DETAILED ACTION
Abstract
The abstract of the disclosure is objected to because it is unclear due to apparent syntax, editorial and/or antecedent errors. Going forward with examination, the abstract is interpreted to be (Note that in applicant’s response, where a change is requested in the abstract, a separate page of the abstract containing the change will be needed):
--A fluid flow meter serves to determine [[the]] a flow of a fluid, in particular in [[the]] a form of gas, in a pipe, wherein the fluid flow meter is configured to generate a first measurement variable and at least [[a]] one second measurement variable for the fluid, and to generate at least [[a]] one first diagnostic parameter. The fluid flow meter comprises a diagnostic system that is configured to determine a first threshold value for the at least one first diagnostic parameter , and to output a first message to a higher-ranking control device when the at least one first diagnostic parameter reaches said first threshold value .--
Correction is required. See MPEP § 608.01(b).
Specification
The following guidelines illustrate the preferred layout for the specification of a utility application. These guidelines are suggested for the applicant’s use.
Arrangement of the Specification
As provided in 37 CFR 1.77(b), the specification of a utility application should include the following sections in order. Each of the lettered items should appear in upper case, without underlining or bold type, as a section heading. If no text follows the section heading, the phrase “Not Applicable” should follow the section heading:
(a) TITLE OF THE INVENTION.
…
(g) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION.
(1) Field of the Invention.
(2) Description of Related Art including information disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98.
(h) BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION.
(i) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S).
(j) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION.
Furthermore, the specification is objected to because it is unclear due to apparent syntax, editorial and/or antecedent errors. Going forward with examination, the following specification paragraphs are interpreted to be (Note that in applicant’s response, where a change is requested in the specification, an entire paragraph of the specification containing the change will be needed):
Lines 8-10 on Page 1:
--Fluid flow meters are used today for measure by calculating a fluid flow or a fluid quantity transferred in a pipe.--
Line 19 on page 1 – line 24 on page 2:
--It is therefore desirable to provide a fluid flow meter that can provide information on whether the flow meter correctly measures by correctly calculating a fluid flow or a fluid quantity transferred in a pipe, or the flow meter requires maintenance.
The object is satisfied by the fluid flow meter, by a monitoring system comprising such a fluid flow meter, and by a method for operating such a fluid flow meter. Advantageous further developments of the fluid flow meter are specified in the dependent claims.
The fluid flow meter according to the invention serves to determine, in particular to calculate a flow of a fluid, or a fluid quantity transferred, in particular in the form of (natural) gas, in a pipe. A flow is understood as how much fluid flows through the pipe in a predefined time. The fluid flow meter is configured to generate a first measurement variable and at least [[a]] one second measurement variable for the fluid and at least one first diagnostic parameter. The fluid flow meter further comprises a diagnostic system that is configured to determine a first threshold value for the at least one first diagnostic parameter
The diagnostic system is further configured to output a first message to a higher-ranking control device when the first threshold value is reached. The wording “reaching” also includes “exceeding” or “falling below”, depending on the type of threshold value. It is particularly advantageous that the fluid flow meter generates at least two measurement variables (that are different in their type) and, based on the two measurement variables, the diagnostic system generates the at least one first diagnostic parameter
Line 1 on page 4 – line 7 on page 10:
In an advantageous further development, the diagnostic system is configured to determine a second threshold value for the at least one first diagnostic parameter, in particular both the first threshold value and the second threshold value are based on the first measurement variable and the at least one first diagnostic parameter reaches said second threshold value also a warning message or a fault message may be of different types (warning message or fault message). The wording “reaching” also includes “exceeding” or “falling below”, depending on the type of threshold value. The first and the second threshold value are at different levels. It is particularly advantageous that a second threshold value is also determined in addition to a first threshold value. Ranges for the at least first diagnostic parameter in which no or different messages are output can thereby be set. A warning message can thus indicate a future event and prompt the operator of the fluid flow meter to check the corresponding fluid flow meter at the next opportunity. A fault message, on the other hand, signals to the operator of the fluid flow meter that valid measurement values for the flow are no longer being generated. The diagnostic system is preferably configured to write the warning message and/or the fault message to an error register in the fluid flow meter and/or to an error register of a processing unit of the higher-ranking control device. The diagnostic system is further preferably configured to also write a time stamp to the error register in addition to the warning message and/or the fault message. Additionally or alternatively, the diagnostic system is configured to write the flow value of the fluid flow meter to the error register when the warning message and/or the fault message occurs.
