With Pressure Regulator Or Demand Limit Patents (Class 73/199)
  • Patent number: 11662013
    Abstract: A vehicle stalactite passive lubrication system includes a drive unit having an electric motor and a gear. A sump has a sump extension. A lubricant is collected in the sump for gravity flow into the sump extension. A stalactite member is fixed to the drive unit and is positioned above an element to be filled with a fluid, lubricated or cooled. The stalactite member is directed downwardly toward the sump with the lubricant splashed by gear rotation collected on neighboring walls and the stalactite member and directed downwardly by gravity into the sump or target element. The stalactite member includes: a drip edge oriented at an angle to a horizontal plane; and a tip defining an end of the drip edge. The angle is selected to direct the lubricant to discharge off the stalactite member at the tip as a lubricant stream into the sump or target element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Goro Tamai, Robert P. McCleary, Marc R. Yarnall, David J. Varda
  • Patent number: 11421692
    Abstract: A pump body includes a housing, a first and a second chambers separated and communicated by the housing, an input pipe communicated with the first chamber and an output pipe communicated with the second chamber. The input pipe has a water outlet located in the first chamber. The output pipe has a water inlet located in the second chamber. The first pump has a first rotor placed in the first chamber. The second pump has a second rotor placed in the second chamber, wherein an extension line of a rotating shaft of the second rotor is perpendicular to a plane where a rotating shaft of the first rotor located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Wei-Fang Wu, Chia-Ying Hsu, Chia-Yu Yeh, Chi-Chang Teng
  • Patent number: 10712190
    Abstract: A system and method of maintaining back pressure located downstream of the Coriolis meter maintains the pressure downstream of the Coriolis meter in relation to the surface back pressure (SBP). At least one flow control device is located downstream of the Coriolis meter. The flow control device of the present invention (the BPV) automatically maintains the downstream pressure to less than or equal to fifty percent (50%) of the surface back pressure. A pressure regulator sets the back pressure to allow for a standalone device. Additional valves allow adjustment of the back pressure and allow for pressure relief and full flow bypass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: PRUITT TOOL & SUPPLY CO.
    Inventors: Martyn Parker, Benjamin Micah Spahn
  • Patent number: 10677622
    Abstract: A system to measure the flow rate of a liquid in a microfluidic circuit. The system includes a vessel that is partially filled with the liquid, a gaseous ceiling above the vessel and a pressure regulator to maintain the pressure of the gas in the gaseous ceiling at a predetermined value P1. A capillary pipe to extract the liquid from the vessel and to output the liquid at a pressure P2 lower than P1. A first inlet of the pressure sensor is connected to the gaseous ceiling, a second inlet of the pressure sensor is connected to the capillary pipe, and the outlet of the pressure sensor outputs a signal as a function of the pressure difference (P1?P2), which is a measurement representing the flow rate of pressurized P2 liquid supplied to the microfluidic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: ELVESYS
    Inventors: Maƫl Le Berre, Mathieu Velve Casquillas
  • Patent number: 9910448
    Abstract: A method of measuring a molecular rate of gas flow from an upstream source of gas at a pressure higher than a pressure of a destination includes flowing the gas through an upstream valve into a cavity of known volume, then through a restrictor element before proceeding to the destination, controlling the upstream valve to vary a flow rate of the gas through the upstream valve in a determined manner such that its average pressure in the cavity correlates with an average level of gas flow and such that variations in pressure in the cavity induced by varying the flow rate of gas through the upstream valve in the determined manner induce instantaneous pressure variations smaller than 30% of the average pressure in that cavity; and using the variations in the pressure in the cavity associated with varying the flow rate of gas through the upstream valve in the determined manner to determine the molecular rate of gas flow to the destination in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Inventor: Christopher Max Horwitz
  • Patent number: 9746364
    Abstract: In a flow meter with a displacement meter (1) a parallel-connected pressure difference sensor (3) has a bypass channel (8) which frees a connection between the inflow side and the outflow side (4, 5) when a piston (7) butts against a maximum stroke stop (9). In the bypass channel (8) is a check valve (11) which prevents the backflow from the outflow side to the inflow side (5, 4) and thus enables a return of the piston (7) purely due to pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: AVL List GmbH
