By Measuring Vibrations Or Acoustic Energy Patents (Class 73/861.18)
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Patent number: 9038481Abstract: Apparatus configured detect a physical quantity, for example a density, of a flowing fluid, the apparatus including: a sensor body (2) configured to extend into the flowing fluid, the sensor body comprising a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) of a fiber Bragg grating sensor (3, 7, FBG), for generating a detector signal relating to vibration of at least part (2B) of the sensor body (2); and a processing unit, configured to process the detector signal, and to determine the physical quantity based on detected vibration at a mechanical eigenfrequency of the flexible part (2B) of the sensor body (2).Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2010Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNOInventor: Wouter Schiferli
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Patent number: 9038480Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a pulse generator to provide an excitation pulse to an output terminal and a comparator to receive a signal in response to the excitation pulse and for comparing the signal to a threshold to produce a comparator output signal corresponding to oscillations in the signal. The integrated circuit further includes a counter to count pulses in the comparator output signal and a discriminator circuit to compare a count value of the counter to a damping threshold and for providing an output signal having a first value when the count value is equal to or exceeds the damping threshold and otherwise having a second value.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2012Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.Inventors: Marty L. Pflum, Michael Keith Odland, Kenneth W. Fernald
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Publication number: 20150135849Abstract: A system for measuring flow rate in a pipeline by use of a surface jet pump that receives input from both a high pressure pipeline and a low pressure pipeline. Rather than installing flow meters at any or all of the inputs/output from the SJP which is an expensive undertaking, flow rate is predicted by utilising existing pressure sensors located on the high pressure pipeline, low pressure pipeline and discharge pipeline respectively. A control processor predicts flow rate based on correlations between flow rate and pressure for a given SJP geometry and, for example, utilises momentum, conservation of mass and continuity equations, balanced against the pressure forces and velocity in the SJP.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2014Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Mirza Najam Ali Beg, Mir Mahmood Sarshar
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Publication number: 20150114134Abstract: An ultrasonic flowmeter for measuring the flow of a flowing medium (1) having a measuring tube (2) and an ultrasonic transducer (3), wherein the measuring tube (2) has a transducer pocket (4) in which the ultrasonic transducer (3) is provided in contact with the flowing medium (1) in the transducer pocket (4). The ultrasonic transducer (3) has a transducer housing (5) and a transducer element (6) and wherein the transducer housing (5) has an ultrasound window (8). The ultrasonic flowmeter solves problems resulting from vortices generated by the transducer pocket via the provision of a cylindrical shielding on the transducer housing (5).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: KROHNE AGInventor: Jeroen Martin van Klooster
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Publication number: 20150114135Abstract: A method of retrofitting an orifice meter includes providing an orifice fitting body having a bore, an orifice plate, a plurality of tap holes, and a plurality of pressure sensors installed in the plurality of tap holes. The method further includes removing the orifice plate and the plurality of pressure sensors from the orifice fitting body and installing a plurality of transducers into the plurality of tap holes. At least one of the plurality of transducers is configured to generate a signal and at least one of the plurality of transducers is configured to receive the signal. Additionally, the method includes measuring a flow rate of a fluid flowing through the bore based on an output of each of the plurality of transducers.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2015Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: Daniel Measurement and Control, Inc.Inventor: Darren Scott Schwarz
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Patent number: 9016137Abstract: For flow measurement a device with a compact housing and a fixable hinged cover has a measuring channel for inserting a flexible tube such that it becomes deformed in a defined way. The measuring channel extends over the entire width of the housing. A measuring cell arranged in the center of the measuring channel has four ceramics I, II, III, IV, integrated in a sound-decoupled way and facing each other diagonally in pairs, which are placed in lateral parts on the left and on the right of the measuring cell, and a base plate limiting the measuring cell downwards in the direction of an installation space for an electric evaluation system, wherein the base plate also limits the remaining area of the measuring channel from below.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2012Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Sonotec Ultraschallsenosorik Halle GmbHInventors: Hans-Joachim Muench, Santer zur Horst-Meyer, Tobias Fritsche, Jürgen Kahle, Werner Krause, Nicki Bader