In an advantageous further development, the at least one first measurement variable is a physical measurement value of the fluid or a variable derived from a physical measurement value. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one second measurement variable is a physical measurement value of the fluid or a variable derived from a physical measurement value. The first and second measurement variables are of different types.
In an advantageous further development, the first measurement variable is selected from a fluid flow rate, a speed of sound in the fluid or a speed of sound in the fluid normalized to pressure and temperature. The fluid flow rate and the speed of sound in the fluid are physical measurement values. The speed of sound in the fluid normalized to pressure and temperature is a variable derived from a physical measurement value. Additionally or alternatively, the second measurement variable is selected from a fluid flow rate, a speed of sound in the fluid or a speed of sound in the fluid normalized to pressure and temperature. The fluid flow rate and the speed of sound in the fluid are physical measurement values. The speed of sound in the fluid normalized to pressure and temperature is a variable derived from a physical measurement value. In this respect, the first and the second measurement variables comprise different fluid properties. For example, the first measurement variable can be the fluid flow rate and the second measurement variable can be the speed of sound in the fluid. The first measurement variable and/or the second measurement variable can naturally also be selected from other fluid properties.
In an advantageous further development, the at least one first diagnostic parameter describes a measurement capability of the fluid flow meter or allows conclusions to be drawn about a measurement capability. For example, the first diagnostic parameter can be determined, i.e. derived, in particular calculated, from the first measurement variable and/or the second measurement variable.
In an advantageous further development, the at least one first diagnostic parameter is a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or a turbulence of the fluid. The first and optionally the second threshold values specify a value for the signal-to-noise ratio; when said value is reached or in this case is fallen below, the first message and optionally the second message are generated and output to the higher-ranking control device. Such a signal-to-noise ratio, for example, describes the signal quality and thus how inaccurately the fluid flow meter concurrently operates. In addition, the first and optionally the second threshold values can specify a value for the turbulence of the fluid; when said value is reached or in this case is exceeded, the first message and optionally the second message is generated and output to the higher-ranking control device. Such a value for the turbulence likewise describes how inaccurately the fluid flow meter currently operates.
It is particularly advantageous here that the first measurement variable and the second measurement variable describe a fluid property wherein the first and optionally the second threshold values for the diagnostic parameter, for example in the form of the signal-to-noise ratio or the turbulence, are determined in dependence on the two measurement variables describing the fluid property. The first and optionally the second threshold values are thus set in dependence on the two measurement variables describing the fluid property. If, for example, the fluid flow rate (first measurement variable) and the speed of sound in the fluid (second measurement variable) change, different first and optionally second threshold values can be set in dependence on different values for the fluid flow rate and the speed of sound in the fluid.
In an advantageous further development, the diagnostic system comprises a memory unit in which a look-up table is stored. The diagnostic system is configured to read out the first threshold value for the at least one first diagnostic parameter from the look-up table in dependence on the at least one first and second measurement variables. During operation of the fluid flow meter, a new value for the first threshold value can be read out continuously based on the first and second measurement variable. The memory unit can, for example, be directly integrated in the fluid flow meter. The memory unit can also be arranged remotely, for example in the control device. In addition, it is also conceivable that the diagnostic system is configured to read out the second threshold value for the at least one first diagnostic parameter from the look-up table in dependence on the at least one first and second measurement variables. This can likewise take place continuously in dependence on the first and second measurement variables. It is also conceivable that the second threshold value is determined from the first read-out threshold value. For example, the diagnostic system can be configured to space apart the second threshold value by a specific value from the first read-out threshold value, i.e. the second threshold value can e.g. be greater or less than the first threshold value by the specific value. In this case, only one threshold value, in particular the first threshold value, has to be read out from the look-up table.
