Transmitted Along Single Path Patents (Class 73/861.28)
  • Patent number: 11885655
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a fluid flow conditioning apparatus that includes a linear fluid conduit having a first tubular body defining a major axis and extending from a conduit inlet to a conduit outlet arranged opposite the conduit inlet, and configured with a predetermined flow geometry to define a linear fluid flow path along the major axis, a fluid inlet non-parallel to the linear fluid flow path, a first fluid flow conditioner configured to receive fluid flow, condition fluid flow, and redirect conditioned fluid flow along the linear fluid flow path along the major axis, a second fluid flow conditioner configured to receive fluid flow from the linear fluid flow path along the major axis, redirect fluid flow away from the linear fluid flow path, and condition fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Jordan Loren Loos, Gregory Warren Pulley, Brian Swope, Andrew D. Splitt
  • Patent number: 11874150
    Abstract: Systems and methods described herein provide a water meter assembly with a transition interface that includes a non-linear taper to minimize head loss. According to one implementation, the transition interface may include a non-linear outlet taper. In another implementation, the transition interface may include a non-linear inlet taper and a non-liner outlet taper. In still other implementations, the water meter assembly may include a transition interface with different outlet and inlet tapers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: NEPTUNE TECHNOLOGY GROUP INC.
    Inventors: David Hamilton, Mahesh K. Matam, Jeffrey M. Fowler, John R. Scarborough, III
  • Patent number: 11835372
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic transducer arrangement of a clamp-on ultrasonic, flow measuring point having a plurality of clamp-on ultrasonic transducers, wherein the arrangement is configured to be applied on measuring tubes of various diameters, without necessitating new orienting of the ultrasonic transducers of the ultrasonic transducer arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Sascha Grunwald, Oliver Brumberg, Alexander Murray, Andreas Berger, Achim Wiest
  • Patent number: 11819361
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer device comprises a piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (PMUT), a transmitter with first and second differential outputs, and a controller. The PMUT includes a membrane layer. A bottom electrode layer, comprising a first bottom electrode and a second bottom electrode, is disposed above the membrane layer. The piezoelectric layer is disposed above the bottom electrode layer. The top electrode layer is disposed above the piezoelectric layer and comprises a segmented center electrode disposed above a center of the membrane layer and a segmented outer electrode spaced apart from the segmented center electrode. The controller, responsive to the PMUT being placed in a transmit mode, is configured to couple the first and second segments of the bottom electrode layer with ground, couple the first output of the transmitter with the segments of the segmented center electrode, and couple the second output with the segments of the segmented outer electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: InvenSense, Inc.
    Inventors: Fabian T. Goericke, Richard J. Przybyla, Benjamin E. Eovino
  • Patent number: 11815381
    Abstract: An ultrasonic flowmeter includes a measuring tube, a first transducer pair including first and second ultrasonic transducers, and a second transducer pair including third and fourth ultrasonic transducers. Each ultrasonic transducer is an ultrasonic transmitter and/or an ultrasonic receiver. The first transducer pair is on the measuring tube offset such that the respective transmitter transmits an ultrasonic signal in or against the direction of flow, and the receiver receives the ultrasonic signal after a reflection. A course of the ultrasonic signal between the first and second ultrasonic transducers defines a first signal path. The second transducer pair is on the measuring tube offset such that the respective transmitter transmits an ultrasonic signal in or against the direction of flow, and the receiver receives the ultrasonic signal after a reflection. A course of the ultrasonic signal defines a second signal path between the third ultrasonic transducer and the fourth ultrasonic transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Inventors: Adriaan Hendrik Boer, Kavreet Bhangu, Jeroen Martin van Klooster
  • Patent number: 11796359
    Abstract: The compact ultrasonic flow meter, especially for gas, is formed by an n-hedron shaped body, wherein n is 6 to 24, with three or four longitudinal circular openings. The axis of the body is perpendicular to the axis of the gas pipe. The structural length of the body is standardized according to the length of mechanical gas meters and comprises two or three flow conditioning segments which serve to guide the flow between the individual longitudinal circular openings, in which at least two ultrasonic sensors are located, while the side covers close the body from the sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: OIL&GAS METERING EQUIPMENT S.R.O.
