Compound Meter Patents (Class 73/197)
  • Patent number: 11555721
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid flow meter comprising a measuring section for a flow indicator with different measuring methods for flow velocity and fluid flow rate, comprising a housing with an inlet channel, an outlet channel and at least one flow indicator located therein, a housing interior space forming a shape which is complementary to the geometry of the flow indicator, and comprising two bottoms at least partially defining the interior space, and a curved part having a geometry that ensures the formation of a flow, at least one ultrasonic flow indicator being arranged such that the measuring section thereof runs through an inner part of the other flow indicator with another operating mode, and the fluid flow meter comprises an adaptor unit for adapting different diameters of an outlet of the flow indicator and the outlet channel thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: ENERGOFLOW AG
    Inventors: Stetsenko Andrii, Iurii Glova, Sergii Nedzelskyi
  • Patent number: 11499853
    Abstract: A consumption meter arranged to measure a flow rate of a fluid, comprising: a tube with for passage of the fluid between an inlet and an outlet, multiple individual flow meters arranged at the tube to measure a sub-flow rate of the fluid, a first control circuit and communication interface arranged for receiving the measured sub-flow rate from each of the multiple flow meters, and being arranged to generate a signal indicative of the flow rate of the fluid according to the received sub-flow rates, each of the multiple individual flow meters comprising: a flow meter housing arranged at the tube; first and second ultrasonic transducers arranged in the flow meter housing for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals propagating through the fluid; a second control circuit arranged for operating the first and second ultrasonic transducers, and being arranged to generate the signal indicative of the sub-flow rate of the fluid accordingly; and a communication interface arranged for transmitting the signal indica
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Kamstrup A/S
    Inventors: Søren Tønnes Nielsen, Peter Schmidt Laursen, Kaspar Raahede Aarøe
  • Patent number: 11067546
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an estimating apparatus includes an insertion tube, a first sensor, a second sensor, a processing unit, an adder, and an analyzer. The insertion tube is detachably mounted midway along a coupling tube that couples an excitation source to a main unit. The first sensor is provided inside the insertion tube at a first distance from an exit of a space housing the excitation source. The second sensor is provided at a second distance from the first sensor. The processing unit performs filter processing to a first signal obtained by the first sensor. The adder adds a filtered signal and a second signal obtained by the second sensor, the first signal being the first signal having undergone filter processing by the processing unit. The analyzer analyzes a frequency of a signal obtained by the adder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Akihiko Enamito
  • Patent number: 10942051
    Abstract: The invention relates to a compound water meter, consisting of a main meter, connectable to a main line, for detecting larger flow rates, and an auxiliary meter, arranged in an annular channel, for detecting smaller flow rates, wherein the measuring insert of the main meter is assigned a switching valve connected with it and opening the passage through the main line upon achieving a certain differential pressure against the action of a spring element. In order to create an improved compound water meter, it is suggested within the scope of the invention that the spring element is arranged in the interior of the switching valve and a single seal of the switching valve is axially arranged on the non-moveable part. Through the arrangement of the spring element in the interior of the switching valve, the switching valve is only sealed via a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Zenner International GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dieter Buehler
  • Patent number: 10863667
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and devices for controlling and monitoring liquid applications of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, a flow device for controlling flow during an agricultural operation includes an offset ball valve having multiple openings that rotate in position to control flow of a liquid through the offset ball valve to an outlet passage. The flow device also includes a first passage that provides a first flow path from an inlet to at least one opening of the offset ball valve and second passage that provides a second flow path from the inlet to at least one opening of the offset ball valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Ben Schlipf, Brent Wiegand, Justin McMenamy, Jason Stoller
  • Patent number: 10408653
