With Restriction Patents (Class 73/861.52)
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Patent number: 12085427Abstract: Differential pressure airflow sensor devices are disclosed. Disclosed are sensor devices for mounting on a fixed resistance having a low-pressure probe for extending through the fixed resistance from a housing and a high-pressure inlet to the housing. Disclosed are sensor devices having a plurality of pressure transducers.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2023Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: Onicon Inc.Inventors: Paresh Davé, Matthew Maragos, William J. Sell
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Patent number: 12050029Abstract: A filter assembly structure and a water heater including the same are provided. The filter assembly structure includes a filter housing coupled to an inner surface of a base panel provided in a case of a water heater, and including a flow space formed together with the inner surface of the base panel and an entrance to communicate with the flow space, and a filter assembly detachably assembled with the filter housing and including an air filter to filter air introduced through an air inlet provided in the base panel. The filter assembly is provided in a slide structure and inserted into or separated from the filter housing through the entrance.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2020Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Assignee: KYUNGDONG NAVIEN CO., LTDInventors: Jun Kyu Park, Choong Gon Lee
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Patent number: 11768094Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for determining a volumetric and/or mass flow rate of a medium flowing in a tube, wherein a density and/or a viscosity of the fluid is/are determined using a MEMS sensor chip, wherein the medium flowing in the tube at least partially flows through a measuring channel of the MEMS sensor chip to determine the density and/or the viscosity of the fluid, and wherein the volumetric and/or mass flow rate of the medium is determined regardless of the medium based on a detected pressure drop over the measuring channel of the MEMS sensor chip and the density and/or viscosity determined by the MEMS sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2018Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: TrueDyne Sensors AGInventors: Patrick Reith, Christof Huber
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Patent number: 11714433Abstract: There is provided a fluid sensing apparatus comprising a fluid flow channel, at least one fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fluid flow channel, and a fluid sensor having a casing and at least one sensor port in fluid communication with the at least one fluid conduit and providing access into the casing. The fluid sensing apparatus also includes a pressure compensation chamber in which the casing of the fluid sensor is enclosed. The apparatus further includes at least one pressure compensation conduit in fluid communication with the pressure compensation chamber and with the fluid flow channel. Also provided is a mass flow controller including such a fluid sensing apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: FAS MEDIC S.A.Inventors: Davide Azzoni, Manuel Diaz, Teddy Blampey
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Patent number: 11674536Abstract: A guide element for hydraulic fluid includes a first end surface, a second end surface, and an exterior surface connecting the first end surface to the second end surface. The first end surface includes a first chamfered opening. The second end surface includes a second opening that fluidly communicates with the first opening to define a longitudinal bore that includes a tapered section. The first chamfered opening and the tapered section are configured to guide the hydraulic fluid to facilitate transformation of a turbulent flow of the hydraulic fluid into a laminar flow of the hydraulic fluid.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2020Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Daniel Gregory Wear, Thomas K. Shim
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Patent number: 11333536Abstract: A flow meter for measuring the flow velocity of a fluid includes a measurement tube that is axially bounded by at least one flange end and that forms a measurement space that can be flowed through by the fluid. At least one baffle is provided for generating interference in the flow, wherein the baffle is arranged in the measurement space. A detector for detecting the interference is arranged downstream of the baffle. An insertion element is introduced into the measurement tube and has a base portion. The base portion is arranged in the flange end. The insertion element has brackets that adjoin the base portion and that project into the measurement space, with the baffle being formed and its position in the measurement space being held between the brackets.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2019Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: SIKA Dr. Siebert & Kühn GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Jörn-Ove Ketelsen, Bastian Bleichert, Sergius Schmidt
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Patent number: 11300436Abstract: A fluid sensing apparatus is provided having a fluid flow channel having a flow restriction. A fluid sensor is in fluid communication with first and second fluid ports, and a laminar flow element. The laminar flow element includes a flow stabilisation rod which defines a fluid sensing portion of the fluid flow channel. The flow restriction comprises a reduction in the hydraulic diameter of the fluid sensing portion of the fluid flow channel which is caused by a decrease in diameter of the fluid flow channel, or by an increase in the diameter of the flow stabilisation rod, or by both a decrease in diameter of the fluid flow channel and an increase in the diameter of the flow stabilisation rod. Also provided is a mass flow controller including such a fluid sensing apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2020Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: FAS MEDIC S.A.Inventors: Davide Azzoni, Manuel Diaz, Joel Di Dio, Vincent Tanari
