Volume Or Rate Of Flow Patents (Class 73/861)
  • Publication number: 20120216600
    Abstract: self-monitoring flow measuring arrangement includes a pipeline system flowed through by a medium, a control device installed in the pipeline system on the inlet-side, which varies a flow rate of the total medium flowing into the pipeline system according to a predetermined time-dependent periodic change profile; at least one flow measuring device installed in the pipeline system, which is located at a measuring location, which is located behind the control device in the flow direction, and through which the entire medium flowing through the pipeline system flows, and which measures the flow rate (Q5(t), Q5a, (t), Q5b(t), Q5c(t), Q5d(t), Q5e(t)) of the medium at the measuring location; and a monitoring unit, which, based on the predetermined time-dependent change profile and the flow rates measured at the measuring locations (Q5(t), Q5a(t), Q5b(t), Q5c(t), Q5d(t), Q5e(t)), monitors whether the measured flow rates (Q5(t), Q5a, (t), Q5b(t), Q5c(t), Q5d(t), Q5e(t)) follow the predetermined time-dependent change p
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Process Solutions AG
    Inventors: Richard Heyne, Michael Moellgaard
  • Patent number: 8234928
    Abstract: This invention is a testing device that tests pressure of water, oil or gas and can be used anywhere, at anytime, and with greater accuracy then anything on the market.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Abayomi C. Bryant, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120186361
    Abstract: A mass flow meter comprising a housing including a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The housing defines a chamber and a rotatable member is arranged in the chamber so as to be rotatable about an axis. A momentum device is also arranged in the chamber and connected to the rotatable member via a biasing element so as to be rotatable about the axis and rotatable relative to the rotatable member. A fluid path in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet is provided. The fluid path passes through both the rotatable member and the momentum device. The fluid path enters the momentum device at a radial distance r1 from the axis and exits the momentum device at a different radial distance r2 from the axis. A torque provider may be coupled to the rotatable member via a shaft or gear member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Meggitt S.A.
    Inventor: Felix Ernst Schmid
  • Patent number: 8229686
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a flow rate of a component of a stratified two-phase fluid flow within a substantially horizontally extending pipe is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) determining a first fluid velocity value and a second fluid velocity value within the pipe section; b) determining a density of the fluid flow within the pipe section, and creating a measured fluid density value; c) determining a degree of fluid phase stratification of the fluid flow using at least one of the top and bottom fluid flow velocity values, and the measured fluid density value; and d) determining a flow rate value for at least one of a liquid component of the fluid flow and a gas component of the fluid flow within the pipe section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Expro Meters, Inc.
    Inventor: Abhinav Singh Rawat
  • Publication number: 20120180722
    Abstract: Exemplary illustrations of a bell cup for a rotary atomizer and method of using the same are disclosed. The exemplary illustrations are generally directed to the control of the rotating bell plate of a rotary atomizer used for the serial coating of work pieces. An air flow component may be created by the structural design of the bell plate and/or of an element of the rotary atomizer and by the rotation of the bell plate. The air flow component may correspond to the bell plate design, and the element may be adjacent to the bell plate and stationary relative to same. The air flow component may be measured and compared to a predefined reference value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Hans-Jurgen Nolte, Harald Gummlich
  • Publication number: 20120152031
    Abstract: A wriggler device is provided for a gas meter endpoint or gas meter index as an interface with a gas meter drive mechanism. In general, the wriggler may include a base surface, at least one interface wall, and at least one guide wall. The base surface has a peripheral edge and a center point. The interface wall extends at an interface angle from the base surface, and may have an interface surface and a tip portion, with the tip portion spaced from the base surface. The at least one guide wall may extend between the base surface and the tip portion, and may have a guide surface. The guide wall may be configured to guide the drive mechanism along the guide surface to the base surface. Engagement of the interface surface by the drive mechanism causes the wriggler to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: ITRON, INC.
    Inventors: Tyson Anderson, Shawn Showcatally, Robert Payne
  • Patent number: 8201457
    Abstract: A fluid measuring device having a hollow body, a conical section mount, a support member, and a sensor mount as a single cast unit. The hollow body can have an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a chamber. The fluid measuring device can be connected to one or more conduits for receiving and emitting a fluid flow. The sensor mount can have ports for measuring pressure, temperature, and other diagnostics in the single cast unit. The fluid measuring device can have a detachable and re-attachable area ratio changer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Dynamic Flow Computers, Inc.