    Abstract: A system for metering gas includes a housing configured to allow a flow of the gas between an input port and an output port. Further, the system includes a flow manager disposed in the housing and configured to modify at least one physical characteristic of the flow of the gas in the housing. Furthermore, the system includes a flow sensor disposed in the housing and configured to generate an electrical signal in response to flow characteristics of the gas in the housing. Moreover, the system also includes a processor configured to determine at least one flow parameter of the gas based on an amplitude characteristic of the electrical signal, a temporal characteristic of the electrical signal, or both the amplitude characteristic and the temporal characteristic of the electrical signal. A method for metering the gas is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Natural Gas Solutions North America, LLC
    Inventors: Ertugrul Berkcan, Nannan Chen, Roman Leon Artiuch, Bo Li
  • Patent number: 9540224
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid meter (27) comprising a housing (28) defining at least one crankcase (29) and two cylinders (25, 26), a crankshaft (11) disposed in the crankcase (29), two pistons (3, 4) respectively mounted in the cylinders (25, 26) for reciprocal movement, a first connecting rod (12) connected to one of the pistons (3) and to the crankshaft (11) for rotating the crankshaft (11) in response to the movement of the one piston (3), and a second connecting rod (13) connected to the other piston (4) and to the crankshaft (11) for rotating the crankshaft (11) in response to the movement of the other piston (4), wherein the first and second connecting rods (12, 13) have yoke slots (16, 17) for receiving a crank pin (19) radially offset from the crankshaft (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Wayne Fueling Systems Sweden AB
    Inventors: Marie Hakansson, Bengt I. Larsson
  • Patent number: 9222818
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid meter (27) comprising a housing (28) defining at least one crankcase (29) and two cylinders (25, 26), a crankshaft (11) disposed in the crankcase (29), two pistons (3, 4) respectively mounted in the cylinders (25, 26) for reciprocal movement, a first connecting rod (12) connected to one of the pistons (3) and to the crankshaft (11) for rotating the crankshaft (11) in response to the movement of the one piston (3), and a second connecting rod (13) connected to the other piston (4) and to the crankshaft (11) for rotating the crankshaft (11) in response to the movement of the other piston (4), wherein the first and second connecting rods (12, 13) have yoke slots (16, 17) for receiving a crank pin (19) radially offset from the crankshaft (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Wayne Fueling Systems Sweden AB
    Inventors: Marie Hakansson, Bengt Ingemar Larsson
  • Patent number: 9109935
    Abstract: This invention is related to an apparatus which incorporates a microfabricated silicon mass flow sensor to measure city gas flow rate in a medium pressure range for utility industry which is dominated by conventional mechanical meters such as turbine and rotary meters. The microfabricated mass flow sensor is so called micro-electro-mechanical systems (a.k.a. MEMS) device. Due to the small feature size of micro scale for MEMS mass flow sensor, the invented apparatus includes many advantages such as low power consumption, compact package, high reliability and extended dynamic measurement range. This apparatus is also provided with a stable flow conditioning to achieve a desired dynamic range capability. Furthermore, because of the high accuracy characteristic, the apparatus in this invention could be applied for custody transfer or tariff in utility industry as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: M-Tech Instrument Corporation (holding) Limited
    Inventors: Xiangyou Yang, Yong Feng, Sugang Jiang, Chih-Chang Chen, Liji Huang
  • Patent number: 8855946
    Abstract: A method measures a hybrid flow rate (Q) of a fluid using simultaneously at least two measuring technologies and a reference measurement, the method includes a hybrid value, wherein the measurements of the at least two measuring technologies are combined according to a given rule to get the hybrid value by performing a linear or non-linear interpolation within a given interval of the reference measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Flow-Tronic S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Marie Sevar
  • Publication number: 20140047916
    Abstract: A system for estimating a flow rate of an agrichemical includes a conduit delivering the agrichemical from a repository to an application in a field, and a flow meter connected in-line with the conduit. The flow meter provides an estimate of a flow rate of the agrichemical through the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Blaine Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8337476
    Abstract: A disposable real-time closed catheter urine output monitoring system. The monitoring system of the invention can measure urine outputs at both high and low urine flow in real time, using a pressure chamber in the form of a hollow body having an input port for coupling to a tube connected to a catheter for collection of urine from a patient, an exit port coupled to a collection container and a vent port, such that air may flow through the vent, but urine is blocked by the vent. A sensor measures flow from the exit port of the pressure chamber into the collection container, and a pressure sensor may be included to measure pressure in the pressure chamber. The invention also provides a method of using the apparatus in a real-time monitoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Greenwald Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shlomo Greenwald, Zipora Greenwald, Uri Moshe Greenwald