    Inventor: Jaroslav Mikan
  • Patent number: 11713989
    Abstract: A method for noninvasive determination of the flow or the flow rate in an electrically conductive object, through which a gaseous medium flows, by an acoustic flow meter, wherein an emitting transducer is arranged on the object wall—and a receiving transducer is arranged spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the object on the object wall, an ultrasonic wave is generated in the object by the emitting transducer, which is partially coupled as a longitudinal wave into the medium, and a useful signal, which at least partially results due to the longitudinal wave, is detected by the receiving transducer, the flow rate is determined from the useful signal via an evaluation device, the emitting transducer is arranged in a first position in the circumferential direction around a longitudinal axis of the object and the receiving transducer is arranged in a second position, varied in relation to the first position around the longitudinal axis, outside the main beam of the ultrasonic wave, and the width of the m
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Rosen Swiss AG
    Inventors: Martin Brücher, Rüdiger Bauernschmitt, Natalia Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 11629982
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a magnetic-inductive flowmeter for measuring flow velocity of a medium, comprising a measuring tube; an apparatus positioned toward a cross-section of the measuring tube for producing a magnetic field extending perpendicular to a longitudinal direction, wherein the apparatus includes a segment coupling the magnetic field into the medium, wherein the segment surrounds the measuring tube over a first angle; and an electrode system having at least two electrode pairs adapted to register a voltage induced in the medium, wherein a second angle defines a minimum circular sector in which the electrodes located on one side of the measuring tube are distributed, wherein first and second angles are so matched to one another that the flowmeter is insensitive to departures from a rotationally symmetric flow such that the flowmeter in a test measurement has a measurement error of flow velocity less than 1.0%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventor: Simon Mariager
  • Patent number: 11624756
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optical fiber flow velocity measuring apparatus and method integrating high and low ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Laser Institute of Shandong Academy of Science
    Inventors: Zhen Li, Jiqiang Wang, Yuhui Feng, Jiamin Wang, Tongyu Liu, Lin Zhao, Moyu Hou, Yuan Liu, Guofeng Dong
  • Patent number: 11619528
    Abstract: Flow velocity of a fluid is measured using a measuring sensor comprising a conduit with a conduit wall, and at least two ultrasonic transducer units (20, 22), each of which consists of an array of individual ultrasonic transducers (30-x, 32-x) and defining a measuring path (24) between them in the conduit (14). The ultrasonic transducer units emit ultrasonic signals and received ultrasonic signals are evaluated to determine the flow velocity. The individual ultrasonic transducers are driven with different phase, so that the ultrasonic transducer units provide a phased array. In order to achieve the most accurate measurement results possible, the ultrasonic transducer units contact the outside of the conduit wall (16), and the conduit wall (16) is formed in the area of the contact with a wall thickness (w) that is less than half the wavelength of the transverse wave (?Rohr) of the ultrasound in the conduit wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: SICK ENGINEERING GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Klemm, Christian Schulz, Eric Starke
  • Patent number: 11536599
    Abstract: A method of inferring fluid flow speed through a passage comprises receiving a first signal having a frequency and phase corresponding to that of a first ultrasonic wave detected after passing through the fluid in a direction with a component opposed or aligned to a main direction of the fluid's flow. Receiving a second signal having a frequency and phase corresponding to that of a second ultrasonic wave detected after passing through the fluid in a direction with a component different to that of the first ultrasonic wave with respect to the main direction of the fluid's flow. Inferring the fluid flow speed through the passage based on the relative phase shift between the first and second signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK
    Inventors: Steve Dixon, David Greenshields
  • Patent number: 11525719
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for estimating the flow velocity of a multi-phase flow in a pipe using injected microbubbles in combination with ultrasonic signals produced by transducers external to the pipe. The transducers can be located so that one transducer/receiver pair is downstream from a second pair by a separation distance. The receivers can preferably be located in alignment with the transducers for receiving a desirable amount of signal emitted from microbubbles that are excited by absorption of energy from a signal generated by a transducer. The frequency of the signal emitted by the microbubbles can correspond to a harmonic and/or sub-harmonic of the frequency of the signal generated by the transducer. In order to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, frequencies corresponding to a primary frequency emitted by a transducer can be filtered out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Desmond, Gary L. Hunter
  • Patent number: 11512996
    Abstract: The present application discloses a flow speed detection circuit and a related chip and flow meter. The flow speed detection circuit includes: a transmitter, configured to provide a front signal and a main signal to a first transducer, wherein the first transducer transforms the front signal and the main signal into a transduced signal to a second transducer, the second transducer transforms the transduced signal into a receiving front signal and a receiving main signal to a receiver; and the receiver includes: a front signal detection circuit, configured to enable the main signal processing circuit after the receiving front signal; and the main signal processing circuit, configured to determine the flow speed based on the receiving main signal after being enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: SHENZHEN GOODIX TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jung-Yu Chang
