With Indirect Temperature Or Density Compensation Patents (Class 73/861.01)
  • Patent number: 11940364
    Abstract: A viscosity measuring system is equipped with a tank, a flow pathway, an external force applying unit, and a pump. The viscosity measuring system further comprises a first pressure detection unit which detects a pressure of the electrode ink, and a second pressure detection unit which detects the pressure of the electrode ink on a more downstream side than the first pressure detection unit. A detection processing unit calculates a viscosity of the electrode ink based on the pressure detected by the first pressure detection unit and the pressure detected by the second pressure detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Mameda, Shinsuke Chokyu, Nobuyoshi Muromoto, Kotaro Tadokoro, Keiichi Shiraishi, Tsuyoshi Kokusho
  • Patent number: 11428679
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing having a hole formed therein, an audio device inside the housing and communicating with an outside of the electronic device through the hole, a gas sensor inside the housing and communicating with the outside through the hole, a proximity sensor inside the housing, a wireless communication module inside the housing, and a processor inside the housing. The processor is configured to acquire data associated with air outside the electronic device by using the gas sensor, to recognize a user gesture of starting a proximity call by using the proximity sensor, and to calculate air quality of the outside air based on at least one of data acquired by the gas sensor before the proximity call starting gesture is recognized and data acquired by the gas sensor after a gesture of ending the proximity call is recognized. Other various embodiments are possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bokyung Sim, Seunggoo Kang, Jeonggyu Jo, Dongil Son
  • Patent number: 9000944
    Abstract: A mechanical fluid meter, for liquid or gas, includes an electronic device (E) that has means for metering, and generally also displaying, consumption, said fluid meter including: at least one fluid temperature sensor (3) near the meter and at least one ambient temperature sensor (4) where the meter is installed; a connection means between the temperature sensors (3, 4) and the electronic device (E); and analysis means (5) for establishing the temperature difference (??) between the fluid temperature and the ambient temperature and for taking into account the fluid flow rate value supplied by the meter, said analysis means being programmed so as to display and/or transmit information indicating a meter blockage when the temperature difference (??) is higher than a predetermined limit and the flow rate value supplied by the meter is zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Suez Environnement
    Inventor: Jean-Paul Borlee
  • Patent number: 8965713
    Abstract: Apparatus (300) and method for providing measurements relating to different phase components of a flowing fluid. The apparatus includes a device (306) configured to obtain, in use, at least one input (302, 304) representing a velocity of flowing fluid produced by at least one measuring device (302, 304) non-intrusively/externally mounted on a conduit (100) containing the flowing fluid. The apparatus also includes a device (306) configured to use the at least one velocity input to calculate (308) a total volumetric flow of the flowing fluid, and a device (306) configured to use the velocity input and the calculated total volumetric flow to compute (310, 312) at least one measurement relating to at least one phase component of the flowing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Able Instruments & Controls Limited
    Inventor: Anthony Paul Skelding
  • Patent number: 8950272
    Abstract: An air mass flowmeter having a sensor module fitted in a tube for measuring a gas quantity flowing in the tube at a flow speed. The sensor module extends in the tube. A start of the sensor module defines a first plane and an end of the sensor module defines a second plane both normal to the direction of flow. Extended flow directing elements are arranged in the tube parallel to the direction of flow so that the gas flows onto end faces and wall regions of the flow elements. The wall regions extend between the first and second planes and increase the flow speed of the gas given a low flow speed, relative to the flow speed in the tube, and increase the flow speed of the gas to a lesser extent, given a high flow speed of the gas relative to the flow speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Stephen Setescak
  • Publication number: 20150000420
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for verifying temperature measurements in an ultrasonic flow meter. An ultrasonic flow metering system includes a passage for fluid flow, a temperature sensor, an ultrasonic flow meter, and a flow processor. The temperature sensor is disposed to provide measured temperature of fluid flowing in the passage. The ultrasonic flow meter is configured to measure transit time of an ultrasonic signal through the fluid. The flow processor is configured to 1) compute speed of sound through the fluid based on the transit time; 2) calculate a computed temperature of the fluid based on the speed of sound; 3) apply compensation, based on a historical difference between the computed temperature and the measured temperature, to a temperature verification parameter; and 4) determine, based on the temperature verification parameter, whether a current difference between the measured temperature and the computed temperature is within a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Lawson Hamilton Ramsay
  • Patent number: 8910527
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to a vortex flowmeter having a vortex body which projects into the flowing measurement medium in a measuring tube, a sensor for detecting the vortex frequency being connected downstream of said vortex body in the direction of flow and being provided with means for measuring the temperature of the measurement medium, and a downstream electronic evaluation unit determining the flow rate in a temperature-compensated manner, the sensor including a carrier body on which a plurality of piezoelectric elements, which are arranged at a distance from one another and are intended to measure the frequency, and a temperature-measuring element are placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Carsten Habersetzer, Reinhard Steinberg
  • Patent number: 8881601
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flow meter for determining a flow of a medium. The flow meter comprises a flow tube for transporting the medium whose flow is to be measured. The flow tube has a supply end and a discharge end disposed downstream thereof. The flow meter is provided with a first flow sensor for measuring the flow of the medium at a first position of the flow tube. The flow meter is provided with a second flow sensor for measuring the flow of the medium at a second position of the flow tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Berkin B.V.
