Movable Sensor Responsive To Vortices Patents (Class 73/861.24)
  • Patent number: 11927463
    Abstract: A measurement system, a measurement device, and a measurement method being able to measure a flow speed for each position of an optical fiber are provided. According to one example embodiment, a measurement system includes: an object provided in a fluid, and generating a self-excited vibration by the fluid; an optical fiber provided in the fluid, and detecting the vibration; a light source outputting light P to the optical fiber; an acquisition unit acquiring backscattered light generated from the light P in the optical fiber and including a pattern indicating the vibration in a vibration position on the optical fiber to which the vibration of the fluid is transmitted; and a measurement unit measuring, from a pattern included in the backscattered light and indicating the vibration, a flow speed of the fluid in the vibration position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yutaka Yano, Eitaro Misumi, Makoto Saitoh
  • Patent number: 11867543
    Abstract: A field device case is a metal field device case where a lead-in part for drawing a cable including an outer shield is provided on a tubular circumferential wall. The field device case includes: a first inner surface which is formed away from an opening end surface of the field device case in an axial direction orthogonal to the opening end surface; a second inner surface which is formed farther away from the opening end surface than the first inner surface in the axial direction; and a cable fixing member which is fixed to the first inner surface and allows the outer shield of the cable drawn by the lead-in part to be in contact with the second inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Masaya Taguchi, Akira Uehara, Kentaro Yamada, Yudai Hirai
  • Patent number: 11808614
    Abstract: A field device includes: a casing portion that has an amplifier shield chamber into which an analog signal transfer portion transferring an analog signal output from a detector is able to be inserted; a signal conversion portion that is disposed inside the amplifier shield chamber, the signal conversion portion being configured to convert the analog signal into a digital signal; and a first connector that is disposed inside the amplifier shield chamber, the first connector being configured to connect the analog signal transfer portion and the signal conversion portion to each other in an attachable/detachable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masaya Taguchi
  • Patent number: 11662263
    Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a housing, an isolator positioned at a first end of the housing, and a first cavity formed between the first end of the housing and the isolator. The pressure sensor further includes a second cavity formed in the housing and a channel with a first end fluidly connected to the first cavity and a second end fluidly coupled to the second cavity. A pressure sensor chip is positioned in the second cavity and includes a first diaphragm positioned at a top side of the pressure sensor chip laterally outwards from the second end of the channel to prevent a fluid from jetting onto the first diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: ROSEMOUNT AEROSPACE INC.
    Inventors: David P. Potasek, Ulf J. Jonsson
  • Patent number: 11543284
    Abstract: A vortex flowmeter with at least one measuring tube, at least one bluff body and at least one measuring sensor arranged behind the bluff body, at least one measuring transducer and at least one evaluation unit, wherein the measuring sensor is arranged such that, during operation, it is deflected by the vortices of the medium forming behind the bluff body, wherein the measuring transducer is designed and arranged such that, during operation, it converts the deflection of the measuring sensor into a corresponding change in a measured variable and transmits it as a measured signal to the evaluation unit. The functionality of the measuring transducer can be checked is achieved by an actuator being arranged and controllable by a control unit such that the actuator can deflect and/or deform the measuring transducer and/or the measuring sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: KROHNE MESSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Matthias Hund, Tim Baloniak
  • Patent number: 11313710
    Abstract: A device for fastening a bar-shaped sensor, in particular a flow sensor, to a component, which has a fastening section that can be inserted into a fastening opening of the component, a hole extending through the fastening section and a retaining section for inserting the sensor, wherein the hole is open to an end face of the fastening section and to an end face of the retaining section. In order to be able to change out a sensor with a reproducible rotational position, it is proposed that the wall of the hole in the fastening section have an opening, into which a section of the edge of the fastening opening protrudes in the free cross-section of the hole for rotationally fixating the sensor in the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Turek Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Kay Unger
  • Patent number: 11307076
    Abstract: In this vortex flowmeter provided with a vortex generator and a flow rate measuring unit, a seal member is mounted on a temperature sensing element including a temperature sensor adhered with an adhesive to a metal temperature sensing case. The temperature sensing element is inserted into a first insertion hole formed in a body case so as to communicate with a body passage. A distal end surface of the temperature sensing element is arranged in either a position where the distal end surface is flush with the passage surface of the body passage formed in the body case or a position more outside than the passage surface in the radial direction of the body passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: CKD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasushi Ohshima, Ryo Eguchi, Takaharu Matsuura, Yuki Sakaki
  • Patent number: 11308931
    Abstract: A metamaterial comprising, a plurality of acoustic vector field sensors, each configured to sense an acoustic vector field of a fluid within a fluid-filled space in response to fluid waves, and producing an electrical signal corresponding to the sensed acoustic vector field; a processor configured to perform a time and space transform on the electrical signal; and at least one phased array transducer, configured to emit fluid waves according to a produced acoustic vector field pattern dependent on a result of the time and space transform, a within a portion of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: The Research Foundation for The State University of New York
    Inventor: Steven M. Hoffberg
  • Patent number: 11196359
    Abstract: A field device includes process communication circuitry configured to communicate in accordance with a process communication protocol. A controller is coupled to the process communication circuitry. The controller includes timing circuitry and is configured to generate periodic time signals during an operational period of the field device and store an indication of operational time based on the periodic time signals in non-volatile memory. The controller is configured to employ the process communication circuitry to provide an indication of operational time to a remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Micro Motion Inc.