  • Patent number: 11487004
    Abstract: An ultrasonic wave measuring device including an ultrasonic wave device and a processor. The ultrasonic wave device transmits transmission ultrasonic waves toward an object, receives reflected ultrasonic waves, and outputs reception signals. The processor is configured to: detect a transmission time; detect zero-crossing points of the reception signals; detect zero-crossing times; calculate periods of time between the transmission time and each of the zero-crossing times; compare a reference period of time with each of the calculated periods of time so as to generate difference values therebetween; determine a minimum value among the difference values; and set a corresponding zero-crossing point having the minimum value as a reception zero-crossing point. The ultrasonic wave measuring device is configured to measure a distance toward the object based on the period of time between the zero-crossing time corresponding to the reception zero-crossing point and the transmission time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Inventors: Yoshio Arai, Tomohide Onogi
  • Patent number: 11454642
    Abstract: A method is provided to measure a distribution of axial velocities and a flowrate in a pipe or a vessel. The method comprises selecting a single cross-section at a stable-flow segment in a pipe or a vessel, installing a plurality of acoustic wave sensors along a peripheral wall of the pipe or the vessel to form a plurality of effective sound wave paths; measuring sound wave travelling time on each sound wave path; substituting the measured sound wave travelling time data into the model formulas based on a sound path refraction principle for reconstruction calculation to obtain a distribution of axial velocity in the measured cross-section of the pipe or the vessel, u(x,y); and integrating the distribution of the axial velocity u(x,y) along the cross-section to obtain a flow rate. A system is also provided to measure an axial velocity distribution and a flow rate in a pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Inventor: Yanqin Li
  • Patent number: 11435219
    Abstract: A method for ascertaining at least one pipe wall resonance frequency of a pipeline in the region of a measuring point by means of a field device of process measurements technology having at least a first ultrasonic transducer, which is placed on the pipeline at the measuring point, comprising steps as follows: providing a first transfer function Utransducer(f) at least of the first or a plurality of ultrasonic transducers located in the region of the measuring point; ascertaining a received spectrum Urec(f) from a received signal Urec(t) after transmission of an ultrasonic signal; ascertaining a second transfer function Umeasuring point(f) from the first transfer function Utransducer(f) of the first or the plurality of ultrasonic transducers and from the received spectrum urec(f), wherein the second transfer function Umeasuring point(f) is characteristic for the measuring point; and ascertaining the at least one pipe wall resonance frequency fres, especially a plurality of resonance frequencies, in the region
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: ENDRESS+HAUSER FLOWTEC AG
    Inventors: Peter Ploss, Stefan Rupitsch, Michal Bezdek, Thomas Frohlich, Beat Kissling
  • Patent number: 11428555
    Abstract: The present application discloses a signal processing circuit (100), coupled to a first transducer (102) and a second transducer (104), wherein the first transducer and the second transducer have a distance greater than zero, and a fluid having a flow velocity flows sequentially through the first transducer and the second transducer, the signal processing circuit includes: a first transmitter (106), coupled to the first transducer; a first receiver (108), coupled to the first transducer; a second transmitter (110), coupled to the second transducer; a second receiver (112), coupled to the second transducer; and a control unit (114), coupled to the first transmitter, the first receiver, the second transmitter and the second receiver. The present application further provides a related chip, a flow meter and a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: SHENZHEN GOODIX TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Jung-Yu Chang, Yen-Yin Huang
  • Patent number: 11428554
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer employing a meta slab includes a piezoelectric body configured to generate elastic waves; a meta slab connected to the piezoelectric body and configured to induce elastic wave mode conversion resonance with respect to the elastic waves incident on the meta slab; and a wedge connected to the meta slab, attached to an external surface of a pipe, and configured to transmit the elastic waves having passed through the meta slab to the pipe. The meta slab includes an anisotropic medium and a thickness of the meta slab satisfies the equation as follows: d=m·nFS·?FS/4, d=m·nSS·?SS/4, nSS/2?nFS/2=odd. Thus, highly-efficient flow velocity measurement is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignees: SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY R&DB FOUNDATION, CENTER FOR ADVANCED META-MATERIALS
    Inventors: Yoon Young Kim, Min Woo Kweun, Xiong Wei Yang, Chun Guang Piao
  • Patent number: 11371869
    Abstract: Systems and methods described herein provide a water meter assembly that includes a main case, which may be permanently situated in-line with a monitored piping system, and an interchangeable measuring element installed within the main case. The measuring element may include solid state ultrasonic components to measure fluid flow through the measuring element. The systems and methods allow for installation and/or replacement of the measuring element (e.g., a field installation) without removal of the main case and without additional calibration. According to an implementation, all measuring components may be included within the measuring element to allow for interchangeability. One measuring element may be swapped out with another measuring element (e.g., a replacement or upgrade) without disconnecting from pipe sections to which the main case is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: NEPTUNE TECHNOLOGY GROUP INC.
