Compound Meter Patents (Class 73/197)
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Patent number: 11555721Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 6, 2019Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: ENERGOFLOW AGInventors: Stetsenko Andrii, Iurii Glova, Sergii Nedzelskyi
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Patent number: 11499853Abstract: 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 indicaType: GrantFiled: November 19, 2020Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: Kamstrup A/SInventors: Søren Tønnes Nielsen, Peter Schmidt Laursen, Kaspar Raahede Aarøe
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Patent number: 11067546Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 29, 2019Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventor: Akihiko Enamito
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Patent number: 10942051Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 21, 2016Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: Zenner International GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Dieter Buehler
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Patent number: 10863667Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 21, 2016Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: Precision Planting LLCInventors: Ben Schlipf, Brent Wiegand, Justin McMenamy, Jason Stoller
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Patent number: 10408653Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 28, 2016Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: Natural Gas Solutions North America, LLCInventors: Ertugrul Berkcan, Nannan Chen, Roman Leon Artiuch, Bo Li
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Patent number: 9540224Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 4, 2016Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Wayne Fueling Systems Sweden ABInventors: Marie Hakansson, Bengt I. Larsson
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Patent number: 9222818Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 28, 2010Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Wayne Fueling Systems Sweden ABInventors: Marie Hakansson, Bengt Ingemar Larsson
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Patent number: 9109935Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 28, 2012Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: M-Tech Instrument Corporation (holding) LimitedInventors: Xiangyou Yang, Yong Feng, Sugang Jiang, Chih-Chang Chen, Liji Huang
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Patent number: 8855946Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 12, 2011Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Flow-Tronic S.A.Inventor: Jean-Marie Sevar
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Publication number: 20140047916Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Inventor: Robert Blaine Schmidt
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Patent number: 8337476Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 20, 2009Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Greenwald Technologies, LLCInventors: Shlomo Greenwald, Zipora Greenwald, Uri Moshe Greenwald
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Patent number: 8305231Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 21, 2008Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Yuuji Fujii, Hirozumi Nakamura, Shigeru Murakami, Sumiko Murakami, legal representative
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Patent number: 8056409Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Inventor: Richard Steven
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Patent number: 7962576Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 22, 2004Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: SAP AGInventors: Guenter Spens, Ralf Mueller, Markus Seng
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Publication number: 20090205400Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2009Publication date: August 20, 2009Inventor: LUTHER DONALD MCPEAK
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Patent number: 7357023Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 16, 2005Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Inventors: Earl H. Parris, Timothy L. Greenfield, Andrew S. Weaver
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Patent number: 7266467Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 25, 2006Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Trimble Navigation, LimitedInventor: John William Peake
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Patent number: 6959609Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 24, 2003Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Stanley V. Stephenson
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Patent number: 6926584Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chao-Jung Chang, Ping-Hsu Chen, Chin-Hsin Peng, Jui-Cheng Lo, Chien-Kuo Lu, Chien-Ling Huang
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Patent number: 6895813Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Fox Boro CompanyInventor: Wade M. Mattar
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Patent number: 6860286Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 14, 2003Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Inventor: Duc T. Doan
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Publication number: 20040123656Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Inventors: Walter Castleberry, Jerry Lovett, David Hamilton, John Scarborough, Tim Bianchi
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Publication number: 20040113812Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventors: Tim Bianchi, Jim Brennan, Jerry Lovett, David Hamilton
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Method and apparatus for in-situ calibration of quantity measurement of a fluid flowing in a channel
Patent number: 6721674Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 8, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Inventor: Andras Borzsonyi -
Patent number: 6637263Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hans-Peter Zimmermann, Claus Lueth
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Publication number: 20030167836Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2002Publication date: September 11, 2003Inventor: Wade M. Mattar
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Patent number: 6581457Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 14, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Badger Meter, Inc.Inventors: Dennis W. Schwartz, George De Jarlais, Christopher G. Kocher, Mario P. Gomez, Ildefonso Gonzalez Artigas
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Publication number: 20020189341Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2001Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventors: Dennis W. Schwartz, George De Jarlais, Christopher G. Kocher, Mario P. Gomez, Ildefonso Gonzalez Artigas
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Patent number: 6446503Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 25, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazumitsu Nukui, Hideo Kato, Ken Tashiro, Mitunori Komaki, Masahiko Matushita, Kazuhiro Yamada
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Patent number: 6339963Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 23, 1999Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Assignee: Framo Engineering ASInventor: Bernt Helge Torkildsen
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Patent number: 6079263Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 17, 1998Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: H. Meinecke AGInventor: Uwe Beddies
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Patent number: 6081196Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 17, 1998Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Inventor: Richard Jack Young
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Patent number: 6026838Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 2, 1998Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Assignee: Proteus Industries, Inc.Inventors: Mark R. Nicewonger, Tommy K. Yiu
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Patent number: 6026682Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 25, 1998Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Assignee: EOA Systems, IncorporatedInventor: Peter E. McCormick
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Patent number: 5950667Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 2, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Proteus Industries, Inc.Inventors: Mark R. Nicewonger, John W. Clove
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Patent number: 5869758Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 2, 1995Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Assignee: GAScontrol b.v.Inventor: Albertus Theodorus Huiberts
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Patent number: 5831158Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 23, 1997Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Hydrometer GmbHInventors: Werner Schloetterer, Ewald Lacher
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Patent number: 5811676Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 28, 1997Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.Inventors: Robert George Spalding, Ken Taylor
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Patent number: 5811674Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 2, 1997Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: EOA Systems, Inc.Inventor: Peter McCormick
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Patent number: 5698781Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 14, 1996Date of Patent: December 16, 1997Assignee: Arad Dalia Ltd.Inventor: Amram Zellering
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Patent number: 5648605Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 23, 1995Date of Patent: July 15, 1997Assignee: Agency of Industrial Science & Technology, Ministry of International Trade & IndustryInventor: Chiharu Takahashi
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Patent number: 5576486Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 2, 1994Date of Patent: November 19, 1996Assignee: S.F.M. Sophisticated Water Meters Ltd.Inventor: Ilan Paz
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Patent number: 5517855Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 23, 1994Date of Patent: May 21, 1996Assignee: H. Meinecke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Hans-Peter Dewald
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Patent number: 5257537Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 26, 1992Date of Patent: November 2, 1993Assignee: Schlumberger Industries, Inc.Inventor: Timothy D. Bianchi
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Patent number: 5117856Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 19, 1991Date of Patent: June 2, 1992Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox CompanyInventors: Raymond K. Kim, Larry Jeffers
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Patent number: 5090240Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 18, 1990Date of Patent: February 25, 1992Assignee: National Research Development Corp.Inventors: Roger C. Baker, Edward H. Higham
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Patent number: 5088322Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 29, 1990Date of Patent: February 18, 1992Assignee: Equimeter, Inc.Inventors: James Fitzpatrick, Fred K. Enseki
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Patent number: 5085076Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 29, 1990Date of Patent: February 4, 1992Assignee: Ames Company, Inc.Inventor: Lester B. Engelmann
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Patent number: 5000041Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 10, 1989Date of Patent: March 19, 1991Assignee: Tokico Ltd.Inventors: Yoshikazu Miyamoto, Kimio Toriyabe, Kazuo Tsuge, Hideaki Ikeda, Teruhisa Kojima, Masayuki Komaki, Yutaka Morita, Takatoshi Murakami, Yasuo Sato, Yasuo Koketu