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Patent number: 11268836Abstract: Process measurement technology sensor, comprising a sensor housing having a sensor head, wherein the sensor head has at least one sensor element for determining a measurand of a measured medium which is arranged inside the sensor housing, and wherein the sensor has electronic measuring equipment which is arranged inside the sensor housing, wherein the sensor housing has, at a distance from the electronic measuring equipment and from the sensor element, a condensation trap in the form of a local region of a wall of the sensor housing with reduced wall thickness.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2019Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: ENDRESS+HAUSER CONDUCTA GMBH+CO. KGInventors: Julian Oser, Frank Weber
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Patent number: 11187561Abstract: A system and method for dividing a single mass flow into secondary flows of a desired ratio. The system and method include paths for the secondary flows that include a laminar flow element and two pressure sensors. The nonlinear relationship between flow and pressure upstream and downstream of the laminar flow elements can be transformed into a function comprised of the upstream and downstream pressure that has a linear relationship with the flow. This transformation allows for flow ratio control applications using signals from pressure sensors even if there is no information the fluid species and the flow rate into the flow ratio controller.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2020Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.Inventor: Junhua Ding
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Patent number: 10942049Abstract: A device and a method for determining the flow velocity of a fluid in a hollow body, including at least one disturbance device disposed in the hollow body and at least one sensor for identifying disturbances that are induced in the flow by the disturbance device, which is disposed at a certain distance downstream in the direction of flow from the disturbance device, wherein the disturbance device includes means for generating changeable disturbances in the fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2019Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: SIKA Dr. Siebert & Kühn GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Bastian Wilke
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Patent number: 10906324Abstract: The invention provides a method of adding solvent or make-up fluid into the gutter line of a continuous ink printer. During the addition of solvent, the vacuum level in the gutter line is monitored and maintained at a level sufficient to ensure that vacuum is maintained at the gutter. Vacuum level in the gutter line is preferably controlled by controlling the speed of a variable speed gutter pump. Noise in the gutter line is preferably used as a control over pump speed.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2017Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Inventors: Stuart Mark Walkington, Richard Thomas Calhoun Bridges, Colin Jon Partridge, Justin Chase
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Patent number: 10794741Abstract: Flow measurement inserts replace standard orifice plates within single or dual-chamber orifice fittings. Flow measurement inserts are described which have insert bodies are shaped and sized to reside within the flow bore insert chamber of standard orifice fittings. An exemplary flow measurement insert includes an insert body with an opening formed therein which will align with the flow bore of the orifice fitting when the flow measurement insert is disposed within the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2019Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: BELL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Joel David Bell, Zaki Din Husain
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Patent number: 10786706Abstract: A cycling shoe for measuring power includes a sole having a pocket in the bottom of the sole. A sensor platform having a plurality of sensors, at least one sensor on a top of the sensor platform and at least one sensor on the bottom of the sensor platform, is inserted into the pocket. A platform cover and a cleat are attached to the sole over the sensors. Force applied to a pedal clipped to the cleat is measured and processed.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2019Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.Inventor: Kent M. Smith
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Patent number: 10704938Abstract: A fluid sensor, and associated monitoring and control system, employing a 2-dimensional venturi to eliminate stratification of fluid passing therethrough, and a capacitive sensor operatively coupled with the 2-dimensional venturi to facilitate the sensing of the fluid while in the venturi.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2019Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Hydroacoustics, Inc.Inventors: Robert D. Valtierra, Ricardo P. Quintanilla, Frederick J. Cookhouse
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Patent number: 10633237Abstract: A filling system for filling a container with a pourable product, in particular a pourable product having an electrical conductivity below 15 ?S, comprising: a tank filled, in use, with a pourable product; at least one filling valve selectively available in a configuration in which it allows the filling of the container with the pourable product; and at least one duct interposed between the tank and the filling valve; the system comprises a vortex flowmeter interposed along the duct.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2011Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: SIDEL S.P.A. CON SOCIO UNICOInventor: Enrico Cocchi