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Publication number: 20150107370Abstract: A method for monitoring the operating state of a first ultrasonic transducer in an ultrasonic, flow measuring device having at least one measuring tube and at least two ultrasonic transducers, including steps as follows: a) providing a first value or a plurality of first values, which relate to the geometric arrangement of the first ultrasonic transducer in the measuring tube and/or to the geometric arrangement of the first ultrasonic transducer relative to a second ultrasonic transducer; b) ascertaining a second value or a plurality of second values for a flow velocity of a medium located in the measuring tube c) providing a third value and/or a plurality of third values for temperature and/or pressure of the medium located in the measuring tube; d) simulating a desired value of a signal strength taking into consideration the first, second and/or third values; and e) comparing the simulated desired value of a signal strength with an ascertained real value of the signal strength.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2013Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: Michal Bezdek, Pierre Ueberschlag
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Patent number: 9014993Abstract: A flow rate measuring device simplifies calculation, reduces memory required for calculation, absorbs variations due to manual operation and, depending on the state of ignition, improves the accuracy of appliance identification by extracting features of appliances. The flow rate measuring device includes: a difference value conversion unit that converts into codes difference values of the flow rate measured at constant time intervals by an ultrasonic flowmeter; an appliance feature extraction unit creates an appliance feature code string indicating a feature of each appliance by, for example, making comparison and judgment using a third last code, a second last code, a last code and a current code of the codes obtained at constant time intervals, and by performing code deletion; and an identification unit performs appliance identification by comparing the appliance feature code string with an appliance inherent feature code string indicating the feature code string inherent in each appliance.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2010Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Mitsuo Yokohata, Ryuji Iwamoto, Takuhisa Ootani, Kouichi Ueki, Kazutaka Asano, Hajime Miyata, Youichi Itou
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Patent number: 9003894Abstract: An ultrasonic flow measurement system having a first ultrasonic sensor with a first ultrasonic buffer and a second ultrasonic sensor with a second ultrasonic buffer is disclosed. The first and second ultrasonic buffers have different cross sections in order to reduce distortion of the ultrasonic signals.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Lei Sui, Toan Huu Nguyen, Evan Lawrence Ross, Alexander Michael Zorn
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Patent number: 8997581Abstract: [Problem] A flow rate measuring device in which guided waves are used, wherein the frequency of ultrasound is optimized; and energy injected from ultrasound transmission/reception elements is increased and the flow velocity sensitivity is raised; whereby the measurement accuracy is improved. [Solution] A frequency of an isolated peak of group velocities of guided waves, from among a plurality of peaks of group velocities of guided waves, and a resonance frequency of the ultrasound transmission element/reception element are set to agree; and the semi-amplitude of a power spectrum of ultrasound excited/received by the ultrasound transmission element/reception element is set to a value that does not overlap with another peak of group velocities.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2010Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology Atsuden Co., Ltd.Inventors: Harumichi Sato, Jun Akedo, Eiichi Murakami
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Patent number: 8997582Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining at least one flow characteristic of an essentially laminarly flowing, gaseous or liquid medium in a pipeline. Distinguishing features include: that at least one modulation element introduced into, or placed in, the pipeline produces, at least for the case, in which the medium is flowing with a velocity different from zero, a change in density of the medium, at least at times, in the vicinity of the modulation element; that at least one mechanically oscillatable unit introduced into, or placed in, the pipeline and spaced from the modulation element is excited to resonant oscillations; that mechanical oscillations are received by the mechanically oscillatable unit and converted into an electrical, received signal, wherein the received signal is sensitive to the density change; and that the at least one flow characteristic of the medium is determined from the reaction of the received signal of the mechanically oscillatable unit to the density change.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2011Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Andreas Mayr, Volker Dreyer, Sergej Lopatin