    Inventors: Theodorus Simon Josef Lammerink, Joost Conrad Lötters, Marcel Dijkstra, Jeroen Haneveld, Remco John Wiegerink
  • Patent number: 8868357
    Abstract: Temperature compensation is applied to correct for temperature mismatch between a reference chamber and a disposable chamber in a pneumatic pumping system for dialysis fluid for peritoneal dialysis. The mismatch creates an error in the calculation of pumping volume of dialysate fluid. Applying a correction for the temperature mismatch helps to more precisely control the volume of dialysate that is metered to the patient. Also disclosed are ways to keep temperatures constant and to use temperature sensors to accurately measure the temperatures of the chambers. In other aspects, the temperature of the dialysate fluid itself may be measured and used to apply a correction to the volume of fluid that is pumped to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Huitt, Douglas E. Vincent, Gideon Hecht
  • Publication number: 20140298919
    Abstract: A flow sensor assembly includes a flow sensor for sensing a flow parameter. The flow sensor may provide a flow sensor output signal that is related to the sensed parameter. A control block operatively connected to the flow sensor may receive a measure related to the flow rate of the fluid stream and drive the heater of the flow sensor to a heater temperature, such that the heater temperature may be dependent on the flow rate of the fluid stream, which causes the analog output of the flow sensor to be relatively linear over an expected operating range of flow rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Milley, Richard C. Sorenson
  • Publication number: 20140260658
    Abstract: A process variable transmitter is configured as a flowmeter for measuring flow of a process fluid through a conduit. The transmitter includes a pitot tube extending into the conduit which creates a differential pressure in the process fluid due to flow of the process fluid. An upstream process variable sensor is mounted on the pitot tube and coupled to the flow of process fluid to sense an upstream process variable of the process fluid. A downstream process variable sensor is mounted on the pitot tube downstream of the upstream process variable sensor and coupled to the flow of process fluid to sense a downstream process variable of the process fluid. Measurement circuitry determines the flow of the process fluid based upon the upstream process variable and the downstream process variable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Robert Strom, Robert Carl Hedtke, David Eugene Wiklund
  • Patent number: 8733179
    Abstract: A flow meter is disclosed, which composes an operational amplifier, a digital potentiometer, a sensor coil, and fixed resistors R1, R2 and R3. One end of the coil is connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the amplifier, the other end is grounded. The R1 is connected between the non-inverting input terminal and the output terminal of the amplifier, the inverting input terminal of the amplifier is connected to one end of R2 and R3, the other end of R2 is connected to the output terminal of the amplifier, and the other end of R3 is grounded. The connecting end of R2 and the output terminal of the amplifier is connected to the high side of the potentiometer, the grounded end of R3 is connected to the low side of the potentiometer, and the inverting input terminal of the amplifier is also connected to the sliding end of the potentiometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Beijing Sevenstar Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Changhua Mou, Di Zhao
  • Patent number: 8649931
    Abstract: A vehicle cooling system includes: a channel allowing a liquid medium cooling a drive device of the vehicle to circulate; a flow rate detection unit detecting a flow rate of the liquid medium flowing in the channel; a temperature sensor detecting a temperature of the liquid medium; a pump provided on the channel for circulating the liquid medium; a rotational speed sensor detecting a rotational speed of the pump; and a control device controlling drive of the pump. The control device identifies a malfunctioning part of the cooling system based on the flow rate and the temperature of the liquid medium and the rotational speed of the pump. Thus, since abnormalities of the cooling mechanism can be detected with higher precision so that the abnormalities are distinguished from each other, it is a limited part that should be checked when repairs are made and the work efficiency is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Jun Nishizawa
  • Publication number: 20130255399
    Abstract: Motion is induced in a conduit that contains a fluid. The motion is induced such that the conduit oscillates in a first mode of vibration and a second mode of vibration. The first mode of vibration has a corresponding first frequency of vibration and the second mode of vibration has a corresponding second frequency of vibration. At least one of the first frequency of vibration or the second frequency of vibration is determined. A phase difference between the motion of the conduit at a first point of the conduit and the motion of the conduit at a second point of the conduit is determined. A quantity based on the phase difference and the determined frequency is determined. The quantity includes a ratio between the first frequency during a zero-flow condition and the second frequency during the zero-flow condition. A property of the fluid is determined based on the quantity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael S. Tombs
