Patent classifications
G01F15/10
FROST PROTECTION COVER FOR A WATER METER AND CORRESPONDING METHOD OF PROTECTION
A frost protection cover for a water meter generally includes four parts, each made from a thermal textile laminate and stitched together into a generally upside down T shape. The four parts include: a central portion in the shape of a closed tubular sleeve having an upper opening and a lower opening, the lower opening having cut-outs on the right and left side; two lower portions forming, on each side of the central portion, on the right and left side, extensions to the respective cut-outs, the two lower portions being shaped as open tubes that can be folded shut, and the lower portions being stitched to the central portion; and an upper portion mounted on the central portion and serving as a cover that can be opened or closed over the upper opening of the central portion.
FROST PROTECTION COVER FOR A WATER METER AND CORRESPONDING METHOD OF PROTECTION
A frost protection cover for a water meter generally includes four parts, each made from a thermal textile laminate and stitched together into a generally upside down T shape. The four parts include: a central portion in the shape of a closed tubular sleeve having an upper opening and a lower opening, the lower opening having cut-outs on the right and left side; two lower portions forming, on each side of the central portion, on the right and left side, extensions to the respective cut-outs, the two lower portions being shaped as open tubes that can be folded shut, and the lower portions being stitched to the central portion; and an upper portion mounted on the central portion and serving as a cover that can be opened or closed over the upper opening of the central portion.
Flood Mitigation and Pipe Freeze Prevention Systems for Use in a Structure
A system for controlling water delivery in to and out from a structure. Sensors in the structure determine a water leak from a water delivery system within the structure or an ambient temperature. A transmitter associated with each sensor transmits a signal to a controller, the signal indicating a water leak from the water delivery system or a temperature. Valves within the structure control the flow of water in to the structure, out from the structure, and within the structure. The controller receives the sensor signals and responsive thereto opens or closes one or more valves to stop water delivery into the structure, to drain water out from the structure, or to control water delivery within the structure. A source of pressurized gas activated by the controller applies pressure to water within the water delivery system and thereby assists with draining water from the structure.
Self-draining mount head for transmitter
A self-draining transmitter mount head includes a head body with a transmitter process coupling port in the head body, an impulse port in the head body, and an impulse passage coupled to the impulse port. An impulse drain passage is coupled between the pressure transmitter port and the impulse passage. The impulse drain passage is positioned at an angle to the impulse passage, and relative to a head installation angle that positions the impulse drain passage to drain away from the transmitter process coupling port through a range of head installation angles.
Self-draining mount head for transmitter
A self-draining transmitter mount head includes a head body with a transmitter process coupling port in the head body, an impulse port in the head body, and an impulse passage coupled to the impulse port. An impulse drain passage is coupled between the pressure transmitter port and the impulse passage. The impulse drain passage is positioned at an angle to the impulse passage, and relative to a head installation angle that positions the impulse drain passage to drain away from the transmitter process coupling port through a range of head installation angles.
Detection of low gas pressure without pressure sensors
Techniques detect a low gas-pressure condition within a region without the use of pressure sensors. In an example, gas usage at a service site is disaggregated to show use by individual appliances. A flowrate of gas at an appliance (e.g., a gas hot water tank) having a generally fixed-rate of gas-consumption is determined. Based at least in part on the flowrate of gas at the appliance, and an historical gas flowrate at that appliance, it is determined if gas pressure at the service site is lower than expected. In an example, failure of the appliance to use its typical fixed-flowrate may indicate low gas pressure at the service site. Information is obtained from a second gas meter at a second service site. Based on the gas pressure at the first and second service sites being lower than expected, a low gas pressure situation may exist in a regional area.
Detection of low gas pressure without pressure sensors
Techniques detect a low gas-pressure condition within a region without the use of pressure sensors. In an example, gas usage at a service site is disaggregated to show use by individual appliances. A flowrate of gas at an appliance (e.g., a gas hot water tank) having a generally fixed-rate of gas-consumption is determined. Based at least in part on the flowrate of gas at the appliance, and an historical gas flowrate at that appliance, it is determined if gas pressure at the service site is lower than expected. In an example, failure of the appliance to use its typical fixed-flowrate may indicate low gas pressure at the service site. Information is obtained from a second gas meter at a second service site. Based on the gas pressure at the first and second service sites being lower than expected, a low gas pressure situation may exist in a regional area.
PREVENTING FROST DAMAGE OF FLOW METERS IN A DISTRIBUTION NETWORK
The present invention provides a method for preventing frost damage to one or more flow meters installed in a fluid distribution network containing a fluid, wherein each flow meter is configured to measure a temperature, preferably an air temperature, and to wirelessly transmit the measured temperature, such as via a mobile or a fixed wireless reading system to a processing unit. The method comprises: 1) during a period continuously monitoring (M_TMP) the temperatures measured by the plurality of flow meters over a period of time, 2) performing a data analysis (P_DA) on the temperatures of the plurality of flow meters from the period, 3) based on the data analysis, identifying (I_FDC) one or more ones of the plurality of flow meters as frost damage candidates in a future frost period, and 4) transmitting (T_WS) a warning signal indicative of the frost damage candidates or initiating frost protection measures to protect the frost damage candidates. It has been found that it is possible to monitor temperatures in a no-frost period to identify a frost damage candidate, e.g. if a flow meter is positioned in a pit and the lid is removed thereby causing the risk of a frost damage of the flow meter.
PREVENTING FROST DAMAGE OF FLOW METERS IN A DISTRIBUTION NETWORK
The present invention provides a method for preventing frost damage to one or more flow meters installed in a fluid distribution network containing a fluid, wherein each flow meter is configured to measure a temperature, preferably an air temperature, and to wirelessly transmit the measured temperature, such as via a mobile or a fixed wireless reading system to a processing unit. The method comprises: 1) during a period continuously monitoring (M_TMP) the temperatures measured by the plurality of flow meters over a period of time, 2) performing a data analysis (P_DA) on the temperatures of the plurality of flow meters from the period, 3) based on the data analysis, identifying (I_FDC) one or more ones of the plurality of flow meters as frost damage candidates in a future frost period, and 4) transmitting (T_WS) a warning signal indicative of the frost damage candidates or initiating frost protection measures to protect the frost damage candidates. It has been found that it is possible to monitor temperatures in a no-frost period to identify a frost damage candidate, e.g. if a flow meter is positioned in a pit and the lid is removed thereby causing the risk of a frost damage of the flow meter.
Engine exhaust emissions monitoring device
An exhaust emissions monitoring device includes a pipe adapted to mount to the tailpipe of a vehicle and includes a cable for connecting to the vehicle engine control unit (ECU) and power system. The pipe defines an internal flow passage to allow exhaust to flow through. A plurality of sensors is mounted on the pipe and each sensor extends through an access port formed on the pipe wall to be exposed to the internal flow passage. Exhaust properties and constituents are sensed by multiple sensors for each constituent, there are two or more sensors for each of NOx, temperature, ammonia, particulate matter. The sensors communicate data signals to a processor/data logger also mounted on the pipe.