    Inventors: Randy K. Paschke, Shari N. Durdin, Walter C. Baker, Cheng C. Vue, Brian S. Junk
  • Patent number: 11067417
    Abstract: An averaging pitot tube probe assembly for use in sensing a parameter of a fluid flow in a process vessel includes an averaging pitot tube probe extending through the process vessel. The probe includes a first end extending through a first opening in the process vessel, and a second end extending through a second opening in the process vessel. A fixed mount secures the first end in a fixed position relative to the process vessel. A tensioning mount includes a tensioner that is attached to the second end of the probe and is configured to adjust a tension in the probe, and thereby adjust a resonant frequency of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: ROSEMOUNT INC.
    Inventors: Gregory Robert Strom, Changyu Han
  • Patent number: 11060892
    Abstract: In this vortex flowmeter provided with a vortex generator and a flow rate measuring unit the flow rate measurement unit includes a piezoelectric element and a piezoelectric element case. The piezoelectric element case includes: a fitted part fitted in the body case; a pressure receiving part protruding out from a distal end face of the fitted part and placed in a body passage; a hollow portion formed along the axial direction of the piezoelectric element case in the fitted part to separate the fitted part and the pressure receiving part; and a slit formed inside of the pressure receiving part and configured to accommodate the piezoelectric element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: CKD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasushi Ohshima, Yuki Sakaki, Takaharu Matsuura, Ryo Eguchi
  • Patent number: 10948321
    Abstract: The sensor assembly comprises: a bowl shaped, namely at least sectionally dished, membrane, with a curved surface and an oppositely lying surface; and a sensor blade extending from curved surface of the membrane. The membrane is so formed that at least one region of the curved surface adjoining the sensor blade is convex. A sensor formed by means of such a sensor assembly and by means of a transducer element coupled therewith and serving for generating a sensor signal representing movements of the sensor blade changing as a function of time and/or deformations of the membrane changing as a function of time, or a measuring system formed by means of the sensor and a measuring electronics connected thereto, can be used for registering pressure fluctuations in a flowing fluid, such as, for instance, a 400 C hot steam, for instance, in order to measure a flow parameter of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: ENDRESS + HAUSER FLOWTEC AG
    Inventors: Christian Lais, Andreas Strub, Dominique Wiederkehr
  • Patent number: 10829228
    Abstract: Various connection units are disclosed. The connection unit can be configured to straighten a flow of air, such as to reduce the distance before the flow of air becomes substantially laminar. The connection unit can include a drag reduction unit. The drag reduction unit can be configured to redirect airflow to the center of the connection unit. The connection unit can include a wake diverting component configured to lift air away from the periphery of the connection unit and/or redirect the airflow towards a radial center connection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: A. David Sandiford
  • Patent number: 10650931
    Abstract: Vibration-based flowmeters are useable in inaccessible nuclear reactor spaces. Flowmeters include an extension that blocks fluid flow in a path and a detector that detects vibrations caused by vortex shedding in the fluid flow around the extension. The detected frequency of the vibrations determines the flow rate. A Strouhal number may be used to calculate the flow speed using extension surface diameter and detected vortex shedding frequency. Several extensions may cover a range of frequencies and flow speeds. Pipe-organ-type flowmeters include a passage with an opening constricted, and subsequent widening section. An extension and outlet that create turbulence in the flow at the outlet create a standing wave and vibration in the extension and/or entire flowmeter. A flow rate of the fluid through the flowmeter can be calculated using length of the passage and/or known properties of the fluid. Multiple, flowmeters of customized physical properties and types are useable together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC
    Inventors: Eric P. Loewen, James P. Sineath, Dean D. Molinaro, William C. Dawn, William J. Garcia, Oscar L. Meek, Patrick K. Day
  • Patent number: 10515159
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically detecting and tracking time and space variations of flow structures in order to locate and characterize the flow structures which produce noise and to quantify the corresponding acoustic radiation properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Dassault Systemes Simulia Corp.