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Patent number: 10578540Abstract: Disclosed is a particulate matter sensor having a structure which may achieve a reduction in distance between two electrodes and an increase in area of measurement electrodes so as to facilitate enhancement in measurement accuracy, reliability, and sensitivity, and reduce influence on sensitivity according to sensor mounting directions. The particulate matter sensor may include a housing provided with an inlet and an outlet, and a sensing unit installed within the housing so as to pass exhaust gas, the sensing unit may include a laminate including an electrically insulating substrate, a first electrode provided on one surface of the electrically insulating substrate, a second electrode provided on the other surface of the electrically insulating substrate, and a porous layer stacked on one of the first electrode and the second electrode and having a structure to pass the exhaust gas, and the laminate is spirally wound on a base unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2018Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventor: Dong Gu Kim
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Patent number: 10545040Abstract: A flowmeter includes an orifice plate assembly having a carrier that includes an aperture, an annular rim disposed about the aperture, and an annular ledge extending radially inward from the rim to the aperture. An orifice plate and annular seal are disposed within the annular rim. The plate engages the ledge and is retained on the carrier by a retaining ring and the energized annular seal. The seal is disposed in a seal gland formed between the orifice plate, the carrier, and the ring member, and sealingly engages at least one surface of each.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2018Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: Daniel Measurment and Control, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Gwen Doom, Thomas Henry Loga, Gregory Theron Jay, Mark O'Daniel, Anthony Eugene Carter, David Bruce Stevens
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Patent number: 10444044Abstract: A fluid flow measurement system for measuring the flow rate, density and/or other flow parameters of fluid flow through a flowbore. Additionally, the devices and methods advantageously provide for sampling of the fluid flow from different locations within the flow stream (i.e., center, proximate flowbore wall).Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Inventors: Joel David Bell, Zaki Din Husain
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Patent number: 10393608Abstract: An arithmetic processing unit included in a pressure change measuring apparatus includes a differential pressure calculation unit configured to obtain a pressure difference between an inner pressure of a cavity and a pressure to be measured based on an output signal of a differential pressure measuring cantilever. A pressure-to-be-measured calculating unit calculates the pressure to be measured based on a set inner pressure of the cavity and the differential pressure calculated by the differential pressure calculation unit. A flow rate calculating unit calculates a flowing quantity of a pressure transmission medium flowing into and out of the cavity for every unit of a predetermined time period based on the differential pressure calculated by the differential pressure calculation unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2014Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC.Inventors: Yoko Shinohara, Takeshi Uchiyama, Manabu Oumi, Masayuki Suda
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Patent number: 10337896Abstract: An ultrasonic meter detects a flow rate of a fluid. The ultrasonic meter has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a flow passage connecting the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The flow passage has a measuring tube, which extends in a straight line in a flow direction. An inner wall of a side wall delimiting a flow cross section of the measuring tube has at least one groove, extending in the flow direction, which enlarges the flow cross section. The side wall has an aperture and/or a step exclusively within the groove, between a normal region and a recessed region in the flow direction. A groove depth of the groove is greater in the recessed region than in the normal region.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2017Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: Diehl Metering GmbHInventor: Hans-Michael Sonnenberg
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Patent number: 10151611Abstract: A flow meter for determining the flow rate of a fluid through a conduit, including an upper body having an inlet chamber, an acoustic channel, an outlet chamber, a sound wave generator, and a sound wave receiver. The inlet chamber, acoustic channel, and outlet chamber are fluidly connected together. The acoustic channel is a non-linear pathway that is symmetrically dimensioned. The sound wave generator is configured to create a sound wave that moves along the liquid pathway formed by the acoustic channel. The receiver detects that sound wave that has moved through the acoustic channel and such information is used to determine the flow rate of the fluid through the flow meter.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2017Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Johann Reinhold Zipperer, Peter Wongeun Chung, Hans Martin Hilbig
