Using Differential Pressure Patents (Class 73/861.42)
  • Patent number: 11965763
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for measuring fluid flow across a pump used in a system for precisely and accurately metering fluid. The systems, devices, and methods can use contactless approaches to measure the properties of the fluid being pumped. The measured properties can be used to precisely and accurately determine the flow rate through the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Mozarc Medical US LLC
    Inventors: Krishnaraja Nellikunje, Hemanth Kumar Jain, Thisanth Gunasekaran
  • Patent number: 11899476
    Abstract: A gas flow measuring method is provided. A first pressure of a gas in a first and a second flow path is measured. A gas is supplied to the first and the second flow paths by repeating gas supply and stop of the gas supply, and a gas supply time is measured. A second pressure and a temperature of the gas in the first and the second flow path is measured, a third pressure of the gas in the second flow path is measured after the gas is exhausted from the second flow path, and a fourth pressure of the gas in the first and the second flow path is measured. The gas flow supplied to the first and the second flow path is calculated based on the first to fourth pressures and the temperature, and corrected based on a theoretical gas supply time and a calculated average time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Risako Matsuda, Shinichiro Hayasaka, Manabu Oie, Keita Shouji
  • Patent number: 11860010
    Abstract: A differential pressure metering apparatus includes a manifold for fluidically coupling impulse lines. The manifold also includes a rigid body having a base, and an arm extending from the base, with a high and low pressure channel extending through the body from a high pressure inlet to opposing first and second high pressure outlet ports, and from a low pressure inlet to opposing first and second low pressure outlet ports respectively. The manifold is configured to be mounted to a flow restrictor pipe section in a wet-line configuration, in which the first high and low pressure outlet ports define impulse line extension directions having a downward component, and the second high and low pressure outlet ports define impulse line extension directions having an upward component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Spirax-Sarco Limited
    Inventors: Adam Hughes, Martin Folkesson
  • Patent number: 11772958
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a mass flow control apparatus, systems incorporating the same, and methods using the same. In one embodiment, a mass flow control apparatus comprises a flow modulating valve configured to modulate gas flow in a gas flow channel, a sensor device, such as a micro-electromechanical (MEMS) device, configured to generate a signal responsive to a condition of the gas flow, and a processing device operatively coupled to the flow modulating valve and the sensor device to control the flow modulating valve based on a signal received from the sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Nir Merry, Paul Wirth, Ming Xu, Sushant Koshti, Raechel Chu-Hui Tan
  • Patent number: 11739771
    Abstract: A failure detection apparatus for a hydraulic system, to a hydraulic, failure detection-capable system, and to a method of operating a failure detection apparatus. The failure detection apparatus comprises a monitoring and failure detection unit that receives first and second pressure values from first and second pressure sensors and comprises a failure detection unit that detects a failure of at least one hydraulically operated device when a 2-tuple of a plurality of 2-tuples is within a first and outside a second predetermined tolerance range of relative pressure values, and wherein the failure detection unit 260 detects a failure of the pump when a 2-tuple of the plurality of 2-tuples is outside the first predetermined tolerance range of relative pressure values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignees: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH, AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventors: Gregor Paulmann, Genevieve Mkadara
  • Patent number: 11709082
    Abstract: A fluid measurement device includes sensor elements that are arranged around a pipe in which a fluid containing a scatterer flows and include each of a light source, a light receiver, and a partition structure for shading between the light source and the light receiver, a signal processor that processes the signals obtained from the light that has been received and photoelectrically converted by the light receivers, and a calculator that calculates at least one of a flow velocity and a flow rate using the signals processed by the signal process unit. The light source and the light receiver in each of the sensor elements are arranged in proximity along the pipe axis direction of the pipe so as to have a reverse positional relationship to the light source and the light receiver in the adjacent sensor elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventor: Akio Tokura
  • Patent number: 11650089
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a parameter of a fluid flow passing within a pipe is provided. The apparatus includes a sensing device and a processing unit. The sensing device has a sensor array that includes at least one first macro fiber composite (MFC) strain sensor disposed at a first axial position, and at least one second MFC strain sensor disposed at a second axial position. The first axial position and the second axial position are spaced apart from one another. The at least one first MFC strain sensor and the at least one second MFC strain sensor are both configured to produce signals representative of pressure variations of the fluid flow passing within the pipe. The processing unit is configured to receive the signals from the sensor array and measure one or more fluid flow parameters based on the signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Expro Meters, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl J. Gandarillas, Mark E. Sasso, Changjiu Dang, Daniel L. Gysling
  • Patent number: 11604085
    Abstract: An airflow measurement device that is configured to measure airflow in an air handling system. The airflow measurement device can include a flow conditioning plate formed with a plurality of plate apertures or holes. A flow sensor is associated with each aperture. The flow sensors can be any type(s) of flow sensors that are suitable for sensing or characterizing one or more aspects of air flowing into and through the apertures, such as pitot sensors, vane anemometers, hot wire anemometers, or the like. The flow sensors can be used to quantify the volumetric airflow rate of the airflow, the speed of the airflow, or any other variable of the airflow from which one can formulate a judgment about the operating efficiency of the air handling equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: The Energy Conservatory, Inc.