    Inventor: Otfried Derschmidt
  • Patent number: 9353877
    Abstract: A safety device for a gas distribution system includes a valve body, an upper casing attached to the valve body, the upper casing housing at least one spring. Further, the at least one spring is attached to a movable diaphragm that is exposed to gas system pressure. The valve body also includes a release element mounted within the valve body. The release element releasing a relatch plug when the device is activated to move a safety disc into contact with a valve seat to stop fluid from flowing when an overpressure or an underpressure condition is sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT REGULATOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: James C. Hawkins, David B. Davis
  • Patent number: 9329064
    Abstract: A flow meter regulation valve fastening structure includes a holder with one side coupled with a regulation valve by screwing. The regulation valve has a regulation shaft with a flange and a screw head located at an upper side. The screw head is coupled with an anchor member. The anchor member has a coupling plate at one end coupled on the screw head and an anchor plate at another end with two detent plates extended downwards from two sides to butt two sides of the frame edge of the holder for retaining. Thereby when the regulation valve is coupled with the holder and a pipe, the junction of the regulation valve and the holder can be prevented from generating fractures due to excessive turning forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Inventor: Yao-Sung Hou
  • Patent number: 9217684
    Abstract: A passively powered gas sensor for remotely reading and transmitting a gas pressure of a system, comprising a hollow cylindrical body, a stem axially aligned and extending outwardly from a first surface of the hollow cylindrical body, a pressure sensing element in the stem, and an antenna coupled to the pressure sensing element, where the antenna is located within the hollow cylindrical body and the stem. The pressure sensing device is polled remotely by a polling device, and powered by the polling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: Chad Richardson, Wayne Noehren
  • Patent number: 9182317
    Abstract: A simulated gas supply apparatus includes a raw gas source group including a plurality of raw gas sources, a plurality of flow controller groups, each of which includes a plurality of flow controllers, a flow control system including the flow controller groups, a primary supply pipe for supplying a simulated gas to an evaluation device, a primary exhaust pipe for exhausting the simulated gas, a switching valve system including a plurality of switching valves so as to switch the simulated gas flow between the primary supply pipe and the primary exhaust pipe, and a controlling unit that controls the flow control system and the switching valve system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: BEST INSTRUMENTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akitoyo Takamiya, Kotaro Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9046394
    Abstract: A fire hydrant water meter having a flow restricting device that creates back pressure to restrict the flow of water through the fire hydrant water meter. The flow restricting device includes a plurality of flexible vanes that combine to define a variable orifice. As the flow of water through the meter increases, the individual flexible vanes move away from each other to expand the size of the flow orifice. The flow restricting device provides a source of back pressure to water flowing through the meter to restrict the flow rate of water and thus protect the metering device contained within the fire hydrant water meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Sensus Spectrum LLC
    Inventor: Michael J. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20150112556
    Abstract: A device for detecting mass particles in air flows guided in a pipe, in particular of seeds to be distributed in a seed drill. A sensor element is disposed on the pipe. The sensor element is a piezoelectric element. An impact surface is disposed on the side of the piezoelectric element facing the interior of the pipe. A damping body is arranged on the side of the piezoelectric element facing away from the interior of the pipe. A rigid base body is disposed on the side of the piezoelectric element facing away from the interior of the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Sebastian Meyer zu Hoberge, Martin Liebich
  • Publication number: 20150040658
    Abstract: A reference measurement apparatus for a multiphase flow meter comprising: a sampling and measuring chamber coupled to a sampling port via a sample transfer line for extracting the sample having at least one of the gas phase and the liquid phase from the multiphase fluid mixture flowing through the pipe section; a pressure and temperature regulation arrangement arranged to maintain the sample from the sampling port to the sampling and measuring chamber at a pressure/temperature substantially similar to the pressure/temperature of the multiphase fluid mixture flowing through the pipe section; and a second fraction measurement device arranged to estimate a linear attenuation related to the at least one of the gas phase and the liquid phase extracted from the sample, said linear attenuation being used to correct the estimated representative fraction for the at least one of the gas phase and the liquid phase of the multiphase fluid mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kyrre Aksnes, Sabah Al-Abbas, Andrew Charles Baker, Alexandre Lupeau, Jean-Francois Noel, Rolf Rustad, Lars Seime, Oleg Zhdaneev