  • Publication number: 20130091958
    Abstract: An ultrasonic flow rate measurement device capable of sensing and correcting a temperature without use of a sensor specifically designed for measuring a temperature is provided. The ultrasonic flow rate measurement device includes a first ultrasonic transducer and a second ultrasonic transducer that re disposed in a flow volume measurement block and arranged in such a way that ultrasonic waves are transmitted from one transducer and received by the other transducer; a counter for measuring a propagation time consumed for exchanging the ultrasonic waves between the first ultrasonic transducer and the second ultrasonic transducers; a flow volume computing block that calculates a flow volume from a measurement value of the counter; an oscillation circuit used as a time counter when the counter calculates the propagation time; and a temperature sensing block for sensing a temperature by utilization of a frequency change attributable to a temperature of the oscillation circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masato Satou, Yuji Fujii, Hirokazu Goto
  • Publication number: 20130094012
    Abstract: A method and device for measuring the flow speed of a fluid, in one example, of air, is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventor: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
  • Patent number: 8381597
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring fluid flow comprising an inferential flow meter having a housing defining a fluid flow path. A pulser is operative to produce an output signal indicative of flow rate through the meter. The apparatus further includes a controller in electronic communication with the pulser so as to receive the output signal. Based on the output signal, the controller is operative to determine fluid flow in a plurality of dynamic time sub-windows corresponding to respective periods of substantially consistent instantaneous flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Gilbarco, S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giovanni Carapelli
  • Publication number: 20120325012
    Abstract: A flow meter is disclosed, which composes an operational amplifier, a digital potentiometer, a sensor coil, and fixed resistors R1, R2 and R3. One end of the coil is connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the amplifier, the other end is grounded. The R1 is connected between the non-inverting input terminal and the output terminal of the amplifier, the inverting input terminal of the amplifier is connected to one end of R2 and R3, the other end of R2 is connected to the output terminal of the amplifier, and the other end of R3 is grounded. The connecting end of R2 and the output terminal of the amplifier is connected to the high side of the potentiometer, the grounded end of R3 is connected to the low side of the potentiometer, and the inverting input terminal of the amplifier is also connected to the sliding end of the potentiometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: BEIJING SEVENSTAR ELECTRONICS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Changhua Mou, Di Zhao
  • Publication number: 20120285259
    Abstract: A simple, passive and rugged device for measuring the flow rate of liquid. A variable area obstruction valve, a differential pressure sensor and a densitometer are combined in a single housing to provide for a highly accurate and precise measure of mass flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: ELDEC CORPORATIOIN
    Inventors: Michael P. BOULANGER, Bruce K. GREWELL
  • Patent number: 8297936
    Abstract: A method for controlling movement of a piston in a metering device is described. The method comprises supplying a fluid by actuating the metering device's piston, wherein compression or expansion of the fluid causes corresponding temperature variations. The method further comprises superposing a corrective movement onto the piston movement, with the corrective movement at least partly compensating for at least one of thermal expansion and contraction of the fluid induced by the temperature variations. In one embodiment, the corrective movement imposed onto the piston movement comprises two components: a reduction (74) of the compression jump (73), and a subsequent increase (75) of the piston's forward displacement rate (71) during a period (76) of time (72).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Klaus Witt, Konstantin Choikhet, Alexander Bierbaum
  • Publication number: 20120221152