    Inventors: Kris H. Koenig, Steven B. Rogers
  • Patent number: 11473275
    Abstract: A pipeline pressure test that accounts for measurement uncertainties includes a method for performing a pressure test of a pipe section of a pipeline including receiving a desired pressure to be applied to the pipe section and a duration of time the desired pressure is to be applied to the pipe section, receiving a pressure measurement of a fluid, a temperature measurement of the fluid, a volume measurement of the fluid, and a pipe section strain measurement, determining a change in fluid pressure and a volume change, determining a pressure change uncertainty and a volume change uncertainty, checking that the pressure change uncertainty is within a pressure uncertainty threshold and that the volume change uncertainty is within a volume uncertainty threshold, determining whether the desired pressure has been applied to the inner surface of the pipe section for the duration of time; and outputting a result of the testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Husain M. Al-Muslim, Mansour M. Al-Saleh, Hani A. Al-Subaikhy
  • Patent number: 11353354
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for automatically measuring a discharge in real time based on a CCTV image. The system includes: a water depth measurement device filtering water depth data measured by a measurement means with a local linear regression-based bivariate scatterplot smoothing technique through flexible bandwidth application to calculate the water depth of a stream; an image acquisition device acquiring a continuous image of a flow speed measurement side of the stream; an image analysis PC using an image of the image acquisition device to measure the surface flow speed in real time and receiving a measured water depth from the water depth measurement device to measure the discharge in real time with cross-section data; and a discharge calculation and management server for transmitting and displaying a real-time discharge measurement result based on a web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignees: HYDROSEM, REPUBLIC OF KOREA (NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE)
    Inventors: Seo Jun Kim, Byung Man Yoon, Ho Jun You, Dong Su Kim, Tae Sung Cheong, Jae Seung Joo, Hyeon Seok Choi
  • Patent number: 11262225
    Abstract: A flow sensor for a multi-phase medium flowmeter has a sensor carrier, and the sensor carrier has at least one first sensor array. The at least one first sensor array has a first permittivity sensor for determining a first permittivity of a multi-phase medium, a second permittivity sensor for determining a second permittivity of the medium, a density sensor for determining a density of the medium, and a first sensor axis. The first permittivity sensor, the second permittivity sensor, and the density sensor are arranged on the sensor carrier along the first sensor axis, and the first permittivity sensor and the second permittivity sensor are spaced apart with a permittivity sensor distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: KROHNE AG
    Inventors: Yves Louis Janssens, Cornelis Johannes Hogendoorn
  • Patent number: 11257188
    Abstract: Provided is a technique capable of simultaneously satisfying two requests of removing a speckle and clarifying a tissue structure. A noise in an ultrasonic image is removed, and a morphology processing is performed on a noise-removed image. The morphology processing includes a first calculation of performing dilation and erosion and a second calculation of performing opening and closing, and determines a value of a structural element used in the second calculation of the morphology by using a result of the first calculation performed on the noise-removed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIFILM HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Aya Kishimoto, Nobuhiko Fujii
  • Patent number: 11193852
    Abstract: A system configured to detect failure of a hose includes a sensor assembly having a body with a first arm and a second arm pivotally coupled to one another at respective first ends, and the body is configured to move between a closed position and an open position. The sensor assembly also includes a first electrical contact positioned at a respective second end of the first arm and a second electrical contact position at a respective second end of the second arm. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are configured to contact one another to form a complete electrical circuit when the body is in the closed position and are configured to be separated from one another to form an open electrical circuit when the body is in the open position to facilitate detection of the failure of the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Eric David Schroeder, Ashley Raine Philbrick, Manfred Amann, Donna Moncrief Brown
  • Patent number: 11035874