    Inventors: Franck Léon Pérot, Adrien Mann, David M. Freed
  • Patent number: 10451460
    Abstract: A fluid flow analysis method and corresponding apparatus comprise performing two different sets of diagnostic checks which are associated with different types of flow meters, and cross-referencing the two sets of checks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Inventor: Kim Lewis
  • Patent number: 10365134
    Abstract: A vortex flowmeter includes a flow tube having a first end and a second end. A shedder bar is disposed within the flow tube between the first end and the second end. The shedder bar is configured to generate vortices in fluid flowing through the flow tube. At least one sensor is operably coupled to an external surface of the flow tube and is configured to detect individual deformations of the flow tube resulting from vortices inside the flow tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Micro Motion Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Bogdanov, Alexander Konyukhov, Alexey Krivonogov, Vladimir Repyevsky, Jeffry Foster
  • Patent number: 10302472
    Abstract: An embodiment provides an apparatus, including: a pressure meter having a first end section and a second end section substantially opposite the first end section; at least a first set of gussets, wherein each of the gussets of the first set comprise a first end mechanically coupled to the first end section and a second end that facilitates mechanical connection to the inside of a fluid conveyance object; at least a second set of gussets, wherein each of the gussets of the second set comprise a first end mechanically coupled to the second end section and a second end that facilitates mechanical connection to the inside of the fluid conveyance object; and at least one sensor operatively coupled to the pressure meter. Other aspects are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: MCCROMETER, INC.
    Inventors: Matt Holmes, Ryan Chavez, Mohammad Aladdasi, Mike Dyer, Gatlan Haddon, Dillon Blaine
  • Patent number: 10274351
    Abstract: A method of making a sensor assembly for a vortex flowmeter includes securing a vortex sensor to a vortex sensor housing. The vortex sensor housing is secured to a sensor body that is configured to seal a process penetration opening to limit flow of process fluid out of the flowmeter through the process penetration opening. A pair of pressure-responsive diaphragms is secured to the vortex sensor housing such that the pressure-responsive diaphragms face outwardly from opposite sides of the housing and such that the vortex sensor is positioned to detect motion of at least one of the pressure-responsive diaphragms. A mounting hole is made in the sensor body spaced apart from the vortex sensor housing. A temperature sensor housing is secured to the sensor body through the mounting hole. A temperature sensor is inserted in the temperature sensor housing for sensing a temperature of the process fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Systems USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Brosnihan, Javier Lopera, Stephen B. Talutis
  • Patent number: 10260977
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to differential pressure transducers. The teachings thereof may be embodied in diaphragm-beam configurations for measuring small values of differential pressure and/or a bridge circuit for converting mechanical strains into an electric output signal. For example, a diaphragm-beam structure for measuring differential pressure may include: a frame; a paddle; a resilient beam member; a diaphragm; and a gap defined between the paddle and the frame. The diaphragm flexes under pressure on one surface. The resilient beam member anchors the paddle to the frame. The second surface of the diaphragm is mounted to the first surface of the paddle and the frame to bridge the gap. The paddle moves due to flexure of the diaphragm. The resilient beam member bends due to movement of the paddle. The thickness of the diaphragm is less than 50 micrometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: HUBA CONTROL AG
    Inventor: Florian Clausen
  • Patent number: 10247588
    Abstract: There is provided a Karman vortex flowmeter including: a body inside which a flow passage and a Karman vortex generation column are formed; and a flow rate measurement unit that measures Karman vortexes generated by the Karman vortex generation column to thereby obtain a flow rate of a fluid, in which the flow rate measurement unit includes: a piezoelectric element; a piezoelectric element holder that is attached to the body so that the piezoelectric element is arranged in a flow passage; and a thin film part that is formed of a material with higher corrosion resistance than an electrode of the piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric element holder houses the piezoelectric element in a state where the piezoelectric element is sandwiched by a pair of plate-shaped parts integrally formed by a resin material, and in which the thin film part is arranged between the plate-shaped parts and the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: SURPASS INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuki Hirai
  • Patent number: 10240987