  • Patent number: 8305231
    Abstract: A gas appliance monitoring apparatus includes a flow rate measurement unit for measuring the gas flow rate, a gas shut-off valve for shutting off a gas flow path at the abnormal time, an information storage unit for storing measurement results of the flow rate measurement unit, a wireless module for transmitting and receiving information, and a communication switch unit for switching a communication frequency band. The wireless module is integrated with a control circuit board forming the flow rate measurement unit and is housed in a gas meter. The wireless module has at least a communication frequency band with a base station and a communication frequency band with a plurality of gas appliances, and transmits an operation start signal detected by a specific gas appliance as appliance information using an appliance wireless module. The continuous use time of the specific appliance is detected or is changed based on the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yuuji Fujii, Hirozumi Nakamura, Shigeru Murakami, Sumiko Murakami, legal representative
  • Patent number: 8056409
    Abstract: A new flowmeter which comprises a DP flowmeter and a volume meter in series or in hybrid integrated form. The combination of the readings from the two gives increased metering capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Steven
  • Patent number: 7962576
    Abstract: The application is directed to methods, systems, procedures, networks and storage apparatus used to conduct conversions of data using remote conversion servers. In one embodiment of the present invention, recent query results may be stored and then used to solve subsequent conversions rather than querying a remote conversion server when the same conversion was previously completed. A counter may be referenced to determine if too much time has passed since the original query was stored in the buffer and, if too much time has passed, the buffer may be cleared and the remote conversion server may be queried to convert the pending data. The resulting conversion may be stored for subsequent use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventors: Guenter Spens, Ralf Mueller, Markus Seng
  • Publication number: 20090205400
    Abstract: A compound fluid flow metering system including two electromagnetic fluid flow meters is disclosed that substantially increases accuracy of metering total volumes and flow rates and provides consistent accuracy over time. Additionally, the compound fluid flow metering system is substantially maintenance free, and reduces pumping costs associated with maintaining adequate supply pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: LUTHER DONALD MCPEAK
  • Patent number: 7357023
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for upgrading fluid meters with improved modular check valve technology. The check valve module is secured within the meter using only external fasteners. The check valve module may also include a seal. The seal may be inspected by simply removing the external fasteners securing the check valve module within the enclosure and removing the check valve module from the enclosure. The check valve module may include a test port for testing the operation of the check valve. Additionally, a module insert is disclosed comprising a screen module, a metering module, a check valve module, and a bypass arm for dual metering solutions. The module insert may be installed in meter housing connected to a fluid delivery system or new meter housing. Additionally, the module insert may be constructed from materials substantially free of lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventors: Earl H. Parris, Timothy L. Greenfield, Andrew S. Weaver
  • Patent number: 7266467
    Abstract: A method for performing system characterization in situ for a system comprising a actuator controlled by a proportional controller. The system includes a quasi-linear region characterized by a slope of the system response and by a delay in the quasi-linear region of the system. The system includes at least one dead zone (DZ).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation, Limited
    Inventor: John William Peake
  • Patent number: 6959609
    Abstract: A system for measuring the density and mass flow rate of a fluid stream. The system generally comprises a volumetric flow device, a momentum device, and a data processing device. The present invention also provides methods for using such system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley V. Stephenson
  • Patent number: 6926584
