Produced By Fluidic Oscillator Patents (Class 73/861.19)
  • Patent number: 11160570
    Abstract: In some examples, an aspiration system a catheter and a fluid flow sensor. The fluid flow sensor includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a flow oscillator. The fluid inlet is configured to receive fluid from the catheter. The flow oscillator configured to oscillate flow of the fluid through the fluid flow sensor to generate flow-induced vibrations. The fluid outlet is configured to discharge the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Peter Skujins, Eric Mintz, Ujwal Jalgaonkar
  • Patent number: 11000654
    Abstract: A vibratory PEP respiratory therapy device (100) includes a valve element (11) on a rocker arm (12) that opens and closes an opening (10) during exhalation through the apparatus. An accelerometer (20) including a piezoelectric beam (22) supported at one end (23) is mounted on the outside of the housing (2) of the device to respond to vibration transmitted though the housing caused by oscillating movement of the rocker arm (12). The output of the accelerometer (20) is supplied to a circuit (28), (29) that determines when the device (100) is used and the duration and quality of use of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: SMITHS MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Mark Sinclair Varney
  • Patent number: 10960157
    Abstract: An oxygen therapy monitoring device includes an oscillation chamber with in a gas flow path adapted to pass a gas flow from a source to a breathing interface for a person. The oscillation chamber induces an oscillation in the gas flow that varies as a function of a flow rate of the gas flow. A measurement arrangement measures the oscillation induced in the gas flow and determines the flow rate on the basis of the oscillation that is measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: SRETT (SAS)
    Inventors: Philippe Salamitou, Xuan Loc Le
  • Patent number: 10782169
    Abstract: An ultrasonic flowmeter has oscillators 1, 2, a transmitter 31 for transmitting burst waves BURST, amplifiers 34, 35 for amplifying a received signal, a first comparator 36 for checking whether the crest of the amplified signal falls within a predetermined range, a second comparator 37 for checking whether the amplified signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, a third comparator 38 for detecting zero-cross points in the amplified signal, and a controller 40 including a time counter for measuring the propagation time from when the burst waves are transmitted until when the amplified signal reaches a zero-cross point. The time counter has a low-speed clock, a mid-speed clock whose frequency is calibrated with the low-speed clock and whose propagation time is shorter than that of the low-speed clock, and a high-speed clock whose frequency is calibrated with the mid-speed clock and whose propagation time is shorter than that of the mid-speed clock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Isao Niwa
  • Patent number: 9222812
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for measuring gas flow. A gas flow meter can include a plurality of sensors to detect a gas flow at various flow rates in the meter. A first sensor can detect a gas flow at a low flow rate and a second sensor can detect a gas flow when the flow rate is sufficient to produce an oscillating jet. The first sensor can be disposed parallel to the gas flow and detect the flow rate and the temperature of the gas flow. When the flow rate of the gas is below a predetermined threshold, power is supplied to the first sensor to detect gas flow. When the gas flow rate is high enough such that the gas flow produces an oscillating jet of fluid, power is supplied to the second sensor. The second sensor can detect the frequency of the oscillating jet flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: ITRON, INC.