In an advantageous further development, the diagnostic system comprises an AI module, in particular a trained AI module. The AI module is configured to determine the first threshold value for the at least one first diagnostic parameter in dependence on the at least one first and second measurement variables. The AI module preferably comprises at least two input nodes, a plurality of intermediate nodes and at least one output node. The first and the second measurement variables are fed to the two input nodes. The first threshold value is output at the at least one output node. The AI module can be trained using training data. These training data comprise a plurality of data sets, wherein each data set comprises at least one value for the first measurement variables, one value for the second measurement variable and one value for the first threshold value. The training data can in this respect comprise more than 100, 1000, 10,000 or more than 100,000 data sets. The AI module can naturally also be configured to determine the second threshold value for the at least one first diagnostic parameter in dependence on the at least one first and second measurement variable. In this case, the AI module preferably also comprises at least two input nodes, a plurality of intermediate nodes and at least one output node. The first and second measurement variables are fed to the two input nodes. The second threshold value is output at the at least one output node. The AI module can be trained using training data. These training data comprise a plurality of data sets, wherein each data set comprises a value for the first measurement variable, a value for the second measurement variable and a value for the second threshold value. The training data can in this respect comprise more than 100, 1000, 10,000 or more than 100,000 data sets. Alternatively, it would be conceivable for the AI module to comprise at least two input nodes, a plurality of intermediate nodes and two output nodes. The first and the second measurement variables are fed to the two input nodes. The first threshold value is output at the first output node. The second threshold value is output at the second output node. The AI module can be trained using training data. These training data comprise a plurality of data sets, wherein each data set comprises a value for the first measurement variable, a value for the second measurement variable, a value for the first threshold value and a value for the second threshold value. The training data can in this respect comprise more than 100, 1000, 10,000 or more than 100,000 data sets.
In an advantageous further development, the fluid flow meter is configured to generate at least one second diagnostic parameter that is different from the first diagnostic parameter. The diagnostic system is configured to determine a first threshold value for the at least one second diagnostic parameter also based on the first measurement parameter and variables. Other measurement variables can naturally also be used for this purpose. The wording “reaching” also includes “exceeding” or “falling below”, depending on the type of threshold value. The first message is preferably a warning message. It could also be a fault message. It is generally conceivable that the diagnostic system is further configured to determine a second threshold value for the at least one second diagnostic parameter first message to the higher-ranking control device when said second threshold value is reached. It is particularly advantageous that the second threshold value can likewise be determined using the first and second measurement variables. Further measurement variables can naturally also be used for this purpose. The wording “reaching” also includes “exceeding” or “falling below”, depending on the type of threshold value. The second message is preferably a fault message. By using a second diagnostic parameter, it is possible to operate the fluid flow meter even more accurately. Furthermore, the fluid flow meter can, for example, be configured to continuously recalculate, i.e. update, the second diagnostic parameter. This can result in the first or second message being output, even if the first or second threshold value has not changed.