    Inventors: John R. Scarborough, III, J. Davis Garth
  • Patent number: 11359949
    Abstract: An ultrasonic flowmeter includes a measuring tube and first and second ultrasonic transducers. The first ultrasonic transducer is an ultrasonic transmitter and/or an ultrasonic receiver, and the second ultrasonic transducer is an ultrasonic transmitter and/or an ultrasonic receiver. The ultrasonic transducers are offset on the measuring tube such that the respective transmitter transmits an ultrasonic signal in the direction of flow or against the direction of flow, and the receiver receives the ultrasonic signal after at least three reflections. A course of the ultrasonic signal defines a signal path with first and second signal path sections. The number of sub-sections of the first signal path section corresponds to the number of sub-sections of the second signal path section. The signal path in the first signal path section has a first direction of rotation, and the signal path in the second signal path section has an opposite, second direction of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: KROHNE AG
    Inventors: Jeroen Martin van Klooster, Arie Huijzer
  • Patent number: 11353347
    Abstract: Disclosed examples include methods and systems to measure fluid flow, including a transmit circuit to provide a transducer transmit signal based on a transmit pulse signal, a receive circuit to receive a transducer receive signal, an ADC to sample a receive signal from the receive circuit and provide a sampled signal, and a processing circuit that computes a transit time based on the sampled signal, and provides the transmit pulse signal including a first portion with a frequency in a first frequency band, and a second portion with a second frequency outside the first frequency band to mitigate undesired transducer vibration, where the second frequency is outside a transducer frequency bandwidth of the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Anand Dabak, Luis Reynoso Covarrubias, Srinath Ramaswamy, Srinivas Lingam
  • Patent number: 11340099
    Abstract: Techniques for operating a static fluid meter are described herein. In an example, a sampling interval is identified. The sampling interval is a period of time within which an electromagnetic or acoustic device measures or samples a rate of the fluid flow. The sampling interval may be approximately 1 second long; however, the interval may be longer or shorter depending on the design requirements of a particular system. A random number is generated and/or received. A sampling time within the sampling interval may be determined based at least in part on the random number. By sampling at a different and randomly determined location within each of a series of sampling intervals a more accurate fluid measurement may be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Itron Global SARL
    Inventors: Patrice Carré, Herve Dury
  • Patent number: 11099045
    Abstract: In a temporally continued plurality of day-and-time sections, history data included in the past day-and-time section is graphically displayed on the basis of the integrated flow amount data stored in the storage unit, as an integrated flow amount in each day-and-time section. In the day-and-time section including the current day-and-time, the integrated flow amount in the day-and-time section based on the current integrated flow amount data is successively updated and graphically displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: KEYENCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yohei Hashimoto, Kentaro Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 11022597
    Abstract: An example system includes a core comprised of a dielectric material; a planar resonator on the core; a conduit containing the core and the planar resonator, with the conduit including an electrically-conductive material; and a coupling that is electrically-conductive and that connects the planar resonator to the conduit to enable the conduit to function as an electrical ground for the planar resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignees: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Muhammad Akram Karimi, Atif Shamim, Muhammad Arsalan
  • Patent number: 10989581
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor of a thermal, flow measuring device. The sensor includes a sensor cup having at least one protrusion on the floor of the cup that assures a constant spacing of a sensor element from the cup floor so that a good temperature transfer between the sensor element and a medium flowing around the sensor is assured. Also disclosed is a thermal, flow measuring device employing such a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Stephan Gaberthüel, Alexander Grün, Hanno Schultheis, Tobias Baur
  • Patent number: 10955273
    Abstract: A method of calculating a time difference is disclosed. The method includes receiving a first ultrasonic signal (r21) from a first transducer (UT1) and receiving a second ultrasonic signal (r12) from a second ultrasonic transducer (UT2). The first and second ultrasonic signals are sampled to produce respective first and second sampled ultrasonic signals (502). Points having a value greater than a first threshold are selected from the first and second sampled ultrasonic signals (510). A difference in travel time between the first and second ultrasonic signals is calculated (512) in response to the selected points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Anand Dabak, Venkata Ramanan