    Inventor: Sami O. Halilah
  • Publication number: 20120144928
    Abstract: A device and method for conditioning media flowing within a conduit enabling sensors placed within short straight run distances to measure media flow with improved accuracy employing a thermal flow instrument. A flow conditioner downstream of a media flow measuring transducer has walls that diverge in the flow direction to optimize readings of the media flow from the transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: FLUID COMPONENTS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Eric Wible, Michael R. Noel, Brian McDole
  • Patent number: 8181565
    Abstract: A method for measuring a quantity of coffee MNi or MTi that a grinding burr of a coffee mill driven in rotation by a motor dispenses in a predetermined number of revolutions Ni of the grinding burr or in a predetermined time interval Ti. According to the method: the average speed Vi of the grinding burr in a number of revolutions Ni or respectively in a time interval Ti is measured; and the quantity or mass MNi of coffee dispensed in the number of revolutions Ni or respectively the mass MTi of coffee dispensed in the time interval Ti is deduced as a function of the speed Vi from an experimentally obtained stored correspondence table (Vi, MNi) or (Vi, MTi).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Mickaël Beule, Gilles Lebuffe
  • Publication number: 20120118058
    Abstract: A flow-through sensing apparatus includes a flow-head and a sensor that are configured to be selectively coupled through use of a quick-disconnect mechanical coupling. When the sensor is coupled with the flow-head, the sensor cooperates with the flow-head to at least partially define a sensing chamber. The sensor is configured to determine a process parameter, such as refractive index, regarding a substance in the sensing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Michael D. Rainer, Peter J. Gillespie, Douglas J. Paige, Kenneth J. Maynard
  • Publication number: 20120123969
    Abstract: Methods manage the damage of heavy road users on a municipal road network through the implementation of Road Use Agreements between municipalities and heavy road users. Specifically, methods accomplish one or more purposes including, but not limited to, quantifying the in situ traffic capacity of a road, the routine traffic using the road, and the depreciation caused by that traffic, determining whether a heavy road user is regulated, and measuring and quantifying road damages by heavy users versus the normal depreciation by routine traffic. Methods determine the cost share of damage liabilities for heavy road users versus the municipal liability for capital depreciation existing prior to the activities of the heavy road users and the damage of routine traffic using the road at the same time as a heavy road user or multiple heavy road users. Methods preferably provide a regulatory chart for one or more roads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Peter F. Messmer
  • Publication number: 20120094261
    Abstract: A flow meter for a container, for monitoring the dehydration of a patient, has a sensor unit for detecting a flow through the flow meter and a control unit for recording an amount of liquid passing through during a time interval. The flow meter is an adapter for connection to a bottle or a beaker. A patient receives a warning if he should take in liquid. A base station serves for bidirectional transmission of measurement data to an external apparatus, more particularly a telemedical center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Henning Hayn, Gabor Conrad
  • Patent number: 8160725
    Abstract: A control for a field device comprises a monitoring unit that is separate from a control unit for controlling the field device which monitoring unit, when the control unit is in a sleep mode, waits for an activation signal in order to switch the control unit to the operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: VEGA Grieshaber KG
    Inventors: Volker Allgaier, Andreas Isenmann
  • Patent number: 8160833
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention comprises a mass flow controller. The mass flow controller may comprise a pair of thermal sensing elements, a bridge circuit adapted to receive at least one first signal from the pair of thermal sensing elements and a differential amplifier adapted to (i) receive at least one bridge signal from the bridge circuit, and (ii) emit an output signal generally proportional to a flow rate of fluid passing through the mass flow controller. The mass flow controller is also comprised in one embodiment of a filter portion of a control module having one or more first filters comprising substantially permanent parameters adapted to provide a more accurate output signal for a baseline fluid upon a change in the flow rate and one or more second filters comprising variable parameters, with each of the one or more second filters being adapted to provide a more accurate output signal for non-baseline fluids upon a change in the flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd
    Inventors: Alexei V. Smirnov, Michael Lynn Westra, Dax Widener
  • Patent number: 8157160
    Abstract: A meter for flowing material, e.g., water, has a meter register having an electronic display, e.g., an LED or LCD display, and a mechanical read-out display driven by a stepper motor to record units of water that flowed through the meter. In the event of an electrical power failure, the LED or LCD readout values are lost, however, the mechanical read-out values remain. Further, signals are transmitted to a microprocessor of a meter register to change the rotation of the stepper motor so that the meter register can be used with different types of meters. Still further, a meter generator co-acting with a meter register forwards an electrical pulse signal after a quantity of material or utility passes through a water meter to a microprocessor of a remote reader. The remote reader includes an odometer coupled to a stepper motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Arad Measuring Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Dan Winter, Ronald N. Koch