In an advantageous further development, the fluid flow meter comprises a measurement device having a first transmission and reception unit, and a second transmission and reception unit. The first transmission and reception unit is configured to generate a first ultrasonic signal and preferably to transmit it directly in the direction of the second transmission and reception unit and to receive a second ultrasonic signal. The second transmission and reception unit is configured to generate and transmit the second ultrasonic signal and preferably to transmit it directly in the direction of the first transmission and reception unit and to receive the first ultrasonic signal. The first and the second transmission and reception units can be attached to the pipe offset both in the peripheral direction of the pipe and in the axial direction of the pipe. The measurement device is configured to determine the first and the second measurement variables, in particular by means of the first and second transmission and reception units. For example, it is possible to determine the fluid flow rate and the speed of sound in the fluid via the first and second transmission and reception units. This is possible since the first and the second transmission and reception unit are arranged offset in the axial direction, whereby, in a fluid that flows through the pipe, the ultrasonic signal propagation time for the first ultrasonic signal differs from the ultrasonic signal propagation time for the second ultrasonic signal. This difference in the signal propagation time is in particular dependent on the fluid flow rate, the fluid temperature, the fluid pressure and the fluid composition. The first and the second ultrasonic signal are transmitted through the interior of the pipe.--
Page 11, starting from line 11:
--The method according to the invention serves to operate a fluid flow meter, in particular one described above. The fluid flow meter is configured to determine the flow of a fluid, in particular in the form of gas, in a pipe. In a first method step, a first measurement variable and at least one second measurement variable are generated for the fluid. Furthermore, at least [[a]] one first diagnostic parameter is generated. In a second method step, a first threshold value for the at least one first diagnostic parameter is determined based on the first measurement variable and based on the at least one second measurement variable. In a third method step, a first message is output to a higher-ranking control device when [[the]] a first threshold value for the diagnostic parameter, which is in particular updated continuously, is reached.--
Line 1 on page 13 – line 13 on page 14:
--The fluid flow meter 1 is configured to generate a first measurement variable 5a, [[a]] at least one second measurement variable 5b and at least one first diagnostic parameter 6 (see FIG. 3). The first and/or second measurement variable 5a, 5b is preferably a physical measurement value, such as a fluid flow rate or a speed of sound in the fluid 3, or a variable derived from a physical measurement value, such as a speed of sound in the fluid 3 normalized to pressure and temperature. The at least one first diagnostic parameter 6 can, for example, be a signal-to-noise ratio or a turbulence of the fluid 3. The at least one first diagnostic parameter 6 therefore allows conclusions to be drawn about a measurement accuracy of the fluid flow meter 1 or describes such a measurement accuracy.
The fluid flow meter 1 further comprises a diagnostic system 7 that is configured to determine a first threshold value 4a for the at least one first diagnostic parameter 6 first message is preferably a warning message. However, it can also be a fault message. The diagnostic system 7 is preferably further configured to determine a second threshold value 4b (FIG. 3) for the at least one first diagnostic parameter 6 based on the first measurement variable 5a and the at least one second measurement variable 5b and to output a second message to the higher-ranking control device 50 when said second threshold value 4b is reached. The second message is a warning message.
The fluid flow meter 1 further comprises a measurement device 8 that is configured to detect the first and the at least one second measurement variables 5a, 5b. The at least one first diagnostic parameter 6 being the signal-to-noise ratio or the turbulence of the fluid 3 can in this respect refer to the first and/or the at least one second measurement variable 5a, 5b.
The measurement device 8 comprises a first transmission and reception unit 9a and a second transmission and reception unit 9b. The first transmission and reception unit 9a is configured to generate and transmit a first ultrasonic signal 10a and to receive a second ultrasonic signal 10b. The second transmission and reception unit 9b is configured to generate and transmit the second ultrasonic signal 10b and to receive the first ultrasonic signal 10a. The first and the second transmission and reception unit 9a, 9b are in this respect arranged at the pipe 2 offset both in the peripheral direction and in the axial direction. The measurement device 8 is configured, for example, to determine the first and the at least one second measurement variables 5a, 5b via the first and second transmission and reception units 9a, 9b. The first and second transmission and reception units 9a, 9b are naturally configured to transmit the first and second ultrasonic signals 10a, 10b through the fluid 3.--
Line 26 on page 14 – line 17 on page 17:
--The first and/or second transmission and reception unit 9a ,9b can be at least partly arranged in the housing of the fluid flow meter 1. The first and/or second transmission and reception unit 9a, 9b can also be arranged spaced apart from the housing of the fluid flow meter 1 and can be connected to the fluid flow meter 1 via a corresponding data link (analog and/or digital). The same can also apply to [[the]] a pressure sensor 11 and/or [[the]] a temperature sensor 12.