    Inventor: Ibne Soreefan
  • Patent number: 9134152
    Abstract: A flow tube for a bidirectional flow meter includes a first flow chamber for generating a periodic pressure fluctuation whose frequency varies in dependence on the flow rate of fluid through the meter in a first direction. The flow tube also includes a second flow chamber for generating a periodic pressure fluctuation whose frequency varies in dependence on the flow rate of fluid through the meter in a second direction, opposite to the first direction. The first and second flow chambers are connected in series between an inlet port and an outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Elster Metering Limited
    Inventors: Michael L. Sanderson, Patrick C. J. Harvey, Thomas P. Doyle, Jon C. Scott
  • Publication number: 20150107369
    Abstract: There is provided a meter for measuring the mass flow rate of a gas, the meter comprising a conduit through which the gas flows in use, the conduit having a flow restriction orifice through which choked flow occurs in use, the flow restriction orifice dividing the conduit into an upstream portion upstream of said orifice and a downstream portion downstream of said orifice, the meter further comprising a sensor assembly including a first piezoelectric crystal oscillator in said upstream portion such that said first piezoelectric oscillator is in contact with said gas when the meter in use, a second piezoelectric crystal oscillator in said downstream portion such that said second piezoelectric oscillator is in contact with said gas when the meter in use, said sensor assembly being arranged: to drive the first and second piezoelectric crystal oscillators such that each of the first and second piezoelectric crystal oscillators resonate at respective resonant frequencies; to measure the resonant frequency of the f
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Neil Alexander Downie
  • Patent number: 8910528
    Abstract: A vortex flowmeter having a optical fiber channel in the device wall, a first sealing element extending into the fiber channel with a contact surface for the optical fiber and at least a second sealing element with a contact surface for the optical fiber, wherein second sealing element being guided in a guide in the device wall. In a sealed state of the fiber fiber channel, the second sealing element is pressed against the contact surface of the first sealing element by a positioning means with the optical fiber located between the contact surfaces of the sealing elements and enclosed thereby, and in this manner, the fiber channel is closed by the first sealing element, the second sealing element and the optical fiber guided between the first sealing element and the second sealing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Wilhelm Lübbers
  • Patent number: 8892373
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Axsensor AB
    Inventor: Jan Bostrom
  • Publication number: 20140118162
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for measuring gas flow. A gas flow meter can include a plurality of sensors to detect a gas flow at various flow rates in the meter. A first sensor can detect a gas flow at a low flow rate and a second sensor can detect a gas flow when the flow rate is sufficient to produce an oscillating jet. The first sensor can be disposed parallel to the gas flow and detect the flow rate and the temperature of the gas flow. When the flow rate of the gas is below a predetermined threshold, power is supplied to the first sensor to detect gas flow. When the gas flow rate is high enough such that the gas flow produces an oscillating jet of fluid, power is supplied to the second sensor. The second sensor can detect the frequency of the oscillating jet flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: ITRON, INC.
    Inventor: Ibne Soreefan
  • Publication number: 20140000383
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring transducer of the vibration-type for a fluid flowing in a flexible hose. The measuring transducer includes, in such case, a hose carrier unit, which has at least sectionally a loop-shaped outer contour, around which a flexible hose can be led. Furthermore, the measuring transducer includes a clamping unit, by which a flexible hose led in use around the loop-shaped outer contour is tightenable against the loop-shaped outer contour, at least one exciter coupled to the hose carrier unit, by which the hose carrier unit is excitable to execute mechanical oscillations, which are accompanied by alternating elastic deformation of the hose carrier unit, and at least one oscillation sensor, by which mechanical oscillations of the hose carrier unit and/or a flexible hose installed in use in the measuring transducer are registerable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Mamadi Keita, Mike Touzin, Antoine Simon
  • Patent number: 8573066
    Abstract: A fluidic oscillator can include a fluid switch, at least two fluid paths from the fluid switch, and a sensor which measures a frequency of fluctuations in flow through the fluidic oscillator. A method of measuring a flow rate of a fluid can include flowing the fluid through a fluidic oscillator, a majority of the fluid flowing alternately via at least two fluid paths from a fluid switch of the fluidic oscillator, and a sensor detecting a frequency of the flow alternating between the fluid paths. Another fluidic oscillator can include a fluid input, at least two fluid paths from the fluid input to respective fluid outputs, whereby a majority of fluid which flows through the fluidic oscillator flows alternately via the fluid paths, and a sensor which detects pressure fluctuations due to the flow alternating between the fluid paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Robert L. Pipkin, Travis W. Cavender, Neal G. Skinner