  • Publication number: 20120085179
    Abstract: Apparatus for measurement of airflow in a duct is described. The apparatus combines a Pitot tube, sensing apparatus, control apparatus, a display, control switches and a handle into a unitary structure that is holdable with a single hand while performing obtaining measurement data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Russell P. Secor
  • Patent number: 8155911
    Abstract: The present invention provides a flow rate measurement device for measuring a volume of gas flowing through a gas supply system in which a plurality of appliances are connected. The flow rate measurement device according to the second embodiment comprises a flow rate sensor configured to detect a gas flow flowing through the gas supply system and a differentiator configured to differentiate the detected gas flow. A memory is provided in which profiles of gas consumption by appliances are storable in relation to identities of the appliances. The flow rate measurement device according to the present invention also comprises a first profile finder which is responsive to the differentiated gas flow to search for a profile from the stored profiles which corresponds to the detected gas flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Miyata, Yasuhiro Umekage, Kenichi Kamon
  • Publication number: 20120079889
    Abstract: A flow meter outputs a frequency signal, which corresponds to an air flow quantity of intake air to be supplied to an engine. In an engine control unit, when a sensed value of the air flow quantity, which is obtained based on the frequency signal, is within an estimated air flow quantity range, which is estimated based on an operational state of the engine, the sensed value of the air flow quantity is determined as a measurement value of the flow meter. In contrast, when the sensed value of the air flow quantity is out of the estimated air flow quantity range, a median of the estimated air flow quantity range is determined as the measurement value of the flow meter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasushi Kohno
  • Publication number: 20120060622
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling and monitoring flow of a desired fluid are disclosed. An in vitro pulsatile flow system has a fluid reservoir that contains the desired fluid, which simulates a physiologic fluid, such as cerebrospinal fluid. A pump transports the desired fluid from the fluid reservoir to a test material to permit monitoring of adhesion of cells and tissue to the test material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: CAROLYN ANNE HARRIS, James Patterson McAllister
  • Publication number: 20120064616
    Abstract: A measuring device is disclosed for measuring an ultra low gas flow, working by the principle of liquid displacement. In at least one embodiment, the measuring device includes at least one cell including a gas inflow device, a gas compartment device with a predefined inner geometric physical volume and active volume. In at least one embodiment, the gas compartment device includes one gas accumulating end and one lifting end, the gas compartment device also defining a geometric gas collecting point inside of the gas compartment device, during a gas filling cycle, the geometric gas collecting point moving further and further from the gas accumulating end to the lifting end during the gas filling cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: BIOPROCESS CONTROL SWEDEN AB
    Inventor: Jing Liu
  • Patent number: 8133185
    Abstract: A catheter for retrograde orientation in a blood flow is used to determine the blood flow rate by thermodilution measurements. The determination of the blood flow rate accommodates injectate induced thermal influences on a dilution thermal sensor, wherein the thermal influences can occur prior to introduction of the injectate into the blood flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Transonic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikolai M. Krivitski, Victor V. Kislukhin
  • Publication number: 20120055260
    Abstract: A flow meter (200) is provided that comprises a curved flow tube (203) and a balance member (250). The balance member (250) is positioned such that a centerline (341) of the balance member (250) lies on a plane of a centerline (340) of the curved flow tube (203). The flow meter (200) also includes a driver (104) including a first driver component (104a) and a second driver component (104b). The first driver component (104a) is coupled to the curved flow tube (203) while the second driver component (104b) is coupled to the balance member (250) proximate the first driver component (104a). The flow meter (200) also includes at least a first pick-off sensor (105). The first pick-off sensor (105) includes a first pick-off component (105a) and a second pick-off component (105b). The first pick-off component (105a) is coupled to the curved flow tube (203) while the second pick-off component (105b) is coupled to the balance member (250) proximate the first pick-off component (105a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Treat Lanham, Christopher A Werbach, Andrew Timothy Patten
  • Publication number: 20120059602
    Abstract: A method for taking field measurements of a cone type fluid flow meter including a meter body and a cone-type fluid displacement member to determine when to calibrate or replace the fluid flow meter. The method includes taking measurements of dimensions of the fluid displacement member and the meter body, evaluating the dimension measurements and ascertaining whether the dimension measurements are within designated dimension limits. The present method saves significant time and costs by taking measurements in the field determining whether to calibrate or replace the fluid flow meter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: McCrometer, Inc.