    Abstract: A fueling data collection unit associated with a fuel transfer apparatus and for use with a system for managing fueling transactions of a fleet operator using fuel transfer apparatuses at one or more locations includes a fueling data interface module and a temperature compensation module. The temperature compensation module compensates for a volume variance of the fuel as a result of temperature variance from the standard temperature data to determine a volume correction factor at the measured fuel temperature, while the temperature compensation module uses the measured fuel temperature to determine a compensated, more accurate volume and/or mass of fuel dispensed through the fuel meter. In this way, the fuel data collection unit can accurately measure the volume and/or mass of fuel being delivered. This allows the provider and the recipient to more accurately sell/buy what was actually delivered and can avoid over-filling a fueling order.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Gerasimos A. PORTOCALIS, David Arthur CONLEY, Steven T. JACKSON
  • Patent number: 8229695
    Abstract: Meter electronics for geometric thermal compensation in a flow meter is provided according to the invention. The meter electronics includes an interface configured to receive sensor signals and a temperature signal (T) of the flow meter. The meter electronics further includes a processing system coupled with the interface and configured to receive the sensor signals and the temperature signal (T) and compute a geometric thermal compensation factor (TFe) for one or more flow conduits of the flow meter using the temperature signal (T). The geometric thermal compensation factor (TFe) is used to process the first and second sensor signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Aart R Pruysen, Jacob Andreas Sinte Maartensdijk, Robert Barclay Garnett
  • Publication number: 20120160032
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to a vortex flowmeter having a vortex body which projects into the flowing measurement medium in a measuring tube, a sensor for detecting the vortex frequency being connected downstream of said vortex body in the direction of flow and being provided with means for measuring the temperature of the measurement medium, and a downstream electronic evaluation unit determining the flow rate in a temperature-compensated manner, the sensor including a carrier body on which a plurality of piezoelectric elements, which are arranged at a distance from one another and are intended to measure the frequency, and a temperature-measuring element are placed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Carsten HABERSETZER, Reinhard Steinberg
  • Patent number: 8136739
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and system for predicting the availability of hot water for bathing. One or more parameters corresponding to the operation of a water heater are monitored over time and/or a temperature distribution of water in a hot water tank measured. Data corresponding to the monitored parameters and/or temperature distribution are processed to determine a rate at which hot water is being consumed by filling a bath and/or due to other hot water consumers and/or to determine a current hot water availability condition. Based on a hot water consumption rate and/or determination of a current hot water availability condition, a projection is made to whether there will be adequate hot water to fill the bathtub to a desired level or volume at a desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventors: David Feinleib, R. Alan Burnett, Marianne E. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20120024892
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising a housing in which fluid flow control components are located and a fluid conduit completing a fluid flow path between a fluid storage tank and a nozzle coupled to the housing. The fluid dispenser further comprises a control system, at least one controllable valve in and a fluid flow meter located along the fluid flow path. The fluid dispenser further comprises a fluid temperature conditioning subsystem located along the fluid flow path upstream of the flow meter. The control system is selectively operates the fluid temperature conditioning subsystem upon detection of a predetermined temperature. At least one controllable recirculation valve may also be provided, and the control system may selectively actuate the controllable recirculation valve such that the fluid flows back to the fluid storage tank. A method of measuring the flow rate of a fluid in the fluid dispenser is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Jack Francis Bartlett, Jonathan E. Deline, John E. Ingold, Michael Lawrence Jennings
  • Patent number: 8093917
    Abstract: A sampling apparatus for sampling a fluid from a fluid source includes a first fluid passage device, a second fluid passage device and a fluid by-pass. The first fluid passage device is disposed downstream of and in fluid communication with the fluid source. The second fluid passage device is disposed downstream of and is in fluid communication with the first fluid passage device. The fluid by-pass is disposed downstream of the fluid source and upstream of the second fluid passage device. The fluid by-pass being in fluid communication with and disposed between the fluid source and the second fluid passage device is operative to cause a first portion of the fluid to flow through the first fluid passage device and to cause a second portion of the fluid to by-pass the first fluid passage device and to flow to the second fluid passage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Evapco, Inc.