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Patent number: 10125032Abstract: The present invention concerns a device (10) for the photochemical treatment of a liquid medium, the device (10) having at least one flow channel (16a, 16b) for the liquid medium to pass through, said flow channel being delimited at least in sections by a UV-light-emitting surface (14) of at least one UV-light-producing body (12). The at least one UV-light-producing body (12) is designed such that the passing liquid medium can be electrically contacted and replaces at least one electrode for producing the UV light in the device (10).Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2015Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: SICO Technology GmbHInventors: Siegfried Egner, Bentsian Elkin, Jorge Toro Santamaria, Walter Nadrag
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Patent number: 10080593Abstract: A rod template for determining a curvature and a length of a spinal rod used for joining vertebrae in a spine fusion surgery in advance includes a core, a transparent outer tube, and a transparent filler. The core is made of metal and includes a scale on a surface thereof. The outer tube is made of silicone rubber and covers the core. The filler is made of liquid silicone rubber and inserted in a gap between the outer tube and the core to fill the gap.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2017Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: NISHIJIMA MEDICAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Shigehiko Higaki, Tomohiro Ohtake, Masato Yokoyama
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Patent number: 10072958Abstract: A tube measures the differential pressure of a medium flowing through the tube. An insertion element for a tube as well as a method for assembling the insertion element and the tube are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2015Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: systec Controls Mess-und Regeltechnik GmbHInventor: Oliver Betz
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Patent number: 10004868Abstract: A ventilator includes a first pathway configured to supply a first gas; a second pathway configured to supply a second gas; a bypass element configured to provide a portion of the first gas and a portion of the second gas, the bypass element comprising a rib adjacent to a bypass conduit, wherein fluid flow is substantially laminar adjacent to the conduit. A bypass element is described.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2010Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventor: Eamonn Kelly
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Patent number: 9989049Abstract: A microfluidic pump on a monolithic chip. A closed length of channel is disposed on the chip, with a plurality of energizers disposed along the length of the channel. Each energizer is associated with a unique energizer designation. An onboard controller and energizer fire control lines are also disposed on the chip. One each of the energizer fire control lines is electrically connecting one each of the energizers to the onboard controller. Inputs are electrically connected to the onboard controller, for connecting the onboard controller to an external controller that is not disposed on the chip. The inputs include a power input, a ground input, and an enable input.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2015Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Steven W. Bergstedt
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Patent number: 9891087Abstract: A mass airflow measuring device includes an air passageway defined in a duct. A first channel communicates with the air passageway via at least one first aperture to allow air flowing through the air passageway to enter the first channel. A second channel is located downstream from the first channel. A sample channel communicates the first channel with the second channel. A mass airflow sensor is located in the sample channel and is adapted to receive air flowing in the sample channel. The sample channel is defined in a housing which has a chamber adapted to accommodate one of a variety of differently configured mass airflow sensors. The sensor is adapted to output an airflow signal based on air flowing past the sensor. A processing unit communicates with the sensor and is adapted to receive the airflow signal from the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Supertrapp Industries, Inc.Inventors: Nikolas James Wolgamott, Robert Pierce, III
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Patent number: 9851372Abstract: An anemometer and method for analyzing fluid flow is described. In one embodiment, a transistor sensor is heated by applying power to cause its base-emitter junction to rise from an ambient first temperature to a second temperature. The power is removed, and the Vbe is measured at intervals as the junction cools. The Vbe equates to a temperature of the junction. The temperature exponentially decreases, and the time constant of the decay corresponds to the fluid flow velocity. A best fit curve analysis is performed on the temperature decay curve, and the time constant of the exponential decay is derived by a data processor. A transfer function correlates the time constant to the fluid flow velocity. The transistor is thermally coupled to a metal rod heat sink extending from the package, and the characteristics of the rod are controlled to adjust the performance of the anemometer.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Linear Technology CorporationInventors: Jeffrey Lynn Heath, Harry Joseph Kleeburg, Heath Dixon Stewart
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Patent number: 9846064Abstract: A sensor apparatus comprising a housing having an inner perimeter which defines an area through which gas may flow, the housing being provided with a first chamber which extends around the area through which gas may flow, an entrance being distributed around the first chamber, and a second chamber which extends around the area through which gas may flow, an exit being distributed around the second chamber, the first chamber being arranged to be upstream of the second chamber in use, wherein the sensor apparatus further comprises one or more sensors arranged to measure a pressure difference between pressure in the first chamber and pressure in the second chamber. Corresponding turbocharger and method of measuring a mass flow rate are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2013Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Cummins Ltd.Inventor: Calvin Howard Cox
