Sphere Patents (Class 73/1.18)
  • Patent number: 11193811
    Abstract: The invention relates to inspection and measuring technology for use in the calibration, verification and routine monitoring of the metrological characteristics of volume flow and mass flow meters and calibration rigs, primarily for petroleum and petroleum products. The special feature of the present method for monitoring the metrological characteristics of a flowmeter using a bidirectional prover is that the portion of the prover situated at the end of the path of travel of a ball and acting as an accelerator during the opposite movement of the ball is used on said path as an addition to the calibrated portion. The special feature of a bidirectional prover for implementing the present method is the installation of one or more detectors in a closed cross-section of the portion of the prover situated at the end of the travel path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: “OIL AND GAS MEASUREMENT TECHNOLOGY” LTD
    Inventors: Mihail Samuilovich Gurevich, Andrey Vasilevich Safonov, Natalya Vasilevna Danilenko
  • Patent number: 10928237
    Abstract: An arrangement for metering the flow of fluid in a flowline or jumper for transport of hydrocarbons, wherein the flowline or jumper is subjected to internal and external loads and forces which are taken up by the wall of the flowline or jumper. A metering pipe loop is adapted for installation of a flow metering instrument, the metering pipe loop having an inlet and an outlet respectively connected in fluid flow communication with the flowline or jumper on either side of a plug effectively directing all fluid in the flowline or jumper into the metering pipe loop, whereby the flow metering instrument installed in the metering pipe loop is isolated from the path of load which is defined by the flowline or jumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: VETCO GRAY SCANDINAVIA AS
    Inventor: Steinar Lindemann Hestetun
  • Patent number: 9581486
    Abstract: During a water draw test, horizontal type bidirectional sphere provers with a straight calibrated section of pipe between the detector switches sometimes suffer from sphere launch failure which typically results in a failed water draw test. These types of provers, especially in larger pipe diameters will benefit from an elongate concentric fabricated reducer attached to the outlet of each launch tube. These elongate concentric fabricated reducers result in a successful sphere launch on the first attempt. Assuming all the other components of the prover are properly designed and assembled, a successful sphere launch will result in a successful water draw test on the first attempt saving time, money and reputation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: WFMS, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Rudroff
  • Publication number: 20150027197
    Abstract: During a water draw test, horizontal type bidirectional sphere provers with a straight calibrated section of pipe between the detector switches sometimes suffer from sphere launch failure which typically results in a failed water draw test. These types of provers, especially in larger pipe diameters will benefit from an elongate concentric fabricated reducer attached to the outlet of each launch tube. These elongate concentric fabricated reducers result in a successful sphere launch on the first attempt. Assuming all the other components of the prover are properly designed and assembled, a successful sphere launch will result in a successful water draw test on the first attempt saving time, money and reputation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel J. Rudroff
  • Publication number: 20140137628
    Abstract: During a water draw test, horizontal type bidirectional sphere provers with a straight calibrated section of pipe between the detector switches sometimes suffer from sphere launch failure which typically results in a failed water draw test. These types of provers, especially in larger pipe diameters will benefit from an elongate concentric fabricated reducer attached to the outlet of each launch tube. These elongate concentric fabricated reducers result in a successful sphere launch on the first attempt. Assuming all the other components of the prover are properly designed and assembled, a successful sphere launch will result in a successful water draw test on the first attempt saving time, money and reputation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: WFMS, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Rudroff
  • Patent number: 8590562
    Abstract: A fluid flow detection device includes a housing of non-magnetic metal, a flow passage through the housing and a valve seat in the flow passage. A magnetic valve element emits a magnetic field. The valve element is movable relative to the valve seat between a closed position blocking fluid flow through the flow passage and an open position allowing fluid flow through the flow passage. The magnetic valve element is biased toward the closed position. A magnetic field enhancer is movable with the magnetic valve element for enhancing the magnetic field. A magnetic field sensor on the housing is operable to signal a change in position of the valve element as it moves between its open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Lincoln Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Canlong He, Paul G. Conley
  • Publication number: 20130291619
    Abstract: A bidirectional sphere prover is used to check the accuracy of a custody transfer meter when fluids, such as crude oil or gasoline are bought and sold. The bidirectional sphere prover of the present invention uses a straight calibrated section of pipe between the detection switches, the straight calibrated section of pipe being free of welds, flanges and elbows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel J. Rudroff
  • Publication number: 20090293582
    Abstract: A bidirectional sphere prover is used to check the accuracy of a custody transfer meter when fluids, such as crude oil or gasoline are bought and sold. The bidirectional sphere prover of the present invention uses a straight calibrated section of pipe between the detection switches, the straight calibrated section of pipe being free of welds, flanges and elbows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: WELKER FLOW MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Rudroff
  • Patent number: 7086113
    Abstract: The invention is generally directed to a pipeline sphere, and more specifically a seamless pipeline sphere wherein said sphere presents a flexible, seamless outer layer surrounding an inflatable inner bladder portion which itself defines a hollow chamber. The outer layer and the inner bladder portion contain apertures which are aligned to form a channel connecting the hollow chamber to the outside environment. A weighted material may be added to the pipeline sphere, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Meter Engineers, Inc.
    Inventor: William Bradley Young
  • Patent number: 6938455
    Abstract: A grease supply confirming device confirming the supply of a grease into a bearing, according to the present invention includes a detecting member an elastic supporting member and a movable body. The movable body such as a metal spherical body is movably provided in a piping through which a grease to be supplied flows. The elastic supporting member is provided in the piping for supporting the movable body. The detecting member such as an eddy current type displacement sensor detects to see whether or not the grease is supplied in accordance with the displacement of the movable body. The grease supply confirming device further includes an abnormality judging circuit connected to the detecting member for judging the abnormality in grease supply, and an outputting portion for outputting an alarm according to the instruction from the abnormality judging circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Yakura
  • Patent number: 6823751
    Abstract: A sphere or pig detection switch assembly adapted for being mounted on a pipe through which the sphere or pig will run. The assembly includes an elongated, hollow main body portion presenting an elongated chamber therein. The body portion defines a detection zone positioned alongside the chamber and includes mounting structure for a detection element including a detection surface to be mounted adjacent said zone. The assembly also includes an elongated probe shaft disposed mainly within the chamber. The probe shaft includes a centrally disposed activation portion and is longitudinally moveable within the chamber from a first position with the activation portion spaced from the zone to a second position with the activation portion at the zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Meter Engineers, Inc.
    Inventor: William Bradley Young
  • Publication number: 20040231701
    Abstract: The invention is generally directed to a pipeline sphere, and more specifically a seamless pipeline sphere wherein said sphere presents a flexible, seamless outer layer surrounding an inflatable inner bladder portion which itself defines a hollow chamber. The outer layer and the inner bladder portion contain apertures which are aligned to form a channel connecting the hollow chamber to the outside environment. A weighted material may be added to the pipeline sphere, if desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: William Bradley Young
  • Patent number: 6789407
    Abstract: A detector for a meter prover. The detector includes a non-ferromagnetic barrel having a cylindrical bore formed longitudinally therethrough. A magnetic proximity switch is mounted in the bore near one end of the barrel. A ferromagnetic piston is disposed in the bore near the other end of the barrel. A spring urges the piston away from the proximity switch. A pair of wipers surrounds the piston and forms a fluid tight seat between the bore and the piston. A passageway extends longitudinally through the length of the piston in order to permit fluid flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Weamco, Incorporated
    Inventors: Mike R. Poston, Jerry W. Vess