    Inventor: Sarah Ferrari
  • Publication number: 20110302995
    Abstract: A flowmeter is provided with a solid-state sensor technology for increasing the accuracy and efficiency of fluid flow monitoring and leak detection in the irrigation industry and other cost-sensitive flow-critical applications. The device can monitor and detect usage of fluids such as water more accurately and economically than presently possible to help eliminate waste and ensure correct billing. Measurement can be over an optimized narrow range or can be automatically switched to cover consecutive ranges from leakage to gross fluid conduit faults. With its minimal component count, ease of assembly, independence from the specifics of its housing, low maintenance needs, and its interchangeability this device can serve a wide range of metering needs from low end leak monitoring to standard flow measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Lawrence W. Lebeau, Richard Zapolin
  • Patent number: 7957927
    Abstract: Temperature compensation is applied to correct for temperature mismatch between a reference chamber and a disposable chamber in a pneumatic pumping system for dialysis fluid for peritoneal dialysis. The mismatch creates an error in the calculation of pumping volume of dialysate fluid. Applying a correction for the temperature mismatch helps to more precisely control the volume of dialysate that is metered to the patient. Also disclosed are ways to keep temperatures constant and to use temperature sensors to accurately measure the temperatures of the chambers. In other aspects, the temperature of the dialysate fluid itself may be measured and used to apply a correction to the volume of fluid that is pumped to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Huitt, Douglas E. Vincent, Gideon Hecht
  • Patent number: 7826986
    Abstract: A system and method for operating a mass flow controller is described. One embodiment validates the operation of a mass flow controller thermal sensor, including detecting zero drift and span drift in the sensor by comparing the thermal sensor output to a pressure sensor output. In one embodiment, each sensor provides a signal to a digital controller or other processing unit and the controller calculates the mass flow rates of a gas flowing through the unit as measured by the sensors. The mass flow rates may then be compared to determine if one of the thermal sensor is operating properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: R. Mike McDonald
  • Publication number: 20100065730
    Abstract: This invention relates to a compact density measuring instrument for measuring density of fluids in a volume in a container, especially in a fluid flow in a pipe, the instrument comprising a radiation source in the gamma range positioned on one side of the fluid and a detector positioned on the opposite side of the fluids for receiving said radiation, and the fluid being contained in the container, wherein the source is positioned in a source housing, said source housing being at least partially fitted into a corresponding recess in the container wall, said source housing comprises a source holder containing the gamma source positioned in the holder axis and comprising a coaxial opening from the source through one end of the holder, said one end adapted to be aimed toward the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Stein-Arild Tjugum
  • Patent number: 7676420
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system can include a centralized storage module, for example a database, that stores data relating to petroleum, natural gas and other related products taken from several different sources and entities. The entity storing and maintaining this data can be an entity independent from the operators, producers and/or other working interests. This system can use automated techniques to reconcile distributions to all entities associated with a well due to the removal of a mineral, for example, petroleum, natural gas and/or other related products, from that well, on a periodic basis. These automated techniques include, for example, reconciling all agreements associated with the well, reconciling the amount of mineral removed at the well, reconciling the spot market price associated with the well at the time of removal, automating approval by the removing entity, automating payment and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Accenture Global Services GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas J. Agnew, Frank D. Agnew
  • Patent number: 7654151
    Abstract: A method for correcting measurements of conventional flow meters is provided. Using prior determination of fundamental behavior parameters, flow meter measurements are iteratively calculated to improve their accuracy and eliminate the need for dissimilar momentum meters or moving parts in multiphase flow metering. In some applications, corrections to meter readings are made by using an algorithm having a generic model for the entire system and validating the converged solution against realistic bounds on fluid properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Agar Corporation Ltd.