  • Patent number: 8457907
    Abstract: A compensation device for fluidic oscillation flow meters is provided. The compensation device includes a fluid supply unit, a fluidic oscillator, an electronic valve, a reference tank and a computer. The fluid supply unit supplies fluid into a pipe. The fluidic oscillator generates a characteristic oscillation frequency when the fluid supplied from the fluid supply unit passes through the fluidic oscillator. The electronic valve controls a flow rate of the fluid passing through the fluidic oscillator. The reference tank accumulates and stores the fluid passing through the electronic valve. The computer calculates a characteristic linear compensation coefficient using data about the time for which the fluid had passed through the fluidic oscillator, an oscillation frequency of the fluidic oscillator, a preset flow rate of the electronic valve, and a preset fluid accumulation amount of the reference tank. The computer stores the calculated characteristic linear compensation coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Shindonga Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Moon Young Kim, Young Geun Hong, Hyoung Kee Yang, In Sung Cha
  • Publication number: 20130042699
    Abstract: A fluidic oscillator can include a fluid switch, at least two fluid paths from the fluid switch, and a sensor which measures a frequency of fluctuations in flow through the fluidic oscillator. A method of measuring a flow rate of a fluid can include flowing the fluid through a fluidic oscillator, a majority of the fluid flowing alternately via at least two fluid paths from a fluid switch of the fluidic oscillator, and a sensor detecting a frequency of the flow alternating between the fluid paths. Another fluidic oscillator can include a fluid input, at least two fluid paths from the fluid input to respective fluid outputs, whereby a majority of fluid which flows through the fluidic oscillator flows alternately via the fluid paths, and a sensor which detects pressure fluctuations due to the flow alternating between the fluid paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Roger L. SCHULTZ, Robert L. PIPKIN, Travis W. CAVENDER, Neal G. SKINNER
  • Patent number: 8250924
    Abstract: A process device for coupling to an industrial process for use in monitoring or controlling the process includes a device housing configured to physically couple to the industrial process. A process variable sensor is configured to measure a process variable and measurement circuitry coupled to the process variable sensor provides an output related to the sensed process variable. A piezoelectric transducer provides an electrical output related to pressure pulsations in the industrial process. Electrical circuitry in the housing includes an input configured to receive the electrical output from the piezoelectric sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Hedtke
  • Patent number: 8239157
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that guides a user through a sequence of steps that will allow the user to complete a predefined task using the flow meter. The steps include: selecting a predefined task, displaying a sequence of steps that directs the user through a process for using the Coriolis flow meter to complete the predefined task, and operating the Coriolis flow meter in response to the sequence of steps to complete the predefined task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig B McAnally, Andrew T Patten, Charles P Stack, Jeffrey S Walker, Neal B Gronlie
  • Publication number: 20120123705
    Abstract: A measuring system comprises: a measuring transducer; transmitter electronics; at least one measuring tube; and at least one oscillation exciter. The transmitter electronics delivers a driver signal for the at least one oscillation exciter, and for feeding electrical, excitation power into the at least one oscillation exciter. The driver signal, has a sinusoidal signal component which corresponds to an instantaneous eigenfrequency, and in which the at least one measuring tube can execute, or executes, eigenoscillations about a resting position. The eigenoscillations have an oscillation node and in the region of the wanted, oscillatory length exactly one oscillatory antinode. The driver signal has, a sinusoidal signal component with a signal frequency, which deviates from each instantaneous eigenfrequency of each natural mode of oscillation of the at least one measuring tube, in each case, by more than 1 Hz and/or by more than 1% of said eigenfrequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Drahm, Hao Zhu, Alfred Rieder, Michael Wiesmann, Patrick Oudoire
  • Patent number: 8136413
    Abstract: A bi-directional flowmeter comprises a first fluidic oscillator device arranged to measure the flow of fluid in a first direction and a second fluidic oscillator device arranged to measure the flow of fluid in a second direction opposite to the first direction and in which the two oscillators devices are connected together in series between an inlet port and an outlet port of the flowmeter between which the fluid to be measured can flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Elster Metering Limited
