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Multi-function flow monitoring apparatus with multiple flow sensor capability
PatentsALERT
5503156 NONINVASIVE PULSE TRANSDUCER FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY MEASURING PULSE PRESSURE AND VELOCITY Millar Huntly Houston, TX, UNITED STATES assigned to Millar Instruments Inc A pulse transducer is disclosed having a pressure sensor for detecting pulse pressure and a velocity sensor for simultaneously detecting pulse velocity in blood vessels. The present invention allows reproduction of pulse pressure and velocity waveforms. The present invention combines a conventional applanation tonometer with a mounted velocity sensor, such as a Doppler crystal. The velocity sensor is placed proximate to the pressure sensor to allow simultaneous detection of pulse velocity, in real time, at substantially the same location as the pulse pressure measurement. The sensing direction of the velocity sensor may be at an angle with respect to the sensing direction of the pressure sensor. The present invention may be applied vertically to a vessel for proper applanation, while ultrasound, traveling across the vessel, may be used to detect a major component of the velocity. The present invention further contemplates a method of simultaneously measuring pulse velocity and pressure with a pulse transducer.
5504681 MASS AIR FLOW
SENSOR CALIBRATION
Sherman James M Farmington Hills, MI, UNITED STATES assigned to Ford Motor Company A mass air flow sensor is calibrated by exposing it to known air flow and measuring the input and output voltage to a calibratable output stage. In the absence of air flow, the output stage is then calibrated to produce a desired output voltage in response to an application of the measured input voltage.
5504789 PHASE DETETION METHOD FOR FLOW MEASUREMENT AND OTHER APPLICATIONS Lew Hyok S; Lew Yon S; Lew Yon K UNITED STATES
Arvada, CO,
A phase angle difference between two alternating electrical signals is determined as a function of a ratio of a differential combination of two different numbers of pulse counts to an
123
additive combination of the two different numbers of pulse counts, wherein the first of the two different numbers of pulse counts is obtained by counting a series of electric pulses generated by an electrical pulse generator in a time fnterval between an occurrence of zero value of the leading signal of the two alternating electrical signal and (i-1)th occurrence of zero value of the trailing signal of the two alternating electrical signals occurring after the occurrence of zero value of the leading signal, and the second of the two different numbers of pulse counts is obtained by counting the pulses in an time interval between an occurrence of zero value of the trailing signal and the (j)th occurrence of zero value of the leading signal occurring after the occurrence of zero value of the trailing signal, wherein (i) and (j) are integers; and the phase angle so determined is used to determine the mass flow rate of media by using a convective inertia force flowmeter.
5506791 MULTI-FUNCTION FLOW MONITORING APPARATUS WITH MULTIPLE FLOW SENSOR CAPABILITY Hungerford William G; Sak Cheryl; Randolph Gary; Churchfleld Paul; Waild Douglas D; Tavano Anthon; Agostini Dean; Daniels Mark; Kaiser Donald F Medina, NY, UNITED STATES assigned to American Sigma Inc A multi-function fluid flow monitoring apparatus capable of measuring fluid flow-related variables of fluid in a channel on the basis of signals from any one or more of a plurality of different types of flow sensors. Such different types of flow sensors may include, for example, a bubbler-type pressure sensor, a submerged pressure transducer, an ultrasonic transducer, and/or a velocity sensor forming part of an area-velocity sensor system, each of which sensors may be selectively connected to the apparatus as needed to accommodate various monitoring conditions. The apparatus is further capable of monitoring various conditions of fluid in the channel, such as pH level, ORP, temperature, solution conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and the like. In addition, the apparatus may be selectively linked with one of a variety of external devices, such as an automatic sampling apparatus, a rain gauge, or a pump, so as to selectively initiate desired actions by such external device(s) or to otherwise operably cooperate with such external device(s). The multi-function apparatus comprises an integral operating unit provided in a unitary case. The integral operating unit includes a computer control system including a microprocessor, program memory, and data memory. External connectors are provided for selective connection to one or more different flow sensors, fluid condition sensors, and/or external devices. Signals from the flow sensor(s) and/or fluid condition sensor(s) are received and processed by the computer control system, as are signals from, and/or operations by, external devices linked to the apparatus. The apparatus further includes a display screen, controlled by the computer control system, which selectively
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PatentsAL ERT
displays data in either text or graphics formats. Data including flow-related data, fluid condition data, as well as data from external devices, may be transferred from the data memory of the apparatus to an external computer, printer, or the like by use of a hand-held data transfer unit or a modem integrally provided in the apparatus.
collected and sample analysis is performed automatically to generate a certification report in approximately one-third the time presently required.