    Abstract: An airflow measurement device for use in measurement of dynamic pressure of an airflow comprises a channel having an inlet region for receiving the airflow, the inlet region being shaped to direct received airflow in a longitudinal direction with respect to the channel. The airflow measurement device further comprises one or more pressure measurement orifices positioned for measurement of pressure of at least part of the airflow after the airflow has been directed, by the inlet region of the channel, in a longitudinal direction with respect to the channel; and a plurality of further pressure measurement orifices located on an internal surface of the inlet region of the channel, wherein the plurality of further pressure measurement orifices are positioned for measurement of a direction of the received airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventors: Barnaby Garrood, John Buckley
  • Patent number: 11022518
    Abstract: A wall surface pressure measurement structure measures a wall surface pressure in a duct. Measurement holes are formed in different positions in a circumferential direction on an inspection surface of a wall surface of the duct. The inspection surface is orthogonal to an extending direction of the duct. A pressure chamber communicating with the measurement holes is provided on an outer peripheral side of the duct. The pressure chamber is coupled to a pressure gauge via a pressure pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignees: SUBARU CORPORATION, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
    Inventors: Toshiteru Mitomo, Ryota Takaya, Yoshikazu Makino
  • Patent number: 10982850
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow measurement system for controlling a gas fireplace (1) comprising a flow passage (11) in fluid communication with the gas fireplace by use of a differential pressure pressostat (13). A first gauge connector (14) is in the flow passage and connected to a first pressure sensor in the differential pressure pressostat for measuring a total pressure in a fluid flowing in the flow passage. A second gauge connector (15) is arranged near the first gauge connector and connected to a second pressure sensor in the differential pressure pressostat for measuring a static pressure in the fluid flowing in the flow passage. Based on these measures a dynamic pressure, and there from the flow velocity, in the fluid flowing in the flow passage is determined and used to switch off the gas fireplace, when the flow becomes below a set threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: exodraft a/s
    Inventors: Klaus Damm Kristiansen, Jan Schmidt-Mogensen
  • Patent number: 10837851
    Abstract: A measurement device for ascertaining a pressure in a measurement volume which receives a fluid or through which fluid flows. The measurement volume is bounded at least sectionally by a side wall and a vibration transducer is arranged on the side wall. The vibration transducer is actuable by a control device of the measurement device to excite a wave that is guided through the side wall. The guided wave is able to be guided through the side wall along a propagation path back to the vibration transducer or to at least one further vibration transducer and it is captured there by the control device in order to ascertain measurement data. The pressure in the measurement volume is then ascertained by the control device in dependence on the measurement data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Diehl Metering GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Ploss, Michael Mayle, Andreas Benkert, Michael Ponschab
  • Patent number: 10739177
    Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for monitoring a multiphase flow in a pipe, the apparatus comprising: a first monitoring module coupled to the pipe and adapted to provide first output data representing a respective concentration of one phase of a plurality of phases, or a mixture of at least two of the phases, in the multiphase flow by processing at least one first variable representing electrical permittivity of one phase or a mixture of at least two of the phases of the multiphase flow; a second monitoring module coupled to the pipe and adapted to provide second output data representing a respective concentration of one phase, or a mixture of at least two of the phases, of the plurality of phases in the multiphase flow by processing at least one second variable representing electrical conductivity of one phase or a mixture of at least two of the phases of the multiphase flow; and a third monitoring module coupled to the pipe and adapted to provide third output data representing a respective velocity of at least one
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: iPhase Limited
    Inventors: Dominic Patrick McCann, Kevin John Forbes, Andrew Hunt
  • Patent number: 10571317