  • Patent number: 10948324
    Abstract: A small-diameter ultrasonic flow meter having opposing transducers comprises a circuit box (4), an outer pipe layer (1), an inner pipe layer (2), and a transducer assembly (3). The circuit box (4) is provided at the outer pipe layer (1). The inner pipe layer (2) is formed integrally by injection molding. Transducer installation bases (23) are formed at ends of the inner pipe layer (2). Transducer assemblies (3) are installed at the installation bases (23). The transducer assemblies (3) are arranged in pairs. The inner pipe layer (2) is installed inside the outer pipe layer (1). The transducer assemblies (3) are arranged opposite to each other to perform transmission and reception operations, thereby reducing energy loss. A standard pipe can be used as the outer pipe layer (1), thereby reducing costs. The inner pipe layer (2) can be assembled quickly and conveniently, provides accurate positioning, and has good sealing performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: QINGDAO HIWITS METER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xin Fang, Xinxing Li
  • Patent number: 10890470
    Abstract: An ultrasonic fluid meter for determining the flow rate and/or volume of a flowing medium includes a housing, an inlet, an outlet, a first ultrasound measurement path including at least one ultrasound transducer, and a second ultrasound measurement path including at least one ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound measurement paths extend at an angle to one another inside the housing and intersect. The first ultrasound measurement path and the second ultrasound measurement path extend at an angle to one another and intersect in a common region, as seen in a projection plane of a flow cross section. A method for determining the flow rate and/or volume of a flowing medium is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Diehl Metering GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Kroemer, Wilhelm Oefelein, Malte Baer
  • Patent number: 10866127
    Abstract: An ultrasonic meter configured to operate in multiple classes is provided including a flowtube having an inlet at a first end and an outlet at a second end, opposite the first end; and first and second face to face transducers, the first transducer being positioned at the first end of the flowtube and the second transducer being positioned at the second end of the flowtube, wherein the first and second face to face transducers are positioned in line with flow through the ultrasonic meter. Related flowtubes are also provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Sensus Spectrum, LLC
    Inventors: David Healy, Benjamin John Sokol, Hilary Jane Meanwell, Eric Frazee, Charlie Paterson
  • Patent number: 10852171
    Abstract: A method for determining measurement information includes conducting waves excited by first oscillation transducers to second oscillation transducers or back to the first transducers and recording to determine measurement data. The measurement information is determined using first and second data or first data determine an excitation parameter of a second wave. The first transducers excite the second wave with polarities reversed relative to a polarity for excitation of a first wave, or subgroups of the first transducers operate differently to excite the first and second waves, and/or first and second subgroups of the first or second transducers are used for recording. Only measurement signals of the first subgroup are used, or measurement signals of first and second subgroups are added to record the first data. Only measurement signals of the second subgroup are used, or measurement signals of subgroups are subtracted, or vice versa, to record second data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Diehl Metering GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Ploss, Michael Mayle
  • Patent number: 10852173
    Abstract: A flowmeter system that includes a flowmeter body defining a central bore. A plurality of flanges couple to the flowmeter body. The flowmeter body and the plurality of flanges form a one-piece structure without welded joints. A rotor within the central bore of the flowmeter body. A first vane within the central bore of the flowmeter body. The first vane couples to and supports the rotor within the flowmeter body. The flowmeter body, the flanges, the rotor, and the first vane comprise additive structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Sensia LLC
    Inventors: Emanuel J. Gottlieb, Gopalakrishna S. Magadi
  • Patent number: 10852169
    Abstract: A method to control an ultrasonic flowmeter, the ultrasonic flowmeter including a pipe segment; a first pair of transducers defining a first ultrasonic path; and a second pair of transducers defining a second ultrasonic path is provided. The method includes: a) transmitting a first code along the first ultrasonic path; b) simultaneously transmitting a second code along the second ultrasonic path, wherein the first and second code are non-correlated; c) receiving a first ultrasonic signal by the first pair of transducers; d) receiving a second ultrasonic signal by the second pair of transducers; e) correlating the transmitted first code with the first ultrasonic signal; and f) correlating the transmitted second code with the second ultrasonic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Transus Instruments Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Saul Abraham Jacobson