    Inventor: Michael Langley Sanderson
  • Patent number: 8091434
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a feedback type, hydrodynamic oscillator flow meter for measuring the flow of fluids such as gas, air, water and oil, flowing through a conduit. This flow meter gives very accurate measurements over a long period of time since piezoelectric sensors are employed. The working principle of this flow meter is based on the Coanda Effect, which guides the flowing fluid to pass through two feedback paths (103, 129) alternatively and a linear relationship is obtained between the fluidic oscillation frequency and the flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Avinash Shrikrishna Vaidya
  • Publication number: 20110154912
    Abstract: The measuring system comprises: A measuring transducer of vibration-type, through which medium flows during operation and which produces primary signals corresponding to parameters of the flowing medium; as well as a transmitter electronics electrically coupled with the measuring transducer for activating the measuring transducer and for evaluating primary signals delivered by the measuring transducer. The measuring transducer includes: At least one measuring tube for conveying flowing medium; at least one electro-mechanical, oscillation exciter for exciting and/or maintaining vibrations of the at least one measuring tube; as well as at least a first oscillation sensor for registering vibrations at least of the at least one measuring tube and for producing a first primary signal of the measuring transducer representing vibrations at least of the at least one measuring tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Vivek Kumar, Martin Anklin
  • Publication number: 20110094308
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a feedback type, hydrodynamic oscillator flow meter for measuring the flow of fluids such as gas, air, water and oil, flowing through a conduit. This flow meter gives very accurate measurements over a long period of time since piezoelectric sensors are employed. The working principle of this flow meter is based on the Coanda Effect, which guides the flowing fluid to pass through two feedback paths (103, 129) alternatively and a linear relationship is obtained between the fluidic oscillation frequency and the flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Avinash Shrikrishna Vaidya
  • Patent number: 7925456
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that guides a user through a sequence of steps that will allow the user to complete a predefined task using the flow meter. The steps include: selecting a predefined task, displaying a sequence of steps that directs the user through a process for using the Coriolis flow meter to complete the predefined task, and operating the Coriolis flow meter in response to the sequence of steps to complete the predefined task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig B. McAnally, Andrew T. Patten, Charles P. Stack, Jeffrey S. Walker, Neal B. Gronlie
  • Publication number: 20110005334
    Abstract: A tunable fluid flow control system includes a fluidic oscillator having a movable boundary wall. A pressurized gas source is coupled to the movable boundary wall and configured to supply a stream of pressurized gas to the movable boundary wall to actuate the boundary wall. The boundary wall is actuatable to vary a cavity volume in the fluidic oscillator so as to control frequency of flow of a pulsating fluid generated by the fluidic oscillator. A portion of a fluid is bypassed the fluidic oscillator so as to control amplitude of flow of a pulsating fluid generated by the fluidic oscillator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Joel Meier Haynes, Ciro Cerretelli
  • Patent number: 7827870
    Abstract: A fluidic oscillator liquid flow meter comprising a body having an inlet portion to receive a flow of liquid to be measured, an outlet portion, a main channel defining a flow path between the inlet and outlet, the flow path including feedback structure to induce oscillations in the flowing fluid, the oscillations being detected by detector comprising means to apply a magnetic field across the flow path and sensing electrodes to detect the resulting e.m.f., the electrodes being positioned such that they protrude from the body into the flow path. A meter having driving signal means, which applies an alternating driving signal to the sensing electrodes, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Severn Trent Metering Services Limited
    Inventors: David Cottam, Mark Andrew Fairman, Neil Furmidge
  • Publication number: 20100139414
    Abstract: A bi-directional flowmeter comprises a first fluidic oscillator device arranged to measure the flow of fluid in a first direction and a second fluidic oscillator device arranged to measure the flow of fluid in a second direction opposite to the first direction and in which the two oscillators devices are connected together in series between an inlet port and an outlet port of the flowmeter between which the fluid to be measured can flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: ELSTER METERING LIMITED
    Inventor: Michael Langley Sanderson
  • Publication number: 20090229376
