which the performance satisfies the criterion exists; and a determining unit that, based on the probability density estimated by the estimating unit, determines a range to search for the value of the parameter in the adaptive signal processing.

Abstract: A method of detecting and identifying leaking underground pipes for properties having a slab or other type of foundation with a plurality of manifolds utilized to distribute water in the plumbing system of the property. The method includes identifying and detecting a starting fixture to start testing to determine a possible location of an underground leak and performing a series of temperature test checks to determine a number of relevant factors, including, whether an underground leak is before or after a manifold, the feed lines and/or distribution lines of a manifold, and a destination of the distribution lines of the manifold. The series of temperature tests using heating and cooling elements identifies which pipeline contains the underground leak and identifies the point where the pipeline enters a ground (Point A) and the exit point where the pipe exits a ground (Point B) in order to mark these specific pipelines.

Abstract: A continuous wave ultrasound analysis device for analysing a surface of a component includes an input to receive ultrasound data relating to continuous wave, swept frequency ultrasound propagated through the component; a processing section to derive a standing wave amplitude spectrum from the received ultrasound data, and determine a property of an unconstrained layer on the surface based on the standing wave amplitude spectrum; and an output to output the determined property of the layer. A method of continuous wave ultrasound for analysing a surface is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a signal processor that receives a signal containing information about an acoustic signal that is generated by at least one acoustic transmitter, that travels through an aerated fluid in a container, and that is received by at least one acoustic receiver arranged in relation to the container, including inside the container; and determines the gas volume fraction of the aerated fluid based at least partly on the speed of sound measurement of the acoustic signal that travels through the aerated fluid in the container. The signal processor also sends an output signal containing information about the gas volume fraction of the aerated fluid. The signal processor may be configured together with at least one acoustic transmitter, the at least one acoustic receiver, or both.

Abstract: A method may include receiving, from a volume meter at a pump configured to deliver medication to a patient, data indicative of a volume of a medication present in a syringe inserted in the pump. A first counter may be updated, based on the data, in response to the medication being delivered to the patient as a first dose type. A second counter may be updated, based on the data, in response to the medication being delivered to the patient as a second dose type. The volume of the medication delivered to the patient may be determined based on the first counter and/or the second counter. An electronic alert may be sent to a mobile device in response to one or more anomalies being present in the volume of the medication delivered to the patient. Related methods and articles of manufacture, including apparatuses and computer program products, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for frequency-dependent fluid attenuation measurement are provided. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise: generating one or more reference acoustic signals within a reference fluid; receiving one or more reference acoustic signal reflections; determining a frequency-dependent response function based, at least in part, on the one or more reference acoustic signal reflections; generating one or more sample acoustic signals within a sample fluid; receiving one or more sample acoustic signal reflections; and determining a frequency-dependent attenuation function of the sample fluid based, at least in part, on the one or more sample acoustic signal reflections and the frequency-dependent response function.

Abstract: A system for detecting ice accretion includes a probe body, at least one magnetostrictive guided wave sensor for generating and receiving shear horizontal-type guided waves supported by said probe body, and a controller. The magnetostrictive guided wave sensor includes a ferromagnetic strip, at least one sensor coil disposed adjacent to said ferromagnetic strip, and at least one biasing magnet configured to induce a biasing magnetic field in said ferromagnetic strip. The controller includes a processor in signal communication with the at least one magnetostrictive guided wave sensor. The processor configured to cause the at least one magnetostrictive guided wave sensor to generate guided waves in the body, extract at least one signal feature from a guided wave signal received by the at least one magnetostrictive guided wave sensor, and determine at least one characteristic of ice accreted on an outer surface of said probe body.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for testing an acoustic probe having transducing elements for converting between acoustic and electrical signals. An electrical signal is generated at a frequency with a testing device capable of generating electrical signals over a range of frequencies. The electrical signal is transmitted to at least some of the transducing elements to measure a complex impedance and thereby evaluate a performance of the transducing elements.