    Abstract: A flow measurement arrangement and measuring transmitter for process instrumentation that includes the flow measurement arrangement, wherein the flow measurement arrangement operating in accordance with the differential-pressure method includes a tube and an elastically deformable measuring diaphragm (orifice plate) arranged in the cross section of the tube and a strain sensor that detects the deformation and converts it into an electric signal, where the measuring diaphragm (orifice plate) and the tube are formed in one piece from uniform material, and where both side of the measuring diaphragm (orifice plate) each pass into the tube via a fillet groove and the at least one strain sensor is arranged on the circumferential side of the tube opposite the fillet groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gilbert Alexander Erdler, Stefan Von Dosky, Wolfgang Ens
  • Patent number: 10472554
    Abstract: A cement for use in wells in which hydrogen sulfide is present, comprises polymer particles. In the event of cement-matrix failure, or bonding failure between the cement/casing interface or the cement/borehole-wall interface, the polymer particles swell when contacted by hydrogen sulfide. The swelling seals voids in the cement matrix, or along the bonding interfaces, thereby restoring zonal isolation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Helene Bulte-Loyer, Loic Regnault de la Mothe
  • Patent number: 10208773
    Abstract: A system may comprise a first sensor; a second sensor; and an electronic control module. The electronic control module may be configured to determine a flow of the fluid based on information regarding the pressure from the first sensor and information regarding the temperature from the second sensor; determine a portion of the flow of the fluid that is directed to a particle counter of the machine; receive, from the particle counter, information identifying a quantity of particles in the portion of the flow of the fluid; determine a quality of the fluid based on the quantity of particles; determine whether the flow of the fluid exceeds a flow threshold or whether the quality of the fluid is less than a quality threshold; and take a remedial action when the flow of the fluid exceeds the flow threshold or the quality of the fluid is less than the quality threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Carpenter, Solimar Reyes-Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 9719828
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for estimating the individual water consumption of a plurality of devices supplied by the secondary fluid distribution network of a user. The system comprises a sleeve able to be fitted around the supply pipe of the secondary network and comprises an electromechanical sensor placed against the outside wall of the supply pipe, and a processor for analyzing the signals delivered by the electromechanical sensor with a view to extracting information characterizing the individual consumption of the devices supplied by the secondary network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Oxena Conseil
    Inventor: Jacques Le Floch
  • Patent number: 9658124
    Abstract: A method for determining a flow condition includes disposing a plurality of sensors on a surface and receiving a first sensor signal and a second sensor signal from the plurality of sensors. The method further includes determining at least one correlation parameter based on the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal. The method also includes receiving a plurality of stored parameters from a database, wherein each of the plurality of stored parameters is representative of a corresponding flow condition. The method also includes comparing the at least one correlation parameter with the plurality of stored parameters and selecting at least one matching stored parameter and determining a matching flow condition based on the at least one matching stored parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lorenz Edwin Drack, Benoit Philippe Petitjean, Pratish Patil
  • Patent number: 9489484
    Abstract: A system for determining a quantity of transported fluid, includes a measured parameter receiver (1) for obtaining a plurality of measured parameters relating to the fluid within the conduit at different measurement times during at least a predetermined time interval. A measured parameter combiner (2) for combining the measured parameters relating to the predetermined time interval, to obtain a first quantity indicative of an amount of fluid that has been transported through the conduit during the predetermined time interval. The system further includes a time interval divider (3) for dividing the predetermined time interval into a plurality of subintervals, and a parameter corrector (5) for determining a corrected value for at least one of the averaged parameters. A quantity corrector (6) for determining a corrected value for the quantity based on the corrected value for the at least one of the averaged parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: SPIRITIT B.V.