    Abstract: A DMHC (dual mode hybrid control) system and method which facilitates enhanced control in the delivery of polishing slurry to a CMP (chemical mechanical polishing) apparatus. The DMHC comprises a linear table and a PID (proportional integrated differential) controller operably connected to a slurry pump provided in a slurry flow conduit which delivers the polishing slurry to the CMP apparatus. A bubble trap and a flowmeter provided in the slurry flow conduit downstream of the slurry pump are operably connected to the PID controller, and the CMP apparatus is located downstream of the flowmeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Jung Chang, Ping-Hsu Chen, Chin-Hsin Peng, Jui-Cheng Lo, Chien-Kuo Lu, Chien-Ling Huang
  • Patent number: 6895813
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring flow rates is disclosed. At least one of a non-vortex based low-flow measurement and a vortex based flow measurement is taken. The measurement or measurements are communicated to a central processor. The processor analyzes the data provided and makes a determination as to the more accurate measurement, if there is more than one measurement. The flow rate is calculated by the processor and is based on either the singular or the more accurate measurement. Further enhancements include diagnosis of meter performance, redundancy of measurements, and re-calibration of either measurement device based on information from the other device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Fox Boro Company
    Inventor: Wade M. Mattar
  • Patent number: 6860286
    Abstract: A water supply system for an apartment complex can include individual hot water conduits and cold water conduits for each apartment. Each conduit includes a water meter that enables the owner of the apartment complex to accurately determine the hot water usage and cold water usage of each apartment tenant. The meter system can also be used to locate leakage points in the water supply system, e.g. dripping faucets or continuously running toilets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Duc T. Doan
  • Publication number: 20040123656
    Abstract: A method for correcting data signal errors in a meter has been developed. The method includes receiving ordered data signals from the meter. Next, the sequenced of ordered data signals is analyzed to determine whether a data signal is missing. Finally, if a data signal is missing, a predetermined value is added to a sequence counter to compensate for the missing signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Walter Castleberry, Jerry Lovett, David Hamilton, John Scarborough, Tim Bianchi
  • Publication number: 20040113812
    Abstract: A measuring meter system with communications and features protocols for monitoring the meter has been developed. The system includes a meter that monitors usage of a distribution system, an electronic data recorder that processes data from the meter, and an external unit that controls the processing of data in the electronic data recorder with a communication protocol. The communication protocol includes an initialization signal, an interval identification signal, and a clock signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Tim Bianchi, Jim Brennan, Jerry Lovett, David Hamilton
  • Patent number: 6721674
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-situ calibration of quantity measurement of a fluid flowing in a channel, in which a device for measuring the volume of the fluid is disconnected from the fluid flow, measuring fluid is accumulated in a pre-determined amount on site of the calibration, this pre-determined amount of measuring fluid is led through the measuring device with a pre-determined volume flow, in the course of which the volume values measured by the measuring device are saved, then the measured volume values and the real values of the fluid led through are compared to each other and, with this, the quantity measurement of the flowing fluid is calibrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Andras Borzsonyi
  • Patent number: 6637263
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flow divider and a process for dividing a fluid flow into a number of fluid flows, in particular in analytical and/or preparative fluid measurement technology and/or in micro-fluid systems. The flow divider exhibits at least one working sensor, which is assigned to one of the fluid flows and which comprises a control unit for regulating the pressure of one of the fluid flows and/or for regulating one of the fluid flows. The control unit is coupled to the at least one working sensor and to an actuator for changing the fluid flow. At least a number of working sensors corresponding to the number of divided fluid flows is provided, whereby respectively at least one of the working sensors is assigned to one of the fluid flows and whereby the working sensors enable recording of the respective fluid flow. According to the process of the present invention the control unit regulates the fluid flows such that the ratio between at least two of the fluid flows remains substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Zimmermann, Claus Lueth
  • Publication number: 20030167836
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring flow rates is disclosed. At least one of a non-vortex based low-flow measurement and a vortex based flow measurement is taken. The measurement or measurements are communicated to a central processor. The processor analyzes the data provided and makes a determination as to the more accurate measurement, if there is more than one measurement. The flow rate is calculated by the processor and is based on either the singular or the more accurate measurement. Further enhancements include diagnosis of meter performance, redundancy of measurements, and re-calibration of either measurement device based on information from the other device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Wade M. Mattar