    Inventor: Clinton Paul Hobbs
  • Publication number: 20120055261
    Abstract: A vibrating flow meter (205) is provided. The vibrating flow meter (205) comprises a flow conduit (210) including a first end portion (211) and a second end portion (212). The vibrating flow meter (205) further includes a case (300) surrounding at least a portion of the flow conduit (210). The vibrating flow meter (205) also includes a first case connect (290). The first case connect (290) comprises a first portion (295) coupled to the first end portion (211) of the flow conduit (210) and one or more deformable members (292, 293, 294) extending radially from the first portion (295) and coupled to the case (300) such that the first end portion (211) can rotate about a conduit axis (X).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Craig Brainerd Van Cleve
  • Publication number: 20120059603
    Abstract: An apparatus automatically carries out an integrity test on a filter device having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a venting port. The apparatus includes a filter integrity testing device having a pressure sensor and/or a flowmeter. An inlet connector is connectable to the fluid inlet, is connected via a wetting liquid supply valve to a wetting liquid supply, and is connected via a drainage valve to a first drain. An outlet connector is connectable to the fluid outlet and via an outlet valve to the first or a second drain. A venting port connector is connectable to the venting port and via a measurement valve to the pressure sensor and/or flowmeter. The venting port connector also is connected via a venting valve to a venting pipe, and via a measurement gas valve to a measurement gas source. The valves are controlled by the filter integrity testing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH GMBH
    Inventor: Magnus Stering
  • Patent number: 8131400
    Abstract: One embodiment comprises a method of providing accurate mass flow controller flow rate data for a non-manufacturing-tuning-gas. The mass flow controller may be operated at a setpoint greater than 50%. Data may be recorded to a mass flow controller memory. The setpoint may then be changed to 0%. The recorded data may then be analyzed and one or more non-manufacturing-tuning-gas correction algorithm parameters may be calculated. The one or more non-manufacturing-tuning-gas correction algorithm parameters may be stored in a mass flow controller memory and subsequently used in at least one future mass flow controller operation involving the non-manufacturing-tuning-gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventor: Alexei V. Smirnov
  • Publication number: 20120048029
    Abstract: There is provided a hydraulic system, including an oil tank storing operating oil, a hydraulic actuator, and a hydraulic pump which draws the operating oil from the oil tank and supplies the operating oil to the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic system is provided with an operating oil separating unit which is located at a midway point of a main tube sending the operating oil from the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic actuator and which separates a part of the operating oil supplied, from the hydraulic pump to return the part of the operating oil to the oil tank. A universal testing machine including the hydraulic system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: KOKUSAI KEISOKUKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sigeru Matsumoto, Hiroshi Miyashita, Kazuyoshi Tashiro, Kazuhiro Murauchi, Mitsuo Kakuta
  • Patent number: 8113062
    Abstract: A tilt sensor is provided that is generally adapted to detect tilted and non-tilted states of an object associated therewith, which in some cases is a ventilation circuit component. The tilt sensor may correspond to a pneumatically operated tilt sensor that can be used in conjunction with a ventilator to help prevent compromised measurements from certain elements which can be used in a ventilator patient circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Daniel G. Graboi, Chester Hinson
  • Patent number: 8116991
    Abstract: A device for measuring a flow rate of Ringer's solution includes a key input unit including a number input key through which a user can make an input each time when a drip drips in a drip chamber; a power supply unit for supplying power; an oscillation circuit for oscillating a signal having a preset frequency; a display unit for quantitatively outputting a calculated flow rate of Ringer's solution; and a control unit for calculating an elapsed time when the input is made through the number input key of the key input unit for a preset number of times, calculating the number of drips per an hour using the preset number of times and the calculated elapsed time, acquiring a quantitative flow rate of Ringer's solution by multiplying a preset volume of each drip and the calculated number of drips, and outputting the acquired flow rate to the display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Doo Yong Lee