A further embodiment of the monitoring system 100 comprising the fluid flow meter 1 and the control device 50 is shown in FIG. 2. The differences from the embodiment from FIG. 1 are described below. The diagnostic system 7 is arranged spaced apart from the housing of the fluid flow meter 1 in which the measurement device 8 is arranged. For example, the diagnostic system 7 can be arranged at the location of the control device 50. In this embodiment, a data communication takes place from the measurement device 8 to the diagnostic system 7. Furthermore, a data communication takes place from the diagnostic system 7 to the control device 50. It is preferably a case of a digital interface here. The diagnostic system 7 further comprises an AI module 14. The AI module 14 is configured to determine the first threshold value 4a for the at least one first diagnostic parameter 6 in dependence on the at least one first and second measurement variable 5a, 5b.
In Figure 1, the diagnostic system 7 is arranged within the housing of the fluid flow meter 1.
The measurement device 8 preferably also comprises [[a]] the pressure sensor 11 that is configured to measure [[the]] a pressure of the fluid 3 inside the pipe 2. In addition or alternatively, the measurement device 8 also comprises at least one temperature sensor 12 that is configured to measure [[the]] a temperature of the fluid 3 inside the pipe 2.
The diagnostic system 7 further preferably also comprises a memory unit 13. A look-up table is stored in the memory unit 13. The diagnostic system 7 is configured to read out the first threshold value 4a for the at least one first diagnostic parameter 6 from the look-up table in dependence on the the at least one second measurement variables 5a, 5b.
A further embodiment of the monitoring system 100 comprising the fluid flow meter 1 and the control device 50 is shown in FIG. 2. The differences from the embodiment from FIG. 1 are described below. The diagnostic system 7 is arranged spaced apart from the housing of the fluid flow meter 1 in which the measurement device 8 is arranged. For example, the diagnostic system 7 can be arranged at the location of the control device 50. In this embodiment, a data communication takes place from the measurement device 8 to the diagnostic system 7. Furthermore, a data communication takes place from the diagnostic system 7 to the control device 50. It is preferably a case of a digital interface here. The diagnostic system 7 further comprises an AI module 14. The AI module 14 is configured to determine the first threshold value 4a for the at least one first diagnostic parameter 6 in dependence on the the at least one second measurement variables 5a, 5b.
FIG. 3 shows an embodiment that explains how a first and second threshold value 4a, 4b for the first diagnostic parameter 6 is determined in dependence on a first measurement variable 5a and a second measurement variable 5b. In this case, the first measurement variable 5a is a flow rate of the fluid 3. The second measurement variable 5b is the speed of sound in the fluid 3. The first diagnostic parameter 6 is determined for different pairings of the first measurement variable 5a and the second measurement variable 5b. Furthermore, the first threshold value 4a (solid line) and the second threshold value 4b (dashed line) are determined based on the first measurement variable 5a and the second measurement variable 5b. If the first or second threshold value 4a, 4b is reached or exceeded (e.g., the generated first diagnostic parameter 6 being the signal-to-noise ratio 6 is equal to or higher the first threshold 4a) or fallen below (e.g., the generated first diagnostic parameter 6 being the signal-to-noise ratio 6 is smaller than the second threshold 4b) the look-up table. The look-up table can thus comprise a two-dimensional or multidimensional table for the first measurement variable 5a and the second measurement variable 5b. For each column that corresponds to a value for the first measurement variable 5a and the second measurement variable 5b, a corresponding first threshold value 4a and a corresponding second threshold value (optional) 4b are stored in the look-up table. If the generated first diagnostic parameter [[7]] 6 reaches or exceeds or fallen below the corresponding threshold value 4a, 4b, the corresponding first or second message is generated and output to the higher-ranking control device 50.
It is shown that the first threshold value 4a and the second threshold value 4b are selected differently in dependence on different first and second measurement variables 5a, 5b. A spacing between the first threshold value 4a and the second threshold value 4b also differs for different first and second measurement variables 5a, 5b.
In the event that the diagnostic system 7 also generates a second diagnostic parameter, a corresponding look-up table can likewise be used, wherein the types for the first measurement variable 5a and the second measurement variable 5b are selected differently.