5509306 THERMAL TYPE FLOWMETER
5507190 FLOWMETER WITH IMPROVED END STOPS Guttmann Emil J Morton Grove, IL, UNITED STATES assigned to Cole-Parmer Instrument Company A flowmeter for measuring fluid flow rates in a controlled environment. The flowmeter has an inlet and an outlet and has a vertically disposed conduit and an appropriately dimensioned float disposed within the conduit to move vertically therein. The float moves in response to the opposing forces of the weight of the float and an upward force exerted on the float by an upward fluid flow longitudinally traversing the conduit. The flowmeter also comprises an inlet end stop disposed at the inlet end of the conduit. The inlet end stop comprises a base section and a flow-divider section, and, preferably, an upright section. The flow-divider section comprises a raised, transversely extending partitioning member. The partitioning member obstructs the vertical fluid flow emerging centrally from the bore thereby causing the fluid flow to diverge into a plurality of flow streams which divergently angle outwardly and upwardly toward the tapered inner surface of the conduit. The divergent flow streams are particularly effective in lowering the threshold fluid flow required to liR an annular float.
Yamamoto Noboru; Sugiura Yasushi assigned to Nippondenso Co Ltd
Kariya, JAPAN
A thermal type flowmeter for measuring a flow rate of a fluid which is equipped with a thermo-sensitive resistor provided within a fluid passage and arranged to heat while being energized. The flowmeter includes an electric power adjusting element provided in series with the thermo-sensitive resistor for adjusting the amount of electric power to be supplied to the thermo-sensitive resistor based on a current inputted to its input terminal. It also includes a constant current source circuit connected to said input terminal of the electric power adjusting element for supplying a predetermined constant current to the input terminal of the electric power adjusting element. A control circuit outputs an adjustment signal to adjust an amount of electric power supplied to the thermo-sensitive resistor so that the thermo-sensitive resistor has a predetermined temperature. A current adjusting circuit connected to the input terminal of the electric power adjusting element divides the constant current from the constant current source circuit in accordance with the adjustment signal from the control circuit so as to adjust the input current to the electric power adjusting element. This arrangement can reduce the minimum operating voltage for the flowmeter because the input current of the electric power adjusting element can be obtained from the constant current source circuit.
5509311 5507192 AUTOMATED GAS MEASUREMENT SYSTEM Beaudin Allen Laguna Niguel, CA, UNITED STATES A automated system includes a set of probes used to conduct gas flow measurement and sample gas collection. A mobile unit transports the automated gas measurement system to the test facility, and the devices are easily and quickly assembled for testing at standard ports located around a smoke stack or exhaust duct. Two or four probes automatically and simultaneously perform leak checks, calibrations, and purging. At each of the traverse points to be tested, stepping motors provide precise automatic positioning with commands from programmable logic controllers interfacing with a computer located in the mobile unit. Measurement data is
DYNAMICALLY ISOLATED VORTEX SENSING PRESSURE TRANSDUCER Lew Hyok S Arvada, CO, UNITED STATES A vortex flowmeter employs a differential pressure transducer converting an oscillation in a differential pressure to an alternating electrical signal, which differential pressure transducer is dynamically isolated from a structure including a flow passage in a relationship preventing the transmission of the mechanical vibrations of the structure including the flow passage to the differential pressure transducer, and receives two fluid pressures respectively existing at the two opposite cylindrical sides of a vortex generating bluff body disposed across the flow passage respectively through two small diameter tubings having a low stiffness, wherein the velocity of fluid moving through the flow passage is determined as a function of the frequency of the alternating electrical signal generated by the differential pressure transducer.