  • Patent number: 8113063
    Abstract: A fluid measurement device includes a fluid measurement unit which includes a plurality of fluid measurement sections configured to measure a measurement fluid introduced into a measurement chamber from the outside, each of the fluid measurement sections including a fluid measurement sensor on which the measurement fluid introduced into the measurement chamber acts. The fluid measurement devise includes a measurement controller which sequentially introduces the measurement fluid into each of the fluid measurement sections every set time shorter than a fluid measurement time required for one of the fluid measurement sections to conduct one fluid measurement, the measurement controller measuring the fluid to provide a time difference for each of the fluid measurement sections, and a central controller which accumulates fluid measurement data from the fluid measurement sensors and rapidly measures a change of the external measurement fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Noritaka Nakaso
  • Publication number: 20120031194
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of diagnosing the operation of a water purification installation of the filter medium device type, the material of the filter medium being made up of particles, the method including the following steps: a characterization step of characterizing at least one physical and/or mechanical parameter of the filter medium device to establish a permeability value Ks (expressed in m/s); a comparison step of comparing said established permeability value Ks with a predetermined range [kmin; kmax] of permeability values representing a satisfactory operating state of the purification installation; and a diagnosis step during which the filter medium device is assigned an operation indicator according to the result of the comparison step. Applications include non-collective sanitation (NCS) systems and stand-alone sanitation systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicants: UNIVERSITE BLAISE PASCAL- CLERMONT II, VEOLIA EAU
    Inventors: Christian Vignoles, Pascal Molle, Alain Lienard, Laurence Rolland, Pierre Breul, Fathe Bouteldja, Daniel Boissier
  • Publication number: 20120011939
    Abstract: A device, system and method relating to dispensing fluid from a device. The system relates generally to a hand-held fluid dispensing module, a control module coupled to the hand-held fluid dispensing module, a fluid container located in close proximity to the hand-held fluid dispensing module and the control module, and a cooling module coupled to the control module. The hand-held device being configured to control and determine the amount of fluid dispensed from the device. The method relates to using the system and dispensing fluid from the hand-held fluid dispensing module by either applying pressure to an exterior portion of the hand-held dispensing module or providing a vacuum to the hand-held fluid dispensing module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: ATP, INC.
    Inventors: Edward J. Paukovits, Joseph Bowling, J. Michael Henderson, Daniel Todd Adlon
  • Patent number: 8099248
    Abstract: A flow rate measuring device has a flow rate measurement unit, an appliance registering unit, a calculating unit, a determining unit, a first appliance identifying unit, and a second appliance identifying unit. The appliance registering unit stores at least first gas flow rate variation profiles on activation of respective gas appliances coupled to a flow channel, and second gas flow rate variation profiles based on the control specific to the respective gas appliances. The first appliance identifying unit identifies which gas appliance is activated based on the first gas flow rate variation profiles on activation. When a determining unit detects a stop of any of gas appliances, the second appliance identifying unit identifies a gas appliance in continuous use by using the second gas flow rate variation profiles based on the control specific to the respective gas appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Umekage, Hajime Miyata, Kenichi Kamon
  • Publication number: 20110308326
    Abstract: The invention relates to an insufflator with a supply connection (22) and a delivery connection (14) and a pressure and flow measuring device arranged between said connections (14, 22) for determining measured quantities characterizing a gas pressure at a delivery connection and a gas volume flow at the delivery connection. The pressure and flow measuring device comprises a multilayer board (20) which comprises on its interior at least one flow channel (26) that is connected at its input to the supply connection (22) and at its output (8) to the delivery connection (14). Arranged on the board (20) are pressure measurement sensors (32, 34) and electronic components (4, 6) for the wiring of the pressure measurement sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicants: UNIVERSITAT ROSTOCK, MGB ENDOSKOPISCHE GERATE GMBH BERLIN