  • Patent number: 10837160
    Abstract: According to at least one aspect, a fluid flow monitoring system includes an ultrasonic sensor for generating measurement signals associated with respective ultrasonic signals propagating through the fluid in the lumen, a shut-off valve for blocking fluid flow in the lumen, and a controller. The controller can be communicatively coupled to the ultrasonic sensor and to the shut-off valve. The controller can be configured to compute a plurality of fluid flow parameter estimates based on a plurality of measurement signals generated by the ultrasonic sensor over a time window while the shut-off valve is open. The controller can obtain an offset value associated with fluid flow parameter measurements during a zero flow state of the shut-off valve. The controller can then check for presence of a fluid leak event based on the fluid flow parameter estimates over the time window and the offset value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Reliance Worldwide Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Hammond, Francis M. Mess, Samuel Elia, Jorge C. Almirall, Brian Gestner, Jeffrey L. Leaders, Mathew Shane Smith
  • Patent number: 10823597
    Abstract: An ultrasonic flow meter device includes a piping arrangement including a tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end and including a measurement section disposed intermediate the ends, the tubular body defining a fluid passage extending along the axis through the tubular body from one end to the other; and at least two ultrasonic transducers and at least two reflective elements disposed on opposing sides of the tubular body and spaced apart along the axis. The piping arrangement includes an outer pipe body made from a metallic material and an inner sleeve made from a polymeric material, the inner sleeve being disposed within the outer pipe body. The inner sleeve is over molded within the outer pipe body. The inner sleeve defines the measurement section and the fluid passage of the piping arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Arad Ltd.
    Inventors: Omri Bar-on, David Fogel
  • Patent number: 10801937
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining a fluid's kinematic viscosity from ultrasonic energy that has passed through the fluid of unknown viscosity along an acoustic path of known length. A computer of the apparatus determines a characteristic frequency of a received electrical signal associated with the ultrasonic energy and measures the fluid's velocity of sound. The kinematic viscosity of the fluid is determined by the computer on a continuous basis based on the characteristic frequency and the sound velocity. A method for determining a fluid's kinematic viscosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Sensia LLC
    Inventors: Herbert A. Estrada, Donald R. Augenstein, Bobbie W. Griffith, Calvin R. Hastings
  • Patent number: 10739174
    Abstract: A method is provided to measure a distribution of axial velocities and a flowrate in a pipe or a vessel. The method comprises selecting a single cross-section at a stable-flow segment in a pipe or a vessel, installing a plurality of acoustic wave sensors along a peripheral wall of the pipe or the vessel to form a plurality of effective sound wave paths; measuring sound wave travelling time on each sound wave path; substituting the measured sound wave travelling time into the model formula based on a sound path refraction principle for reconstruction calculation to obtain a distribution of axial velocity in the measured cross-section of the pipe or the vessel, u(x,y); and integrating the distribution of the axial velocity u(x,y) along the cross-section to obtain a flow rate. A system is also provided to measure an axial velocity distribution and a flow rate in a pipe or a vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Inventor: Yanqin Li
  • Patent number: 10739237
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing a biological sample for optical analysis having a cartridge with a sample supply container and a couvette, a cartridge/magazine holding the cartridge, and a cassette fan positioned over the cartridge. A filter cassette is mounted within the cassette fan, wherein the filter cassette has an inlet for receiving a sample from the sample supply container, an outlet for discharging the filter sample into the couvette, and valves therein to manipulate the sample for filtering. A cassette clamp is positioned over the filter cassette to secure the cassette and operate the filter cassette. A method for implementing this apparatus is also described herein. Additionally an apparatus is used for and a method measures waste fluid that passes over a filter element to control the amount of rinse fluid passing over the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: POCARED Diagnostics LTD.