    Inventor: Han H. van Dal
  • Patent number: 9435681
    Abstract: A method and system for in situ calibrating a flow metering system to monitor fluid flow in a pipe from a well is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) measuring a first characteristic of the fluid flow exiting the well using a DP flow meter during a dry gas period, and producing an first output data representative of the first characteristic; b) measuring a second characteristic of the fluid flow exiting the well using a SONAR flow meter time during the dry gas period, and producing a second output data representative of the second characteristic; c) determining a dry gas offset between the DP flow meter and the SONAR flow meter based on the first output data and the second output data; and d) calibrating the flow metering system using the dry gas offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Expro Meters, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel L. Gysling
  • Patent number: 9267861
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for monitoring the confinement of an enclosure including walls delimiting an interior volume and an external environment, according to which a differential pressure (?P) is maintained between the interior volume and the external environment. According to the invention, the enclosure includes a port in one of the walls thereof establishing a fluid communication between the interior volume and the external environment, the port is traversed by a gas stream having a speed (V) at least equal to a reference speed Vréf, under the effect of the differential pressure (?P). Method according to which the following steps are performed, measuring the speed (V) of the gas stream at predetermined time intervals or continuously, and comparing the speed (V) measurement with reference speed Vréférence, and when the speed (V) measurement is less than reference speed Vréférence, transmitting at least one alarm signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventor: Dominique Bois
  • Patent number: 9151648
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a process variable of a process fluid based upon a process variable sensor measurement, includes an elongate spool that provides a spool conduit therethrough adapted to be coupled in line with process piping to receive a flow of process fluid. A meter body is carried in the elongate spool and receives the spool conduit therethrough. The meter body has a primary element opening which extends from the spool conduit to outside of the meter body. A carrier is configured to removably mount to the meter body and includes a primary element in the spool conduit through the primary element opening. A process variable transmitter is coupled to the primary element and is configured to measure the process variable of process fluid. The meter body is preferably configured to receive different types of primary elements carried on the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Dieterich Standard, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Robert Strom, Paul Timothy Deegan
  • Patent number: 9135691
    Abstract: A quantitative metallographic method to measure pore sizes and pore distributions in cast aluminum components. An image of a location of interest in a cast component sample is first obtained using an image analyzer. Spacing criteria, such as a measure of the secondary dendrite arm spacing, may be used with the received image to provide evidence of pore clustering. This allows the system to performing calculations to determine if multiple pores can be clustered or grouped together as a single pore in three-dimensional space. From this, the total area of the pores in each of these groups or clusters is calculated and used as a representation of the pore area for that cluster. In general, pore size and pore distribution measurements in cast components achieved by the present invention show accurate predictions of pore size and spacing, and in particular evidence a reduced tendency to under-predict the size and distribution of actual pores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James W. Knight, Qigui Wang
  • Patent number: 9091575
    Abstract: An ultrasonic flow-meter of the present invention includes a partition plate which partitions a passage of a target fluid into a measurement passage and a non-measurement passage, a pair of ultrasonic transducers which is disposed in the measurement passage, a measuring unit which measures a propagation time of an ultrasonic wave between the pair of ultrasonic transducers, and a calculating unit which calculates a flow rate of the target fluid. Further, the calculating unit has a computing unit which computes at least one of a flow velocity and a flow rate of the target fluid in the measurement passage based on the propagation time and an estimating unit which estimates the flow rate of the target fluid in the passage based on the flow velocity or the flow rate in the measurement passage. As a result, an ultrasonic flow-meter which highly accurately measures a target fluid by using a simple configuration can be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akihisa Adachi, Masato Satou, Aoi Watanabe, Hajime Miyata
  • Publication number: 20150143920
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for assessing the condition of a fluid conduit. The method comprises providing a measurement apparatus comprising a measurement region in fluid communication with the fluid conduit. The measurement apparatus is operable to measure at least one of pressure and flowrate in the measurement region. A pressure surge is effected or generated to propagate in the fluid conduit, and at least one of a pressure response or a flowrate response from the fluid conduit is measured. From a pressure data set and a flowrate data set, a data set representative of the cross sectional area along the fluid conduit is determined. This enables average or over all area profiles along long fluid pipelines to be deduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Hugh Mackenzie
  • Publication number: 20150135853
    Abstract: A pressure sensing element includes a sensing sub-element disposed on a diaphragm, the element including a shield disposed over the sub-element and configured to substantially eliminate influence of external charge on the sub-element during operation. A method of fabrication and a pressure sensor making use of the pressure sensing element are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Mark P. McNeal, Douglas B. Strott, Stephen P. Greene