  • Patent number: 6581457
    Abstract: A compound meter assembly (10) has a housing (15, 17, 19), a high volume flow meter (14) disposed in a main flow passageway (22) for detecting a flow rate of relatively higher volume flows and a low volume flow meter (12) disposed in the secondary flow passageway (29) for detecting a flow rate of relatively lower volume flows. A flow distributor (70) is disposed in the inlet and disposed adjacent the entrance (27) into the secondary flow passageway from the main passageway, said flow distributor (70) having a central opening (71) for receiving the main flow and having flow ports (72) disposed around its circumference for allowing portions of the main flow to flow towards interior walls (26) of the housing (15, 17, 19) such that the flow is better distributed across a cross section of the main passageway (22) to maintain the accuracy of the meter at a crossover region (61, 62) between low flows being metered by the low volume flow meter (12) and high flows being metered by the high volume flow meter (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Badger Meter, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis W. Schwartz, George De Jarlais, Christopher G. Kocher, Mario P. Gomez, Ildefonso Gonzalez Artigas
  • Publication number: 20020189341
    Abstract: A compound meter assembly (10) has a housing (15, 17, 19), a high volume flow meter (14) disposed in a main flow passageway (22) for detecting a flow rate of relatively higher volume flows and a low volume flow meter (12) disposed in the secondary flow passageway (29) for detecting a flow rate of relatively lower volume flows. A flow distributor (70) is disposed in the inlet and disposed adjacent the entrance (27) into the secondary flow passageway from the main passageway, said flow distributor (70) having a central opening (71) for receiving the main flow and having flow ports (72) disposed around its circumference for allowing portions of the main flow to flow towards interior walls (26) of the housing (15, 17, 19) such that the flow is better distributed across a cross section of the main passageway (22) to maintain the accuracy of the meter at a crossover region (61, 62) between low flows being metered by the low volume flow meter (12) and high flows being metered by the high volume flow meter (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Dennis W. Schwartz, George De Jarlais, Christopher G. Kocher, Mario P. Gomez, Ildefonso Gonzalez Artigas
  • Patent number: 6446503
    Abstract: A flowmeter capable of measuring an accurate quantity of flow over a wide range of the quantity of flow. A measurement zone (15) for smaller quantity of flow and a measurement zone (16) for larger quantity of flow are determined inside a flow path (13) of a pipe (10). Regulating strainers (14) for regulating the flow of a gas (20) are disposed inside the measurement zone (15) for smaller quantity of flow by dividing the flow path (13) into a plurality of narrower flow paths (14A). A mean flow velocity of the gas (20) flowing through each of a plurality of narrower flow paths (14A) becomes substantially equal. A part of the gas (20) reaches nozzles (22a, 22b) erected across flow velocity sensors (15a, 15b) for smaller quantity of flow and is accelerated by the operation of these nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumitsu Nukui, Hideo Kato, Ken Tashiro, Mitunori Komaki, Masahiko Matushita, Kazuhiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 6339963
    Abstract: A device for measuring fluid flow rates has a body defining a conduit for the fluid, the body having selectable first and second configurations, in the first configuration the body presents a first constriction in the conduit for measuring a first range of fluid flow rates, and in a second configuration the body presents a second construction in the conduit for measuring a second range of fluid flow rates, the second constriction being narrower than the first constriction, the body being arranged for operative connection to parts for determining the pressure difference between each constriction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Framo Engineering AS
    Inventor: Bernt Helge Torkildsen
  • Patent number: 6079263
    Abstract: A compound water meter includes a housing having opposite inlet and outlet ends, a water guidance channel extending between the inlet and outlet ends and defining a direction of flow therebetween and upper opening disposed above and in communication with the water guidance channel, a main meter measuring inset disposed in the housing across the water guidance channel, a switch-over valve inset disposed in the housing across the water guidance channel and connected watertight with the main meter measuring inset, and an impeller rotatably supported directly by and between the respective insets such that the main meter measuring inset is disposed upstream and the switch-over valve inset downstream of the rotatable impeller relative to the direction of flow. Both insets form an inset unit and with the impeller are suspended in the housing by a cover which closes the upper opening of the housing. The main meter measuring inset has a hub rotatably supporting the impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: H. Meinecke AG