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring the temperature of at least one electronic component (2) using a sensor (4) that supplies a temperature-dependent voltage. The method comprises the following steps in which: a signal representative of the voltage delivered by the sensor (4) is made to pass through an isolated differential amplifier (13), and the signal output from said isolated differential amplifier (13) is used to determine the temperature measured by the sensor (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: VALEO SYSTEMES DE CONTROLE MOTEUR
    Inventors: Larbi Bendani, Mimoun Askeur
  • Patent number: 10184611
    Abstract: Flow sensors for, and a method of monitoring, a condensate drain. The method includes a) providing a flow sensor for detecting flow properties in a pipe and/or fitting carrying a medium, b) detecting a vibration behavior by means of a vibration converter at a measurement location provided on the flow sensor, and c) electronically evaluating the vibration behavior of a vibration body, wherein at the measurement location vibrations of a first region of the vibration body and a second region of the vibration body are recorded. The first region of the vibration body is provided at least partially in or adjacent to the flow of the medium, and the second region of the vibration body is outside the flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: GESTRA AG
    Inventors: Sergej Janzen, Holger Schroter, Jurgen Klattenhoff
  • Patent number: 10119521
    Abstract: A method of estimating an amount of undesired loading experienced by at least a portion of a structure (100) is provided. The structure (100) may be, for example, a wind turbine generator (WTG) and the portion for which undesired loading is estimated may be, for example, a rotor (130) of the WTG. The method includes receiving a first signal characterizing instantaneous stress experienced by a component (140) of the structure (100) and filtering out at least a portion of the received first signal that corresponds to the desired loading experienced by the component to produce a first filtered signal. The amount of undesired loading experienced by the at least a portion of the structure (100) is estimated based at least partially on the first filtered signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: Jesper Sandberg Thomsen, Soren Dalsgaard, Asger Svenning Andersen, Lars Risager
  • Patent number: 10101184
    Abstract: A vortex meter for measuring a flow rate of a fluid has a flowtube and a bluff body positioned in the flowtube for shedding vortices in the fluid when the fluid flows through the flowtube. The vortex meter has a sensor positioned to detect the vortices. The bluff body has a forward-facing surface and an abrasion-resistant cladding covering the forward facing surface. The bluff body suitably also has a projection extending downstream from the forward-facing surface. The bluff body suitably has an abrasion-resistant cladding covering at least a portion of the projection. In one embodiment, the entire bluff body is completely covered by the abrasion-resistant cladding. The inner surface of a segment of the flowtube can also have abrasion-resistant characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Systems USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Javier Lopera, Wayne A. Dessert
  • Patent number: 10006859
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a material within a sample includes a light emitting unit for directing at least one light beam through the sample. A plurality of units receive the light beam that has passed through the sample and performs a spectroscopic analysis of the sample based on the received light beam. Each of the plurality of units analyze a different parameter with respect to the sample a provide a separate output signal with respect to the analysis. A processor detects the material with respect each of the provided separate output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: NxGen Partners IP, LLC
    Inventor: Solyman Ashrafi
  • Patent number: 9719819
    Abstract: A vortex flow transducer for measuring the flow velocity of a fluid flowing in a measuring tube as well as to a vortex flow sensor for the vortex flow transducer. In such case, the vortex flow sensor includes a housing having a central axis and a connecting section, on which a shoulder is embodied, which has a bearing area. In a plane of the shoulder a membrane is arranged, whose edge is positioned over the bearing area and is axially spaced therefrom. The vortex flow sensor includes, furthermore, a flange shaped support system having a radial edge section and a cylindrical axial section, wherein the radial edge section lies with its surface against the shoulder of the platform and the cylindrical axial section extends parallel to the central axis, so that the membrane is supported against the support system upon application of a predetermined pressure on the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Andreas Strub, Natalie Witkowski, Dominique Wiederkehr, Sascha Kamber
  • Patent number: 9671255