  • Publication number: 20150122052
    Abstract: A novel enhanced flow metering device is adapted for disposing into a flow material reservoir a known volume of flow material whereby software used in conjunction with a pressure sensor may be calibrated. Additionally, by measuring the known amount of flow material returning to the flow material reservoir, checks are quickly made to ensure the pressure sensor is behaving as expected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: MICHAEL J. ROSINKO, PAUL M. DIPERNA
  • Patent number: 9010196
    Abstract: A system for measuring flow rate with at least a first and a second flow meter provides a flow-rate measurement system which easily allows self-monitoring. This result is achieved by the system in that the first flow meter and the second flow meter differ from one another and/or have different orientations for the flow rate measurement, and each have an evaluation unit which produces data from the flow rate measurement. Furthermore, there is a monitoring device which is connected to the evaluation units such that the monitoring device acquires data produced by the evaluation units, and which is made such that it produces at least one comparison result from a comparison of the data produced by the evaluation units and signals at least the occurrence of a fault state which is associated with at least one comparison result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Krohne AG
    Inventors: Martin Kurth, Jan Drenthen, Marcel Verneulen
  • Publication number: 20150096386
    Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring apparatus (10) for determining the volume flow of glue in a gluing device (100) for an apparatus, particularly a bottoming device or a tubing machine, for manufacturing bags or semifinished bag products, comprising a pressure accumulator (20) having a gas volume (22) and a glue volume (24) that is separated from the gas volume (22) by a pressure equalization element (26), particularly a flexible membrane, wherein the glue volume (24) as a glue port (28) for connection to a glue line (110) of the gluing device (100), and the pressure accumulator (20) comprises a pressure sensor (30) for determining the internal pressure inside the pressure accumulator (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Windmöller & Hölscher KG
    Inventors: Andreas Lamkemeyer, Achim Seeberger
  • Publication number: 20150082914
    Abstract: A filter simulation system that includes a simulation filter (11) with a sensor (13) such that the volume of air passing through the filter can be determined. There is also a control means (16) with stored data relating to level of protection the simulation filter provides against a simulated toxic substance. In this way the filter simulation system can determine whether a correct simulation filter has been selected by a user and whether or not that filter has expired, in which case a dead or incapacitated result can be indicated. In the event of expiry a simulation end of life service indicator (ELSI 22) may be activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Argon Electronics (UK) Ltd.
    Inventor: Steven Pike
  • Patent number: 8943900
    Abstract: A system and method for determining pressure differences of a fluid flowing through a differential pressure conduit positioned in a wellbore. The system comprises a first pressure measurement circuit positioned at a first pressure measuring station and including a first pressure sensor to generate a first pressure measurement signal indicative of the pressure measured by the first pressure sensor at a first signal point, and a second pressure measurement circuit positioned at a second pressure measuring station and including a second pressure sensor to generate a second pressure measurement signal indicative of the pressure measured by the second pressure sensor at a second signal point. The calculation of the pressure differential between the first and second pressure measuring stations is based on the first and second pressure measurement signals taken or read from the first and second signal points, wherein the first and third second points are symmetrical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Fadhel Rezgui, Alain Buisson, Eric Paul Donzier
  • Patent number: 8939036
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring the airflow in an air handling unit, includes placing two sensor tubes having apertures along the thereof at specific locations within the air handling unit that, when attached to a manometer, measuring the differential pressure loss across the two locations and, by means of a special readout scale, providing the airflow through the air handling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Roy Kelley
  • Publication number: 20150013473
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for monitoring the confinement of an enclosure including walls delimiting an interior volume and an external environment, according to which a differential pressure (?P) is maintained between the interior volume and the external environment. According to the invention, the enclosure includes a port in one of the walls thereof establishing a fluid communication between the interior volume and the external environment, the port is traversed by a gas stream having a speed (V) at least equal to a reference speed Vréf, under the effect of the differential pressure (?P). Method according to which the following steps are performed, measuring the speed (V) of the gas stream at predetermined time intervals or continuously, and comparing the speed (V) measurement with reference speed Vréférence, and when the speed (V) measurement is less than reference speed Vréférence, transmitting at least one alarm signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Bois Dominique
  • Publication number: 20140373596
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods adapted to calibrate a liquid transfer system. The methods include providing a probe having a fluidly-coupled pressure sensor, the pressure sensor adapted to sense an aspiration pressure associated with the probe, performing one or more air aspirations and taking one or more pressure readings with the pressure sensor, and using one or more of the pressure readings to calibrate the pressure sensor. A novel liquid transfer system is also disclosed, as are other aspects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS INC.