    Abstract: A liquid sensing device is for a liquid consuming system in which air is introduced from the upstream end in association with consumption of liquid at the downstream end. The liquid sensing device includes a sensor positioning member that defines a sensing flow channel including an inlet hole at the upstream end and a first outlet hole at the downstream end, a sensor positioned on the outside face of the sensor positioning member at a location facing the sensing flow channel as to sense whether liquid is present in the sensing flow channel, and a sensor positioning member mounting portion that mounts the sensor positioning member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akihisa WANIBE
  • Publication number: 20090173168
    Abstract: A fluidic oscillator liquid flow meter comprising a body having an inlet portion to receive a flow of liquid to be measured, an outlet portion, a main channel defining a flow path between the inlet and outlet, the flow path including feedback structure to induce oscillations in the flowing fluid, the oscillations being detected by detector comprising means to apply a magnetic field across the flow path and sensing electrodes to detect the resulting e.m.f., the electrodes being positioned such that they protrude from the body into the flow path. A meter having driving signal means, which applies an alternating driving signal to the sensing electrodes, is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: David Cottam, Mark Andrew Fairman, Neil Furmidge
  • Patent number: 7555397
    Abstract: A Coriolis mass flow meter and method for compensation of transmission errors of its input circuit, wherein a high accuracy of measurement is achievable by determining the transmission error of the input circuit of at least two input branches on the basis of at least one reference signal, which travels simultaneously through all input branches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Matthias Roost, Robert Lalla
  • Publication number: 20090145244
    Abstract: A measuring transducer includes: a measuring tube vibrating at least at times and serving for conveying medium to be measured; a counteroscillator, which is affixed to the measuring tube on an inlet-side, to form a first coupling zone, and to the measuring tube on an outlet-side, to form a second coupling zone; an exciter mechanism for driving at least the measuring tube; as well as a sensor arrangement for registering oscillations at least of the measuring tube. During operation, the measuring tube executes, at least at times and/or at least in part, bending oscillations about an imaginary bending oscillation axis, which imaginarily connects the two coupling zones with one another. Additionally, at least a first spring element and a second spring element are included, with each of the at least two spring elements being affixed to the measuring tube and the counteroscillator spaced both from each of the two coupling zones as well as also from the exciter mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Alfred Rieder, Michael Fuchs, Wolfgang Drahm, Leonhard Probst
  • Publication number: 20090126506
    Abstract: The actual density of liquids is determined with a flexural oscillator that is excited at two different natural vibrations. The presence of air/gas inclusions or other inhomogeneities in a liquid is detected and their influence can be eliminated. In an initial step, the periods of the inherent vibrations and of at least one vibration damping value of the natural vibrations are determined for liquids having different densities ? and viscosities. Liquid densities as well as the difference between them and between the vibration damping values are determined from this. An inclusion-free curve (KB) which reflects the functional dependence F(??) between the relative density differences and the vibration damping differences is calculated and the exact function determined; i.e. the gas/air inclusion-free curve (KB) is expanded by introducing a deviation bandwidth (ab) to form an inclusion-free curve area (KF), which is stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: LABOR FUER MESSTECHNIK Dr. Hans Stabinger GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Heimel, Ulrike Rakusch, Klaus Ritzmann, Hans Stabinger
  • Patent number: 7481119
    Abstract: A micro-fluidic oscillator comprises a main body and a cover body for covering the main body. An oscillation chamber is disposed on the main body to provide an oscillation space for fluid. A sudden-expansion micro-nozzle is connected with one end of the oscillation chamber, and an outlet passage is connected with the other end of the oscillation chamber. Two fluid-separating bodies are located at the connection positions of the outlet passage and the oscillation chamber, respectively. Two feedback channels are located outside two attachment walls. The sudden-expansion micro-nozzle is used to break the viscous shear stress between fluid and the walls and to generate unstable flow and oscillation. Moreover, the two feedback channels have different lengths, inside diameters and alternate outlet positions to further enhance the oscillation of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventors: Jung-Tang Yang, Chi-Ko Chen, Kun-Chih Tsai
  • Publication number: 20090000393