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Publication number: 20150090049Abstract: A flow imaging and monitoring system for synchronized management of wide area drainage that includes an interposer for supporting monitoring and management equipment in a manhole, a module for illuminating water flowing in pipes at the base of the manhole, a module for monitoring responses to reflected light, a sealed and rechargeable battery pack, and a data analysis and management system to interpret data streams in real time. The interposer can be adjusted to fit the diameter of the manhole and can be adjusted to be placed under the manhole cover. The module for illuminating the flowing water can be adjusted to generate various frequencies. The support structures for the modules can be adjusted for varying pitch, roll and yaw with respect to the manhole. The data analysis and management system is supported by cloud computing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicants: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Urbanalta TechnologyInventors: Ruben KERTESZ, Daniel J. MURRAY, JR., MICHAEL BOLAN, RYAN ANDERSON
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Publication number: 20150082911Abstract: The present invention provides an acoustic flow meter assembly (2) for pipes or open channels, said assembly including a frame (24) with a predetermined geometry. The frame has at least one user accessible port (36-42) with the at least one user accessible port (36-42) adapted to receive an interchangeable cartridge (44) which contains at least one acoustic transducer (46) to measure fluid velocity through said frame (24).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Applicant: RUBICON RESEARCH PTY LTD.Inventors: David John Aughton, Damien Vernon Pearson
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Publication number: 20150086888Abstract: To determine a composition of a hydrocarbon-based gaseous fuel to be supplied to a supply target by a fuel supply device. A speed of sound in the gaseous fuel is measured using an ultrasonic flow meter (101). A carbon number of the gaseous fuel is estimated on the basis of the measured speed of sound (102). The composition (ingredients and ingredient concentration) of the gaseous fuel is estimated on the basis of the estimated carbon number (103). A supply amount of fuel in a fuel supply system is controlled on the basis of the estimated composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: March 26, 2015Inventors: Shouichi Tsukagoshi, Yasushi Mizuno
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Publication number: 20150082910Abstract: System and methods for determining a non-condensable gas parameter relating to the amount of non-condensable gas within a variable flow rate fluid flow containing both non-condensable gas and condensate are disclosed. An apparatus may include a measurement tube for receiving the fluid flow and arranged such that the fluid flow through the measurement tube comprises alternating sections of non-condensable gas and condensate; a flow sensor for generating a flow rate signal relating to the flow rate of the fluid flow in the measurement tube; a phase sensor for monitoring over time the alternating sections of non-condensable gas and condensate flowing through the measurement tube and arranged generates a phase signal characteristic of the said sections monitored; and a non-condensable gas determining unit configured to determine a non-condensable gas parameter relating to the amount of non-condensable gas in the fluid flow based on the flow rate signal and phase signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Inventors: Nashtara Islam, Peter Usher, Ben Frisby, David Oliver
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Publication number: 20150068440Abstract: A system including a fluid injection system configured to removably couple to a mineral extraction system, wherein the fluid injection system includes a fluid injection system controller, a flow meter system coupled to the fluid injection system controller, wherein the flow meter system is configured to measure a fluid flow of a fluid through the fluid injection system, an adjustable valve configured to control the fluid flow through the fluid injection system, and a non-return valve configured to block reverse flow of the fluid through the fluid injection system, wherein the fluid injection system controller, the flow meter system, the adjustable valve, and the non-return valve are coupled to a common housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2013Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Kevin Minnock, Eddie McHugh
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Patent number: 8973442Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor, including a diaphragm cup, a housing and a decoupling element, the diaphragm cup and housing having a lateral surface, the decoupling element being at least partially made from an elastic material and having a continuous recess bounded by an inner wall of the decoupling element, the diaphragm cup and/or the housing being at least partially situated in the recess.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2010Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Michael Schneider, Frank Hoenes, Olaf Jordanek
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Publication number: 20150047438Abstract: Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor configured to receive from an array of ultrasonic transponders around a tank, container or flow pipe signaling containing information about acoustic waves of energy penetrating a fluid in the tank, container or flow pipe; and determine using tomography a three-dimensional image of layers of the fluid in the tank, container or flow pipe based at least partly on the signalling received and. The signal processor provides corresponding signal containing information about the three-dimensional image of the layers of the fluid in the tank, container or flow pipe. The array is an obliquely oriented array of ultrasonic transponders arranged on an oblique plane to the axis of the tank or column; or the array is placed normal to the flow around the exterior of the flow pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2012Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: CIDRA Corporate ServcInventors: Alan D. Kersey, John Viega