FIG. 4 shows a method for operating the fluid flow meter 1. In a first method step S1, the first measurement variable 5a and the at least one second measurement variable 5b are generated for the fluid 3. [[A]] At least one first diagnostic parameter 6 is then generated. In a second method step S2, a first threshold value 4a for the at least one first diagnostic parameter 6 is determined based on the first measurement variable 5a and 3, the first message is output to the higher-ranking control device 50 when the first threshold value 4a is reached or exceeded by the at least one first diagnostic parameter 6 that is in particular continuously newly generated.--
Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Objections
Claims 1-2, 4-6, 9, 12-16 and 18-21 are objected to because they are unclear due to apparent syntax, editorial and/or antecedent errors (Please see the 101 rejections below for suggested corrections).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 101
35 U.S.C. 101 reads as follows:
Whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title.
Claim 1-21 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claimed invention is directed to a judicial exception relating to an abstract idea without significantly more.
The claims recite a fluid flow meter and method for operating a fluid flow meter that is configured to determine a flow of a fluid in a pipe. The meter and method comprise plural steps that appear to be merely a mental process practiced mentally and not integrated into any of the physical statutory patentable categories: process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter.
Note that, although the claims recite additional elements like “a fluid flow meter,” “a diagnostic system,” etc., those additional elements do not amount to significantly more than the judicial exception, but appear to be just an attempt to convey an abstract idea per se, e.g., a carpet configured to fly (See MPEP 2106).
Furthermore, as discussed further below, some subject matters recited in the claims are not described in the specification in such a way as to enable one skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and/or use the invention. One would not be able to physically practice claims 1-21.
Specifically, the disclosure as a whole fails to describe at least how the fluid flow meter (1) generates the at least one first diagnostic parameter (6)…based on the first measurement variable (5a) and the at least one second measurement variable (5b).
Note: Figs. 1 and 3 of the application, for example, appear to illustrate that the fluid flow meter 1 can generate a first measurement variable 5a (e.g., flow rate of the fluid 3) and at least one second measurement variable 5b (e.g., speed of sound in the fluid 3) by using first and second transmission and reception units 9a, 9b, which transmit and receive ultrasonic signals 10a, 10b to and from each other. Because the fluid 3 flows through the pipe, a propagation time for the ultrasonic signal 10a from the first transmission and reception units 9a to reach the second transmission and reception units 9b would be different from a propagation time for the ultrasonic signal 10b from the second transmission and reception units 9b to reach the first transmission and reception units 9a (and vice versa). Therefore, the first measurement variable 5a (e.g., flow rate of the fluid 3) and the at least one second measurement variable 5b (e.g., speed of sound in the fluid 3) can be calculated based on a difference in the propagation times of the ultrasonic signals 10a, 10b (See application specification pages 9-10 and claim 16). However, as mentioned, nowhere in the disclosure describes how the fluid flow meter (1) generates the at least one first diagnostic parameter (6)…based on the first measurement variable (5a) and the at least one second measurement variable (5b).
Per fig. 3 of the application, it appears that the fluid flow meter (1) and the method would need additional element(s), e.g., acoustic sensor(s), to measure acoustic signals (in dB) as the first diagnostic parameter (6). Such additional element(s) are neither described nor disclosed.
Fig. 4 of the application (with related description on specification page 17) shows a method for operating the fluid meter (1) but appears to be nothing significant more than just an attempt to convey an abstract idea recited in claim 21.
Going forward with examination, claims 1-21 are interpreted to be:
--1. A fluid flow meter (1) to determine the flow of a fluid in a pipe (2),
wherein the fluid flow meter (1) comprises a measurement device (8) having first and second transmission and reception units (9a, 9b) which transmit and receive ultrasonic signals 10a, 10b to and from each other, so as to generate a first measurement variable (5a) and at least [[a]] one second measurement variable (5b) for the fluid, and to generate at least [[a]] one first diagnostic parameter (6),
wherein the fluid flow meter (1) further comprises an acoustic sensor to sense acoustic signals (dB) from a disturbance of the fluid in the pipe (2) so as to generate the at least one first diagnostic parameter (6) comprising the sensed acoustic signals (dB),
wherein the fluid flow meter (1) further comprises a diagnostic system (7) that comprises a trained AI module to determine a first threshold value (4a) for the at least one first diagnostic parameter (6)
the diagnostic system (7) s a first message when the at least one first diagnostic parameter (6) reaches said first threshold value (4a)
--2. The fluid flow meter according to claim 1, wherein the fluid is a form of gas.--
3. The fluid flow meter according to claim 1, wherein the diagnostic system is configured to output the first message to a higher-ranking control device.
