With Restriction Patents (Class 73/861.52)
  • Patent number: 8549930
    Abstract: A method of measuring a characteristic property of grease includes pushing a constant volumetric flow of grease through an extrusion die and measuring the force needed to extrude the grease from the die. The die includes a flow restriction that increases the force required to flow the grease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventors: Richard N. Wurzbach, Andreas Retzlaff
  • Patent number: 8522625
    Abstract: A flow measuring arrangement for measuring flow through a measuring tube comprises at least one constriction located in the measuring tube, which effects a reduction of a volume through which a medium flows; at least one deflectable membrane applied to said constriction, wherein deflection of the membrane effects a change of a volume through which medium flows in the measuring tube; a pressure measuring system connected to the measuring tube for measuring pressure (?p, p); measuring electronics, which determines flow based on the measured pressure (?p, p); an apparatus for producing a time variable deflection of the membrane and a diagnostic system, which determines an affect of said deflections of the membrane on the measured pressure (?p, p), and which diagnoses the flow measuring arrangement based on the deflections and determined effects thereof on the measured pressure (?p, p).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Philipps
  • Patent number: 8521450
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for measuring a flow rate of a gas/liquid flow. The method and system for measuring the flow rate include flowing a swirling gas/liquid flow separated into a gas core and a liquid outer layer through a conduit containing a constriction having a reduced conduit cross-section, measuring the differential gas core static pressure between a position upstream of the constriction and a position at the constriction, measuring a further quantity which provides the flow rate of the gas, the flow rate of the liquid, or a correlation between the flow rate of the gas and the flow rate of the liquid, and determining the flow rates of the gas and the liquid from the differential gas core static pressure and said measured further quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Coporation
    Inventor: Gary Oddie
  • Publication number: 20130213142
    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: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8511180
    Abstract: A flowmeter device for measuring a flow rate of a fluid includes a conduit for the fluid flow. The conduit is characterized by a cross-sectional area and includes at least one section within which the cross-sectional area is different from the cross-sectional area of at least one other section of the conduit. The device also includes a reference tube separated from the conduit by a wall and at least one opening in the wall between the section and the reference tube. The device includes a flexible diaphragm forming a space between the diaphragm and a region of the wall at the section of the conduit, and which includes the opening, to inhibit flow of the fluid between the conduit and the reference tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Ofer Melamed
    Inventor: Ofer Melamed
  • Patent number: 8499648
    Abstract: A gas meter comprising a housing (2) with a gas inlet connection (5) and an inflow chamber (16) which is arranged downstream of the latter and into which gas flows via an inflow opening (14), arranged downstream of which inflow chamber (16) is a measuring section (19) arranged upstream of a gas outlet connection (6) and having a measuring device (20), in which the gas flow is measured, wherein projecting into the inflow chamber (16) there is a tube (15) which merges into the measuring section (19) or forms the latter and runs substantially perpendicularly to the gas flow direction through the inflow opening (14) and overlaps the inflow opening (14), at least in a certain section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Hydrometer GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Sonnenberg, Andreas Hegendoerfer
  • Patent number: 8479733
    Abstract: A flow sensor for a medical ventilator system is disclosed herein. The flow sensor includes a valve assembly having a valve seat, and a valve flap attached to the valve seat. The valve flap is composed of an elastomeric material configured to generate a pre-load that biases the valve flap into engagement with the valve seat such that the valve assembly remains closed in the absence of an externally applied force. The flow sensor also includes a pressure transducer configure to measure a first pressure level at an upstream position relative to the valve assembly, and a second pressure level at a downstream position relative the valve assembly. The flow sensor also includes a processor configured to estimate the flow rate of a fluid passing through a medical ventilator system based on the first and second pressure levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: James Nyal Mashak
  • Patent number: 8448525
    Abstract: A system for measuring flow of process fluid through process piping in an industrial process includes a flow restriction element in the process pipe. A first differential pressure transmitter is configured to measure a first differential pressure across the flow restriction element in response to flow of process fluid. A second differential pressure transmitter configured to measure a second differential pressure in the process fluid across the flow restriction element. Circuitry performs diagnostics based upon the first differential pressure and the second differential pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Wehrs, John P. Miller, Andrew J. Klosinski