    Inventor: Uwe Beddies
  • Patent number: 6081196
    Abstract: A multipurpose residential plumbing and fire sprinkler system or, more simply, a multipurpose piping system ("MPS") is a system for providing water to both domestic uses (e.g., showers, sinks, toilets) and to sprinklers for fire protection. The invention provides an apparatus and method for alarming when one or more sprinklers connected to the MPS are activated by a fire. The invention uses a water flow detector. In particular, the invention provides an apparatus and method for distinguishing typical domestic water flow from the flow caused by one or more sprinkler heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Richard Jack Young
  • Patent number: 6026838
    Abstract: An apparatus detects an opening in a fluid flow passageway such as occurs when a resistance welding cap which is cooled by the fluid flow becomes accidently detached from a welding machine. Upon detection of an opening, an air-actuated pinch lever is activated to quickly pinch shut flexible fluid inlet and outlet hoses and thereby shut off the fluid flow. Inlet and outlet flow rate sensors provide periodic outputs to a digital computer which determines directions of inlet and outlet flow acceleration. If either the inlet or outlet acceleration changes direction, a baseline inlet or outlet flow rate is set equal to the corresponding current flow rate value to prevent erroneous opening detection due to normal flow fluctuations. If the inlet and outlet accelerations are in the same direction, the baseline values are similarly updated. If the inlet acceleration is positive and the outlet acceleration is negative, it indicates a probable opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Proteus Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Nicewonger, Tommy K. Yiu
  • Patent number: 6026682
    Abstract: In an automated welding machine, where a flow of liquid coolant is supplied to welding components on the machine from a source of coolant and then returned to the source of coolant, a safety system is provided that shuts down the flow of coolant in the event of a fault. Faults are detected by a supply sensor and a return sensor for measuring the flow rates of coolant in the supply and return lines. A microprocessor is adapted to compare the supply flow rate and return flow rate and detect differences between the two rates. The difference between the detected rates as compared to a leak threshold value, and the microprocessor is adapted to generate a valve shutoff signal in the event the detected difference in flow rates exceeds the leak threshold value. A value in the supply coolant line is responsive to the valve shutoff signal to shutoff flow of coolant in response thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: EOA Systems, Incorporated
    Inventor: Peter E. McCormick
  • Patent number: 5950667
    Abstract: An apparatus detects an opening in a fluid flow passageway such as occurs when a resistance welding cap which is cooled by the fluid flow becomes accidently detached from a welding machine. Upon detection of an opening, an air-actuated pinch lever is activated to quickly pinch shut flexible fluid inlet and outlet hoses and thereby shut off the fluid flow. Inlet and outlet flow rate sensors provide periodic outputs to a digital computer which determines directions of inlet and outlet flow acceleration. If either the inlet or outlet acceleration changes direction, a baseline inlet or outlet flow rate is set equal to the corresponding current flow rate value to prevent erroneous opening detection due to normal flow fluctuations. If the inlet and outlet accelerations are in the same direction, the baseline values are similarly updated. If the inlet acceleration is positive and the outlet acceleration is negative, it indicates a probable opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Proteus Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Nicewonger, John W. Clove
  • Patent number: 5869758
    Abstract: The flow rate of a medium flowing through a channel is measured by using a number of measurement sites along which the medium flows continuously at different velocities. The heating of the medium at the measurement site and the measurements of the temperature changes at the measurement sites are used to measure the rate of flow. Calibration information for the flow measurement for each measurement site is utilized to establish a rule which would include information about the measurement accuracy over the measurement range for each measurement site. The flow rate to be measured is established upon the basis of the measurement result of a measurement site which gives the greatest measurement accuracy according to the predetermined rule. The measurement of the flow at a measurement site comprises heating the medium during a first interval and during a second interval subsequent to the firest interval the temperature reduction is monitored at the measurement site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: GAScontrol b.v.