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Patent number: 8955389Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for monitoring and/or optimizing flow processes, in particular injection molding processes. Vibrations caused by a flow of a material are detected and analyzed, wherein a vibration spectrum is detected at different times or in a (virtually) continuous manner and subjected to a multidimensional analysis.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2011Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Inventor: Ulrich Seuthe
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Publication number: 20150033873Abstract: An ultrasonic consumption meter includes two ultrasonic transducers for emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, a flow channel, an electronic circuit for operating the meter, and a housing for the ultrasonic transducers and the electronic circuit. The housing is locked in position relative to the flow channel by a locking mechanism, and the flow channel has two holes for allowing the housing to get into contact with a media flowing in the flow channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventor: Jens Drachmann
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Patent number: 8925390Abstract: Provided are an ultrasonic fluid-measuring apparatus and an ultrasonic fluid-measuring apparatus that can prevent the disturbance from occurring in the ultrasonic waves due to disturbance of a fluid. An ultrasonic fluid-measuring structure includes an ultrasonic measuring section adjacent to a channel member. The channel member includes a first ultrasonic wave input/output section and a second ultrasonic wave input/output section provided in a first side wall part, and a reflecting surface provided on an inner surface of the second side wall part. Further, it is configured so that the first ultrasonic wave input/output section and the second ultrasonic wave input/output section are adjacent to each other, and an ultrasonic wave transmission membrane through which the ultrasonic waves pass covers together both the first ultrasonic wave input/output section and the second ultrasonic wave input/output section.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2010Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Yuuji Fujii, Hajime Miyata, Yukinori Ozaki, Aoi Watanabe
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Patent number: 8904878Abstract: A measuring tube, a measuring system and a method for determining and/or monitoring flow through a measuring tube, comprising a measuring tube, on which ultrasonic transducers are releasably placeable. The ultrasonic transducers transmit and/or receive ultrasonic signals, which pass through the measuring tube approximately coaxially to the measuring tube axis. At least one ultrasonic transducer comprises at least one tiltable clamp which can be locked into at least one elevation or depression located on the measuring tube.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2009Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Achim Wiest, Michal Bezdek
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Publication number: 20140352453Abstract: Flowmeter for a fluid, comprising a duct unit which forms the ducts of the flowmeter, the duct unit having a plurality of ducts in a measurement region, and at least one measuring device being arranged in one of these ducts, the duct unit comprising a dividing device with one or more dividing stages for apportioning the fluid flowing into the flowmeter to the ducts, the or each dividing stage comprising at least one damming element which apportions fluid flowing through an inflow duct to at least two subducts, characterized in that the dividing device and/or an accelerating device, which is arranged in at least one of the ducts between the dividing device and measurement region, are/is designed to accelerate the fluid in such a way that the fluid has a first flow velocity upstream of the dividing device and in the measurement region a second flow velocity which is at least 1.5 times as high, in particular at least twice as high.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Applicant: HYDROMETER GMBHInventor: Hans-Michael SONNENBERG
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Patent number: 8899116Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer for an ultrasonic flow measuring device, comprising a first housing part and a second housing part. The second housing part is axially guided in the first housing part and is so biased relative to the first housing part that, in a first state of the ultrasonic transducer, a first axial stop of the second housing part rests on a first axial stop of the first housing part, wherein, by applying, counter to the bias, a predetermined force on a second axial stop of the second housing part, the second housing part is axially shiftable, so that, in a second state of the ultrasonic transducer, the first axial stop of the second housing part is moved out of the first state.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2012Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Pierre Ueberschlag, Michael Bezdek, Andreas Berger