Abstract: A method of in line verification of a flow meter installed in a flow line by means of one or two ultrasonic clamp on flow meters to be installed in line with the flow meter u?, comprising a preparatory phase, during which a virtual pipe diameter is determined, which if it had been applied during the simultaneous measurements would have minimized the differences between the measured flow indications of the flow meter and the measured flow indications, and comprising a verification phase, during which the ultrasonic flow meters are set up to determine their measured flow indications based on the virtual pipe diameter, during which simultaneously derived measured flow indications of the flow meter and the ultrasonic flow meters are recorded, and during which an alert is issued in case a deviation between simultaneously derived measured flow indications of the flow meter and the ultrasonic flow meter or between measured flow indications of the flow meter and averages of the measured flow indications of the ultras

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing biogas from organic matter including a container (1) which is charged with fermentation substrate by a delivery system (13). At least one stirring mechanism (2) is arranged in the container. The feedback value of at least one measurable variable is detected and transmitted to a control unit (4). A reference variable is also provided to the control unit. The control unit calculates the deviation of the feedback value from the reference value, and actuating variables which modify the power input of the stirring mechanism and/or the composition of the container contents and/or the flow behavior of the container contents are adjusted as a function of the deviation.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and software are disclosed for wireless power transmission in which the power transmission frequency is optimised.

Abstract: A method for measuring the fill level of a liquid additive in a tank using an ultrasonic sensor includes initially carrying out a measurement of a first propagation time of an ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic sensor to a liquid level of the liquid additive. This is followed by cleaning of at least one reference surface in the liquid additive with the aid of at least one ultrasonic pulse. Then at least one second propagation time of an ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic sensor to the at least one reference surface is measured and the fill level is calculated from the first propagation time and the second propagation time. A delivery unit having at least one ultrasonic sensor for installation in a liquid additive tank is also provided.

Abstract: A vibronic measuring device for determining at least one process variable of a medium. Included are: an oscillatable unit; a transmitting/receiving unit, which, by means of a transmission signal, excites the oscillatable unit to execute mechanical oscillations and receives the mechanical oscillations and converts such into an analog, electrical, received signal; and a control/evaluation unit (MC), which receives the analog, received signal, digitizes such and determines the process variable therefrom and which produces the transmission signal.

Abstract: A system for characterizing vibration of a rack structure having at least one hard disk drive disposed therein and a vibration exciter operatively associated with the rack structure includes one or more computers. The one or more computers are configured to command the vibration exciter to provide vibration input to the rack structure and to command a plurality of reads from the at least one hard disk drive such that, for each of the plurality of reads, data stored on the at least one hard disk drive is retrieved from the at least one hard disk drive. The one or more computers are also configured to obtain read rate information related to the plurality of reads and to identify at least one resonant frequency of the rack structure based on the read rate information.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide systems and methods for using ballast sensors to detect rock fall events in a vicinity of railway tracks or similar roadways or tracks. The ballast sensors are spaced apart from the tracks. Particular embodiments permit the use of signals from the ballast sensors to discriminate rock fall events from other types of events and to detect the hypocenter of a rock fall event.

Abstract: The density of a fluid is determined using a vibratory resonant densitometer in an environment. The densitometer includes a tubular sample cavity and other densitometer parts. The method includes measuring a plurality of parameters characterizing the environment. The method further includes adjusting a model of the sample cavity using the measured parameters. The method further includes receiving a sample fluid into the sample cavity. The method further includes vibrating the sample cavity to obtain a vibration signal. The method further includes calculating the density of the sample fluid using the model and the vibration signal.