  • Publication number: 20140190250
    Abstract: A fire hydrant water meter having a flow restricting device that creates back pressure to restrict the flow of water through the fire hydrant water meter. The flow restricting device includes a plurality of flexible vanes that combine to define a variable orifice. As the flow of water through the meter increases, the individual flexible vanes move away from each other to expand the size of the flow orifice. The flow restricting device provides a source of back pressure to water flowing through the meter to restrict the flow rate of water and thus protect the metering device contained within the fire hydrant water meter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Sensus Spectrum LLC
    Inventor: Michael J. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20140123752
    Abstract: A flow meter regulation valve fastening structure includes a holder with one side coupled with a regulation valve by screwing. The regulation valve has a regulation shaft with a flange and a screw head located at an upper side. The screw head is coupled with an anchor member. The anchor member has a coupling plate at one end coupled on the screw head and an anchor plate at another end with two detent plates extended downwards from two sides to butt two sides of the frame edge of the holder for retaining. Thereby when the regulation valve is coupled with the holder and a pipe, the junction of the regulation valve and the holder can be prevented from generating fractures due to excessive turning forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Yao-Sung HOU
  • Patent number: 8677997
    Abstract: A method and CPAP apparatus characterizes different mask systems, e.g., masks and hoses. The CPAP apparatus can be calibrated for different mask systems and hoses by including sensors that measure flow and pressure at a flow generator of the apparatus. When the generator is fitted to a new mask system, or any changes are made to an existing one, a method calibrates the generator for the mask system. The method includes determining air flow characteristics using flow measurements from a first test period when flow through the mask system is open, measuring or estimating pressure in the mask system during a second test period when flow through the mask system is blocked and determining air flow characteristics of the diffuser of the mask system using the air flow characteristics of the air delivery hose determined during the first period and the pressure measurements made during the second period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Gerard Michael O'Connor, John David Oates, Nicola Frances Wickham
  • Patent number: 8539827
    Abstract: A water meter (10) and a flow control valve (30) are housed in a common pressure vessel (16), in which the flow control valve (30) restricts flow through a metering chamber (18) to less than the normal flow, while still permitting a flow sufficient for basic human needs, rather than completely interrupting supply of the utility, and in which the flow control valve (30) is controlled electrically through a control valve (40) in an energy efficient manner so as to utilize power from a self-contained power source (27) in another device (25) at the customer site (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Badger Meter, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Benson, Eric Metzger
  • Patent number: 8408421
    Abstract: A dispenser using a stopcock valve has a first and second chamber. The first chamber has a flow material and is pressurized with air. The first chamber is connected to a stopcock valve that holds a second chamber which has a pressure sensor when the stopcock valve is rotated to the proper orientation. The stopcock valve is then rotated to a dispensing position where the flow material is dispensed under pressure to an outlet. By using the air pressure sensor and by taking into consideration the volume of the second chamber, the amount of flow of material can be dosed out consistently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul M DiPerna
  • Patent number: 8336375
    Abstract: A flow cell assembly for fluid sensors is provided. The assembly includes a housing configured to couple to an external source of fluid for measurement. The assembly further includes a flow regulator and a flow meter disposed within the housing to facilitate controlled fluid. The housing defines one or more measuring chambers each configured to receive a fluid sensor. Each measuring chamber includes an inlet aperture and a gravity overflow spaced apart from the inlet aperture. Each measuring chamber is configured to receive a fluid sensor such that a sensing end of the fluid sensor is disposed proximate to an inlet aperture of the measuring chamber, thereby ensuring controlled fluid pressure proximate to the sensing end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventors: Anthony Thai, Steven Wells, Gert Burkhardt