  • Patent number: 8429985
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in determining a plurality of characteristics of a multiphase flow within a pipe is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises first and second constrictions, a sheltered zone between the first and second constrictions, a sensing device coupled to an interior wall of the pipe, and a sheltered device coupled to the interior wall of the pipe and located within the sheltered zone. A first characteristic of the plurality of characteristics is determinable from data generated by the sensing device. A second characteristic of the plurality of characteristics is determinable from data generated by the sheltered device. In one exemplary embodiment, the first characteristic is a gas fraction, and the sensing device is a plurality of pressure sensors. In another exemplary embodiment, the second characteristic is a phase fraction, and the sheltered device is a plurality of electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Edward Randall Furlong
  • Patent number: 8397586
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to flow sensors, and more particularly, to methods and devices for reducing variations in fluid flow across the flow sensor for increased accuracy and/or reliability. In one illustrative embodiment, a flow sensor assembly includes a housing with an inlet flow port and an outlet flow port. The housing defines a fluid channel extending between the inlet flow port and the outlet flow port, with a flow sensor positioned in the housing and exposed to the fluid channel. The flow sensor is configured to sense a measure related to the flow rate of a fluid flowing through the fluid channel. A porous insert is situated in the fluid channel, sometimes upstream of the flow sensor. When so configured, and during operation of the flow sensor assembly, a fluid may pass through the inlet flow port, through the porous insert, across the flow sensor, and through the outlet flow port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Sorenson, Mohammad Abdul Javvad Qasimi, Jamie Speldrich
  • Patent number: 8393228
    Abstract: A method is described for measuring a flow of gas passing a flow meter device. The device causes a pressure drop when a gas flows through it. The pressure drop across the device is a measure of the gas flow. The device is configured as a gas permeable tube that has a flow channel on the upstream side along the tube configured so as to decrease the cross-section of the channel downstream of the gas permeable tube. This provides for a minimum volume in the channel upstream of the device's pressure-drop-generating component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Mindray Medical Sweden AB
    Inventor: Göran Cewers
  • Patent number: 8376312
    Abstract: A flow restrictor with a first disk having at least one inlet and at least one outlet and a flow path and a second disk having no flow path. The first disk and the second disk being stacked together. A mass flow controller comprising with an input, an output, a flow path, a pressure transducer and the above flow restrictor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Horiba, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel T Mudd, William W White, Virginia Miller, Christopher Davis, Kimura Miyoshi, Tadahiro Yasuda
  • Patent number: 8365765
    Abstract: A flow restriction member having a cylindrical body and two ends, a two-faced flange disposed radially about the body, and a hub formed by the outer surface of the body not otherwise disposed by the two-faced flange. The flow restriction member further includes a first conically-shaped circular torus opening disposed on one end of the body, the torus opening progressively reducing in cross-sectional area along the longitudinal axis into the body, a second conically-shaped circular torus opening disposed on the other end of the body, the torus opening progressively reducing in cross-sectional area along the longitudinal axis into the body, and a sill opening disposed between the first and the second torus openings, the sill opening of constant cross-sectional area along the longitudinal axis of the body. In one example, a handle disposed radially from the two-faced flange and an RFID tag disposed within the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Joel David Bell
  • Publication number: 20120297893
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for differential pressure meters having a constant beta edge boundary defined by fluid displacement members of the meter. In some embodiments, a differential pressure meter may have an interchangeable fluid displacement member, such that each fluid displacement member replaced in the meter maintains a constant beta edge boundary. In other embodiments, a family of differential pressure meters having permanent fluid displacement members may maintain a constant beta edge boundary for each meter of the family of differential pressure meters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Philip A. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 8286504