    Inventor: Albertus Theodorus Huiberts
  • Patent number: 5831158
    Abstract: A combination water meter comprises a main meter which can be connected to a water main for determining larger amounts of water flow and to an auxiliary meter which is disposed in a bypass conduit for determining smaller amounts of water flow. An on-off valve insert, which opens the passageway through the water main when a specified pressure is reached, is disposed in series with the measurement insert of the main meter, and the measurement insert of the main meter as well as the auxiliary meter are disposed in a housing having a partition which divides the housing into an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber and has an opening between the two. The lid of the housing and the inserts are connected in such a manner that they can be dismantled as a unit. The partition is fastened to and preferably integrally molded with the lid and sealed with respect to the housing by means of a gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Hydrometer GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Schloetterer, Ewald Lacher
  • Patent number: 5811676
    Abstract: A fluid meter assembly in which a housing is provided that has two enclosures formed therein. At least one cylinder is formed in each enclosure and receives a piston. Fluid is admitted into each cylinder to drive its piston and pass the fluid through a corresponding outlet in the corresponding enclosure to enable the fluid flow to be metered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert George Spalding, Ken Taylor
  • Patent number: 5811674
    Abstract: In an automated welding machine, where a flow of liquid coolant is supplied to welding components on the machine from a source of coolant and then returned to the source of coolant, a safety system is provided that shuts down the flow of coolant in the event of a fault. Faults are detected by a supply sensor and a return sensor for measuring the flow rates of coolant in the supply and return lines. A microprocessor is adapted to compare the supply flow rate and return flow rate and detect differences between the two rates. The difference between the detected rates as compared to a leak threshold value, and the microprocessor is adapted to generate a valve shutoff signal in the event the detected difference in flow rates exceeds the leak threshold value. A valve in the supply coolant line is responsive to the valve shutoff signal to shutoff flow of coolant in response thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: EOA Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter McCormick
  • Patent number: 5698781
    Abstract: A fire service meter that includes a strainer, a high flow water meter, a low flow water meter and a check valve fluidly coupled together. The check valve includes a sealing member or clapper adapted to seal against a valve seat. A shaft is secured to the clapper via a pivot arm. The shaft has a portion that extends externally of a body of the check valve. A bracket is secured to the external portion of the shaft. Two springs are provided each having one end attached to the bracket and their opposite ends attached to the body. The springs are arranged so that in a first position both springs apply a closing moment to the bracket so as to force the clapper in a closed position. As a pressure differential increases across the clapper and forces the clapper to move away from the valve seat, the position of the springs change so that one of the springs applies an opening moment to the bracket so as to decrease the amount of head loss associated with the opening of the clapper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Arad Dalia Ltd.
    Inventor: Amram Zellering
  • Patent number: 5648605
    Abstract: A flowmeter calibration method includes disposing a flowmeter on a standard flowpath, disposing a flowmeter on each of a plurality of branch flowpaths in communication with the standard flowpath, using the flowmeters disposed on the flowpaths to vary a fluid flow through each flowpath and measuring each flow value, and comparing the plurality of flow values thus obtained to obtain the relative instrumental error of each flowmeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Agency of Industrial Science & Technology, Ministry of International Trade & Industry
    Inventor: Chiharu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5576486
    Abstract: An electronic liquid flow measuring system has a power source, a main electronic flow meter and a secondary liquid low flow electronic meter connected to bypass the main meter. A microprocessor controls flow measurements and a three-position valve is connected to both meters for closing the main flow meter at very low flows to permit only the secondary liquid flowmeter to operate at such low flows. At normal flows, the valve is in a position to allow liquid to flow through both meters and when liquid flow exceeds a predetermined flow rate, the valve blocks all flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: S.F.M. Sophisticated Water Meters Ltd.