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Patent number: 9605695Abstract: A flow conditioner includes a single disk having a first side and a second side; an outer ring comprising a plurality of holes, wherein the holes extend from the outer ring to the first side of the disk; at least one inner ring recessed from the outer ring, the at least one inner ring comprising a plurality of holes, wherein the holes extend from the at least one inner ring to the first side of the disk; and a central hole recessed from the at least one inner ring. The plurality of holes in the outer ring and in the at least one inner ring provide fluid passages of unequal length from a first side of the flow conditioner to a second side of the flow conditioner.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Canada Pipeline Accessories, Co. Ltd.Inventors: Daniel Sawchuk, Reginald Selirio
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Patent number: 9597476Abstract: A fluid flow sensor for use in measuring flow parameters in gas and other fluid applications, including patient ventilators and the like. The sensor is characterized by a lower pressure drop at higher flow rates in order to minimize patient effort in breathing.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Event Medical Ltd.Inventors: Kosuke Inoue, Teunis Van Den Berg, Bich Nguyen, Bonnievon Castillo
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Patent number: 9462963Abstract: (EN) Respiration of a patient can be monitored by means of a device (ASD) that has the following characteristics. An inlet (IL) receives a pressurized airflow of breathable air from an airflow source. An outlet (OL) applies the pressurized airflow to a mask worn by the patient. An airflow path (AFP) is arranged between the inlet (IL) and the outlet (OL). The airflow path (AFP) has an axis (AX) and exhibits a decrease (??D) in diameter followed by an increase (+?D) in diameter in a direction from the inlet (IL) to the outlet (OL). The increase (+?D) in diameter comprises an initial portion (WI) in which the diameter increases according to a slope (?) of less than 10° with respect to the axis (AX). A pressure measurement arrangement (PS1, PS2) provides an indication (SO) of a pressure difference in the pressurized airflow between two sections (IN, T) of the airflow path that have different diameters.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2010Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: SRETTInventor: Philipe Salamitou
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Patent number: 9453748Abstract: A flow meter device includes: an inlet portion, into which a fluid flows; an outlet portion, from which the fluid flows out; a plurality of measurement passage portions provided parallel to each other between the inlet portion and the outlet portion; and at least one flow rate measurement unit, each flow rate measurement unit being configured to measure a flow rate of the fluid that flows through a passage in a corresponding one of the measurement passage portions. Shapes of passages in the respective measurement passage portions coincide with each other. The plurality of measurement passage portions include: the one measurement passage portion(s), which is/are each provided with the flow rate measurement unit; and the other measurement passage portion(s), which is/are not provided with the flow rate measurement unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2013Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Yasuda, Akihisa Adachi, Yuji Fujii, Yuji Nakabayashi, Yukio Sakaguchi, Hirokazu Gotou, Yasuharu Kawano, Aoi Watanabe
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Patent number: 9375166Abstract: A bi-directional flow sensor may be adapted for reducing pneumatic noise during pressure sensing with a flow passing through the flow sensor. The flow sensor may include a hollow, tubular member having a throat section disposed between a ventilator end and a patient end. A flow restrictor may be disposed in the throat section and may be adapted to measure differential pressure in the flow. A baffle may be mounted at the ventilator end and may be adapted to minimize non-axial flow at pressure taps located on opposing ends of the flow restrictor. The patient end may include 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 can minimize 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: GrantFiled: November 17, 2014Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: CareFusion 203, Inc.Inventors: Todd W. Allum, Malcolm R. Williams, Joseph Cipollone
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Patent number: 9163563Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a fuel metering unit of the type incorporating a temperature sensor is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of: sensing a change in temperature; using the sensed change in temperature to derive a fast temperature correction factor; using the sensed change in temperature to derive a slow temperature correction factor; using the fast and slow temperature correction factors in combination with a fuel demand to determine a metering valve position; and moving the metering valve to the determined metering valve position.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2011Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEMS LIMITEDInventor: Daniel James Bickley