    Abstract: An arrangement for improving an accuracy of a pressure measurement made of a breathing gas including drops of water or humidity flowing along a flow channel is disclosed herein. The arrangement includes at least one pressure measuring channel to transmit a pressure of the breathing gas flowing along the flow channel to a measuring device to make the pressure measurement. The pressure measuring channel is equipped with a capillary material enabling capillary suctioning of water. Also a flow sensor for a flow rate measurement of a breathing gas including drops of water or humidity is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Kurt Weckstrom
  • Patent number: 8290633
    Abstract: A method for operating a fluidic pipeline system including an active component generating a volume flow of a medium in the system is provided. A plurality of flow channels are connected in parallel with each other and supplied jointly with the volume flow of the medium by the active component. Each flow channel has an individual volume flow requirement of the medium, the requirement is variable over time for at least part of the flow channels. The volume flow in each flow channel includes a time-variable volume flow requirement individually throttled as a function of a control variable associated with the flow channel. The volume flow generated by the active component is additionally regulated as a whole so that no individual throttling of the local volume flow is required in at least one of the flow channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Dierk Schröder
  • Patent number: 8286505
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system and method for measuring flow at a patient utilizing a differential force sensor in order to precisely control the flow of fluid at very low flow rates. The system includes a fluid line through which a fluid is conveyed to the patient, and a flow controller that selectively varies a rate of flow of the fluid through the fluid line. The differential force sensor can be mounted very close to a point of entry of the fluid into the patient's body. An onboard communications device is controllably coupled to the flow controller and to the force sensor, responds to an output signal, and provides a feedback to the flow controller in a closed-loop process. The system can pump the fluid at a higher frequency until the flow rate is actually reached at the patient and then adjust to the flow rate needed to ensure patient health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Wade
  • Patent number: 8281669
    Abstract: A flow meter device that improves a way to obtain an accurate differential pressure across an orifice body situated in line with the flow of gas and liquids. The orifice body is held in place by sealing components integrated into the orifice body. The differential pressure is sensed via openings incorporated into the body of the device, upstream and downstream of the orifice body. The device with its improved accuracy may be used for small and large applications measuring flow. The device is comprised of a meter body; an orifice puck with characteristics; a sealing method; a cover plate, and a way to secure the device into a fluid stream where the device may be used to easily and accurately measure fluid flow in a pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel A Ertl
  • Publication number: 20120222494
    Abstract: A system for measuring flow of process fluid through process piping in an industrial process includes a flow restriction element in the process pipe. A first differential pressure transmitter is configured to measure a first differential pressure across the flow restriction element in response to flow of process fluid. A second differential pressure transmitter configured to measure a second differential pressure in the process fluid across the flow restriction element. Circuitry performs diagnostics based upon the first differential pressure and the second differential pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: David L. Wehrs, John P. Miller, Andrew J. Klosinski
  • Publication number: 20120192642
    Abstract: Flow sensor assemblies having increased flow range capabilities are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, a flow sensor assembly includes a housing with an inlet flow port, an outlet flow port, a fluid channel extending between the inlet flow port and the outlet flow port, and a bypass channel having a pair of taps fluidly connected to the fluid channel at separate locations. A flow sensor for sensing a measure related to a flow rate of a fluid flowing through the fluid channel can positioned in the bypass channel. A pressure differential between the two taps of the bypass channel can drive a fraction of a fluid flowing through the fluid channel through the bypass channel. The flow sensor assembly may be configured to achieve, control, and/or balance a desired fraction of fluid flow through the bypass channel and past the flow sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Jamie Speldrich, Lamar Floyd Ricks, Craig Scott Becke, Feng Weichao
  • Patent number: 8225814
    Abstract: A differential-pressure flowmeter that can reduce (eliminate) a difference between the ambient temperature of one pressure sensor and the ambient temperature of another pressure sensor so as to allow for accurate and stable pressure measurement is provided, and a flow-rate controller equipped with such a differential-pressure flowmeter is provided. Provided are a body having a main fluid channel through which a fluid, whose pressure is to be measured, flows, and two pressure sensors held by the body and arranged in series relative to the main fluid channel, and a temperature balancer composed of a material with high thermal conductivity is accommodated in a recess that is formed in the body located below the two pressure sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroki Igarashi