    Inventor: Gal Ingber
  • Patent number: 10704940
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for mounting an ultrasonic transducer, suitable for mounting the transducer such that it extends through a wall of a flow meter having a channel in which a fluid flows; the device includes a body in communication with an inner surface of the channel in accordance with a closed contour line that forms an interface between the inner surface of the channel and a surface of the device body, referred to as active surface, which follows the shape of the inner surface of the channel. The active surface extends continuously, and without openings, in the area delimited by the contour line. Also disclosed is a flow meter using a mounting device of this kind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: INTEGRA METERING SAS
    Inventors: Alain Ramond, Mathieu Poque
  • Patent number: 10697875
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring one or more viscoelastic properties of a material under measurement is disclosed. The system includes an emitter-observer transducer pair separated by the material. A signal processing assembly is operable to (i) apply a plurality of excitation signals to the emitter transducer, wherein each of the excitation signals comprises a continuous-wave sinusoidal waveform, (ii) record a plurality of output signals at the observer transducer, wherein each of the output signals corresponds to one of the excitation signals, (iii) analyze the output signals to measure the sound speed of the material, and (iv) determine the viscoelastic properties of the material under measurement by optimizing the parameters of an infinite echo model. The system provides a non-destructive approach for in-situ measurement of viscoelastic material properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: THE CURATORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MlSSOURI
    Inventors: Jinglu Tan, Nilesh Salvi
  • Patent number: 10641629
    Abstract: To provide a clamp-on type ultrasonic flow sensor capable of highly accurately measuring a flow rate. First and second head cables CA1 and CA2 are connected between a head section 10 and an intermediate section 20. A relay cable CA3 is connected between the intermediate section 20 and a main body section 30. Ultrasonic elements are housed in casings 11c and 12c of the head section 10. A driving circuit for driving the ultrasonic elements and a signal processing section configured to perform signal processing on ultrasonic signals output from the ultrasonic elements are housed in a casing 20c of the intermediate section 20. In the intermediate section 20, a switching circuit configured to switch a connection state of the two ultrasonic elements of the head section 10 and the signal processing section is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Keyence Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Tsukigi, Jiro Baba
  • Patent number: 10634649
    Abstract: A clamping apparatus for coupling an ultrasonic transducer to a conduit is disclosed. The clamping apparatus comprises a base portion fastened to the conduit and including a bracket for receiving an adapter. The adapter is attached to a housing and allows the housing to be rotated when the adapter is positioned in an upper portion of the bracket, and prevents the housing from being rotated when the adapter is positioned in a lower portion of the bracket. The housing is configured to enclose the ultrasonic transducer except for a housing opening along the bottom of the housing. The ultrasonic transducer extends through the housing opening and is spring biased against the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Kai Fan
  • Patent number: 10615626
    Abstract: A wireless power transfer system may wirelessly transmit and receive power. A transmitting coil may wirelessly transmit the power. A receiving coil may be magnetically but wirelessly coupled to the transmitting coil and may wirelessly receive the power and generate an AC input voltage. A rectifier may rectify the AC input voltage. A capacitance may filter the rectified AC input voltage. An electronic switch may be connected in series between the rectified AC input voltage and an output. A load may be connected to the output. A controller may open and close the electronic switch so as to cause the output to be at a constant DC voltage, notwithstanding variations in the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Linear Technology Holding LLC
    Inventors: Mark R. Vitunic, Eko T. Lisuwandi
  • Patent number: 10584991
    Abstract: An apparatus for ultrasonically measuring the flow rate of a fluid in a measuring channel including fluid supply passages at its ends, this measuring channel forming a waveguide made into a solid body, comprising at each end a transducer capable of emitting or receiving ultrasounds circulating in the axis of the channel, where each transducer includes a shell transmitting the ultrasounds, comprising a waveguide facing the measuring channel, and outside this waveguide shapes orientating the ultrasounds in directions different from that of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignees: EFS SA, ECOLE CENTRALE DE LYON, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE, UNIVERSITE CLAUDE BERNARD LYON 1, INSTITUT NATIONAL DES SCIENCES APPLIQUEES DE LYON
    Inventors: Julian Robin, Pascal Gucher, Alexandre Huchon, Sébastien Ollivier, Philippe Blanc-Benon
  • Patent number: 10571315
