Daniel Industries, Inc.

Geosource, Inc.

Esm International, Inc.

Kam Controls Incorporated

Edward M Browne

Miles A Smither

Kim Mohajer

David F Kratochvil

Glen D Payne

Donnie J Tantillo

Abbas Khajeh

Wallace J Trochesset

Robert G Moore

A method and apparatus are disclosed for determining the concentration of individual components within a fluid mixture by determining the permittivity of the individual components. The method and apparatus use a reference sensor and at least one measurement sensor positioned inside the same sensor device that is immersed in the fluid mixture to be measured. Signals, such as radio frequency or microwave, are sequentially transmitted at multiple, known, constant frequencies to and reflected from both the reference and measurement sensor(s). Permittivities of the individual components are determined from these transmitted and reflected signals and information about the concentration of the individual fluids and other compounds within the fluid mixture and the density of the fluid mixture are produced. Repetitive sampling and processing of these signals allow determination and real-time monitoring of the concentration of individual components within a mixture of fluids. The present invention provides self-calibration, accurate frequency maintenance and self-selection of an operating frequency range.

Device for determining the composition of a fluid mixture

A novel double block and double bleed stream switching system includes a common stream path for a multitude of fluid streams from, for example, a process pipeline. The common stream path includes a blocking port and a bleed port, and connects to at least one sample shut off. Preferably, the common stream path and sample shut off are shallow channels machined in a multi-layered block, with integrated pistons and ports controlling the flow from each stream and through the stream switching system.

Stream switching system

A probe chromatograph apparatus and method is provided which engages directly the process stream from which the sample is taken. The probe chromatograph apparatus is a simple, miniaturized chromatograph installed directly into the source pipeline or vessel. An analyzer mechanism extends through a pipe nipple into the fluid flow from which the sample is drawn. A sampling mechanism transfers a fixed volume of sample into the probe chromatograph apparatus. Means for separating the sample into its constituents is provided, and a detector is provided for sensing and measuring the quantity of the respective constituents.

Probe chromatograph apparatus and method

An apparatus for measuring the reflectivity of a product for use in optical sorting machines that is tolerant of background and product trajectory variations. The apparatus computes the percent of the viewing frame filled by the product at any instant as well as the reflectivity of the background when no product is present. The reflectivity at selected wavelengths from selected perspectives is computed for a product as the product passes a viewing frame by correcting for frame fill and background factors. Given an estimate of product velocity, product size may also be estimated.

Apparatus for measuring reflectivity which is tolerant of background and

A normalizer for a machine sorting individual items from a stream flowing in a channel having a background with reflectivity characteristics substantially identical to reflectivity characteristics of acceptable items. A photodetector produces an output which is amplified in three stages of amplification, dc coupled together, the second stage having an input adjustment for producing a zero voltage output for channel background reflectivity only. The output used for sorting purposes includes both positive and negative peaks. However, to prevent such peaks from greatly influencing normalizing action, the output of the second stage is applied through a limiter, which substantially clips both the positive and the negative peaks, to an integrator, which produces an average reference input voltage to the operational amplifier. DC offset to the input of the operational amplifier or because of changing operational conditions within the circuit gradually change the reference input voltage to the operational amplifier to compensate or normalize for drifting conditions. Peaks that are indicative of items to be sorted are hence adjusted to the normalized zero output of the second amplifier.

Continuous normalizer for an electronic circuit that compensates for

An electronic roll-a-long switch for use in a seismic exploration system and method of seismic exploration are disclosed. For a group of N sequentially numbered receiver points, N/2 input channels are provided. Each input channel receives input from one of two receiver points which are spaced N/2 receiver points apart. The input channels are multiplexed to a data bus in an order corresponding to the sequential numbers of the receiver points comprising the input channels.

Electronic roll-a-long switch

Method and apparatus for determining the location of a break in a pair of wires of a multi-wire cable are disclosed. The method and apparatus permit such breaks to be found with a high degree of accuracy. The method and apparatus are especially useful in connection with locating breaks in seismic cables.

Growing community of inventors

Houston, TX, United States of America

Edward M Browne