By Electrical Means Patents (Class 73/861.44)
  • Patent number: 8763474
    Abstract: A measuring device and system for measuring physical properties of individual fluids in a multiphase flow flowing through a pipe includes a measuring section with at least two separate and elongate chambers that are formed by at least one longitudinal barrier, at least one of the chambers including a system for measuring the physical properties of the multiphase flow that flows through the chambers. The measuring device is characterized in that the internal diameter of the pipe is smaller at the location in which the measuring section is positioned, in that there is a constriction in the inner pipe wall of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Abbon AS
    Inventor: Hallvard Thonstad
  • Patent number: 8746079
    Abstract: A sensor for determining a mass flow of a fluid in a pipe includes a wall element adapted for insertion into a cutout in a wall of the pipe through which a mass flow can flow, so that at least one gap remains between the wall element and the wall of the pipe, and so that the wall element is positionable on the outside facing away from the mass flow. A sealed chamber is adapted to enclose the wall element on the outside of the pipe. At least one expandable connection is located in the sealed chamber and is clamped in between the wall element and one wall of the chamber. At least one strain gauge comprising a fiber Bragg grating sensor is located on a section of the expandable connection that is clamped in between the wall of the chamber and the wall element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Karlsruher Institut fuer Technologie
    Inventors: Holger Neumann, Rajini Kumar Ramalingam, Manfred Suesser
  • Patent number: 8393227
    Abstract: There is provided a substrate processing method of supplying a processing solution to a substrate through a supply nozzle connected with a supply path via a differential pressure flowmeter provided on the supply path for supplying the processing solution and performing a process on the substrate by the processing solution. The substrate processing method includes measuring a pressure value in the supply path by a pressure measurement unit included in the differential pressure flowmeter when the processing solution is not supplied to the substrate; determining whether the pressure measurement unit is operated normally by comparing the pressure value measured in the measuring process with a predetermined pressure value; and supplying the processing solution to a substrate if it is determined that the pressure measurement unit is operated normally in the determining process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Norihiro Itoh, Hiroyuki Kudoh
  • Patent number: 8176796
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to determine fractions of various phases in a multiphase fluid. The apparatus includes main body including an interior configured receive a multiphase fluid and an exterior. The apparatus senses fluid pressure of multiphase fluid received in the interior and senses a fluid temperature of the multiphase fluid. The apparatus transmits an ultrasonic wave into the fluid and detects the transmitted wave to determine its velocity and attenuation. The apparatus may adjust the determined velocity and attenuation based on the temperature and pressure of the fluid to compensate for a difference between the sensed temperature and pressure and a standard temperature and pressure. The apparatus determines a gas fraction, water fraction, and a non-water fluid fraction of the multiphase fluid based on the sensed fluid pressure, the sensed fluid temperature, and the velocity and attenuation of the ultrasonic wave in the multiphase fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignees: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, Multiphase Flow International, Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Yildirim Hurmuzlu, Peter Antich, Ali Dogru, Edmond Richer, Billy Smith
  • Patent number: 7770469
    Abstract: A differential pressure (dP) measurement device for use in flow measurement including a first microwave resonator (1) having a flexible or yieldable part or member (4) deformable or yieldable when subject to a differential pressure in such a way as to alter a resonant frequency of said resonator, and an electronic unit (12, 14) which is coupled to the resonator (1), and where the electronic unit is adapted to produce an output depending on a resonant frequency of the resonator (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Roxar Flow Measurement AS
    Inventors: Ebbe Gustaf Nyfors, Per Hassel Sørensen
  • Patent number: 7657392
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the size and distribution of particles within a multiphase fluid flowing within a pipe is provided, wherein the apparatus includes at least one metering device for determining at least one of the mixture density of the fluid, the flow rate of the fluid and the dispersion of the fluid, wherein the at least one metering device generates meter data responsive to at least one of the mixture density of the fluid, the flow rate of the fluid and the dispersion of the fluid and a processing device communicated with the at least one metering device, wherein the processing device receives and processes the meter data to generate fluid information responsive to the size and distribution of the particles within the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Cidra Corporate Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel L. Gysling
  • Publication number: 20080282682