    Abstract: An embodiment provides a method for measuring velocity and depth of fluid flow in a channel, including: transmitting, using a transmitter, directed energy comprising a single energy beam slant-wise toward a surface of a fluid in a fluid channel producing a plurality of reflections, wherein the transmitting comprises modulating a frequency associated with the single energy beam; detecting, at a receiver, received signals from the plurality of reflections; and determining, based upon differences between parameters of the transmitted single energy beam and parameters of the received signals, the velocity of the fluid and the depth of the fluid. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: HACH COMPANY
    Inventor: David L. Rick
  • Patent number: 10557733
    Abstract: A multi-channel ultrasonic flowmeter includes transducer assemblies (21, 22,23, 24) and a pipe housing (10). Four transducer assembly installation holes (9) arranged at two ends of the pipe housing (10) close to flanges (4). The transducer assemblies (21, 22, 23, 24) are provided in the installation holes (9). The transducer assemblies (21, 22, 23, 24) includes transducers (7) and stationary posts (1). An upper portion of the stationary post (1) has a first cylindrical body (109). A lower portion of the stationary post (1) has a flat key-shaped protrusion (105) extending in an axial direction. The flat key-shaped position-limiting protrusion (105) limits rotation of the stationary post (1) around an axial thereof, and ensures accurate positioning of the axis of the stationary post (1). The transducer (7) and the stationary post (1) are respectively sealed to prevent leakage of a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: QINGDAO HIWITS METER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xin Fang, Xinxing Li
  • Patent number: 10557732
    Abstract: A flowmeter body assembly includes a flowmeter body defining a central bore and a plurality of angled connectors extending from a sidewall of the flowmeter body. The flowmeter body and the plurality of angled connectors form a one-piece structure that is devoid of welded joints, and each of the plurality of angled connectors is configured to support a respective sensor to enable measurement of a flow rate of a fluid across at least one chordal plane of the flowmeter body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Emanuel John Gottlieb, Gopalakrishna Srinivasamurthy Magadi
  • Patent number: 10514286
    Abstract: A gas flowmeter includes: device body (1) which accommodates a fluid to be measured; inlet pipe (4) through which the fluid to be measured flows into device body (1); and outlet pipe (5) through which the fluid to be measured flows out from device body (1) through connecting pipe (7). The gas flow meter also includes: ultrasonic flow rate measuring unit (9) which has a first end side connected to outlet pipe (5) and performs flow rate measurement of the fluid to be measured which flows in ultrasonic flow rate measuring unit (9); and connecting pipe (7) which is disposed between ultrasonic flow rate measuring unit (9) and outlet pipe (5), and is connected to outlet pipe (5). The gas flow meter further includes support member (10) which supports a second end side of ultrasonic flow rate measuring unit (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideaki Morihana, Masato Satou, Hidetomo Nagahara, Masanobu Teraji, Naoto Naganuma
  • Patent number: 10444051
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor assembly is provided having sensor body having opposing open ends for enabling fluid flow therethrough. The body defines an interior measurement section therein. The body defines a plurality of spiral flow paths disposed about a longitudinal axis of the measurement section. The sensor assembly includes a pair of ultrasonic transceivers mounted to the tubular body in spaced longitudinal relationship across the measurement section. An electronics housing mounted to the body in a separable manner, when mounted, the electronics housing is in operable communication with the pair of ultrasonic transceivers to measure fluid parameters within the measurement section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Signet, LLC
    Inventors: Gert Burkhardt, Jorge Samayoa
  • Patent number: 10422675
    Abstract: A flow monitoring system for monitoring fluid flow. The flow monitoring system including a conduit, a first transducer, a second transducer, and a flow diverter. The conduit has an inner surface that defines a flow channel extending through the conduit. The conduit defines a bore extending from the inner surface to an outer surface. The first transducer is positioned within the bore of the conduit, such that at least a portion of the first transducer extends into the flow channel. The second transducer is positioned such that the second transducer can send and receive signals propagating through at least a portion of the flow channel to and from the first transducer. The flow diverter is positioned within the flow channel of the conduit adjacent to the first transducer and the second transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: APS Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Bryant
  • Patent number: 10416012
    Abstract: A method for estimating and correcting or at least reducing phase errors in received ultrasonic signals in an ultrasonic flow meter is disclosed, the method including the steps of: measuring one or more signals in the ultrasonic flow meter, which one or more signals depend on characteristics of one or more ultrasonic transducers in the ultrasonic flow meter, using the one or more measured signals for calculating an estimated phase error value, and using the estimated phase error value for correcting transmission times measured by the ultrasonic flow meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Apator Miitors ApS
    Inventor: Jens Drachmann