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Patent number: 9155849Abstract: A basic air flow device includes a flow passage having opposite ends. The flow passage is divided into a plurality of sequential portions between the ends including an inlet portion extending into the flow passage from an inlet end, an outlet portion disposed at the opposite end of the flow passage from the inlet portion, and at least one intermediate passage portion between the inlet passage portion and the outlet passage portion. Each of a plurality of divider sets are positioned in a different sequential portion of the passage to divide that passage portion into a predetermined number of sub passages, whereby the flow passage is sequentially divided into an increasing number of sub flow passages progressing from the inlet portion to the outlet portion. A larger device can be assembled using a parallel plurality of the basic devices.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Inventor: G Greg Haroutunian
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Publication number: 20150143920Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2012Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventor: Hugh Mackenzie
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Patent number: 9015945Abstract: A method of forming a flow restriction in a fluid communication system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a flow restricting section having a cross sectional area and a length, measuring the flow resistivity of the flow restricting section, and modifying the cross sectional area and/or the length of the flow restricting section until a desired flow resistivity of the flow restricting section is obtained. The method provides the possibility of forming a flow restriction in an easy and cost effective manner, and to subsequently adjust the flow resistivity of the flow restriction, thereby obtaining an accurate flow resistivity.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2009Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Flowsion ApSInventors: Kristian Raaby Poulsen, Peter Andreas Rasmussen
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Patent number: 9016140Abstract: A valve includes a body having upstream and downstream ports to measure upstream and downstream pressures and configured on a common axis, and a ball arranged in the body to rotate re the common axis between open and closed positions to allow for fluid flow and no fluid flow. The ball has a calibrated member having a calibrated orifice to allow fluid flow and has a flow coefficient and upstream and downstream pressure taps located upstream and downstream of the calibrated orifice and in fluidic communication with the upstream and downstream ports to measure upstream and downstream pressures when in the open position and angled re the common axis, so a direct flow measurement of fluid flow is determined based on a measured pressure differential between upstream and downstream pressure taps re the flow coefficient of the calibrated orifice when in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2012Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Fluid Handling LLCInventors: Stanley P. Evans, Florin Rosca, Glenn E. Huse, Donald A. Kahn
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Patent number: 8984961Abstract: A pressure differential flow meter for determining the flow rate of a fluid comprises a constriction device, wherein the constriction device is capable of creating at least a first area of constriction and a second area of constriction having cross-sectional areas that are different, wherein the constriction device automatically moves from the first area of constriction to the second area of constriction when the pressure differential increases above or falls below a predetermined range, and wherein the pressure differential is based on the fluid velocity of the fluid flowing in the flow meter. A method of determining the flow rate of a fluid using the pressure differential flow meter comprises flowing the fluid through the flow meter.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2013Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Cyrus A. Irani, Jason D. Dykstra
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Patent number: 8938961Abstract: A disclosed method of operating an engine may include discharging exhaust gas from at least one combustion chamber of the engine. The method may also include recirculating at least a portion of the exhaust gas to the at least one combustion chamber through an EGR system, including directing at least a portion of the exhaust gas through an EGR duct. Additionally, the method may include sensing pressure in a portion of the EGR duct by directing the pressure to a first pressure sensor via a first sensor passage having a first end connected to a portion of the EGR duct and a second end connected to the first pressure sensor, while maintaining a temperature of gas in the first sensor passage adjacent the second end at a bulk temperature of at least about 75 percent of a bulk temperature of gas in the first sensor passage at the first end.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2011Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Matthew Edward Leustek, Justin Werner McMenamy, Jeffrey S. Morris, Matthew John Liening, Joseph John Stabnik, William Lyle Schell
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Patent number: 8888711Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 8, 2008Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Carefusion 203, Inc.Inventors: Todd W. Allum, Malcolm R. Williams, Joseph Cipollone
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Publication number: 20140331786Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2012Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventor: Robert Romano