    Abstract: There is provided a differential pressure (dP) measurement device for use in flow measurement comprising a first microwave resonator (1) having a flexible or yieldable part or member (4) deformable or yieldable when subject to a differential pressure in such a way as to alter a resonant frequency of said resonator, and an electronic unit (12, 14) which is coupled to said resonator (1), and where said electronic unit is adapted to produce an output depending on a resonant frequency of said resonator (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Ebbe Gustaf Nyfors, Per Hassel Sorensen
  • Patent number: 7464609
    Abstract: A means for measuring fluid flow through or into a pipe comprises a fluidistor element (11) arranged in a wall of a pipe splicing piece (10) inserted between sections of the pipe. A pressure sensor (3, 12) senses oscillations in the fluidistor element, and delivers a signal to an analyser (8) for deriving fluid flow rate, density and composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Sinvent AS
    Inventor: Truls Fallet
  • Patent number: 7383740
    Abstract: Pocket-size medical spirometer comprising a housing and a measurement unit (MU), for measuring rate of total flow when a user exhales through the spirometer. The MU comprises a fluidic jet oscillator adapted to generate oscillating flow with frequency dependent on the rate of flow therethrough. The MU is disposed within the housing so as to form a bypass flow path defined between an outer surface of the MU and an inner surface of the housing. A measurement flow path is defined through the fluidic jet oscillator, such that the total flow is divided into a bypass flow and a measurement flow, the latter being less than the former at least by an order of magnitude. The spirometer further comprises a pressure or velocity transducer and an electronic circuit adapted to derive the total flow rate or volume from the transducer signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Spirojet Medical Ltd
    Inventors: Yehezkel Krasilchikov, Anna Litvak, Felix Shestatski
  • Patent number: 7367230
    Abstract: A path detector is constructed so that a path block body, which forms a given path and which has a flow sensor interposed in the path, and a circuit board having an electric circuit mounted thereon are accommodated in a rectangular parallelepiped or cubic housing. An indicator and an operation switch are provided in a front surface portion of the housing that is exposed at a front surface of a given panel when the housing is fixed to the panel. The path in the path block body is U-shaped path and has an inlet and an outlet in a back surface portion of the housing. A terminal for external connection of the circuit board is also disposed in the back surface portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Yamatake Corporation
    Inventors: Isamu Warashina, Osamu Momose, Hiroyuki Inagaki
  • Patent number: 7360446
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring the amount of fluid (21) flowing in a channel (18, 20). The apparatus comprises a fluidic oscillation flow meter (10) including a housing (14) defining an inlet (16) for receiving the fluid (21), and first and second diversion channels (18, 20) for alternately receiving the fluid (21) from the inlet (16). The housing (14) comprises a first nozzle (46) for receiving the fluid (21) from the first diversion channel (18) and deflecting the fluid (21) from the inlet (16) into the second diversion channel (20). A second nozzle (48) receives the fluid (21) from the second diversion channel (20) and alternately deflects the fluid (21) from the inlet (16) into the first diversion channel (18). A first layer of material (56) overlies at least one of the first and second diversion channels (18, 20) and includes a sensing area that distorts due to a pressure change caused by the fluid (21) flowing through the diversion channels (18, 20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve X. Dai, Stephen R. Samms
  • Publication number: 20070295103
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring the amount of fluid (21) flowing in a channel (18, 20). The apparatus comprises a fluidic oscillation flow meter (10) including a housing (14) defining an inlet (16) for receiving the fluid (21), and first and second diversion channels (18, 20) for alternately receiving the fluid (21) from the inlet (16). The housing (14) comprises a first nozzle (46) for receiving the fluid (21) from the first diversion channel (18) and deflecting the fluid (21) from the inlet (16) into the second diversion channel (20). A second nozzle (48) receives the fluid (21) from the second diversion channel (20) and alternately deflects the fluid (21) from the inlet (16) into the first diversion channel (18). A first layer of material (56) overlies at least one of the first and second diversion channels (18, 20) and includes a sensing area that distorts due to a pressure change caused by the fluid (21) flowing through the diversion channels (18, 20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventors: Steve X. Dai, Stephen R. Samms
  • Patent number: 7204157
    Abstract: A modular utility meter, for example, a water meter, is provided which comprises a meter base and a meter head. The output signal from a transducer in the meter base is processed in the meter head to calculate the utility supply. The processing includes linearization of the signal calibration data stored in the meter base. Therefore, any meter head may be combined with a meter base containing any different type of transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Severn Trent Metering Services Ltd.