  • Patent number: 8087293
    Abstract: The invention relates to an oil-gas-water multi-phase flow adjusting apparatus, which mainly comprises an inlet accelerating pipe section, a vortex flow guide spiral pipe, a gas circuit exit connection pipe section, a liquid receiving cone, a mixed liquid relief exit connection pipe section and a sampler exit connection pipe section, and which has the function for changing at intervals the flow pattern, the flow state and the components of the oil-gas-water multi-phase flow. The invention also relates to an oil-gas-water multi-phase flow rate measuring apparatus and its measuring method. The measuring apparatus comprises a blind three-way mixing means, a pressure differential type flow measuring device, a single-? phase volume fraction meter, a dual-? phase volume fraction meter, an oil-gas-water multi-phase flow adjusting apparatus and a computing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Haimo Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jianwen Dou, Jinsong Wan, Ligang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8083099
    Abstract: A method for producing a multicomponent compound involves pressing components out of cartridges by means of pistons. The method has particular applicability in connection with dental applications. The method prevents pressing the components initially under high pressures. At the beginning of the pressing-out process, a pressure lower than the characteristic pressing-out pressure of the components from the cartridges is employed. Feed speeds are adjusted to constant value as a function of the pressing-out behavior of the components which are compared with stored or calculated values for a known material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Ernst Muhlbauer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Sven Meyer, Hans-Dieter Hƶhnk, Matthias Weihrauch
  • 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: 20100024541
    Abstract: A supervisory system and method for monitoring multiple flow rate fluid distribution systems and for determining the presence of a failure therein are provided. The system monitors the flow of fluid through the distribution system with a single flow meter, determines the flow rate at which fluid is flowing, and accumulates at that rate a water flow control value. If the accumulated water flow value exceeds a predetermined threshold, further flow of fluid in the system will be disabled. To take account of the multiple flow rates capable through the distribution system, the accumulated water flow value will decremented at the immediately preceding increment rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventor: Wayne Robert Schindler
  • Patent number: 7477997
    Abstract: A liquid aspiration method which includes a method for determining the quality of the aspirated sample through mathematical analysis of the standard deviation of the residuals of the linear regression analysis of the aspiration pressure profile generated between the onset of actual aspiration and the end of actual aspiration and comparison of the results with predetermined known values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Kaplit
  • Publication number: 20080302178
    Abstract: A method and system for dispensing small volumes of liquid reagents is provided. The system includes a sequence of one, two, or three or more sensors, attached to a conduit, which send an electronic signal indicating the presence or lack of fluid in the conduit. The sensors can sense the leading edge of a fluid in a conduit, often called the leading meniscus. The sensors are connected to a microprocessor capable of recording the time the leading meniscus passes each sensor. The microprocessor can also calculate the time difference between the sensors, and at a constant flow rate, determine the speed of the fluid in the conduit and proportionally, depending on the diameter of the conduit, calculate the flow rate within the conduit. The microprocessor can also control the pump to cause the fluid to flow for a specific period of time so that a known discrete volume can be dispensed from the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey Karg
  • Patent number: 7463991
    Abstract: A flow verifier for verifying measurement of a flow rate of a fluid by a device includes a flow restrictor that renders the flow rate verification substantially insensitive to elements upstream of the flow restrictor. The flow verifier includes a vessel that receives a flow of the fluid from the device, and a pressure sensor that measures pressure of the fluid within the vessel. An outlet valve regulates flow of the fluid out of the vessel. The flow restrictor is located adjacent to and upstream of the vessel, along a flow path of the fluid. The flow restrictor restricts the flow of the fluid so as to induce a shock in the flow path of the fluid, and sustains the shock during a time period sufficient to render the flow rate verification substantially insensitive to the elements upstream of the flow restrictor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Shajii, Daniel Smith