    Inventors: Joram Agar, David Farchy
  • Patent number: 7644632
    Abstract: A meter for reproducibly and accurately measuring the delivery or flow rate of known fluids in chromatography and other pressure driven pumping systems, comprising a sense tube of known effective radius and length, coupled to a temperature measuring device, and enclosed in such a way as to allow the temperature of the tube and fluid to be measured, and optionally regulated. The invention is also useful for determining the viscosity of an unknown fluid or combination of fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: John W. Best
  • Patent number: 7647136
    Abstract: The present application is directed to an apparatus and method of managing transport of fluid commodities in a pipeline network. The method includes obtaining operational settings, which include equipment settings and measured parameters, associated with a pipeline network as a fluid commodity is transported through the pipeline network. From the operational settings, a recommendation is generated concurrently with the transport of the fluid commodity through the pipeline network to optimize at least one of the operational settings. The recommendation comprises revised equipment settings associated with equipment disposed along the pipeline network. The equipment settings in the recommendation may be based on empirical data from previous experience with the transport of fluid commodities through the pipeline network and/or based on theoretical data from modeling of the transport of the fluid commodity through the pipeline network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventor: Keith C. McDowell
  • Patent number: 7619418
    Abstract: A magnetic flowmeter transmitter includes a flowtube and measurement circuitry which provides an output related to flow through the flowtube. Output circuitry, such as analog and pulse output circuitry, provides transmitter output(s) related to flow through the flowtube. Output verification circuitry of the transmitter is coupled to the output circuitry and provides verification of proper operation of the output circuitry by analyzing the output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Schulz, Scot R. Foss, William G. Totenhagen, Kirk A. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20090229374
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for using an acceleration of a flow control system to determine the density of a fluid relative to the density of an in-line flow object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Fluidnet Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Carlisle, Benjamin G. Powers
  • Patent number: 7520445
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for predicting the availability of hot water for showering and bathing. One or more parameters corresponding to the operation of a water heater are monitored over time. Data corresponding to the monitored parameters are processed to determine a rate at which hot water is being consumed by the shower/bath and/or other hot water consumers. Based on a hot water consumption rate and determination of a current hot water availability condition, a time at which the temperature of hot water supplied by the water heater is projected to fall below a minimum temperature threshold is determined. In one embodiment, the apparatus include a thermal-modeling computer and a control/monitor interface that is disposed in or proximate to a shower. In one embodiment, the thermal-modeling computer is installed at a water heater and data is transmitted between the thermal-modeling computer and the control/monitor interface via a wireless signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventors: David A. Feinleib, R. Alan Burnett, Marianne E. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20090038406
    Abstract: A measuring system for measuring a density of a medium flowing in a process line along a flow axis of the measuring system in the case of a medium which is variable as regards a thermodynamic state, especially a medium which is, at least in part, compressible. The measuring system includes at least one temperature sensor placed at a temperature measuring point, reacting primarily to a local temperature, ?, of medium flowing past, and delivering at least one temperature measurement signal influenced by the local temperature of the medium to be measured; at least one pressure sensor placed at a pressure measuring point, reacting primarily to a local, especially a static, pressure, p, of medium flowing past, and delivering at least one pressure measurement signal influenced by the local pressure, p, in the medium to be measured; as well as a measuring electronics communicating, in each case, at least at times, with the temperature sensor and the pressure sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventor: Rainer Hocker
  • Publication number: 20090038405