Abstract: A linear elastic modulus measurement method and a linear elastic modulus measurement device can reduce external disturbances such as oscillation and electrical noise, and accurately and stably measure the linear elastic modulus of a linear elastic body even in the case where damping due to viscous stress is large. The measurement device computes the oscillation velocity (dx/dt) of an oscillator from the displacement of the oscillator brought into contact with the linear elastic body, and multiplies dx/dt by a linear velocity feedback gain to generate a feedback control signal. The measurement device applies, to the oscillator, a force proportional to the oscillation velocity of the oscillator by the feedback control signal, to cause the oscillator to self-oscillate. The measurement device computes the linear elastic modulus of the linear elastic body from the frequency when the self-oscillation of the oscillator is detected and the mass of the oscillator.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, system, and/or computer program product monitors operational conditions of a cargo ship. A baseline composite vibration pattern is established from readings generated by multiple smart sensors. Each of the multiple smart sensors is a uniquely-identified smart sensor that has been affixed to one of multiple intermodal shipping containers that have been loaded onto a cargo ship, and each smart sensor includes a vibration sensor for detecting mechanical vibration. Subsequent readings are then taken from the multiple smart sensors to generate a new composite vibration pattern. In response to the new composite vibration pattern being different from the baseline composite vibration pattern, the new composite vibration pattern is matched with a known composite vibration pattern in order to identify a cause of the new composite vibration pattern.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a flow-estimation processor receives one or more flow-depth measurements with each flow-depth measurement having been taken at a respective time. The processor calculates a respective estimated flow rate for each of the times based on the corresponding flow-depth measurement and one or more flow-estimation parameters each set to a respective initial value. The processor outputs the estimated flow rates for presentation via a user interface, and receives via the user interface one or more updated values corresponding respectively to a flow-estimation parameter. The processor calculates an updated estimated flow rate for each of the one or more times, such that each respective updated estimated flow rate is calculated based on the received updated values. The processor then outputs the updated estimated flow rates for presentation via the user interface.

Abstract: Apparatus (300) and method for providing measurements relating to different phase components of a flowing fluid. The apparatus includes a device (306) configured to obtain, in use, at least one input (302, 304) representing a velocity of flowing fluid produced by at least one measuring device (302, 304) non-intrusively/externally mounted on a conduit (100) containing the flowing fluid. The apparatus also includes a device (306) configured to use the at least one velocity input to calculate (308) a total volumetric flow of the flowing fluid, and a device (306) configured to use the velocity input and the calculated total volumetric flow to compute (310, 312) at least one measurement relating to at least one phase component of the flowing fluid.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a specific sound detecting section which detects a specific sound generated during motion of a specific motion conducted by a target object included in an image group including a plurality of images which continues in a time-series manner; a synthetic image generating section which generates a synthetic image representing transitions of the specific motion; a determination range setting section which sets, as a determination range, a range in the time axis for determination on the generation of the synthetic image on the basis of a user manipulation; and a control section which controls the synthetic image generating section to generate the synthetic image in a case where the specific sound is detected in the set determination range, and not to generate the synthetic image in a case where the specific sound is not detected in the set determination range.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A cylindrical quartz crystal transducer that exhibits a low probability of twinning, and uses a combination of resonator signal inputs at the B-mode and C-mode frequencies to calculate resonator temperature. Crystallographic orientations are disclosed where combinations of B-mode and C-mode resonant frequencies exist that are sufficiently independent of pressure to enable accurate calculation of temperature under transient conditions. Such a transducer is usable at higher pressures and temperatures than conventional quartz pressure transducers. Furthermore, because the structure allows a choice of crystallographic orientation, other characteristics of the transducer, such as increased pressure sensitivity and activity dip-free operation, may be optimized by varying crystallographic orientation.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Meter electronics (20) for processing sensor signals for a multi-phase flow material in a flowmeter (5) is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The meter electronics (20) includes an interface (201) for receiving first and second sensor signals (210 and 211) for the multi-phase flow material and a processing system (203).