--4. The fluid flow meter according to claim [[1]] 3,
wherein the diagnostic system is configured to determine a second threshold value (4b) for the at least one first diagnostic parameter (6), and to output a second message to the higher-ranking control device (50) when the at least one first diagnostic parameter (6) reaches said second threshold value
--5. The fluid flow meter according to claim 4,
wherein the at least one first diagnostic parameter (6) is
--6. The fluid flow meter according to claim 1,
wherein the
7. The fluid flow meter according to claim 1, wherein the at least one second measurement variable is a physical measurement value of the fluid or a variable derived from a physical measurement value.
8. The fluid flow meter according to claim 1, wherein the first measurement variable is selected from the following fluid properties: a) fluid flow rate; b) speed of sound in the fluid; or c) speed of sound in the fluid normalized to pressure and temperature.
--9. The fluid flow meter according to claim 1,
wherein the at least one second measurement variable (5b) is selected from the following fluid properties:
a) fluid flow velocity;
b) speed of sound in the fluid; or
c) speed of sound in the fluid normalized to pressure and temperature,
wherein the first and the second measurement variables (5a, 5b) comprise different fluid properties.--
10. The fluid flow meter according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first diagnostic parameter describes a measurement capability of the fluid flow meter or allows conclusions to be drawn about a measurement capability.
11. The fluid flow meter according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first diagnostic parameter is a signal-to-noise ratio or a turbulence of the fluid.
--12. The fluid flow meter according to claim 11,
wherein the fluid flow meter comprises a measurement device (8) measurement variable (5a) and the at least one second measurement variable (5b), wherein the signal-to-noise ratio (6) relates to the first measurement variable (5a) and/or the second measurement variable (5b).--
--13. The fluid flow meter according to claim 1,
wherein the diagnostic system (7) comprises a memory unit (13) in which a look-up table is stored, wherein the diagnostic system (7) is configured to read out the first threshold value (4a) for the at least one first diagnostic parameter (5a) from the look-up table in dependence on the measurement variable (5a) and the at least one second measurement variable (5b).--
--14. The fluid flow meter according to claim 1,
wherein the diagnostic system (7) comprises an AI module, wherein the AI module is configured to determine the first threshold value (4a) for the at least one first diagnostic parameter (6) in dependence on the measurement variable (5a) and the at least one second measurement variable (5b).--
--15. The fluid flow meter according to claim 1,
wherein the fluid flow meter (1) is configured to generate at least one second diagnostic parameter that is different from the first diagnostic parameter (6), wherein the diagnostic system (7) is configured to determine a first threshold value for the at least one second diagnostic parameter a higher-ranking control device (50) when the at least one second diagnostic parameter reaches said first threshold value
--16. The fluid flow meter according to claim 1,
wherein the fluid flow meter (1) comprises a measurement device (8) having [[a]] the first transmission and reception unit (9a), and [[a]] the second transmission and reception unit (9b), wherein the first transmission and reception unit (9a) is configured to generate and transmit a first ultrasonic signal (10a) and to receive a second ultrasonic signal (10b) and wherein the second transmission and reception unit (9b) is configured to generate and transmit the second ultrasonic signal (10b) and to receive the first ultrasonic signal (10a), wherein the first transmission and reception unit (9a) and the second transmission and reception unit (9b) are attached to the pipe (2) offset both in the peripheral direction and in the axial direction, and wherein the measurement device (8) is configured to determine the first measurement variable (5a) and the at least second measurement variable (5b).--
17. The fluid flow meter according to claim 16, wherein the first transmission and reception unit is configured to transmit the first ultrasonic signal through the interior of the pipe to the second transmission and reception unit and wherein the second transmission and reception unit is configured to receive the first ultrasonic signal and wherein the second transmission and reception unit is configured to transmit the second ultrasonic signal through the interior of the pipe to the first transmission and reception unit and wherein the first transmission and reception unit is configured to receive the second ultrasonic signal.