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Patent number: 8898036Abstract: A process variable transmitter for use in an industrial process control or monitoring system includes a transmitter housing and a process variable sensor having a sensor output related to a process variable. An accelerometer is coupled to the transmitter and provides an accelerometer output related to acceleration. Diagnostic circuitry provides a diagnostic output as a function of the sensor output and the accelerometer output.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2007Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Rosemount Inc.Inventors: Fred C. Sittler, Robert C. Hedtke
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Patent number: 8893559Abstract: An ultrasonic consumption meter includes an ultrasonic transducer for emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, a flow channel, an electronic circuit for operating the meter, and a housing for the ultrasonic transducer and the electronic circuit. The housing is locked in position relative to the flow channel by a locking mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Miitors ApsInventor: Jens Drachmann
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Patent number: 8893558Abstract: An apparatus for measuring at least one parameter associated with a fluid flowing within a pipe includes a single sheet of piezoelectric film material wrapped around at least a portion of the pipe and an array of sensors disposed at different locations on the film material. Each of the sensors provides a signal indicative of pressure within the pipe at a corresponding axial and/or circumferential location of the pipe. The sensors are selectively configurable to provide the pressure signals. The signals are processed to determine the parameter. The array of sensors is configurable in response to different criteria. The criteria includes at least one of the parameter of the fluid to be output, an input signal specifying sensors to be selected, a predetermined configuration based on the parameter to be determined, and in response to a previously determined parameter of the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2011Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: CiDRA Corporate Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Davis, Mark R. Fernald, Timothy J. Bailey
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Publication number: 20140338467Abstract: A multi-channel flow sensing system typically includes first and second flow-sensing transducers arranged in each channel. A data acquisition system is coupled to the first and second transducers of each of the channels. The data acquisition system is arranged to transmit and/or receive a sensing signal from at least one of the first and second transducers of each of the channels. The received sensing signals are sequentially converted and accumulated as data for billing in accordance with the measured flow within each channel. Using common components within the data acquisition system for measuring the various channels reduces costs and increases affordability in cost-sensitive areas.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2013Publication date: November 20, 2014Inventors: Ravindra Karnad, Venkata Ramanan Ramamurthy, Anand Dabak, Venu Gopinathan
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Publication number: 20140338466Abstract: The present invention provides an acoustic flow meter assembly (2) for pipes or open channels, said assembly including a frame (24) with a predetermined geometry. The frame has at least one user accessible port (36-42) with the at least one user accessible port (36-42) adapted to receive an interchangeable cartridge (44) which contains at least one acoustic transducer (46) to measure fluid velocity through said frame (24).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: Rubicon Research Pty Ltd.Inventors: David John Aughton, Damien Vernon Pearson
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Publication number: 20140338465Abstract: An ultrasound flow meter unit arranged to measure a fluid flow rate is provided, where the unit comprises a circuit board 502 which comprises an electronic circuit, a first ultrasound transducer 506 and a first conducting path 564 electrically connected to first ultrasound transducer and the electronic circuit, wherein the circuit board is a multi-layer circuit board and the first conducting path 564 is arranged at least partially between a first layer 581 and a second layer 582. In a further embodiment, there is provided an upper electrically conducting layer 586 and/or a lower electrically conducting layer 588 which substantially covers, respectively, the upper surface of the first layer 581 and the lower surface of the second layer 582.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2013Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: Kamstrup A/SInventors: Anders Skallebaek, Peter Schmidt Laursen, Søren Tønnes Nielsen
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Patent number: 8892373Abstract: A method for determining the starting instant (t0) of a periodically oscillating signal response (E2; E2?), wherein the signal response comprises a first set of half periods (E2a-d; E2?a-d) having a polarity equal to a polarity of the first half period (E2a; E2?a) in the signal response, and a second set of half periods (E2e-h; E2?e-h) having a polarity opposite to the polarity of the first half period (E2a; E2?a) in the signal response. The method comprises the steps of: determining a peak half period (E2e; E2?f) as the half period with the highest amplitude in a selected one of the first and second sets; determining a zero-crossing instant (ZC1; ZC?1) of the signal response occurring a known time distance from the peak half period (E2e; E2?f); determining the starting instant (t0) of the signal response (E2; E2?) based on the zero-crossing instant (ZC1; ZC?1) and a relationship between the peak half period (E2e; E2?f) and the starting instant (t0).Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2009Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Axsensor ABInventor: Jan Bostrom