  • Publication number: 20080173084
    Abstract: A method for the continuous measuring of dynamic fluid consumption using a continuously-operating flow sensor with variable pressure drop wherein the pressure downstream of the flow sensor is adjusted to a constant value by a pressure regulator, and when the pressure downstream of the pressure regulator exceeds a certain level, recycling fluid back into the pressure regulator in an amount that corresponds to the volume causing the excess pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Wiesinger, Ferdinand Purkathofer
  • Publication number: 20080115576
    Abstract: A device for a flow regulation and a measurement of a medium in a heating or cooling system, which device comprises a multifunctional valve, which comprises a collector (1) with measuring outlets and an adapter for discharge and which is mounted jointly with a flow control part (2), the one part being rotatable in relation to the other part but locked in an axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: Tour & Andersson AB
    Inventor: Leif Marstorp
  • Publication number: 20080022765
    Abstract: A flow meter with a metering device for intaking and metering a defined volume of a fluid, and with a control unit for controlling the fluid intake of the metering device for determining a flow rate of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Klaus Witt, Philip Herzog
  • Patent number: 7174263
    Abstract: A flow verifier for in-situ verification of a device under test (DUT), including an inlet connectable to a DUT, an outlet connectable to a vacuum pump for drawing gas through the DUT and the flow verifier, a vessel having a predetermined volume, diffusive media connecting the inlet to the vessel, an outlet valve connecting the vessel to the outlet for controlling flow from the vessel to the outlet, at least one temperature sensor operatively connected to the vessel for providing temperature measurements from within the vessel, and a pressure transducer operatively connected to the vessel for providing pressure measurements from within the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Shajii, Daniel Alexander Smith
  • Patent number: 7135986
    Abstract: A water meter has a meter register having an encoder having electromagnetic wave emitters, e.g., infrared emitters to measure water flow and direction of water flow through the meter. The encoder has two of three spaced emitters directing infrared rays at predetermined time intervals toward a rotating detector wheel having a reflective surface portion and a non-reflective surface portion facing the emitters and an infrared sensor. The reflective surface portion of the detecting wheel reflects the infrared rays incident thereon toward the sensor. A microprocessor connected to the sensor acts on signals from the sensor to determine material flow. The meter register transmits the signal to a distant receiver. The microprocessor of a meter register has an algorithm to prevent the meter register from sending signals until after the meter register or a water meter having a meter register is installed and water moved through the meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Arad Measuring Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Dan Winter
  • Patent number: 6813943
    Abstract: An apparatus for conditioning a gas flow to improve a measurement of rate of pressure change associated with the gas flow includes a measurement chamber having an interior portion characterized by an internal volume, and an inlet port for receiving the gas flow. The apparatus includes a pressure sensor and a signal processor. The signal processor receives and samples the pressure signal from the sensor, and calculates a time derivative of the pressure signal. The apparatus also includes an inlet damper disposed at the inlet port, so that the gas flow passes through the inlet damper prior to passing into the measurement chamber. The inlet damper modifies the gas flow according to a damper transfer function. The chamber volume and the damper transfer function are selected so as to the frequencies associated with variations of the pressure in the measurement chamber to a predetermined fraction of the sampling frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Smith, Ali Shajii
  • Publication number: 20040182148
    Abstract: An apparatus for conditioning a gas flow to improve a measurement of rate of pressure change associated with the gas flow includes a measurement chamber having an interior portion characterized by an internal volume, and an inlet port for receiving the gas flow. The apparatus includes a pressure sensor and a signal processor. The signal processor receives and samples the pressure signal from the sensor, and calculates a time derivative of the pressure signal. The apparatus also includes an inlet damper disposed at the inlet port, so that the gas flow passes through the inlet damper prior to passing into the measurement chamber. The inlet damper modifies the gas flow according to a damper transfer function. The chamber volume and the damper transfer function are selected so as to the frequencies associated with variations of the pressure in the measurement chamber to a predetermined fraction of the sampling frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: John A. Smith, Ali Shajii