--18. The fluid flow meter according to claim 16,
wherein the measurement device (8) comprises at least one pressure sensor (11) a pressure of the fluid inside the pipe.--
--19. The fluid flow meter according to claim 16,
wherein the measurement device (8) comprises at least one temperature sensor (12) a temperature of the fluid inside the pipe.--
--20. A monitoring system comprising at least one fluid flow meter (1) according to claim 1 and a control device (50), wherein the at least one fluid flow meter (1) can be attached to a pipe and wherein the at least one fluid flow meter (1) is configured to determine how much fluid flows through the pipe in a certain time and wherein the at least one fluid flow meter (1) is configured to transmit the first message to the control device (50) and wherein the control device (50) is configured to present the first message or a message derived therefrom visually and/or acoustically.--
--21. A method for operating a fluid flow meter (1) that is configured to determine the flow of a fluid in a pipe (2), wherein the method comprises the following method steps:
[[-]] using the fluid flow meter (1) comprising a measurement device (8) having first and second transmission and reception units (9a, 9b) which transmit and receive ultrasonic signals 10a, 10b to and from each other to generate a first measurement variable (5a) and at least [[a]] one second measurement variable (5b) for the fluid, and to generate at least [[a]] one first diagnostic parameter (6); wherein the fluid flow meter (1) further comprises an acoustic sensor to sense acoustic signals (dB) from a disturbance of the fluid in the pipe (2) so as to generate the at least one first diagnostic parameter (6) comprising the sensed acoustic signals (dB),
[[-]] using a diagnostic system (7) comprising a trained AI module to determine a first threshold value (4a) for the at least one first diagnostic parameter (6) based on the first measurement variable (5a) and
[[-]] wherein the diagnostic system (7) outputs a first message to a higher-ranking control device (50) when the at least one first diagnostic parameter (6) reaches the first threshold value (4a)
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1-21 would be allowed if the above objections and rejections were overcome. The following would be an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
With respect to independent claims 1 and 21, prior art of record doesn’t teach, suggest, or render obvious the total combination of the recited features, including the following allowable subject matter (or an equivalent):
“wherein the fluid flow meter (1) comprises first and second transmission and reception units (9a, 9b) which transmit and receive ultrasonic signals 10a, 10b to and from each other, so as to generate a first measurement variable (5a) and at least one second measurement variable (5b) for the fluid, and to generate at least one first diagnostic parameter (6),
wherein the fluid flow meter (1) further comprises an acoustic sensor to sense acoustic signals (dB) from a disturbance of the fluid in the pipe (2) so as to generate the at least one first diagnostic parameter (6) comprising the sensed acoustic signals (dB),
wherein the fluid flow meter (1) further comprises a diagnostic system (7) that comprises a trained AI module to determine a first threshold value (4a) for the at least one first diagnostic parameter (6) based on the first measurement variable (5a) and the at least one second measurement variable (5b) and
the diagnostic system (7) outputs a first message when the at least one first diagnostic parameter (6) reaches said first threshold value (4a).”
(Claims 2-20 are dependent on claim 1.)
Conclusion
Applicant filed an IDS on 4/29/2024 to list references cited by Germany Patent Office. Applicant also filed an IDS on 10/23/2024 to list references cited by European Patent Office. The examiner has considered those references. The examiner has also completed a thorough search and found pertinent references that are listed in the attached Notice of References Cited.
Similar to the present disclosure, all of those references basically aim to determine measurement accuracy of an ultrasonic fluid flow meter, however, by using hardware and/or method steps that are different than those disclosed and claimed in the present application.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to Nguyen (Wyn) Q. Ha whose telephone number is (571) 272-2863, email: nguyenq.ha@uspto.gov. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm (Eastern Time).
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Stephen Meier can be reached at (571) 272-2149. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/Nguyen Q. Ha/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2853 March 1, 2026