    Abstract: A sensor probe comprises a tube, a sensor element and an absorber mass. The tube is for placement in a process fluid flow within a fluid conduit and comprises a first end for coupling to the fluid conduit and a second end for insertion into the process fluid flow. The sensor element is in communication with the tube. The absorber mass is coupled to the tube and is configured to dampen vibration of the tube when inserted in the process fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventor: David Eugene Wiklund
  • Patent number: 9599493
    Abstract: A vortex flowmeter has first and second process connections with a meter inlet and outlet, respectively, therein. The first and second process connections are configured to connect, respectively, to upstream and downstream segments of a fluid pipeline. A fluid conveyance system conveys fluid from the inlet to the outlet and divides the fluid into separate fluid streams that flow through separate passages. Each of the passages has its own vortex metering unit configured to generate and detect vortices in the respective fluid stream. A processing system is configured to calculate a sum of the flow rates through all of the fluid streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne A. Dessert, Wade M. Mattar
  • Patent number: 9574680
    Abstract: The present invention is a water conservation safety shut-off valve assembly for use on locations which normally have intermittent water usage but need to indicate when there is constant water usage, such as a leak. The valve assembly has a valve body with a fluid pathway and a valve plug held in an open position allowing water to flow through the pathway. As water flows through the pathway, a sensing device detects water flowing through the pathway and starts a timer. The valve closes the pathway, stopping the flow of water through the valve assembly when the time elapses. The valve assembly indicates whether the valve plug is in an open or closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Castlebridge Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Burlage, Roger A. Burlage, Alex Pesek
  • Patent number: 9410829
    Abstract: A vortex flowmeter having a measuring tube through which a medium can flow, a bluff body in the measuring tube and a pressure sensor in the effective range of the bluff body. The pressure sensor has a deflectable measuring diaphragm for determining the pressure in the medium neighboring the measuring diaphragm, at least one optical fiber being arranged on and/or in the measuring diaphragm for detecting the deflection of the measuring diaphragm. The optical fiber is at least partially effectively connected to the measuring diaphragm along its length so that a deflection of the measuring diaphragm caused by the medium pressure leads to an extension and/or compression of the optical fiber. The pressure sensor has a pocket that can be deflected by the pressure of the medium and which surrounds the measuring diaphragm and optical fiber to protect them from the medium. The measuring diaphragm is deflected with the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Neville C. Fernandes, Henrik Krisch, Markus Lau, Sylvain Tournillon
  • Patent number: 9291485
    Abstract: A sensor module serves for registering a flow velocity and/or a volume flow rate, of a fluid flowing in a pipeline. The sensor module comprises a platform (PS) having, extending therein from an inlet opening to a drain opening remote therefrom and communicating with the lumen of the pipeline, a flow path for guiding a fluid volume portion branched from the fluid flowing in the pipeline and a transducer element for producing at least one sensor signal influenced by the fluid guided in the flow path. The flow path is additionally so embodied that an imaginary central axis (LB) of the intermediate region is not parallel to an imaginary central axis of the intake region and/or not parallel to an imaginary central axis of the drain region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Dominique Wiederkehr, Andreas Strub
  • Publication number: 20150122051
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flowmeter comprising a piezoelectric sensor. The flowmeter is configured so that fluid flow through a channel, typically either a fluid conduit or a housing in which the sensor is oriented, produces oscillating stresses in a piezoelectric material. The oscillating stresses produce an electric signal. Characteristics of the electric signal, such as the magnitude of the signal at particular frequencies, can be measured and used to determine the rate of fluid flow through the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Jonathan Mack Frey, Charles Lee Frey
  • Patent number: 9021891
    Abstract: A vortex flow meter having a measurement tube through which a medium can flow, an obstacle provided in the measurement tube for generating vortices in the medium, and a deflection body located in the region of action of the obstacle and which is deflectable by pressure variations associated with the vortices in the medium. The vortex flow meter without cabled connection between the medium-filled space in the measurement tube and the medium-free space outside the measurement tube is produced by at least one magnetic field generating device being arranged outside of the measurement tube for generating a magnetic field near the deflection body, by the deflection body having a different magnetic permeability from the medium and influencing the magnetic field, and by at least one magnetic field registering device for registering the magnetic field in the region of the deflection body being arranged outside the measurement tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Kai Gossner