    Abstract: A measuring system for measuring a density of a medium flowing in a process line along a flow axis of the measuring system in the case of a medium which is variable as regards a thermodynamic state, especially a medium which is, at least in part, compressible. Included are: at least one temperature sensor placed at a temperature measuring point, reacting primarily to a local temperature, ?, of medium flowing past, and delivering at least one temperature measurement signal influenced by the local temperature of the medium to be measured; at least one pressure sensor placed at a pressure measuring point, reacting primarily to a local, especially a static, pressure, p, of medium flowing past, and delivering at least one pressure measurement signal influenced by the local pressure, p, in the medium to be measured; as well as a measuring electronics communicating, in each case, at least at times, with the temperature sensor and the pressure sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventor: Rainer Hocker
  • Patent number: 7469188
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining the flow rates and/or composition of a fluid comprising a multi-component mixture of a gas and at least one liquid in a pipe. Electromagnetic loss and phase measurements are performed in at least two directions of the pipe; the degree of annular flow is determined based on these measurements; the permittivity of the flow mixture is calculated, including corrections for the degree of annular flow; the mixture density is measured and compensated for the degree of annular flow; the temperature and pressure are obtained; the velocity of liquid and gas are determined, and based on the knowledge of densities and permittivities of the components of the fluid mixture, and the result from the above steps, the volume and mass flow rates of the gas and liquid(s) of the fluid mixture are calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Multi Phase Meters AS
    Inventor: Arnstein Wee
  • Patent number: 7409871
    Abstract: A thermal mass flow meter associated with an inclination sensor that detects an angle of inclination of at least one portion of a thermal mass flow sensor relative to at least one reference axis. Based upon the detected angle of inclination, the output signal of the mass flow meter that is indicative of the mass flow rate of fluid through the sensor may be compensated to account for any inaccuracies relating to the orientation in which the mass flow meter is installed. Inaccuracies for which compensation may be provided include thermal siphoning effects and fluid buoyancy effects. By compensating for such inaccuracies, the mass flow meter may be used in any orientation, and/or may be used in non-inertial (e.g., accelerating) environments. The flow meter may be used as a stand alone device, or incorporated in a thermal mass flow controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Celerity, Inc.
    Inventors: Chiun Wang, Eric J Redemann
  • Patent number: 7353703
    Abstract: In an example method for detecting the fuel quantity during the refueling of a motor vehicle, the volume of the fuel conducted to the motor vehicle during the refueling operation and the temperature of the fuel are measured. The measured volume is corrected to predetermined temperature conditions by means of the measured temperature, specifically in a monitoring unit for a gas recirculation device. Preferably, a retrofitting kit for a device for carrying out the method contains a temperature sensor and an accessory for the monitoring unit for the gas recirculation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: FAFNIR GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Kunter
  • Patent number: 7287434
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention can comprise a primary flow measurement system, a secondary flow measurement system in fluid communication with the primary flow measurement system and a control coupled to the primary flow measurement system and the secondary flow measurement system. The controller can comprise a processor and a memory accessible by the processor. The processor can execute computer instructions stored on the memory to calculate a flow rate using the primary flow measurement system, in a first mode of operation, and calculate the flow rate using the secondary flow measurement system, in a second mode of operation. The computer instructions can be further executable to switch between the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation based on a predefined parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Celerity, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart A. Tison, Shiliang Lu
  • Patent number: 6938459
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of detecting the moisture in an apparatus for treating and preparing food, as well as to a method of treating and preparing food. In the method according to the invention, the current temperature values and speed values of the asynchronous motor driving a gas supply and circulation mechanism are compared to at least one characteristic line which is stored in a computer, and the current moisture in the gas mixture is determined from the deviation ?N of the measured speed from the speed of the stored characteristic line. The present invention also comprises an apparatus for treating and preparing food that, in particular, serves to carry out the method of determining the moisture in a gas mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: eloma GmbH Grosskuchentechnik
    Inventors: Klaus Grühbaum, Johannes Hillmann
  • Publication number: 20040168522