    Inventor: Ilan Paz
  • Patent number: 5517855
    Abstract: An automatically acting switch valve for a combined water meter which has a main meter for measuring larger flows and a secondary meter for measuring smaller flows. The switch valve has a switch insert including a carrier with a central slide bolt fastened to it, a shut-off member displaceably guided on the bolt and urged into closed position by a spring, a sealing seat of greatly narrowed cross section provided with an elastic seal between the carrier and the shut-off member. An annular chamber receives the shut-off member and opens downstream. It has a cylindrical zone and an adjoining same a conically narrowing annular zone which terminates in a narrowed shut-off member retention step. The shut-off member has a disk-shaped rim the front part of which is contained, in the closed position of the valve, within the cylindrical zone of the annular chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: H. Meinecke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Dewald
  • Patent number: 5257537
    Abstract: A self-actuating throttle valve for use with fluid measurement apparatus such as a water meter. The valve includes a cylindrical body disposed within the outlet of the fluid measuring apparatus, fluid bypass openings formed in the body to enable fluid to flow through the body, and a piston disposed within the body. The piston is biased by a spring in a first position whereby the fluid may flow around the piston and body and through the bypass openings when the rate of fluid flow is below a predetermined amount. When the rate of fluid flow is above a predetermined amount, pressure from the fluid causes the piston to move to a second position whereby the piston covers the bypass openings by a predetermined amount to substantially reduce fluid flow. The throttle valve prevents damage to the fluid measurement apparatus when high fluid flow rates are encountered. The valve has particular application in the area of fire service water metering devices which include both a high flow rate measurement device (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Schlumberger Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy D. Bianchi
  • Patent number: 5117856
    Abstract: A valve arrangement for use in measuring a wide range of gas flow rates, comprises a valve housing including one inlet for a gas flow and two outlets, one for a low flow rate and the other for high flow rate. A plug is vertically moveable in the housing and includes a large diameter lower end engageable against a seat for closing a large port in the housing, and a small diameter upper end for engagement against an upper small diameter seat in the housing. The large and small seats communicate with the high and low flow rate outlets. Ferromagnetic material forms at least part of each seat with the plug being magnetic for retaining either its upper or lower position depending on the inlet flow rate. With a high inlet flow rate, the plug is lifted from its lower seat to close its low flow rate outlet and open its high flow rate inlet. At low flow rate, gravity causes the plug to drop. This permits the passage of the low flow rate gas through the low flow rate outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Raymond K. Kim, Larry Jeffers
  • Patent number: 5090240
    Abstract: A bypass flowmeter assembly has a plurality of branch pipes (11) connected in parallel with a main pipe (10), with at least one of the branch pipes having a respective flowmeter (14), and at least another of the branch pipes having respective selectively operable pipe closure means (12, 13). Preferably each branch pipe has a flowmeter and closure means. Preferably also control means (30) are provided to operate the closure means through a routine of successive phases of respectively different patterns of branch pipe flow. This allows derivation of main pipe flow rate on the basis of branch pipe flowmeter measurements with comparison of flowmeter outputs between different phases to eliminate high order measurement error, averaging of such outputs to reduce low order measurement error, or by computation to eliminate unknown factors. The assembly can be connected serially with a similar assembly (20) to monitor relative variations in the total flow of interest and adjust the actual measurement of this flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: National Research Development Corp.
    Inventors: Roger C. Baker, Edward H. Higham
  • Patent number: 5088322
    Abstract: This invention concerns an extended range flow meter and method of providing continuous metering of fluid flow utilizing of two or more flow meters by the more accurate flow meter or combination of flow meters at a given flow volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Equimeter, Inc.
    Inventors: James Fitzpatrick, Fred K. Enseki
  • Patent number: 5085076
    Abstract: A water strainer, water meter, and crossover check valve structurally and functionally integrated within a single housing having a single access port. A water strainer, including a screened portion and a solid floor, diverts debris from the water flow path into a collection chamber in the bottom portion of the housing. The water strainer defines an interior volume within the housing, designed to pass strained water and protect the impeller assembly of the water meter located therein. A strainer outlet pipe, extending from an outlet port into the interior volume of the housing, may be included to house both the impeller and the check valve. The single access port provides for service of the interior components and removal of collected debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: Ames Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Lester B. Engelmann
  • Patent number: 5000041
    Abstract: Disclosed is a control apparatus for correcting the measurement of flow rates for use with a turbine-type flow meter in which the rotation of a turbine rotating in response to the flow velocity of fluid to be measured is detected to produce pulses which are, in turn, integrated to measure the flow rate of the fluid. The apparatus operates to obtain a value representing the rate of reduction in the flow rate from the pulse cycle in order to detect a first time at which the reduction rate increases above a first predetermined value and a second time at which the reduction rate decreases below a second predetermined value, produce a correction value on the basis of the pulse cycle at the second time and the time lag between the first and second times, and integrate pulses other than those generated in the period of time between the first and second times, adding the correction value from the correction value producing means to the integrated value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Tokico Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Miyamoto, Kimio Toriyabe, Kazuo Tsuge, Hideaki Ikeda, Teruhisa Kojima, Masayuki Komaki, Yutaka Morita, Takatoshi Murakami, Yasuo Sato, Yasuo Koketu