    Inventors: Jianfang Wang, Mark H. Sprenkle, Jingjing Zhang, John M. Shrewsbury
  • Patent number: 8910529
    Abstract: A gas flow-rate verification system includes: process gas lines each being arranged to supply gas from a process gas supply source to a process chamber through a first line cutoff valve, a second line a cutoff valve, and flow control device; and a shared gas line connected in a branch form to the process gas lines to discharge gas from a shared gas supply source through the second line cutoff valve and the flow control device. The shared gas line includes a shared cutoff valve, a measuring tank, a first pressure sensor, and a pressure regulating valve. When the first line cutoff valve and the shared cutoff valve are closed, the first pressure sensor measures a pressure drop of gas in the tank to verify a flow rate of the flow control device. The pressure regulating valve feedback-controls secondary side pressure of the pressure regulating valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: CKD Corporation
    Inventor: Akiko Nakada
  • Patent number: 8888711
    Abstract: A bi-directional flow sensor is adapted for reducing pneumatic noise during pressure sensing with a flow passing through the flow sensor. The flow sensor comprises a hollow, tubular member having a throat section disposed between a ventilator end and a patient end. A flow restrictor is disposed in the throat section and is adapted to measure differential pressure in the flow. A baffle is mounted at the ventilator end and is adapted to minimize non-axial flow at pressure taps located on opposing ends of the flow restrictor. The patient end includes a flow obstruction configured to promote uniform velocity across the flow at the pressure taps during exhalation flow from the patient end to the ventilator end. The flow sensor minimizes pneumatic noise to less than 0.1 LPM to allow accurate patient flow measurement and triggering of inhalation and exhalation phases at flow rates of 0.2 LPM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Carefusion 203, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd W. Allum, Malcolm R. Williams, Joseph Cipollone
  • Publication number: 20140331786
    Abstract: A differential pressure flow sensor that includes a plurality of channels divided into multiple sets of channels having different characteristics. Primary channels establish fluid communication between an inlet and an outlet of the flow sensor. Secondary channels establish fluid communication between the inlet and a first pressure port, but not the outlet. Tertiary channels establish fluid communication between the outlet and a second pressure port, but not the inlet. Signals generated at the first and second pressure port are used to determine a rate of flow through of gas through the sensor. Due to the structural features of the device, the phase delay of individual oscillatory flow components compared to corresponding oscillatory pressure components remains substantially constant across a wide range of flow rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Robert Romano
  • Patent number: 8878313
    Abstract: A pressure sensor has a sensor body at least partly formed with an electrically insulating material, particularly a ceramic material, defining a cavity facing on which is a diaphragm provided with an electric detector element, configured for detecting a bending of the diaphragm. The sensor body supports a circuit arrangement, including, a plurality of circuit components, among which is an integrated circuit, for treating a signal generated by the detection element. The circuit arrangement includes tracks made of electrically conductive material directly deposited on a surface of the sensor body made of electrically insulating material. The integrated circuit is made up of a die made of semiconductor material directly bonded onto the surface of the sensor body and the die is connected to respective tracks by means of wire bonding, i.e. by means of thin connecting wires made of electrically conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Metallux SA
    Inventor: Luca Salmaso
  • Patent number: 8844372
    Abstract: A vortex flow meter that senses the alternating pressure variations generated by a fixed vortex shedding generator. The alternating pressure variations of the vortices within the rows on each side of the vortex shedding generator act upon flexible elements producing forces on long columns that are transmitted to remotely located piezoelectric force sensors. The alternating forces upon the two columns are used to determine the passage of a vortex and thereby the flow. Improved output signal by minimizing loss of parasitic energy. 97% of the available signal is applied to the piezoelectric force sensors as compared to conventional 60%. Process influences such as vibration in all planes and pumping pulsations are equal and opposing and are rejected by the sensor. A capability of operating at extreme process temperatures is assured for the high temperature of the process is dissipated to the environment along the long columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: AVGI Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: George E. Sgourakes
  • Publication number: 20140283719