  • Publication number: 20040163459
    Abstract: A method for continuous measuring of dynamic fluid consumption, particularly gaseous or liquid motor fuel, employs a continuously operating flow sensor with variable decrease in pressure, preferably a mass flow sensor. The pressure downstream from the flow sensor is adjusted to a constant value by changing the admission pressure of the sensor to make possible accurate and rapid consumption measurements with controlled output pressure for the fluid by means of an open system, and also to allow simultaneous measuring of at least a short-time return flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Rudolf Christian, Michael Wiesinger, Ferdinand Purkathofer
  • Patent number: 6722388
    Abstract: A pressure regulator having a valve cartridge adapted to be removably held within its housing, said cartridge having a frame carrying and positioning a valve seat, a valve member, a valve stem, and a spring. The valve cartridge ensures correct spacing between the valve member and the valve seat. Difficulties in pressure regulation may be quickly rectified and pressure flow characteristics may be altered by removing and replacing the valve cartridge. Another aspect of the invention discloses a multiple pressure regulator comprising: a housing adapted to removably house two valve cartridges; an inlet opening into the housing; an outlet opening from the housing; and two valve cartridges adapted to be removably held within the housing. Each of said cartridges similar to those described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Robert A. McAden
  • Patent number: 6539315
    Abstract: Apparatus for determining fluid flow through a pressure regulator is disclosed. The pressure regulator is disposed in a fluid flow passage and has a throttling element moveable in the flow passage. A stem is attached to the throttling element. The apparatus includes a first pressure sensor for measuring pressure upstream of the throttling element, a second pressure sensor for measuring pressure downstream of the throttling element, and a travel sensor for detecting the position of the throttling element. A processor is provided which includes a stored algorithm for determining flow rate based on the measured pressure and travel values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Adams, David E. Woollums, Jon B. Milliken
  • Publication number: 20020031450
    Abstract: A control device suitably heats reformate fuel so as to obtain high-quality reformate gas by stabilizing the temperature of a reforming portion regardless of load fluctuations. The control device is suitable for use with a reformer that includes a heating portion for heating up reformate fuel, which is to be gasified in a reforming reaction, with the aid of the heat generated by heat fuel. At least one of the amount of heat fuel and the amount of an oxidizer for burning the heat fuel is determined based on an amount of reforming reaction requirement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: MASASHI YAMASHITA, MASAAKI YAMAOKA, KIYOMI NAGAMIYA
  • Patent number: 6267792
    Abstract: A control apparatus can maintain a substantially constant temperature of a reforming reaction in which a partial oxidation reaction occurs. The control apparatus can be used for a reformer that reforms reformats fuel into fuel by an endothermic reforming reaction and a partial oxidation reforming reaction. The amount of oxygen supplied for the partial oxidation reaction is determined based on an amount of the raw material and on theoretical endothermic values and exothermic values of the respective reforming reaction and partial oxidation reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyomi Nagamiya, Masashi Yamashita, Masaaki Yamaoka, Yoshikazu Motozono
  • Patent number: 5913248
    Abstract: A turbomachine having variable-angle diffuser vanes operates by regulating the angle of the diffuser vanes on the basis of the sensors disposed on the pump body or pipes of a surge detection device. The onset of surge can be forecast by measuring the fluctuations in the operating parameter(s) over a measuring interval of time computed on the basis of the operating characteristics of the impeller of the turbomachine. The onset of surge is prevented by adjusting the angle of the diffuser vanes in accordance with the sampling duration for parameter fluctuations over the measuring interval of time, and by adjusting the diffuser vanes to maintain the operating parameter fluctuations of the fluid machinery below a threshold value of the turbomachine derived from the design flow rate of the turbomachine. Application of the surge detection device in combination with fluid flow guide vanes and blades of the turbomachine enables full utilization of the potential capability of the turbomachine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Hideomi Harada, Shin Konomi, Kazuo Takei
