With Restriction Patents (Class 73/861.52)
  • Patent number: 11768094
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: TrueDyne Sensors AG
    Inventors: Patrick Reith, Christof Huber
  • Patent number: 11714433
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: FAS MEDIC S.A.
    Inventors: Davide Azzoni, Manuel Diaz, Teddy Blampey
  • Patent number: 11674536
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Gregory Wear, Thomas K. Shim
  • Patent number: 11333536
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: SIKA Dr. Siebert & Kühn GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jörn-Ove Ketelsen, Bastian Bleichert, Sergius Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11300436
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: FAS MEDIC S.A.
    Inventors: Davide Azzoni, Manuel Diaz, Joel Di Dio, Vincent Tanari
  • Patent number: 11268836
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: ENDRESS+HAUSER CONDUCTA GMBH+CO. KG
    Inventors: Julian Oser, Frank Weber
  • Patent number: 11187561
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Junhua Ding
  • Patent number: 10942049
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: SIKA Dr. Siebert & Kühn GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Bastian Wilke
  • Patent number: 10906324
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Inventors: Stuart Mark Walkington, Richard Thomas Calhoun Bridges, Colin Jon Partridge, Justin Chase
  • Patent number: 10794741
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: BELL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Joel David Bell, Zaki Din Husain
  • Patent number: 10786706
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent M. Smith
  • Patent number: 10704938
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Hydroacoustics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Valtierra, Ricardo P. Quintanilla, Frederick J. Cookhouse
  • Patent number: 10633237
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: SIDEL S.P.A. CON SOCIO UNICO
    Inventor: Enrico Cocchi
  • Patent number: 10578540
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Dong Gu Kim
  • Patent number: 10545040
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Daniel Measurment and Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Gwen Doom, Thomas Henry Loga, Gregory Theron Jay, Mark O'Daniel, Anthony Eugene Carter, David Bruce Stevens
  • Patent number: 10444044
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Inventors: Joel David Bell, Zaki Din Husain
  • Patent number: 10393608
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC.
    Inventors: Yoko Shinohara, Takeshi Uchiyama, Manabu Oumi, Masayuki Suda
  • Patent number: 10337896
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Diehl Metering GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Michael Sonnenberg
  • Patent number: 10151611
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Johann Reinhold Zipperer, Peter Wongeun Chung, Hans Martin Hilbig
  • Patent number: 10125032
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: SICO Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Siegfried Egner, Bentsian Elkin, Jorge Toro Santamaria, Walter Nadrag
  • Patent number: 10080593
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: NISHIJIMA MEDICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigehiko Higaki, Tomohiro Ohtake, Masato Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 10072958
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: systec Controls Mess-und Regeltechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Oliver Betz
  • Patent number: 10004868
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Eamonn Kelly
  • Patent number: 9989049
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Steven W. Bergstedt
  • Patent number: 9891087
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Supertrapp Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikolas James Wolgamott, Robert Pierce, III
  • Patent number: 9851372
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Linear Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lynn Heath, Harry Joseph Kleeburg, Heath Dixon Stewart
  • Patent number: 9846064
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Cummins Ltd.
    Inventor: Calvin Howard Cox
  • Patent number: 9605695
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Canada Pipeline Accessories, Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel Sawchuk, Reginald Selirio
  • Patent number: 9597476
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Event Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: Kosuke Inoue, Teunis Van Den Berg, Bich Nguyen, Bonnievon Castillo
  • Patent number: 9462963
    Abstract: (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: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: SRETT
    Inventor: Philipe Salamitou
  • Patent number: 9453748
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Yasuda, Akihisa Adachi, Yuji Fujii, Yuji Nakabayashi, Yukio Sakaguchi, Hirokazu Gotou, Yasuharu Kawano, Aoi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9375166
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: CareFusion 203, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd W. Allum, Malcolm R. Williams, Joseph Cipollone
  • Patent number: 9163563
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventor: Daniel James Bickley
  • Patent number: 9155849
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Inventor: G Greg Haroutunian
  • 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
  • Patent number: 9016140
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Fluid Handling LLC
    Inventors: Stanley P. Evans, Florin Rosca, Glenn E. Huse, Donald A. Kahn
  • Patent number: 9015945
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Flowsion ApS
    Inventors: Kristian Raaby Poulsen, Peter Andreas Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 8984961
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyrus A. Irani, Jason D. Dykstra
  • Patent number: 8938961
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Edward Leustek, Justin Werner McMenamy, Jeffrey S. Morris, Matthew John Liening, Joseph John Stabnik, William Lyle Schell
  • 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: 8812253
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Scott Davis, David Eugene Wiklund
  • Patent number: 8798941
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Norgren Limited
    Inventors: Chris Wheater, Paul Hartley, Gavin Jamieson
  • Patent number: 8756990
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Jamie Speldrich
  • Patent number: 8739638
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: John Dwight England, Anthony R. Kelley, Raymond J. Cronise
  • Publication number: 20140069209
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: McCrometer, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared Steven Ayers, Gerald E. Davis, Clinton Paul Hobbs, Eric Dahl Mikkelsen
  • Publication number: 20140060206
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT À L'ÉNERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ÉNERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Yves Fouillet, Alain Bourgerette, Olivier Fuchs
  • Patent number: 8590561
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroki Igarashi
  • Patent number: 8585608
    Abstract: A flow metering device for pulmonary function tests. The device has a sensing element extending in a longitudinal direction and defining an inner volume and an adapter unit. The sensing element is a measuring tube with open ends, and a pressure difference inducer is arranged in the measuring tube between the open ends. The pressure difference inducer is in contact with the measuring tube, partially occupies the inner cross section thereof, and is formed by spoke arms joined in pairs in a single point. The spoke arms in a pair close a given angle with one another, and pressure offtake grooves are formed in the surfaces of the spoke arms perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the measuring tube. Such pressure offtake grooves enable a radial averaging of pressure. The adapter unit is provided with pneumatic low-pass filters formed as integral parts thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Piston Kft.
    Inventors: László Csatár, Kornél Nagy
  • Patent number: 8578789
    Abstract: An analysis method using an analysis apparatus are described herein. By way of an example, the analysis method includes a first step of driving a pressurizing pump and a pressure-reduction pump, and of filling a liquid from a supply piping in an interior of a resistive body through which a sample passes, a second step of discharging, from a discharging piping, some of the liquid filled in the interior of the resistive body, and of securing a space in the interior of the resistive body for filling the sample, a third step of supplying the sample into the space, a fourth step of causing the sample to travel in the interior of the resistive body, and a fifth step of measuring a travel time of the sample in the interior of the resistive body by using the flow rate sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Arkray, Inc.
    Inventor: Yasuhito Murata