G01F15/063

Metrology Module Adaptable for Use in Multiple Gas Meters
20230019356 · 2023-01-19 ·

A gas meter control system is adapted for use in gas meters having a plurality of different sizes (e.g., ability to measure different flowrates and/or different gas volumes per billing cycle) and different functional capabilities. In an example, the gas meter control system is configured to recognize and identify a metrology unit, sensor(s), switch(es), valve(s), valve motor(s), and/or other device(s) within a gas meter. Having identified devices present within a gas-environment and an air-environment of the meter, the control system selects and executes appropriate software to operate the identified devices. Addition of an additional component to the meter (e.g., an earthquake sensor or a tamper sensor) results in identification of the added component and execution of appropriate control software. Accordingly, the gas meter control system replaces a number of control systems configured to operate a single specific meter and/or configuration.

Disaggregation of Gas Load to Determine Gas Appliance Performance
20230224367 · 2023-07-13 ·

Techniques determine if an appliance having a fixed-rate of gas-consumption is degrading over time. In one example, a flowrate of gas at a service site is obtained. The flowrate of gas is disaggregated to obtain a flowrate of gas corresponding to an appliance having a generally fixed-rate of gas-consumption. The flowrate of gas of the appliance is compared to historical gas consumption by the appliance. Based at least in part on the comparing, it may be determined that performance of the appliance has changed over time. For example, the gas consumption of a hot water tank may increase due to mineral build-up in the bottom of the tank. Responsive to the determined degradation of the appliance, warnings may be sent, repairs may be made, and/or appliance(s) may be replaced.

METHOD AND MEASURING DEVICE FOR DETERMINING A MEASURED QUANTITY RELATING TO A FLOW

A method determines a measured quantity relating to the flow of a fluid through a measuring tube, in two propagation directions, and a receive signal is captured. A transit time difference is determined depending on the position of the main maximum of a cross-correlation of the receive signals. Whereupon the measured quantity is determined depending on the transit time difference, and the transmitting ultrasonic transducer is controlled in each case with an excitation signal. The excitation signal has a fixed carrier frequency. The excitation signal has a phase shift and/or an envelope with a plurality of temporally spaced maxima, and/or, if a trigger condition is fulfilled, the fulfilment of which depends on the height of the main maximum and/or of at least one secondary maximum of the cross-correlation. The determination of the measured quantity is modified compared with a normal operating mode and/or a message is output.

Detection device for a fluid conduit or fluid dispensing device

Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for detecting and determining conditions of and conditions within a fluid conduit.

ANNULUS PRESSURE RELEASE SYSTEM
20230213951 · 2023-07-06 ·

An annulus pressure release system includes a gas metering valve assembly having a fluid pathway. The gas metering valve assembly includes a pressure sensor configured to be fluidly coupled to an annulus and to output a sensor signal indicative of a fluid pressure within the annulus. The gas metering valve assembly also includes an electronically actuated adjustable control valve disposed along the fluid pathway and a electronically actuated two-position valve disposed along the fluid pathway. Furthermore, the gas metering valve assembly includes a flow controller. The flow controller, in response to determining the fluid pressure exceeds a threshold pressure, is configured to output a first control signal to the electronically actuated two-position valve indicative of instructions to open the electronically actuated two-position valve, and to output a second control signal to the electronically actuated adjustable control valve indicative of instructions to adjust a flow of fluid through the fluid pathway.

Water meter and leak detection system
11549837 · 2023-01-10 ·

The present invention is a water meter and leak detection system that has a private or public property(ies) facility water supply interruption system. The system is comprised of a water meter collection node system with shut-off/on mechanism that has wireless Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, Zigbee, Z-wave LoRa, Wi-Fi, radio frequency and cellular technology with a private or corporate network, or internet connection that transfer water parameter data to a remote computer or server. Or the system can consist of a water meter collection node that communicates by Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, Zigbee, Z-wave LoRa, Wi-Fi, radio frequency and cellular technology with a data communication hub whereby the communication hub is in wired or wireless communication with an internet router that communicates with an internet connection, or with a private or commercial network system, to a remote computer/server or a cloud-computing commercial service.

Water meter and leak detection system
11549837 · 2023-01-10 ·

The present invention is a water meter and leak detection system that has a private or public property(ies) facility water supply interruption system. The system is comprised of a water meter collection node system with shut-off/on mechanism that has wireless Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, Zigbee, Z-wave LoRa, Wi-Fi, radio frequency and cellular technology with a private or corporate network, or internet connection that transfer water parameter data to a remote computer or server. Or the system can consist of a water meter collection node that communicates by Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, Zigbee, Z-wave LoRa, Wi-Fi, radio frequency and cellular technology with a data communication hub whereby the communication hub is in wired or wireless communication with an internet router that communicates with an internet connection, or with a private or commercial network system, to a remote computer/server or a cloud-computing commercial service.

SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR SMART REGISTER APPLICATIONS
20230214531 · 2023-07-06 · ·

One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a smart pump register device used during fluid transfer operations. The register allows third party software, such as third-party applications, to be downloaded to the register. The third-party software may be downloaded from a cloud-based application store without hardware modifications. The third-party software may be used for various tasks associated with fluid transfer events. A fluid transfer system can comprise a cloud computing environment that can maintain an application database of third-party applications. A register device can comprise a regulated software portion and an unregulated software portion. The unregulated portion can run third party applications downloaded from the application database, and the regulated portion can remain isolated from the unregulated portion to maintain integrity of the regulated portion. A metering device can be used to communicate metering data to the register.

Apparatus, method and system for calibrating a liquid dispensing system

An apparatus, method and system providing for calibration and/or control of a liquid dispensing system is disclosed. The hand-held calibration auditing tool includes a flow meter (36-37) with inlets adapted for quick connection to one or more liquid inputs and/or liquid outputs of a liquid dispensing system (10). A sensor (94-95) having a data output of liquid flow information for a liquid input to the dispensing system (10) is operably connected to a controller (12) to receive the liquid flow information for the liquid input. The controller (12) provides a dilution rate and other liquid flow information for a liquid product input to a dispenser. The tool may include any number of flow meters, and may also include a flow meter connected to an outlet of a dispenser (22) for providing flow information.

Apparatus, method and system for calibrating a liquid dispensing system

An apparatus, method and system providing for calibration and/or control of a liquid dispensing system is disclosed. The hand-held calibration auditing tool includes a flow meter (36-37) with inlets adapted for quick connection to one or more liquid inputs and/or liquid outputs of a liquid dispensing system (10). A sensor (94-95) having a data output of liquid flow information for a liquid input to the dispensing system (10) is operably connected to a controller (12) to receive the liquid flow information for the liquid input. The controller (12) provides a dilution rate and other liquid flow information for a liquid product input to a dispenser. The tool may include any number of flow meters, and may also include a flow meter connected to an outlet of a dispenser (22) for providing flow information.