  • Patent number: 5760301
    Abstract: A gas pressure regulator includes a pressure regulator for connection to a source of high pressure gas, and flow meter or flow regulator that selectively varies the flow rate of delivered gas. The flow meter includes a ring with orifices of varying sizes radially spaced about a ring, with each orifice corresponding to a predetermined flow rate. A manually rotatable cap has a central axial bore and a spool extends through the aperture in both the ring and the central bore of the cap to secure them to the base of the flow meter. The spool has a shoulder which engages the ring to limit longitudinal displacement thereof. The spool also includes at least one bore extending through the shoulder. The bore communicates on one side with the delivered gas of the flow meter and on the other side with a nozzle extending along the axis from the end of the flow meter. Gas is delivered at the selected flow rate directly from the end of the flow meter, rather than from a transverse side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Precision Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Clyde W. Shuman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5748077
    Abstract: A system for detecting leaks in a hydraulic system. The system shuts down the hydraulic system if a leak is detected and notifies individuals in the area that a leak has occurred. The leak detection system has sensors for measuring hydraulic system parameters and a computer for detecting abnormalities in the system based on values returned by the sensors. Sensors used in the example leak detection system include an RPM pickup, a pressure transducer, a flow meter and an hydraulic fluid level and temperature switch. Outputs of the sensors are analyzed by the computer to determine if the hydraulic system has a leak. If a leak is detected, the computer sends response signals to a device for engaging or disengaging the prime mover from the hydraulic pump and to another device for actuating a valve to stop hydraulic fluid flow from the reservoir. The computer may also send indicator signals to a display console for activating a warning light, a buzzer or a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Calvin Brandt
  • Patent number: 5650565
    Abstract: A mini-diluter apparatus and method are provided for preparing dilute samples of exhaust gas for emission testing. The apparatus includes first and second mass flow controllers which respectively control the mixing of exhaust gas and diluent gas samples at a constant ratio. The mixture is fed at a pressure, controlled by a back pressure regulator, to a third mass flow controller. This third controller provides a controlled sample rate (normally proportional to exhaust flow from an engine under test) to a bag sample system, or other sampling system, with excess mixture being exhausted through a pressure regulator to atmosphere. Improved accuracy and reduced calibration complexity are results of the improved apparatus and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Enviromental Sciences Research and Development Partnership
    Inventors: Donald B. Nagy, Jon Richard McLeod, Francis Patrick Schroeder, Steven Scott DeCarteret
  • Patent number: 5557050
    Abstract: A metering system, for metering a volume V.sub.o of compressed gas supplied under high pressure from a first tank to a second tank, includes a first duct for supplying the compressed gas from the first tank to the second tank, the first duct having a pressure regulator providing a relatively high driving pressure P, and a first nozzle having a section S with an inner diameter located downstream of the pressure regulator and providing a downstream pressure p therefrom, the pressure regulator being controlled by the downstream pressure p to maintain driving pressure P so that the downstream pressure p remains less than 0.95 P. A second duct branches at one end from the first duct between the pressure regulator and the first nozzle and includes a second nozzle having a section s with an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the section S of the first nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Schlumberger Industries
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Campain, Jacques Fournier, Sylvan Janssen
  • Patent number: 5520969
    Abstract: The flow of a liquid reagent gas into a vapor deposition process chamber is adjusted in response to control information provided by a process controller. The controller executes a prescribed mathematical algorithm which utilizes first and second steady-state pressure differentials. The first pressure differential is measured during the flowing of a carrier gas into the chamber. The second pressure differential is measured after the release of the liquid reagent into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nishizato, Visweswaren Sivaramakrishnan, Jun Zhao
  • Patent number: 5509434