5503156 NONINVASIVE PULSE TRANSDUCER FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY MEASURING PULSE PRESSURE AND VELOCITY Millar Huntly Houston, TX, UNITED STATES assigned to Millar Instruments Inc A pulse transducer is disclosed having a pressure sensor for detecting pulse pressure and a velocity sensor for simultaneously detecting pulse velocity in blood vessels. The present invention allows reproduction of pulse pressure and velocity waveforms. The present invention combines a conventional applanation tonometer with a mounted velocity sensor, such as a Doppler crystal. The velocity sensor is placed proximate to the pressure sensor to allow simultaneous detection of pulse velocity, in real time, at substantially the same location as the pulse pressure measurement. The sensing direction of the velocity sensor may be at an angle with respect to the sensing direction of the pressure sensor. The present invention may be applied vertically to a vessel for proper applanation, while ultrasound, traveling across the vessel, may be used to detect a major component of the velocity. The present invention further contemplates a method of simultaneously measuring pulse velocity and pressure with a pulse transducer.
5504681 MASS AIR FLOW
SENSOR CALIBRATION
Sherman James M Farmington Hills, MI, UNITED STATES assigned to Ford Motor Company A mass air flow sensor is calibrated by exposing it to known air flow and measuring the input and output voltage to a calibratable output stage. In the absence of air flow, the output stage is then calibrated to produce a desired output voltage in response to an application of the measured input voltage.
5504789 PHASE DETETION METHOD FOR FLOW MEASUREMENT AND OTHER APPLICATIONS Lew Hyok S; Lew Yon S; Lew Yon K UNITED STATES
Arvada, CO,
A phase angle difference between two alternating electrical signals is determined as a function of a ratio of a differential combination of two different numbers of pulse counts to an
123
additive combination of the two different numbers of pulse counts, wherein the first of the two different numbers of pulse counts is obtained by counting a series of electric pulses generated by an electrical pulse generator in a time fnterval between an occurrence of zero value of the leading signal of the two alternating electrical signal and (i-1)th occurrence of zero value of the trailing signal of the two alternating electrical signals occurring after the occurrence of zero value of the leading signal, and the second of the two different numbers of pulse counts is obtained by counting the pulses in an time interval between an occurrence of zero value of the trailing signal and the (j)th occurrence of zero value of the leading signal occurring after the occurrence of zero value of the trailing signal, wherein (i) and (j) are integers; and the phase angle so determined is used to determine the mass flow rate of media by using a convective inertia force flowmeter.
5506791 MULTI-FUNCTION FLOW MONITORING APPARATUS WITH MULTIPLE FLOW SENSOR CAPABILITY Hungerford William G; Sak Cheryl; Randolph Gary; Churchfleld Paul; Waild Douglas D; Tavano Anthon; Agostini Dean; Daniels Mark; Kaiser Donald F Medina, NY, UNITED STATES assigned to American Sigma Inc A multi-function fluid flow monitoring apparatus capable of measuring fluid flow-related variables of fluid in a channel on the basis of signals from any one or more of a plurality of different types of flow sensors. Such different types of flow sensors may include, for example, a bubbler-type pressure sensor, a submerged pressure transducer, an ultrasonic transducer, and/or a velocity sensor forming part of an area-velocity sensor system, each of which sensors may be selectively connected to the apparatus as needed to accommodate various monitoring conditions. The apparatus is further capable of monitoring various conditions of fluid in the channel, such as pH level, ORP, temperature, solution conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and the like. In addition, the apparatus may be selectively linked with one of a variety of external devices, such as an automatic sampling apparatus, a rain gauge, or a pump, so as to selectively initiate desired actions by such external device(s) or to otherwise operably cooperate with such external device(s). The multi-function apparatus comprises an integral operating unit provided in a unitary case. The integral operating unit includes a computer control system including a microprocessor, program memory, and data memory. External connectors are provided for selective connection to one or more different flow sensors, fluid condition sensors, and/or external devices. Signals from the flow sensor(s) and/or fluid condition sensor(s) are received and processed by the computer control system, as are signals from, and/or operations by, external devices linked to the apparatus. The apparatus further includes a display screen, controlled by the computer control system, which selectively
124
PatentsAL ERT
displays data in either text or graphics formats. Data including flow-related data, fluid condition data, as well as data from external devices, may be transferred from the data memory of the apparatus to an external computer, printer, or the like by use of a hand-held data transfer unit or a modem integrally provided in the apparatus.
collected and sample analysis is performed automatically to generate a certification report in approximately one-third the time presently required.