    Inventors: Lienhard Pagel, Stefan Gabmann
  • Publication number: 20110308325
    Abstract: A fluidic apparatus for a sample separation system includes a fluid inlet path for supplying a fluid, an inlet sensor adapted for measuring a flow rate of the fluid in the fluid inlet path, a splitting point arranged downstream of the fluid inlet path and adapted for splitting the fluid into a first path and into a second path, and a second path sensor adapted for measuring a flow rate of a part of the fluid conducted into the second path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Hans-Georg Weissgerber
  • Publication number: 20110302996
    Abstract: A device for detecting a property of a fluid includes a body region and a flexible element having a first end and a second end. The first end is fixedly located on the body region. The flexible element is arranged to move from at least a first configuration to a second configuration via bending of the flexible element. The flexible element includes an actuating portion arranged to move the flexible element between the first configuration and the second configuration. The device also includes a movement detector for detecting movement of the flexible element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: MICROVISK LIMITED
    Inventors: Vladislav Djakov, Ejaz Huq, Paul Vernon
  • Patent number: 8073591
    Abstract: A method, and an apparatus, for monitoring the sand supply in a sand tank (2) of a sand-scattering device in vehicles, in particular in express trains. To prevent an insufficient sand supply, the sand-supply level is monitored by a inspection point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Faiveley Transport
    Inventor: Werner Bartling
  • Patent number: 8065921
    Abstract: An airflow speed detection device for measuring an airflow speed includes an airflow speed switch, and a connector. The airflow speed switch includes a detection head, and an elastic piece. The connector is electrically connected to the testing the airflow speed switch to connect an indicator to indicate close and open states of the airflow speed switch. If the airflow speed is not faster than a critical value, the elastic piece contacts the detection head to close the airflow speed switch. If the airflow speed is faster than the critical value, the elastic piece is blown away from the detection head to open the airflow speed switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Chih Hsieh, Tsung-Hsi Li
  • Publication number: 20110283808
    Abstract: An environmental testing device includes a humidity control module, a temperature control module; and an air circulation module. The air circulation module includes an enclosure and a fan received in the enclosure. Two pairs of airflow openings are defined in the enclosure and form different airflow passages that allow air to flow along different directions in the environmental testing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: ZHENG-HENG SUN, XIAO-FENG MA
  • Patent number: 8055457
    Abstract: A flow rate measuring device has a flow rate measurement unit, an appliance registering unit, a calculating unit, a determining unit, a first appliance identifying unit, and a second appliance identifying unit. The appliance registering unit stores at least first gas flow rate variation profiles on activation of respective gas appliances coupled to a flow channel, and second gas flow rate variation profiles based on the control specific to the respective gas appliances. The first appliance identifying unit identifies which gas appliance is activated based on the first gas flow rate variation profiles on activation. When a determining unit detects a stop of any of gas appliances, the second appliance identifying unit identifies a gas appliance in continuous use by using the second gas flow rate variation profiles based on the control specific to the respective gas appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Umekage, Hajime Miyata, Kenichi Kamon
  • Publication number: 20110259117
    Abstract: A wriggler device is provided for a gas meter endpoint or gas meter index as an interface with a gas meter drive mechanism. In general, the wriggler may include a base surface, at least one interface wall, and at least one guide wall. The base surface has a peripheral edge and a center point. The interface wall extends at an interface angle from the base surface, and may have an interface surface and a tip portion, with the tip portion spaced from the base surface. The at least one guide wall may extend between the base surface and the tip portion, and may have a guide surface. The guide wall may be configured to guide the drive mechanism along the guide surface to the base surface. Engagement of the interface surface by the drive mechanism causes the wriggler to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: ITRON, INC.