Abstract: A condensate recovery system may comprise a plurality of drain lines for draining condensate from an associated steam plant. Each drain line may incorporate a steam trap and feeds into a common condensate return line running between the drain lines and a condensate receiver tank. The system further may comprise an acoustic sensor positioned along the common condensate return line, upstream of the receiver tank, for providing an acoustic output indicative of the collective steam loss through steam traps upstream of the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security device for a cover device of a pipe and/or for a pipe, that can be used for producing pipelines having a series of further pipes welded to each other, wherein the cover device comprises a sleeve covering an inner wall of the pipe, and the security device is designed for generating an alarm signal, wherein the security device comprises a structure-borne sound detection device comprising a structure-borne sound sensor for detecting manipulation of the pipe. The invention further relates to a system for monitoring pipes having a plurality of security devices having a receiving station for receiving the security device signals, preferably repeatable by means of a repeater, and an electronic data processor designed for analyzing the signals and for out-putting an alarm signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining different fill levels of objects in the containers for disposable and consumable objects are disclosed. A sensor unit can detect presence of an object passing into a waste container and different levels of the objects in the waste container as the objects fill the waste container. When the waste container is full, a notification message may be generated to empty or replace the waste container. The sensor unit can also detect different levels of objects in a consumable container as the objects are removed from the consumable container. When the consumable container is empty, a notification message may be generated to refill or replace the consumable container. In embodiments of the invention, a notification message may also be generated for a predetermined level of objects in the container.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the properties of a fluid, such as water, in a steam pipe without mechanically penetrating the wall of the pipe. The system uses a piezoelectric transducer to launch an ultrasonic probe signal into the pipe. Reflected ultrasonic signals are captured in a transducer, which can be the same transducer that launched the probe signal. The reflected signals are subjected to data processing, which can include filtering, amplification, analog-to-digital conversion and autocorrelation analysis. A result is extracted which is indicative of a property of the fluid, such as a height of the condensed fluid, a cavitation of the condensed fluid, and a surface perturbation of the condensed fluid. The result can be recorded, displayed, and/or transmitted to another location. One embodiment of the system has been constructed and tested based on a general purpose programmable computer using instructions recorded in machine-readable non-volatile memory.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for detecting cavitation in fluid machines, for example pumps (100). In one embodiment a piezoelectric gasket (102) is used as a sensor to sense cavitation. In some embodiments highpass filters (302), (501) are used to detect ultrasonic acoustic signals in about the MHz range. If the energy in the MHz range is excessive then cavitation is deemed to be occurring and the speed of a motor (110) may be reduced in proportion to the degree of cavitation deemed to be occurring. In another embodiment (FIG. 5) the energy in the MHz range is normalized against the energy in the kHz range. Other sensors (600, 701) are also disclosed.

Abstract: Meter electronics (20) for processing sensor signals in a flow meter and for computing mass flow rate, density or volume flow rate includes an interface (201) for receiving a first sensor signal and a second sensor signal and a processing system (203) in communication with the interface (201) and configured to generate a ninety degree phase shift from the first sensor signal with a Hilbert transform and compute a phase difference from the ninety degree phase shift, the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal. A frequency is computed from the first sensor signal and the ninety degree phase shift. A second ninety degree phase shift can be generated from the second sensor signal.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for leak detection of a fluid in a pipe network. The system includes flow meters, and vibration detectors adapted to be attached to a pipe at a location in the pipe network. A processor analyzes signals generated by the flow meters and vibration detectors to identify the presence of one or more leaks in the pipe network. The invention also provides a method for detecting and localizing leaks in a pipeline network, and a device comprising a flow meter integral with a vibration detector for use in the system of the invention.

Abstract: There is provided a method for monitoring fluid flow, the method including: acquiring a pulse-echo signal from each of a plurality of spatially adjacent regions; for each of the pulse echo signals, forming a velocity spectrum; combining the plurality of velocity spectra into a composite data set which contains both spatial data and velocity data; and displaying the composite data set so as to present at least one aspect of the velocity data with at least one aspect of the spatial data. By combining both spatial and spectral velocity data into a composite data set and displaying aspects of the spatial data with aspects of the velocity data, the clinician can easily gauge in a quantitative or semi-quantitative way, both the size and velocities of fluid flows. In particular, the technique is useful for assessing valvular regurgitation jets in cardiac blood flows.

Abstract: A non-invasive sensing system for determining the operating state of a heating, ventilation or air conditioning (HVAC) system. The sensing system, which includes at least one acoustic or mechanical vibration sensor, may be positioned on the HVAC system's housing to detect acoustic and/or mechanical vibration emissions in one or more specific ranges of frequencies that are characteristic of emissions resulting from the operation of the HVAC system. The sensing system can also incorporate a thermal sensor, which may be placed on the HVAC system's exhaust gas pipe. A sensing unit may communicate through a network with a server for computing system statuses and fuel consumption. The server may provide usage and efficiency information to subscriber devices and send out-of-range alerts to subscribers.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated systems and methods relate to automated learning of a baseline differential pressure (dP) characteristic to monitor the performance of a field-installed gas flow meter by comparing on-line dP measurements to the learned baseline dP characteristic. In an exemplary embodiment, a first baseline dP characteristic may be learned in a first mode over a first predetermined period of time according to a first set of learning criteria, and a second baseline dP characteristic may be learned in a second mode over a second predetermined period of time according to a second set of learning criteria. The first period of time may be substantially shorter than the second period of time. The first set of criteria may be substantially more relaxed than the second set of criteria. During the second mode, meter performance degradation may be diagnosed by comparing measured dP against the first baseline dP characteristic.