  • Publication number: 20150114134
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: KROHNE AG
    Inventor: Jeroen Martin van Klooster
  • Patent number: 8955390
    Abstract: A vortex flow meter (1) with a measurement tube (2) through which a medium can flow, a baffle body (3) for generating vortices in the medium and a deflection body (4) which can be deflected by the pressure fluctuations which accompany the vortices in the medium. The vortex flow meter seeks to avoid the disadvantages of the implementations of the measurement principle of the prior art there being an electronic unit (6) which exposes the deflection body (4) to electromagnetic radiation and receives electromagnetic radiation from the deflection body (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Attila Bilgic, Michael Deilmann, Michael Gerding, Thomas Musch
  • Publication number: 20150027235
    Abstract: A vortex flowmeter may utilize a ring-shaped bluff body as the vortex generator or shedder. The ring shape and size of the vortex ring generator may be optimized to produce linear and stable toroidal vortex outputs that may outperform the conventional shedder bar. In comparison to the conventional vortex shedder bar, the ring may have a slimmer configuration and a higher K-factor, and hence, a higher resolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Yokogawa Corporation of America
    Inventor: Mohamed Khalifa
  • Patent number: 8904879
    Abstract: A vortex flowmeter having a measuring tube through which a medium can flow, a bluff body in the measuring tube and a pressure sensor in the effective range of the bluff body. The pressure sensor has a deflectable measuring diaphragm for determining the pressure in the medium neighboring the measuring diaphragm, at least one optical fiber being arranged on and/or in the measuring diaphragm for detecting the deflection of the measuring diaphragm. The optical fiber is at least partially effectively connected to the measuring diaphragm along its length so that a deflection of the measuring diaphragm caused by the medium pressure leads to an extension and/or compression of the optical fiber. The pressure sensor has a pocket that can be deflected by the pressure of the medium and which surrounds the measuring diaphragm and optical fiber to protect them from the medium. The measuring diaphragm is deflected with the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Neville C. Fernandes, Henrik Krisch, Markus Lau, Sylvain Tournillon
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8863588
    Abstract: In a flow sensor, a horizontal dimension Xt between short side wall portions facing respective sides of a vortex generator is longer than a vertical dimension Yt between long side wall portions facing respective ends of the vortex generator. The short side wall portions are formed linearly or in straight lines along the vortex generator, whereas the long side wall portions are curved at a predetermined radius of curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshinori Kurata
  • Patent number: 8749766
    Abstract: An optical fluid flow sensor and methods are presented. An optical fiber bends in response to a fluid flow, and a light source coupled to the optical fiber transmits light to the optical fiber. Optical sensors surrounding a portion of the optical fiber receive a received light from the optical fiber, and a signal processor module estimates a fluid flow velocity of the fluid flow based on the received light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Donald F. Wilkins, Daniel N. Harres
  • Patent number: 8733162
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignees: Airbus Operations Limited, EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Norman Wood, Karin Bauer, Xaver Riedl, Roland Wagner
  • Patent number: 8683874
    Abstract: A vortex flow measuring device for monitoring and/or measuring an, at least at times, two phase medium flowing in a pipeline; wherein the medium has a first phase, especially a gaseous, first phase, with a first density and a second phase, especially a particle or droplet shaped, second phase, having a second density different from the first density; and wherein the vortex flow measuring device has at least a measuring tube, which can be inserted in a pipeline, a bluff body, and a vortex sensor, which responds to pressure fluctuations. The vortex flow measuring device additionally includes an acoustic transducer, which is formed integrally in a component, especially the bluff body, which protrudes into a flow path within the measuring tube, or is acoustically coupled to such component in such a manner that acoustic signals produced by impact of particles and/or droplets of the second phase on the component are transducible to electrical signals by the acoustic transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Peter Limacher, Dirk Sutterlin, Rainer Hocker, Christoph Gossweiler
  • Publication number: 20140041460