  • Patent number: 8205635
    Abstract: A flowmeter in which a flow rate can be measured over a wide flow-rate range while an increase in the cost of manufacture thereof is minimized, and a flow-rate controller equipped with such a flowmeter are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroki Igarashi
  • Patent number: 8141432
    Abstract: A first property of a process fluid is measured using a differential pressure flowmeter. A second property of the process fluid is measured using a Coriolis flowmeter. A third property of the process fluid is determined based on the measured first property and the measured second property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Wade M. Mattar, Robbie Lansangan, Michael Reese
  • Patent number: 8132470
    Abstract: A fluid flow detector includes a detector main body defining a fluid flow channel having a fluid flow detection channel positioned adjacent an upstream hole and a discharge channel positioned adjacent a downstream hole. A mobile body is positioned within the fluid flow channel and dimensioned to be movable along the fluid flow channel. The diameter of the fluid flow detection channel is smaller than the diameter of the discharge channel, and the maximum diameter of the outer peripheral edge part of the face of the fluid flow channel orthogonal to the direction of movement of the mobile body is slightly smaller than the diameter of the fluid flow detection channel. The upstream hole and the downstream hole are formed with a size and shape such that fluid can flow through the upstream and downstream holes without being obstructed by the mobile body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Koike, Nobuaki Suzuki, Motonori Watanabe, Masatoshi Yokoyama, Yoshimi Akaike
  • Publication number: 20120055266
    Abstract: A method of measuring a characteristic property of grease includes pushing a constant volumetric flow of grease through an extrusion die and measuring the force needed to extrude the grease from the die. The die includes a flow restriction that increases the force required to flow the grease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Richard N. Wurzbach, Andreas Retzlaff
  • Patent number: 8091436
    Abstract: A differential force sensor method and apparatus for automatically monitoring manual injections through an intravenous line. The differential force sensor includes two piezoresistive sense die that are packaged in close proximity utilizing a number of packaging processes. The two piezoresistive sense die can be utilized to measure forces exerted on a diaphragm on either side of an orifice. The piezoresistive sense die can be packaged in close proximity to make intimate contact with the diaphragms on either side of the orifice. The differential force sensor further includes two plungers that make intimate contact with the diaphragm and transfer the force into the piezo-resistive sense dies. Additionally, one or more ASICs and microcontrollers can be utilized to provide thermal calibration and differential calculation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Eckhardt, Richard Wade, Ryan Jones
  • Patent number: 8082745
    Abstract: A refrigeration cycle system is disclosed. A compression unit 11 for compressing the refrigerant by the drive force of a vehicle engine 4 is arranged in a housing 10 of a compressor 1. The flow rate of the refrigerant discharged from the compression unit 11 is detected by a flow rate sensor 15 including a throttle portion 15b and a pressure difference detection mechanism 15a. The throttle portion 15b reduces the flow rate of the refrigerant discharged from the compression unit 11. The pressure difference detection mechanism 15a detects the pressure difference between the upstream side and the downstream side of the throttle portion 15b in the refrigerant flow thereby to detect the flow rate of the refrigerant discharged from the compression unit 11. An oil separator 12 for separating the lubricating oil from the refrigerant discharged from the compression unit 11 is interposed between the compression unit 11 and the flow rate sensor 15.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshikatsu Sawada, Yasutane Hijikata
  • Patent number: 8065923
    Abstract: A flow rate measuring method for a multiphase fluid mixture flowing into a line is provided. The method comprises the steps of passing the fluid mixture through a Venturi tube having a pressure drop, measuring a differential pressure across the Venturi tube and a line pressure of the fluid mixture, measuring by a second measuring device, measured parameter(s) of the fluid mixture correlated to first and second phase relative quantities, determining estimated parameter(s) of the fluid mixture correlated to the first and second phase relative quantities based on the measured parameter and an extrapolating scheme, determining phase flow rate(s) based on the differential pressure, the line pressure and the measured parameter(s) of the fluid mixture, and determining flow rate(s) based on the differential pressure, the line pressure of the fluid mixture and the estimated parameter(s) of the fluid mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Nora Duhanyan, Gilles Roux
  • Publication number: 20110283772
    Abstract: A method is described for measuring a flow of gas passing a flow meter device. The device causes a pressure drop when a gas flows through it. The pressure drop across the device is a measure of the gas flow. The device is configured as a gas permeable tube that has a flow channel on the upstream side along the tube configured so as to decrease the cross-section of the channel downstream of the gas permeable tube. This provides for a minimum volume in the channel upstream of the device's pressure-drop-generating component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: MINDRAY MEDICAL SWEDEN AB