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Publication number: 20140331784Abstract: A measuring transducer comprises at least one measuring tube for carrying a flowing medium as well as a transducer housing mechanically coupled with the at least one measuring tube. The transducer housing includes: an inner shell forming a cavity accommodating the at least one measuring tube; and an outer cladding formed at least partially by means of yarn, namely cladding placed outside of the cavity and surrounding the inner shell.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventor: Michael Schuker
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Publication number: 20140331785Abstract: A fluid flow system, device, and method for locating a fluid layer in a fluid flow using an acoustic waveguide. The acoustic waveguide comprises a waveguide base segment, and a waveguide reflector segment. The waveguide reflector segment comprises a plurality of disc shaped waveguide reflectors along its length for locating a fluid layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2013Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Xiaolei Shirley Ao, Shawn Li Doria, Jin Chang Xu, Reuben Micah Aronson
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Patent number: 8857269Abstract: A system and method of varying the flow rate of fluid from a medical pump through tubing includes determining an inner diameter of the tubing and fluid flow velocity of fluid in the tubing with a controller based on acoustic signals received by a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer sensor system and then determining and adjusting a fluid flow rate of fluid in the tubing with the controller. In addition, the same sensor system also detects air bubbles in the fluid in the tubing.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Hospira, Inc.Inventors: Thomas D. Johnson, Marwan A. Fathallah, Kyusuk Baek
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Patent number: 8852110Abstract: The velocity of fluids containing particles that scatter ultrasound can be measured by determining the Doppler shift of the ultrasound scattered by the particles in the fluid. Measuring fluid flow in cylindrical vessels such as blood vessels is an important use of Doppler ultrasound. This invention teaches using various configurations of cylindrical diffraction-grating transducers and cylindrical non-diffraction-grating transducers that suppress the Doppler shift from non-axial components of fluid velocity while being sensitive to the Doppler shift produced by axial velocity components. These configurations thus provide accurate measurement of the net flow down the vessel, even when the fluid flow is curved or not parallel to the vessel wall.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2012Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: DVX, LLCInventor: David Vilkomerson
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Publication number: 20140260664Abstract: An inline ultrasonic transducer assembly is disclosed. The transducer assembly can include a body having a cylindrical flow passage and a transducer mounting space having a track on along which at least one transducer chassis can be slidingly engaged. The transducer chassis can include at least one piezo member oriented at an angle with the axial centerline of the flow passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Blue-White Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Robert Gledhill, III, John Nguyen, Jason A. Woolard, Darrell B. Freeman
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Patent number: 8806957Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic flow meter housing and to an ultrasonic flow meter comprising a housing. The housing is a monolithic polymer structure being cast in one piece. The monolithic structure includes a straight flow tube and a cavity separated from the flow tube, where a shared wall part forms part of the wall of the flow tube and of an inside surface of the cavity. The cavity is arranged for housing at least one ultrasonic transducer at the shared wall part, and a measurement circuit operationally connected to the at least one ultrasonic transducer. In an embodiment, the cavity only has a single opening which can be sealed off by a cover.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2010Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Kamstrup A/SInventors: Peter Schmidt Laursen, Søren Tønnes Nielsen
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Publication number: 20140208866Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer has a transducer housing having an ultrasound window, a housing tube and a housing flange, a transducer holder for holding the transducer housing, a transducer element with an ultrasonic flow rate measuring transducer that is positioned at an end of the housing tube of the transducer, and an opposing flange clamping the housing flange of the transducer housing to a holder flange of the transducer holder together with retraining screws and lock nuts. A side of the housing flange of the transducer housing facing the opposing flange has an outer contour which enables bracing of the opposing flange against the housing flange without tilting or bending of the housing flange.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Krohne AGInventors: Jeroen Martin van Klooster, Arie Huijzer