    Abstract: An integrated DPF loading and failure sensor with two particulate matter sensors one located upstream of the filter and the other located downstream of the filter. The sensors are integrated into the leading and trailing edges of the filter. Integrating two particulate matter sensors with the DPF will allow the proper interval between reconditioning of DPF, since the particulate matter collected on the filter is measured and not estimated. The upstream sensor determines the amount of particulate matter entering the filter. In addition to using the first sensor for loading, the second sensor, at the trailing face of the filter, can be used to determine break-through of the DPF. The second sensor measures the particulate matter escaping the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Brian Krafthefer C., Michael L. Rhodes, Bradley R. Postage
  • Patent number: 7340353
    Abstract: A dual function flow measurement apparatus is provided that combines the functionality of an apparatus that measures the speed of sound propagating through a fluid flowing within a pipe, and measures pressures disturbances (e.g. vortical disturbances or eddies) moving with a fluid to determine respective parameters of the flow propagating through a pipe. The apparatus includes a sensing device that includes an array of pressure sensors used to measure the acoustic and convective pressure variations in the flow to determine desired parameters. The measurement apparatus includes a processing unit the processes serially or in parallel the pressure signals provided by the sensing array to provide output signals indicative of a parameter of the fluid flow relating to the velocity of the flow and the speed of sound propagating through the flow, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: CiDRA Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Alan D. Kersey, Michael A. Davis
  • Patent number: 7295933
    Abstract: A configurable multi-function flow measurement apparatus is provided that can selectably function to measure the speed of sound propagating through a fluid flowing within a pipe and/or to measure pressures disturbances (e.g. vortical disturbances or eddies) moving with a fluid to determine respective parameters of the flow propagating through a pipe and detects the health of an industrial process. The configurable flow measurement device can also be selectable to function as a system diagnostic meter that provides a diagnostic signal indicative of the health of the industrial process, namely health of pumps, valves, motors and other devices in an industrial flow loop. The apparatus includes a sensing device that includes an array of strained-based or pressure sensors used to measure the acoustic and convective pressure variations in the flow to determine desired parameters. In response to a remote or local configuration signal, a control logic selects the desired function of the flow measurement apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: CiDRA Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Alan D. Kersey
  • Patent number: 7249525
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a parameter of a fluid passing through a pipe comprises a spatial array of pressure sensors disposed at different axial locations along the pipe between a sleeve within the pipe and an inside surface of the pipe. Each of the pressure sensors provides a pressure signal indicative of unsteady pressure within the pipe at a corresponding axial location of the pipe. A signal processor is configured to receive the pressure signals from each of the pressure sensors, and determine the parameter of the fluid using the pressure signals from the pressure sensors. The sleeve and the sensors may be disposed within a pipe spool piece having flanges disposed on opposing ends. The pipe may be formed from a material relatively more rigid than the sleeve, and the sensors may be compressed between the pipe and the sleeve. The sleeve may have grooves formed therein for receiving the sensors, and each sensor may be formed from a piezocable wrapped around the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: CiDRA Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas W. Engel
  • Patent number: 7127360
    Abstract: A dual function flow measurement apparatus is provided that combines the functionality of an apparatus that measures the speed of sound propagating through a fluid flowing within a pipe, and measures pressures disturbances (e.g. vortical disturbances or eddies) moving with a fluid to determine respective parameters of the flow propagating through a pipe. The apparatus includes a sensing device that includes an array of pressure sensors used to measure the acoustic and convective pressure variations in the flow to determine desired parameters. The measurement apparatus includes a processing unit the processes serially or in parallel the pressure signals provided by the sensing array to provide output signals indicative of a parameter of the fluid flow relating to the velocity of the flow and the speed of sound propagating through the flow, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: CiDRA Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Alan D. Kersey, Michael A. Davis
  • Patent number: 6817252
    Abstract: A measuring device is provided for determining a position of a piston contained within a hydraulic actuator as a function of a hydraulic fluid flow. The measuring device includes a bi-directional flow sensor positioned inline with the hydraulic fluid flow and a piston position module. The flow sensor is configured to produce a flow rate signal that is indicative flow rate of the hydraulic fluid flow into and out of a first cavity. The piston position module is configured to receive the flow rate signal from the flow sensor and produce a piston position signal that is indicative of the position of the piston within the hydraulic actuator as a function of the flow rate signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Wiklund, Terrance F. Krouth, Richard J. Habegger, Richard R. Hineman
  • Patent number: 6807947