    Inventor: Göran Cewers
  • Patent number: 8061218
    Abstract: An upstream hole is formed at the upstream end of a detector main body of a liquid flow detector for detecting liquid flow, and a downstream hole is formed at the downstream end, with a liquid flow channel comprising a liquid flow detection channel, discharge channel, and, optionally, intermediate flow channel, being formed between the upstream hole and downstream hole. A mobile body which is optionally, spherical, moves with the flow of liquid, and is arranged inside the liquid flow channel. The diameter of the liquid flow detection channel is smaller than the diameter of the discharge channel, and the diameter of the mobile body is slightly smaller than the diameter of the liquid flow detection channel. The shape of the peripheral edge part of the upstream hole and the downstream hole is optionally elliptical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Koike
  • Patent number: 8056409
    Abstract: A new flowmeter which comprises a DP flowmeter and a volume meter in series or in hybrid integrated form. The combination of the readings from the two gives increased metering capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Steven
  • Publication number: 20110224603
    Abstract: A device for detecting at least one flow parameter includes a fluidic series connection of a first flow restriction, a first measurement area, a second flow restriction, and a second measurement area. A first sensor is provided for detecting a quantitative first measure of a pressure existing in the first measurement area. A second sensor is provided for detecting a quantitative second measure of a pressure existing in the second measurement area. An evaluator is provided which is configured to determine, while using the measures detected by the first and second sensors, a flow rate of a fluid flowing through the series connection, and/or to determine whether there is an occlusion of the first flow restriction, of the second flow restriction, or of a fluid area adjoining the second measurement area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Martin RICHTER
  • Patent number: 8006571
    Abstract: An arrangement for measuring air flow includes a source of measurement values and a processing unit. The source of measurement values is operable to generate measurement values representative of a difference in pressure from air obtained on a first side of an obstruction and air obtained on a second side of the obstruction. The processing unit is configured to, in one case, convert any negative measurement values of the measurement values to a less negative value. The processing unit is further configured to perform low pass filtering on the measurement values and convert the filtered measurement values to a flow value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Hersch, Howard St. John, Kevin Johnson
  • Patent number: 8006572
    Abstract: A differential-pressure flow meter is capable of easily eliminating adhesion to an orifice of an extraneous material. The differential-pressure flow meter includes: a pair of pressure sensors provided on a straight pipe part of a main fluid channel; an orifice unit interposed between the pair of pressure sensors; a columnar orifice body provided on the main fluid channel to be detachable in a direction orthogonal to a flow direction of a fluid in the main fluid channel; and an orifice hole penetrating the orifice body in the flow direction of the fluid, wherein the orifice body is rotatable at a prescribed installation position to reverse an upstream side and a downstream side with respect to the orifice hole, and flow rate measurement is performed by converting into a flow rate a difference in pressure that is obtained from two pressure values sensed respectively by the pair of pressure sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroki Igarashi
  • Patent number: 7992454
    Abstract: A testing system includes a single air collection box and a laminar flow system for obtain an airflow measurement. The single airflow box has air inlet and outlet ports at opposite ends. The laminar flow element has a laminar flow element inlet in fluid communication with the air collection box and a laminar flow element outlet sealed with the air outlet port of the air collection box. A blower in fluid communication with the laminar flow element outlet draws airflow into the air collection box through a unit under test and out of the air collection box through the laminar flow element. A pressure transducer senses the differential air pressure across the laminar flow element and enables a determination of the airflow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Purdy, Mark E. Steinke, Leo H. Webster, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7942069
    Abstract: A fluid handling device includes a body portion defining a flow passage and an impulse chamber extending from the flow passage. The impulse chamber is fluidly coupled with the flow passage and has a pair of opposing ends defining a length dimension therebetween. The impulse chamber further presents a diameter dimension transverse to the length dimension, wherein the length dimension is at least 3 times and not greater than 10 times the diameter dimension. The device further includes at least one sensor operably coupled with the body portion. The sensor is disposed proximate the end of the impulse chamber opposite the flow passage and presents a sensing face facing into the impulse chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Peterson