    Inventors: Neil Furmidge, Stuart Hallows, Mark Fairman
  • Patent number: 7204156
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) is provided for determining the flow rate of a gas. The apparatus comprises a housing (12) forming a vaporization chamber (14) for converting a fluid into a gas vapor when subjected to heat (22). An oscillation flow meter is formed within the housing (12), thereby being integrated with the vaporization chamber, for receiving the gas vapor and providing a frequency signal (60) indicative of the rate of flow of the gas vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Samms, Chowdary R. Koripella
  • Patent number: 6952970
    Abstract: A modular utility meter (1), for example, a water meter, is provided which comprises a meter base (2) and a meter head (3). The output signal from a transducer in the meter base (2) it processed in the meter head (3) to calculate the utility supply. The processing includes linearization of the signal using calibration data stored in the meter base (2). Therefore, any meter head may be combined with a meter base containing any different type of transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Fusion Meters Limited
    Inventors: Neil Furmidge, Stuart Hallows, Mark Fairman
  • Patent number: 6860157
    Abstract: A fluidic oscillator includes an oscillator body having two attachment walls defining an oscillating chamber therebetween, an inlet duct communicatively extended from the oscillating chamber for guiding a flow of fluid entering into the oscillating chamber, an outlet duct communicatively extended from the oscillating chamber for guiding the flow of fluid exiting from the oscillating chamber, a flow splitter provided at the outlet duct to communicate with the oscillating chamber, and two feedback channels communicating with the oscillating chamber. Each of the attachment walls has an upstream portion and a downstream portion integrally extended therefrom as a step shouldering manner to form a modulating shoulder for modulating an oscillation of the flow within the oscillation chamber so as to stabilize the flow of the fluid to pass through the oscillator body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventors: Jing-Tang Yang, Wei-Chih Lin, Kuen-Jyh Tsai, Ker-Jer Huang
  • Patent number: 6829947
    Abstract: apparatus and system are disclosed for in situ measurement of downhole fluid flow using Doppler techniques. First, a baseline speed of sound is established as close to the desired measurement point as possible. This speed of sound measurement is then used in Doppler calculations for determining flow velocities based from induced Doppler shift resulting from fluid flow. A heterodyne receiver arrangement is preferably used for processing so that the flow direction can be determined and the detection sensitivity for low flow velocities can be enhanced. From in situ measurements, well kicks may be spotted and dealt with in real-time. In addition, current theoretical models of rheological properties may be verified and expounded upon using in situ downhole measurement techniques. Furthermore, the velocity measurements described herein can be used to recognize downhole lost circulation and/or gas/water/oil influxes as early as possible, even when the mud recirculation pumps are turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Han, Jean M. Beique, James R. Birchak, Alan T. Hemphill, Tim Wiemers, Paul F. Rodney
  • Publication number: 20040244498
    Abstract: A new and improved fluid flow meter which is suitable for a variety of industrial and mechanical applications. The fluid flow meter includes a fluid flow sensor that detects fluid flowing at low rates and a fluid oscillation sensor that detects fluid flowing at high rates through the sensor. The combined use of a fluid flow sensor and a fluid oscillation sensor enables the fluid flow meter to measure fluid flow rates over a broad range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Shiang-Fu Chen, Shyh-Chyi Kuo
  • Publication number: 20040123671
    Abstract: A method for measuring liquid flow, comprising the steps of delivering the liquid into a measuring cell having a measuring slot with at least one isolated electrode and at least two non-isolated electrodes, inducing fluctuations in the liquid flowing in the measuring slot, measuring electrical capacitance and electrical phase shifts correlated with the fluctuations, as well as a conductivity of the liquid, and obtaining flow parameters of the liquid from the electrical parameters. An apparatus for measuring the properties of a flowing liquid, comprising at least one measuring cell having at least one measuring slot, means for inducing flow fluctuations in the flowing liquid, and measuring means used to obtain liquid properties from the flow fluctuations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Aba Priev, Viktor Ponomarev, Armen sarvazyan
  • Publication number: 20040055394