    Abstract: A device and a method for determining a fuel pressure and/or an injected amount of fuel are described. A fuel injection unit meters the fuel to an internal combustion engine as a function of a first and a second trigger signal. The first trigger signal controls the start and end of fuel metering, and the second trigger signal controls the pressure buildup. The variation of pressure is determined on the basis of at least the first trigger signal and the second trigger signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Derek Coates, Lars Empacher
  • Patent number: 6725706
    Abstract: A device for measuring the back pressure in chemical reactor tubes includes many automated features. Inflatable tube seals may be automatically inflated. The device may measure several tubes at once. It may transmit data electronically to a remote computer for analysis and graphic display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Tubemaster, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford L. Johns, Daniel D. Sympson
  • Patent number: 6658946
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting contact of a fluid delivery probe with a fluid surface and for detecting fluid flow through the probe includes a first electrode disposed along a fluid flow path of the probe upstream from a distal tip of the probe and a second electrode longitudinally spaced and electrically isolated from the first electrode and disposed at the distal tip of the probe. An oscillating signal is transmitted through the first electrode, and at least a portion of the signal is received through the second electrode. Through changes in the received signal due to the distal tip of the probe coming into contact with a fluid surface or due to fluid flow through the conduit between the first and second electrodes, fluid surface contact and fluid flow can be detected. A pressure sensor can be employed to monitor internal fluid pressure within the fluid conduit of the fluid delivery probe as a secondary, redundant device for detecting fluid flow through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: James H. Lipscomb, Larry Jurik, Bernard Katz, Michael J. Keating, Stone Klengler, John J. Kotlarik, Mieczyslaw Wroblewski
  • Publication number: 20030217605
    Abstract: An apparatus for varying the gain of a fiber optic sensor that non-intrusively senses the strain response of a pipe is provided. The apparatus includes a circumferential strain attenuator that has a annular land portion that mechanically couples the attenuator to the pipe. An annular web extends coaxially from the land portion and has a reduced cross sectional area relative to the land and an annular mandrel portion extends coaxially from the web portion and forms a gap between the pipe and the mandrel. The fiber optic sensor is wound on the circumferential strain attenuator. The web and mandrel cooperate to reduce the strain response of the fiber optic sensor relative to the strain response of the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Paul F. Croteau, Daniel L. Gysling, James M. Diener
  • Patent number: 6604054
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting contact of a fluid delivery probe with a fluid surface and for detecting fluid flow through the probe includes a first electrode disposed along a fluid flow path of the probe upstream from a distal tip of the probe and a second electrode longitudinally spaced and electrically isolated from the first electrode and disposed at the distal tip of the probe. An oscillating signal is transmitted through the first electrode, and at least a portion of the signal is received through the second electrode. Through changes in the received signal due to the distal tip of the probe coming into contact with a fluid surface or due to fluid flow through the conduit between the first and second electrodes, fluid surface contact and fluid flow can be detected. A pressure sensor can be employed to monitor internal fluid pressure within the fluid conduit of the fluid delivery probe as a secondary, redundant mechanism for detecting fluid flow through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Gen-Probe, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Lipscomb, Larry Jurik, Bernard Katz, Michael J. Keating, Stone Klengler, John J. Kotlarik, Mieczyslaw Wroblewski
  • Publication number: 20010047692
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting contact of a fluid delivery probe with a fluid surface and for detecting fluid flow through the probe includes a first electrode disposed along a fluid flow path of the probe upstream from a distal tip of the probe and a second electrode longitudinally spaced and electrically isolated from the first electrode and disposed at the distal tip of the probe. An oscillating signal is transmitted through the first electrode, and at least a portion of the signal is received through the second electrode. Through changes in the received signal due to the distal tip of the probe coming into contact with a fluid surface or due to fluid flow through the conduit between the first and second electrodes, fluid surface contact and fluid flow can be detected. A pressure sensor can be employed to monitor internal fluid pressure within the fluid conduit of the fluid delivery probe as a secondary, redundant means for detecting fluid flow through the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: James H. Lipscomb, Larry Jurik, Bernard Katz, Michael J. Keating, Stone Klengler, John J. Kotlarik, Mieczyslaw Wroblewski
  • Patent number: 6253624
    Abstract: A pressure transmitter produces signals indicative of a flow in a pipe. The transmitter has a pressure sensor that is fluidly coupled to two ports in the pipe, and the pipe has a substantially constant cross-section between the two ports. Aspects of the invention include a circuit coupled to the pressure sensor that produces a digital value related to the fluid flow as a function of the pressure difference between the two ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Broden, David E. Wiklund