5509306 THERMAL TYPE FLOWMETER
5507190 FLOWMETER WITH IMPROVED END STOPS Guttmann Emil J Morton Grove, IL, UNITED STATES assigned to Cole-Parmer Instrument Company A flowmeter for measuring fluid flow rates in a controlled environment. The flowmeter has an inlet and an outlet and has a vertically disposed conduit and an appropriately dimensioned float disposed within the conduit to move vertically therein. The float moves in response to the opposing forces of the weight of the float and an upward force exerted on the float by an upward fluid flow longitudinally traversing the conduit. The flowmeter also comprises an inlet end stop disposed at the inlet end of the conduit. The inlet end stop comprises a base section and a flow-divider section, and, preferably, an upright section. The flow-divider section comprises a raised, transversely extending partitioning member. The partitioning member obstructs the vertical fluid flow emerging centrally from the bore thereby causing the fluid flow to diverge into a plurality of flow streams which divergently angle outwardly and upwardly toward the tapered inner surface of the conduit. The divergent flow streams are particularly effective in lowering the threshold fluid flow required to liR an annular float.
Yamamoto Noboru; Sugiura Yasushi assigned to Nippondenso Co Ltd
Kariya, JAPAN
A thermal type flowmeter for measuring a flow rate of a fluid which is equipped with a thermo-sensitive resistor provided within a fluid passage and arranged to heat while being energized. The flowmeter includes an electric power adjusting element provided in series with the thermo-sensitive resistor for adjusting the amount of electric power to be supplied to the thermo-sensitive resistor based on a current inputted to its input terminal. It also includes a constant current source circuit connected to said input terminal of the electric power adjusting element for supplying a predetermined constant current to the input terminal of the electric power adjusting element. A control circuit outputs an adjustment signal to adjust an amount of electric power supplied to the thermo-sensitive resistor so that the thermo-sensitive resistor has a predetermined temperature. A current adjusting circuit connected to the input terminal of the electric power adjusting element divides the constant current from the constant current source circuit in accordance with the adjustment signal from the control circuit so as to adjust the input current to the electric power adjusting element. This arrangement can reduce the minimum operating voltage for the flowmeter because the input current of the electric power adjusting element can be obtained from the constant current source circuit.
5509311 5507192 AUTOMATED GAS MEASUREMENT SYSTEM Beaudin Allen Laguna Niguel, CA, UNITED STATES A automated system includes a set of probes used to conduct gas flow measurement and sample gas collection. A mobile unit transports the automated gas measurement system to the test facility, and the devices are easily and quickly assembled for testing at standard ports located around a smoke stack or exhaust duct. Two or four probes automatically and simultaneously perform leak checks, calibrations, and purging. At each of the traverse points to be tested, stepping motors provide precise automatic positioning with commands from programmable logic controllers interfacing with a computer located in the mobile unit. Measurement data is
DYNAMICALLY ISOLATED VORTEX SENSING PRESSURE TRANSDUCER Lew Hyok S Arvada, CO, UNITED STATES A vortex flowmeter employs a differential pressure transducer converting an oscillation in a differential pressure to an alternating electrical signal, which differential pressure transducer is dynamically isolated from a structure including a flow passage in a relationship preventing the transmission of the mechanical vibrations of the structure including the flow passage to the differential pressure transducer, and receives two fluid pressures respectively existing at the two opposite cylindrical sides of a vortex generating bluff body disposed across the flow passage respectively through two small diameter tubings having a low stiffness, wherein the velocity of fluid moving through the flow passage is determined as a function of the frequency of the alternating electrical signal generated by the differential pressure transducer.