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling and metering gas flowing through a pipeline is provided. The apparatus includes an orifice flow meter for accurately measuring the flow rate of gas through the pipeline within a certain range. The apparatus further includes a turbine flow meter which provides a measurement of the flow rate of the gas flowing through the pipeline over a broad range. A control circuit coupled to the turbine flow meter is provided for evaluating the flow rate to determine whether the flow rate is higher than a predetermined maximum value which can be recorded by the orifice flow meter or lower than a predetermined minimum value which can be recorded by the orifice flow meter. If the flow rate is higher than the predetermined maximum value, the control circuit generates a first voltage signal, if the flow rate is lower than the predetermined minimum value, the control circuit generates a second voltage signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Charles L. Boyd, Joseph A. Stewart
  • Patent number: 5398721
    Abstract: An integral gas regulator and flowmeter unit. The unit has a housing body with a high pressure gas inlet, a low pressure gas outlet, and a receptacle. A passage communicates gas to a valve seat in the receptacle. A differential pressure piston having seals at each end is slidably received within the receptacle and is spring biased away from the valve seat. A first end of the piston cooperates with the valve seat for controlling gas flow into the receptacle. A bore within the piston communicates gas from the first end to a second end of the piston. A floating inner flow tube mounted on the second end of the piston receives gas from the bore. A ball is slidably received within the inner flow tube. An outer flow tube overlies the inner flow tube. Both tubes are arranged for being positioned in a normally vertical position and may be marked with graduations for indicating the ball position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: The ESAB Group, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Pryor
  • Patent number: 5339685
    Abstract: A positive-displacement fluid flow measuring system, especially for hydrocarbon fuel dispensers. The measuring system comprises, in addition to a positive-displacement meter per se, a correction system for correcting the loss of head in the meter. The correction system comprises a differential pressure detector responsive to the difference between the pressures at the inlet and the outlet of the meter. The displacement of the membrane enables an external motor to be coupled to the shaft of the meter by means of the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Schlumberger Industries
    Inventors: Sylvain Janssen, Jacques Fournier, Jean-Pierre Campain
  • Patent number: 5307833
    Abstract: A system by which a supplier of wet steam may allocate and measure the mass flow rate and quality of steam delivered to a demand user and one or more secondary users with the wet steam delivered to each user being measured for purposes of billing. Pressure regulator means between the demand customer and the secondary customers responsive to pressure changes caused by the amount of steam going to the demand customer. The demand customer thus being able to take from 0 to 100% of the steam generator output with the remaining steam being allocated to the secondary customers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Stoy, James L. G. Schrodt, Stephen S. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 5284053
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for metering the flow rate of a fluid through a conduit in which a low inertia transducer is placed between the inlet and outlet, the transducer having a substantially cylindrical housing and a rotatable element concentric to the housing which together define an arcuate pathway for the flow of the fluid. A pressure sensor generates a pressure error signal corresponding to a change in pressure between the inlet and outlet and translates the same into a detectable signal which is used to change the speed of the rotatable element to reduce the differential pressure between the inlet and outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David Wadlow, Lawrence M. Layden
  • Patent number: 5245318
    Abstract: A particle analyzing apparatus having sample liquid pressurizing means for pressurizing sample liquid containing therein particles to be examined and supplying it to a portion to be examined, sheath liquid pressurizing means for pressurizing sheath liquid and supplying it to the portion to be examined in such a manner as to surround the sample liquid, a pressure sensor provided in the flow path of the sheath liquid between the sheath liquid pressurizing means and the portion to be examined, pressure control means for controlling the pressure value of the sheath liquid pressurizing means so that the output of the pressure sensor becomes constant, and means for applying light to the portion to be examined and photometering light emitted from the particles to be examined to thereby effect particle analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Tohge, Naoki Yuguchi