    Abstract: An agricultural implement system is provided including a fluid conduit configured to provide product to a ground engaging tool. The ground engaging tool is configured to deposit the product into soil. The agricultural implement system also includes an air source fluidly coupled to the fluid conduit, and configured to provide an air flow through the fluid conduit in a downstream direction toward the ground engaging tool. The agricultural implement system further includes a product delivery system fluidly coupled to the fluid conduit, and configured to transfer the product into the air flow. In addition, the agricultural implement system includes a product flow measurement system configured to determine a mass flow rate of the product based on a pressure drop between an upstream portion of the fluid conduit and a downstream portion of the fluid conduit, a flow rate of the air flow, and a velocity of the air flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Pana Binsirawanich, Scott David Noble, Jim Henry
  • Publication number: 20140260670
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a process variable of a process fluid based upon a process variable sensor measurement, includes an elongate spool that provides a spool conduit therethrough adapted to be coupled in line with process piping to receive a flow of process fluid. A meter body is carried in the elongate spool and receives the spool conduit therethrough. The meter body has a primary element opening which extends from the spool conduit to outside of the meter body. A carrier is configured to removably mount to the meter body and includes a primary element in the spool conduit through the primary element opening. A process variable transmitter is coupled to the primary element and is configured to measure the process variable of process fluid. The meter body is preferably configured to receive different types of primary elements carried on the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Dieterich Standard, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Robert Strom, Paul Timothy Deegan
  • Patent number: 8820177
    Abstract: A flow measurement unit for measuring a rate of airflow for a ventilation system. The flow measurement unit includes a flow measurement device installed in a housing. A first and a second pressure gauge are provided anteriorly and posteriorly, respectively, to the flow measurement device. The first and the second pressure gauge are configured to provide a first pressure reading, corresponding to the first pressure, and a second pressure reading, corresponding to the second pressure of airflow. Further, the flow measurement unit includes a fan to adjust airflow, such that the second pressure approaches the first pressure of airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald R. Morris, Daniel A. Spurgeon
  • Patent number: 8820178
    Abstract: An aspect provides a method of metering flow through a fluid conduit having an obstruction therein, including: placing an obstruction body within the conduit; generating at least two differential pressure measurement signals using at least three different pressure ports, said at least three different pressure ports comprising: an upstream pressure port; a downstream pressure port; and an auxiliary pressure port; wherein at least one of the upstream pressure port, the downstream pressure port, and the auxiliary pressure port is positioned at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to a conduit wall; establishing a baseline relationship between the at least two differential pressure measurement signals; and determining if the baseline relationship between the at least two differential pressure measurement signals differs by a predetermined amount. Other aspects are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: McCrometer, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared Steven Ayers, Gerald E. Davis, Clinton Paul Hobbs, Eric Dahl Mikkelsen
  • Publication number: 20140216168
    Abstract: A flow meter is disclosed which comprises a flow pipe for measuring consumption of a fluid passing there-through irrespective of flow direction. The flow pipe comprises a central segment and two edge segments, each located at a different side of the central segment so that the three segments form a continuous passage for the passing fluid. The flow meter is configured to enable flow of the fluid via an aperture to/from the central segment from/to a respective edge segment, while each of the edge segments has an inner diameter greater than that of the respective aperture enabling the flow from/to that edge segment to/from the central segment. The flow meter further comprises three pressure meters, each configured to enable measuring static pressure of the fluid flowing through a respective segment, thereby enabling to determine forward and backward fluid flows through the flow pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: GSL Golden Shell Co Ltd.
    Inventor: Felix GORDIN
  • Publication number: 20140208833
    Abstract: Proposed is a flow sensor (10), in particular for single use, having at least three measurement chambers (11, 15, 19), which are arranged one behind the other and are interconnected in each case by a flow resistance. At least two of the flow resistances have a different coefficient of pressure loss. A pressure measuring means (12, 16, 20) is provided for each measurement chamber, which pressure measuring means (12, 16, 20) is suitable for measuring the pressure in the measurement chamber. An electromagnetically actuatable valve arrangement (50) can be connected downstream of the flow sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Stefan Berger, Simon Zumbrunnen, Philip Marmet, Philipp Haslebacher, Manfred Schär