    Abstract: A apparatus 10,110,170 is provided that measures the speed of sound and/or vortical disturbances propagating in a single phase fluid flow and/or multiphase mixture to determine parameters, such as mixture quality, particle size, vapor/mass ratio, liquid/vapor ratio, mass flow rate, enthalpy and volumetric flow rate of the flow in a pipe, by measuring acoustic and/or dynamic pressures. The apparatus includes a spatial array of unsteady pressure sensors 15-18 placed at predetermined axial locations x1-xN disposed axially along the pipe 14. The pressure sensors 15-18 provide acoustic pressure signals P1(t)-PN(t) to a signal processing unit 30 which determines the speed of sound amix propagating through of the process flow 12 flowing in the pipe 14. The pressure sensors are piezoelectric film sensors that are clamped onto the outer surface of the pipe at the respective axial location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Mark R. Fernald, Michael A. Davis, Alan D. Kersey, Timothy J. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20040168523
    Abstract: A apparatus 10,110,170 is provided that measures the speed of sound and/or vortical disturbances propagating in a single phase fluid flow and/or multiphase mixture to determine parameters, such as mixture quality, particle size, vapor/mass ratio, liquid/vapor ratio, mass flow rate, enthalpy and volumetric flow rate of the flow in a pipe, by measuring acoustic and/or dynamic pressures. The apparatus includes a spatial array of unsteady pressure sensors 15-18 placed at predetermined axial locations x1-xN disposed axially along the pipe 14. The pressure sensors 15-18 provide acoustic pressure signals P1(t)-PN(t) to a signal processing unit 30 which determines the speed of sound amix propagating through of the process flow 12 flowing in the pipe 14. The pressure sensors are piezoelectric film sensors that are mounted or clamped onto the outer surface of the pipe at the respective axial location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Mark R. Fernald, Michael A. Davis, Alan D. Kersey, Douglas Loose, Timothy J. Bailey
  • Patent number: 6744389
    Abstract: The A/D-converter with optional analog preprocessing comprises two analog inputs (I1, I2), wherein a converter (1, 2) is connected to each input for generating a first and a second digital value (D1, D2) respectively. These are fed to a table (3) for generating a lookup value (D). A decimation filter (4) processes several such lookup values and generates an output value (O). With this arrangement the table can be kept comparatively small while it is still possible to reach high resolution and precision. The A/D-converter is especially suited for applications where two or more analog signals have to be combined and digitized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Sensirion AG
    Inventors: Andreas Martin Haeberli, Urs Martin Rothacher, Felix Martin Mayer-Friedrich
  • Patent number: 6745135
    Abstract: A system, method, and software are disclosed that determine a proportion of a majority component of a fluid that is flowing through a Coriolis flowmeter. Circuitry receives pickoff signals and a temperature signal from the Coriolis flowmeter responsive to the fluid being flowed through the Coriolis flowmeter. The circuitry processes the pickoff signals and the temperature signal to determine a proportion of the majority component relative to the fluid. To determine the proportion of the majority component in one example, the circuitry determines a first volumetric flow rate based on a measured mass flow rate of the fluid and a reference density of the majority component. The circuitry then determines a second volumetric flow rate based on a measured volumetric flow rate, a temperature-varying density, and the reference density. The circuitry determines the proportion of the majority component based on the first volumetric flow rate and the second volumetric flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Keilty, Andrew T. Patten
  • Patent number: 6532828
    Abstract: A meter includes a casing (1) with a fluid passage (2), in which two transducer mountings (3, 4) arranged at a distance (Lb) from each other support two transducers (5, 6) which are acoustically opposed to each other. Between the transducers (5, 6) there is a distance (Lu) over which they transmit and receive sound pulses through a fluid which in a direction (a) flows through the fluid passage (2). On the basis of the transit times of the sound pulses over the distance (Lu) both countercurrently with and countercurrently to the direction of flow (a), e.g. the velocity of the flow of the fluid is then calculated. A compensating device (8, 9) is arranged between at least one of the transducers (5, 6) and one of the transducer mounts (3, 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: D-Flow Group AB
    Inventor: Jerker Delsing
  • Patent number: RE39724
    Abstract: A flow probe for use in a humidification system is disclosed. The flow probe is adapted to be positioned in a humidified gases flow (for example oxygen or anesthetic gases) such as that which is provided to a patient in a hospital environment. The flow probe is designed to provide both temperature and flow rate sensing of the gases flow by incorporating two sensors (preferably thermistors) and the shape and alignment of the probe enables accurate readings by reducing the occurrence of condensation on the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Lewis George Gradon, Stephen William McPhee, Paul John Seakins, Peter John Leonard