    Abstract: The invention relates to the technical field of oscillating piston volumetric fluid meters. The meter comprises a cylindrical measuring chamber including a lateral wall, a bottom (1) and a lid (3), a lower cylinder (4) and an upper cylinder (5) having the same diameter, which is less than the diameter of said chamber, an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice (8) for respectively admitting fluid to and evacuating fluid from said chamber, a cylindrical piston (11) disposed eccentrically and guided kinematically in said chamber and effecting an oscillatory movement in said chamber as a result of the displacement of a volume of fluid, and a fixed partition (9) between said inlet orifice and said outlet orifice, lying radially between said lateral wall and said lower and upper cylinders, and lying axially between said bottom and said lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Frederic Droin, Laurent Demia
  • Publication number: 20040031329
    Abstract: A novel sensing device for measuring volume, position or mass of matter (11) comprising of a housing (12) having a removable top (13), a permanent bottom (14), an electronic oscillator board (15) having plurality of electronic components for measuring volume, position, or mass of matter. A coax type wire (16) having a first end (17) connected to said electronic oscillator board (15) and a second end (18) terminating at the bottom of receiver hole (20). A retainer (19) used to form said receiver hole (20) having a top end (21) open to said permanent bottom (14) on said housing (12) to accommodate said coax type wire (16). Said receiver hole 20 having a bottom end (22) having a solid area between said bottom end (22) and lower end (25) of said non-conductive material (23). Said non-conductive material (23) having an upper end (24) being attached by mounting means (26) to said permanent bottom (14) of housing (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Randy Val Carpenter, Val Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20030209083
    Abstract: An input unit for receiving a signal from an oscillator corresponds to an ultrasonic wave received by the oscillator has an input impedance significantly smaller than an impedance of an inter-electrode capacitance in the oscillator. This arrangement allows the delay of timing of the received wave to be influenced by a change in the input impedance of the input unit than by a change in the impedance of the oscillator. Since the influence of the change in the impedance of the oscillator against the delay of timing of the received wave is reduced, a flow meter can measure a propagation duration of the ultrasonic wave accurately. More specifically, the flow meter can measure the propagation duration accurately regardless of a change of the inter-electrode capacitance of the oscillator by temperature, thus measuring a flow rate of fluid correctly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Yuji Nakabayashi, Shuji Abe
  • Patent number: 6581475
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid meter comprising an outside wall of determined thickness to which a flange connected to a pipe is fixed via fixing members which penetrate into holes organized respectively in the thickness of said flange and in said outside wall in order to install said meter on said pipe, said meter having an opening for fluid feed which is organized in the outside wall and behind which there is provided a “feed” chamber into which the fluid coming from the feed opening flows, wherein the fluid meter also has studs disposed inside the feed chamber so as to modify the fluid flow, and in which internal perforations are provided in alignment with the holes for receiving portions of said fixing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Schlumberger Industries, SA
    Inventors: Luc Hernoux, Jean-Luc Guizot
  • Patent number: 6553844
    Abstract: A single fluidic feedback oscillator incorporates two independent time event measurement means, resulting in a highly accurate volumetric flowmeter that is independent of the properties and composition of the flowing fluid. Under certain circumstances, when the relationship between speed of sound and specific heat of the fluid is generally known, the oscillator provides for a highly accurate sonic velocimeter and consequently can be used as a calorimeter. The main components of the invention are a fluidic amplifier oscillator, and two sets of sensors located at separate locations in either the feedback channels of the oscillator or in the oscillating jet flow region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: metaSensors, Inc.
    Inventor: Tadeusz M. Drzewiecki
  • Patent number: 6552336
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for measuring water current. An acoustically-modulated beam of radiation is transmitted to a target location on the surface of a body of water. As the beam transits the water, acoustic radiation propagates away from the beam towards the surface and experiences a Doppler shift in frequency relative to the acoustic frequency used for modulation. The Doppler shift is caused by current in the water through which the acoustic radiation transits. The Doppler-shifted frequency is measured as an indication of water current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jack Lloyd, Jeff Rish