Abstract: An object is to detect an abnormality when the inside of a gas cutoff apparatus is submerged. A flow rate computing unit 15 computes an instantaneous flow rate from a detected value of a flow rate detecting unit 8 for measuring a flow rate, and an amplification degree determining unit 18 determines signal amplification adjusted by the flow rate detecting unit 8, and timing is started when the amplification degree is a predetermined value or more, and a measurement condition setting unit 16 sets a measurement condition of the flow rate detecting unit 8 from the flow rate obtained by the flow rate computing unit 15, and a measurement ratio computing unit 20 obtains a measurement condition ratio during predetermined time from a time measuring unit 19 and the measurement condition setting unit 16, and it is determined that the flow rate detecting unit 8 is abnormal when the measurement ratio is a predetermined ratio or more, and a cutoff unit 22 breaks supply of gas.

Abstract: This disclosure relates in general to systems and methods for spot checking flow properties of a multiphase mixture containing one or more hydrocarbons flowing through a pipeline or the like. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for creating slug-type flows of isokinetically obtained samples of the multiphase mixture flow. By spot checking the slug-type flow of an isokinetically obtained sample of the multiphase flow, embodiments of the present invention may provide for determining flow properties of gas, oil/condensate and/or water components of the multiphase flow. In certain aspects of the present invention, an active sampling device may be used to enrich one of the phases of the slug-type flow of the sampled multiphase mixture and/or take a representative sample of one of the phases of the slug-type flow of the sampled multiphase mixture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for monitoring a liquid product held in a sealed vessel and determining taxes that will be owed on the liquid product at a future dumping time. The apparatus and method also allow one to determine fault conditions within a sealed vessel as well as to determine when the product in the sealed vessel is ready for use.

Abstract: A safety controller for controlling an automated installation has a control unit to which a plurality of control input signals are supplied from the sensors of the installation. The control unit produces a plurality of control output signals on the basis of the control input signals in accordance with a user program running in said control unit in an automatic mode. The plurality of control output signals actuate the actuators. The safety controller also has a diagnosis evaluation unit that ascertains which one of a plurality of operating states is present at a defined instant of time and produces an operating state signal which represents the ascertained operating state. A diagnosis selection unit generates a diagnosis report as a function of the operating state signal and as a function of a user access authorization signal and/or a special operating mode signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the sound velocity of a liquid in a specimen having two walls between which the liquid is contained with one of the walls being deformable has a sensor including a transducer for transmitting ultrasonic energy signals between the specimen walls and apparatus for deforming the specimen wall by a known distance from a first to a second position relatively spaced from the transducer and an electronic circuit including a microprocessor for measuring first and second transit times of the signals through the liquid between the specimen walls for each of the specimen deformable wall first and second positions, and for calculating the sound velocity of the liquid based upon the known distance and the two measured transit times. Where blood is the liquid values of parameters such as glucose and hematocrit are obtained based on algorithms pre-programmed in the microprocessor.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a diagnostic assessment of an ultrasonic sensor that measures a fluid level. A PWM signal is generated based on a reflection of an ultrasonic signal output by the ultrasonic sensor. The PWM has a period, and a plurality of pulses. Each pulse encodes a predetermined parameter and has a width. The PWM signal encodes the fluid level, fluid temperature, fluid speed of sound, and a status of the ultrasonic transducer. The PWM signal is received at a processor. The processor performs the diagnostic assessment of the ultrasonic sensor based on the period of the PWM signal and the widths of the plurality of pulses of the PWM signal. The processor is able to detect time reference shifts by assessing the PWM signal.