  • Patent number: 7891256
    Abstract: A compact differential-pressure flow meter with reduced wiring is provided. The differential-pressure flow meter has first and second pressure sensors 12A and 12B fixed to a base member 14 on upstream and downstream sides of an orifice member 11 along a flow channel to determine a flow rate based on a pressure difference measured between the two sides of the orifice member 11 by the pressure sensors. The differential-pressure flow meter includes specific control boards disposed near pressure-sensing parts installed in the respective pressure-sensing device and a main control board disposed in a board installation space formed inside the base member. The specific control boards are connected to the main control board with wires passing through a plurality of wiring conduits provided in housings of the pressure-sensing device, and external wiring are connected to one of the specific control boards or to the main control board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Ushigusa, Hiroki Igarashi
  • Patent number: 7881886
    Abstract: A method for determining an actual gas flow rate as gas flows through a gas flow delivery system is provided. The method includes sending the gas through the gas flow delivery system into a gas conduit, wherein a section of the gas conduit is widened to form an orifice. The method also includes pressurizing the gas to create a choked flow condition within the orifice of the gas conduit. The method further includes measuring upstream pressure of the gas via a set of pressure sensors. The method yet also includes calculating the actual flow rate based on the upstream pressure of the orifice of the gas conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Iqbal A. Shareef, James V. Tietz, Vernon Wong, Richard J. Meinecke
  • Patent number: 7832283
    Abstract: Fluid flow apparatus, such as a fluid flow meter, a fluid mixing device or a fluid dispersing device, includes a fluid displacement member (40) mounted in a conduit (20) and having a sloped exterior wall (48) forming a periphery on the member for deflecting the fluid to flow through a region of progressively decreasing area defined between the periphery of the member and the interior surface of the conduit. The displacement member is a hollow frustum (42) terminating at the plane of its outer peripheral edge (46) and accommodating flow measurements at or adjacent the axis of the conduit at or adjacent the plane of the peripheral edge of the displacement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: McCrometer, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. W. Peters, Floyd McCall, Joyann Gongaware, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7819022
    Abstract: Method and device that by acoustic signal energy—generated by a flowing medium, detects characteristic properties, amounts and the individual distribution between several components/phases, i.e. liquids, gases, particles or any distribution individual and between these. The flowing medium is decided to pass through at least one in a pipe system installed flow conditioner that has at least one restriction and by said passing is decided to release acoustic signal energy. The flow conditioner is installed in such a way that it in an acoustic and/or thermal way is totally or partly isolated from upstream and downstream adjoining sections of the pipe system and/or surrounding construction details.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Sensorteknikk AS
    Inventor: Bjorn R. Hope
  • Publication number: 20100263455
    Abstract: A fluid flow detector includes a detector main body defining a fluid flow channel having a fluid flow detection channel positioned adjacent an upstream hole and a discharge channel positioned adjacent a downstream hole. A mobile body is positioned within the fluid flow channel and dimensioned to be movable along the fluid flow channel. The diameter of the fluid flow detection channel is smaller than the diameter of the discharge channel, and the maximum diameter of the outer peripheral edge part of the face of the fluid flow channel orthogonal to the direction of movement of the mobile body is slightly smaller than the diameter of the fluid flow detection channel. The upstream hole and the downstream hole are formed with a size and shape such that fluid can flow through the upstream and downstream holes without being obstructed by the mobile body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Koike, Nobuaki Suzuki, Motonori Watanabe, Masatoshi Yokoyama, Yoshimi Akaike
  • Publication number: 20100242622
    Abstract: An arrangement for improving an accuracy of a pressure measurement made of a breathing gas including drops of water or humidity flowing along a flow channel is disclosed herein. The arrangement includes at least one pressure measuring channel to transmit a pressure of the breathing gas flowing along the flow channel to a measuring device to make the pressure measurement. The pressure measuring channel is equipped with a capillary material enabling capillary suctioning of water. Also a flow sensor for a flow rate measurement of a breathing gas including drops of water or humidity is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Kurt WECKSTROM
  • Patent number: 7784361