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Patent number: 8770042Abstract: A flow meter is presented having a meter body that is enveloped by a compliant shroud that protects transducers and transducer cables. The shroud forms a chamber between the shroud and meter body, and includes a releasable portion to allow access into the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Daniel Measurement and Control, Inc.Inventor: Charles Robert Allen
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Publication number: 20140174561Abstract: An ultrasonic flowmeter includes a measurement pipe through which a fluid flows, and two ultrasonic transceivers provided on outer side portions of the measurement pipe so as to be spaced apart from each other in an axis direction. In the method of producing the ultrasonic flowmeter, fabricating the measurement pipe in advance is fabricated, and then is set in a mold as an insert. Two transmitting bodies are formed by insert molding on the outer side portions of the measurement pipe so as to be spaced apart from each other in the axis direction, so that the two transmitting bodies are integral with the measurement pipe. The two ultrasonic transceivers are mounted on the two transmitting bodies, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: ASAHI ORGANIC CHEMICALS INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Syunichirou HAGIHARA, Hidenori EBIHARA
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Patent number: 8757006Abstract: A measuring system for determining and/or monitoring flow of a measured medium through a measuring tube, wherein the measuring system includes: at least one control/evaluation unit, which, based on ultrasonic measurement signals, or based on measurement data derived from the ultrasonic measurement signals, ascertains volume, and/or mass, flow of the measured medium flowing in the measuring tube; and a sensor housing, which surrounds a first ultrasonic sensor and at least a second ultrasonic sensor. At least the first ultrasonic sensor is seated shiftably in the sensor housing; wherein the measuring system further includes a sensor holder, which is securable on the measuring tube and includes a securement mechanism for the releasable securement of the sensor housing on the sensor holder. The sensor housing forms with the ultrasonic sensors a unit securable on the sensor holder and releasable from the sensor holder.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2009Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Andreas Berger, Achim Wiest
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Publication number: 20140165739Abstract: A flow element for an ultrasonic flowmeter having a plurality of transducers for analyzing fluid flow in a pipe. The flow element includes a housing having a bore with an internal diameter and a surface through which fluid flows and a plurality of cavities each of which has an opening in the surface. Each of the cavities has one of the plurality of transducers disposed in it. The flow element includes a liner that covers the openings of the cavities which prevents fluid flowing through the bore from entering the cavities.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Inventors: Donald R. Augenstein, Matthew Mihalcin, Herbert Estrada
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Patent number: 8739637Abstract: Techniques are provided for monitoring particle laden flows in a pipe, that include receiving signalling containing information about a parameter related to a particle laden flow in a pipe, the parameter including either (a) a sound level propagating through the particle laden flow in the pipe, or (b) a static pressure due to an acceleration of the particle laden flow in the pipe; and determining a measurement of a particle size and either a mass flow rate, or a particle-to-air mass ratio, or both the mass flow rate and the particle-to-air mass ratio, associated with the particle laden flow, based at least partly on a change in the parameter.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2010Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: CIDRA Corporate Services Inc.Inventors: Douglas H. Loose, Daniel L. Gysling, Alex Van Der Spek
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Patent number: 8733162Abstract: The invention relates to a flow state sensor (10) for detecting a flow state at a body (16) that may be impinged on by a flow (12). A flow state sensor (10) that is of a simple construction and that is simple to evaluate is characterized in accordance with the invention by at least one frequency detecting device (20) for detecting at least one predefined frequency characteristic of the flow state. The frequency detecting device (20) has at least one oscillation element (22; 22a, 22b, 22c) excitable to resonant oscillatory movement (30) by a flow (12) and having a resonant frequency or natural frequency adapted to the predefined frequency characteristic, especially corresponding to the predefined frequency characteristic. Uses of the flow state sensor (10) in a flow measuring device (62) and in a flow measuring method, and an advantageous production method for the flow state sensor (10) are also proposed.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2009Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignees: Airbus Operations Limited, EADS Deutschland GmbHInventors: Norman Wood, Karin Bauer, Xaver Riedl, Roland Wagner