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Patent number: 8812253Abstract: A system comprises a differential pressure sensor, a process pressure sensor, a temperature sensor and a microprocessor. The differential pressure sensor is positioned to sense differential pressure along a fluid flow, where fluid properties of the fluid flow have first and second phases separated along a transition curve. The process pressure sensor is positioned to sense a pressure of the fluid flow, and the temperature sensor is positioned to sense a temperature of the fluid flow. The microprocessor is coupled to the temperature sensor and the pressure sensor to determine a flow rate, and the microprocessor generates a diagnostic based on the process pressure and the temperature as compared to the transition curve.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2010Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Rosemount Inc.Inventors: Dale Scott Davis, David Eugene Wiklund
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Patent number: 8798941Abstract: A differential pressure sensor (105) for determining a differential pressure value is provided. The differential pressure sensor (105) includes a selector valve (110) configured to receive a first pressure at a first location and a second pressure at a second location that is spaced-apart from the first location, a single-sided pressure sensor (120) coupled to the selector valve (110) and receiving either the first pressure or the second pressure, and a processing system (130) coupled to the single-sided pressure sensor (120) and configured to receive one or more first single-sided pressure measurements from the single-sided pressure sensor (120), subsequently receive one or more second single-sided pressure measurements from the single-sided pressure sensor (120), and generate the differential pressure value from the one or more first single-sided pressure measurements and the one or more second single-sided pressure measurements.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2010Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Norgren LimitedInventors: Chris Wheater, Paul Hartley, Gavin Jamieson
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Patent number: 8756990Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to flow sensors, and more particularly, to devices and methods for providing a pressure drop through a flow sensor at a given flow rate. In one illustrative embodiment, a sensor assembly includes a housing with a first flow port and a second flow port. The housing may define a fluid channel extending between the first flow port and the second flow port, with a sensor positioned in the housing and exposed to the fluid channel. The illustrative sensor may be configured to sense a measure related to the flow rate of a fluid flowing through the fluid channel. A flow restrictor may be situated in and integrally molded with at least one of the first flow port and the second flow port. The flow restrictor may be configured to accurately provide a pressure drop through the flow sensor at a given flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Jamie Speldrich
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Patent number: 8739638Abstract: A fluid flow tool's plate-like structure has a ring portion defining a flow hole, a support portion extending radially away from the ring portion and adapted to be coupled to conduit wall, and extensions extending radially away from the ring portion such that a periphery of the plate-like structure is defined by the extensions and trough regions between adjacent extensions. One or more ports formed in the ring portion are in fluid communication with the flow hole. A first manifold in the plate-like structure is in fluid communication with each port communicating with the flow hole. One or more ports are formed in the periphery of the plate-like structure. A second manifold in the plate-like structure is in fluid communication with each port formed in the periphery. The first and second manifolds extend through the plate-like structure to terminate and be accessible at the conduit wall.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: John Dwight England, Anthony R. Kelley, Raymond J. Cronise
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Publication number: 20140069209Abstract: An aspect provides a flow metering apparatus, comprising: a fluid conduit having a differential pressure producer therein; at least one pressure port angled between 0 and 90 degrees in a wall of the fluid conduit; and at least one other pressure port; wherein the at least one pressure port and the at least one other pressure port provide pressure signals. Other aspects are described and claimed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: McCrometer, Inc.Inventors: Jared Steven Ayers, Gerald E. Davis, Clinton Paul Hobbs, Eric Dahl Mikkelsen
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Publication number: 20140060206Abstract: A flowmeter includes a first chamber and a second chamber connected through a channel. The first chamber is provided with a first deformable membrane and with first and second gauges. The second chamber is provided with a second deformable membrane and with third and fourth gauges. The four gauges form a Wheatstone bridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: COMMISSARIAT À L'ÉNERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ÉNERGIES ALTERNATIVESInventors: Yves Fouillet, Alain Bourgerette, Olivier Fuchs
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Patent number: 8590561Abstract: A pressure sensor having a structure in which compressible fluid is prevented from stagnating in the vicinity of a pressure-receiving surface of the pressure sensor in the interior of a pressure introducing portion is provided. In a pressure sensor including a sensor body arranged in a pressure introduction flow channel branched in a T-shape upward from a primary fluid flow channel in which fluid to be subjected to pressure measurement flows, the pressure introduction flow channel includes an inclined surface extending in a direction to increase an opening area on the side of an inlet port of the fluid on a wall surface on the downstream side in terms of the direction of flow of the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2008Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroki Igarashi