James R Heim

US Patent:

20210131846, May 6, 2021

Filed:

Jan 13, 2021

Appl. No.:

17/148122

Inventors:

- Tucson AZ, US
JAMES M. HEIM - TUCSON AZ, US

International Classification:

G01F 1/66
G01F 1/688
G01F 25/00

Abstract:

Systems and methods for determining a weight of a quantity of fluid, or a flow rate of the fluid by weight. An acoustic sensor positioned on an exterior wall of a vessel containing the fluid determines a fill level of the fluid. A computerized device calculates a weight of the quantity of fluid using a size of the vessel, the determined fill level, a temperature of the fluid, and the fluid identity and/or a fluid density. Flow rate of the fluid through a pipe is determined using two or more acoustic sensors positioned at different locations on a pipe, and a temperature sensor. A computer calculates a differential time of flight of the fluid based on readings of the acoustic sensor, a distance therebetween, the temperature sensor, the pipe volume, and the fluid identity and/or a fluid density. A flow by weight of the quantity of fluid is determined.

US Patent:

20200378812, Dec 3, 2020

Filed:

May 29, 2020

Appl. No.:

16/888469

Inventors:

- Tucson AZ, US
JAMES M. HEIM - TUCSON AZ, US

International Classification:

G01F 1/66
G01F 25/00
G01F 1/688

Abstract:

Systems and methods for determining a weight of a quantity of fluid, or a flow rate of the fluid by weight. An acoustic sensor positioned on an exterior wall of a vessel containing the fluid determines a fill level of the fluid. A computerized device calculates a weight of the quantity of fluid using a size of the vessel, the determined fill level, a temperature of the fluid, and the fluid identity and/or a fluid density. Flow rate of the fluid through a pipe is determined using two or more acoustic sensors positioned at different locations on a pipe, and a temperature sensor. A computer calculates a differential time of flight of the fluid based on readings of the acoustic sensor, a distance therebetween, the temperature sensor, the pipe volume, and the fluid identity and/or a fluid density. A flow by weight of the quantity of fluid is determined.