    Inventors: Tyson Anderson, Shawn Showcatally, Robert Payne
  • Publication number: 20110247429
    Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the pressure within a filter housing. A pressure sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the pressure within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the pressure sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of pressure values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read pressure values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment. In addition, integrity testing for individual filters within multi-filter configurations is possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: MILLIPORE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anthony DiLeo, John Dana Hubbard
  • Patent number: 8034002
    Abstract: An enhanced electronic peak flow meter is provided that combines some of the enhanced electronic features found in other electronic peak flow meters with software for executing a stochastic process control and evaluating the digital respiratory data collected by the meter. The programmed stochastic process control is capable of selecting and calculating any one of a number of pulmonary function parameters including at least one statistical process control variable to determine a pulmonary threshold. Information systems linking doctor's offices and patient's meters are further provided to transmit warning data in cases where the pulmonary threshold is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Robert E. Coifman
  • Patent number: 8032234
    Abstract: A condition of an industrial process is diagnosed based upon process variable information related to a value of a measured process variable. Histogram information is calculated based upon the determined process variable information and time information related to a duration of time the measured process variable has the value. Condition of the industrial process is diagnosed based upon the calculated histogram information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Scot R. Foss, Terry A. Cureton
  • Patent number: 8027793
    Abstract: A method and system of validating data regarding measured hydrocarbon flow. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems including a flow computer coupled to a metering tube and configured to measure fluid flow through the metering tube, and a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system coupled to the flow computer. The SCADA system is configured to perform a validation on data provided by the flow computer regarding fluid flow. The flow computer is configured to perform the validation on the data regarding fluid flow, and the if the validation is successfully completed by the flow computer, the SCADA system refrains from performing the validation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Daniel Measurement and Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Damon J. Ellender, Duane B. Toavs
  • Publication number: 20110219884
    Abstract: A position testing apparatus includes a stage on which a piezoelectric element object is set, a through hole formed through the stage and covered with the piezoelectric element set on the stage according to a positioning state, and a flow measurement unit configured to draw air through the through hole from around the piezoelectric element and determine the positioning state of the piezoelectric element according to a flow rate of the drawn air. The position testing apparatus is capable of surely testing a positioning state of the piezoelectric element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shogo OGAKI, Takashi Ando
  • Patent number: 7997148
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein allow for intercepting submarine groundwater discharge to be used as a supply source for desalination processes. In one practice a dye-dilution seepage meter is employed as a device for locating water sources. These meters can be placed in estuaries and other locations that may be candidate locations to test for flows of groundwater. In areas of suspected SGD, the meters can be deployed to quantify the potential yield and quality (e.g. salt content) of the resource. Regarding the water quality, it is important to note that even brackish water sources can greatly reduce the energy needed to achieve potable water by desalination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Inventor: Matthew Charette
  • Publication number: 20110196624
    Abstract: Flow meter validation techniques are herein disclosed. An illustrative system includes a flow meter and display logic coupled to the flow meter. The flow meter is configured to provide information indicative of a parameter of fluid flow through the meter. The display logic is configured to provide a display of the information. The display includes an indication of a possible range of values of the parameter. An indication of a baseline portion of the range is also provided. The baseline portion of the range designates preferred values of the parameter. The display further includes an indicator designating the value of the parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: DANIEL MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel J. HACKETT, III, Charles W. DERR, Graham W. FORBES, Kerry D. GROESCHEL, Henry C. STRAUB, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110192233
    Abstract: A method of forming a nanostructured surface, the method comprising including providing an original nanostructured surface having an array of high aspect ratio structures formed on a planar substrate; forming a negative replica mold of the original nanostructured surface, wherein the negative replica mold comprises a flexible material; deforming the negative replica mold; and using the deformed negative replica mold to form a deformed replica of the original nanostructured surface, wherein the deforming step is performed at least one of before, during, or after introducing a material for forming the deformed replica into the negative replica mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
    Inventors: Joanna Aizenberg, Boaz Pokroy
  • Publication number: 20110185820
    Abstract: Startup and operational techniques for a digital flowmeter are described. The techniques select an optimal mode of operation for the digital flowmeter, depending on a current environment of the flowmeter. For example, during a startup operation of the flowmeter, the mode of operation might include a random sequence mode, in which filtered, random frequencies are applied as a drive signal to a flowtube associated with the digital flowmeter. Once the flowtube reaches a resonant mode of vibration, the digital flowmeter may transition to a positive feedback mode, in which a sensor signal representing a motion of the flowtube is fed back to the flowtube as a drive signal, as part of a feedback loop. Once an oscillation of the flowtube is achieved and analyzed, a digital synthesis mode of operation may be implemented, in which the analyzed sensor signals are used to synthesize the drive signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: INVENSYS SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Manus P. Henry, Mayela E. Zamora