    Abstract: An electronic fluid dispensing apparatus and related method. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are apparatuses comprising a funnel comprising a receiving mouth open to atmosphere, a sidewall that defines a frustum, and an apex that comprises an end portion (the frustum tapers from the receiving mouth towards the apex), a tube fluidly coupled to the end portion (the tube configured to receive a fluid from the funnel, the combined volume of the funnel and the tube being no greater than 64 fluid ounces), and a device coupled to the tube (the device configured to determine a parameter of a fluid that flows through the funnel and tube).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Bong Tech, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Isaac M. Wiedmann, Troy A. Goldschmidt
  • Patent number: 7782461
    Abstract: A flow metering device and method for monitoring flow of a liquid, has a body with an inlet port and an outlet port. A flow chamber is formed therein between a pair of laterally placed windows in the flow chamber. A light emitting source placed in one of the windows and a light receiver placed in a second of the windows. The flow chamber has a flow restricting and light stopping element held therein and movable between a rest position and an operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventors: Sean J. Massey, Robert P. Baeyens, Donald K. Henderson, Robert D. Moss
  • Patent number: 7775127
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system and method for measuring flow at a patient utilizing a differential force sensor in order to precisely control the flow of fluid at very low flow rates. The system includes a fluid line through which a fluid is conveyed to the patient, and a flow controller that selectively varies a rate of flow of the fluid through the fluid line. The differential force sensor can be mounted very close to a point of entry of the fluid into the patient's body. An onboard communications device is controllably coupled to the flow controller and to the force sensor, responds to an output signal, and provides a feedback to the flow controller in a closed-loop process. The system can pump the fluid at a higher frequency until the flow rate is actually reached at the patient and then adjust to the flow rate needed to ensure patient health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Wade
  • Patent number: 7775126
    Abstract: A differential force sensor method and apparatus for automatically monitoring manual injections through an intravenous line. The differential force sensor includes two piezoresistive sense die that are packaged in close proximity utilizing a number of packaging processes. The two piezoresistive sense die can be utilized to measure forces exerted on a diaphragm on either side of an orifice. The piezoresistive sense die can be packaged in close proximity to make intimate contact with the diaphragms on either side of the orifice. The differential force sensor further includes two plungers that make intimate contact with the diaphragm and transfer the force into the piezo-resistive sense dies. Additionally, one or more ASICs and microcontrollers can be utilized to provide thermal calibration and differential calculation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Eckhardt, Richard Wade, Ryan Jones
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100186517
    Abstract: An airflow detecting system includes a tubular structure having an inner surface defining an interior of the tubular structure, one open end and an opposite open end. The tubular structure is configured to receive and expel air through both the one end and the opposite end. The system further includes a flap connected to the inner surface of the tubular structure by a hinge. The flap is configured to impede airflow within the interior of the tubular structure upon the application of differential pressure across the two ends of the tubular structure. The system further includes a device attached to the flap in a position in which the device spans the hinge. The device is configured to measure a parameter associated with the movement of the flap in response to airflow within the interior of the tubular structure. Other embodiments and methods are further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: AMERICAN POWER CONVERSION CORPORATION
    Inventor: John H. Bean, JR.
  • Patent number: 7716994
    Abstract: A first property of a process fluid is measured using a differential pressure flowmeter. A second property of the process fluid is measured using a Coriolis flowmeter. A third property of the process fluid is determined based on the measured first property and the measured second property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Wade M. Mattar, Robbie Lansangan, Michael Reese
  • Patent number: 7698958
    Abstract: A differential pressure system and a gas meter arrangement for precisely measuring a gas consumption by a gas meter is provided. A previously known gas meter is disposed in a bypass comprising a differential pressure system in the gas pipe for measuring a volumetric flow rate inside the gas pipe. The differential pressure system includes flow ducts having decreasing diameters as the radial position increases starting from a central axis of the differential pressure system. Examples of execution include inlet ports and/or outlet ports of the flow ducts which are provided with a specific countersink angle (?), and an equidistant, concentric arrangement of flow ducts on the cross-sectional area of the differential pressure system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Hydrometer GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Matter, Thomas Kleiner, Beat Kramer