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Patent number: 8726739Abstract: A torsional sensor including a high-pressure sealing mechanism for sensing at least one parameter of a high-pressure fluid. The torsional sensor includes a torsional portion including a torsional rod sensor, a reference portion coupled to the torsional portion and including a transducer device and a high-pressure sealing mechanism coupled to the reference portion and the torsional portion and in sealing arrangement therewith. The high-pressure sealing mechanism is configured to provide for sealing therein the transducer device and allow for protrusion therethrough of a torsional rod sensor. At least a portion of the torsional sensor is mountable for immersion in the high-pressure fluid and operable to propagate a torsional wave that interacts with the high-pressure fluid along the at least portion of the torsional sensor so as to affect propagation of the torsional wave in a manner dependent on the at least one parameter of the high-pressure fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Andrzej Michal May, John Robert Ward, Vamshi Krishna Reddy Kommareddy
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Publication number: 20140130606Abstract: A method of retrofitting an orifice meter includes providing an orifice fitting body having a bore, an orifice plate, a plurality of tap holes, and a plurality of pressure sensors installed in the plurality of tap holes. The method further includes removing the orifice plate and the plurality of pressure sensors from the orifice fitting body and installing a plurality of transducers into the plurality of tap holes. At least one of the plurality of transducers is configured to generate a signal and at least one of the plurality of transducers is configured to receive the signal. Additionally, the method includes measuring a flow rate of a fluid flowing through the bore based on an output of each of the plurality of transducers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2012Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: DANIEL MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL, INC.Inventor: Darren Scott Schwarz
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Patent number: 8720280Abstract: A conduit P is clamped within a clamping hole 16 formed by min body 1, left and right side plates 2, 4 and top plate 3. The clamping hole is maintained by a locking mechanism 5, 5a and 11, and the conduit is deformed to have a substantially square cross section. Ultrasonic signal transmission and reception elements 13a and 13b are arranged in the main body such that an ultrasonic beam emitted from one of the elements is received by the other element after the beam is reflected by the top plate.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2013Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Atsuden Co., Ltd.Inventor: Eiichi Murakami
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Patent number: 8714017Abstract: Apparatus for determining the sound velocity of a liquid in a specimen having two walls between which the liquid is contained with one of the walls being deformable has a sensor including a transducer for transmitting ultrasonic energy signals between the specimen walls and apparatus for deforming the specimen wall by a known distance from a first to a second position relatively spaced from the transducer and an electronic circuit including a microprocessor for measuring first and second transit times of the signals through the liquid between the specimen walls for each of the specimen deformable wall first and second positions, and for calculating the sound velocity of the liquid based upon the known distance and the two measured transit times. Where blood is the liquid values of parameters such as glucose and hematocrit are obtained based on algorithms pre-programmed in the microprocessor.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: HEMA-Q, Inc.Inventor: Naim Dam
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Patent number: 8707801Abstract: In a two-phase flow exciting force evaluation method of the present invention, the surface of one of a plurality of tube bodies (3) is at least partially formed from a conductive material, displacement or stress of the tube body (3) is measured in a state of being vibrated by a shaking device (4), and a void fraction of a two-phase flow (F) flowing in the vicinity of the tube body (3) is measured based on the potential difference between an electric potential at a predetermined position on the surface of the tube body (3), and a reference electric potential.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiyuki Kondo, Kenji Nishida
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Publication number: 20140109686Abstract: Apparatus and method for monitoring operation of a flow metering system. In one embodiment, a flow metering system includes a flow meter, a first and second pressure sensors, a flow conditioner, and a condition monitor. The flow meter is configured to measure the volume of fluid flowing through the flow meter. The first pressure sensor is disposed proximate the flow meter to measure pressure of the fluid proximate the flow meter. The flow conditioner is disposed upstream of the flow meter. The second pressure sensor is disposed upstream of the flow conditioner to measure pressure of the fluid upstream of the flow conditioner. The condition monitor is coupled to the flow meter and the pressure sensors, and is configured to identify a potential discrepancy in operation of the flow metering system based on a difference between pressure measurements of the first and second pressure sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Inventor: Lawson Hamilton Ramsay