    Abstract: A vortex flow meter (1) with a measurement tube (2) through which a medium can flow, a baffle body (3) for generating vortices in the medium and a deflection body (4) which can be deflected by the pressure fluctuations which accompany the vortices in the medium. The vortex flow meter seeks to avoid the disadvantages of the implementations of the measurement principle of the prior art there being an electronic unit (6) which exposes the deflection body (4) to electromagnetic radiation and receives electromagnetic radiation from the deflection body (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: KROHNE MESSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Attila Bilgic, Michael Deilmann, Michael Gerding, Thomas Musch
  • Patent number: 8601883
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting the mounting mode of a bluff body inserted into a fluid carrying conduit by detecting and displaying the natural frequency of vibration of the bluff body caused by the pressure of the flowing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Dieterich Standard, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Robert Strom
  • Patent number: 8596141
    Abstract: A vortex flow meter includes a vortex responsive assembly having a diaphragm. The diaphragm seals a base end of the assembly to form an isolation chamber. The assembly is adapted to seal an opening in a sidewall of a flow passage. Support struts preferably protrude from the assembly into the flow passage. In one configuration, a vortex oscillation sensor plate has a proximate edge supported on the diaphragm and an opposite distal edge that is unsupported. The vortex oscillation sensor plate has upstream and downstream edges preferably supported by the support struts. A pivoting strut extends along a central region of the vortex oscillation sensor plate. The pivoting strut extends through the diaphragm. The pivoting strut transfers vortex oscillations to a sensor. An electronic transmitter circuit receives a sensor output and provides an output related to flow of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Konyukhov, Vladimir Bogdanov
  • Patent number: 8544342
    Abstract: A vortex flowmeter has a flow conditioning structure entirely inside a flow tube and an externally mounted pair of ultrasonic transducers for detecting vortices generated by vortex shedding structures within the flow tube. The flow conditioning structure can be installed within a short flow tube section retaining the shedder and providing a flow passage having a desired shape. The use of external transducers, coupled with a selectable flow conditioning structure allows many calibration and maintenance tasks to be performed without having to shut down flow and access the passive components inside the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Onicon, Inc.
    Inventor: Murray F Feller
  • Publication number: 20130192387
    Abstract: In a flow sensor, a horizontal dimension Xt between short side wall portions facing respective sides of a vortex generator is longer than a vertical dimension Yt between long side wall portions facing respective ends of the vortex generator. The short side wall portions are formed linearly or in straight lines along the vortex generator, whereas the long side wall portions are curved at a predetermined radius of curvature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: SMC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: SMC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • Patent number: 8459127
    Abstract: A flowmeter body (100) comprises a flow inlet (102), a flow passage (104) and a flow passage outlet (106). A shedder bar (108) is disposed in the flow passage (104). A sensor (110) couples to the flow passage. The sensor senses flow vortices (148) shed from the shedder bar. A flowmeter outlet surface (114) is joined to the flow passage outlet (106) and extends to an outer rim (116). The flowmeter outlet surface (114) includes an annular groove (118) positioned to interact with local vortices (120, 122) shed from the flow passage outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Maxim Vladimirovich Shumilov, Damir Shamilevich Zaynulin
  • Publication number: 20130139611
    Abstract: A vortex flow meter having a measurement tube through which a medium can flow, an obstacle provided in the measurement tube for generating vortices in the medium, and a deflection body located in the region of action of the obstacle and which is deflectable by pressure variations associated with the vortices in the medium. A vortex flow meter without cabled connection between the medium-filled space in the measurement tube and the medium-free space outside the measurement tube is produced by at least one magnetic field generating device being arranged outside of the measurement tube for generating a magnetic field near the deflection body, by the deflection body having a different magnetic permeability from the medium and influencing the magnetic field, and by at least one magnetic field registering device for registering the magnetic field in the region of the deflection body being arranged outside the measurement tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: KROHNE MESSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: Kai GOSSNER