Abstract: A method of calibrating an ultrasonic flow meter (10) first determines a static flow offset (52). Next, a dynamic flow offset (54) and a flow speed (56) are determined. An adjusted flow speed (58) is determined by subtracting the static flow offset and one half the dynamic flow offset from the flow speed to form an adjusted flow speed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flow meter (10) has a pair of transducers (36, 38). A first (36) of the pair of transducers is coupled to a first divider (18) having a first predetermined divisor. A second (38) of the pair of transducers is coupled to a second divider (24) having a second predetermined divisor. The second predetermined divisor is not equal to the first predetermined divisor. An input (16) of the first divider (18) is coupled to a first oscillator (12). An input (22) of the second divider (24) is coupled to a second oscillator (14). A decoder circuit (50) is coupled to an output (15) of the first oscillator (12) and an output (20) of the second oscillator (14). The decoder circuit (50) determines a difference frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus (300) for detecting an ultrasonic signal (304) has a transducer (302) that produces an electrical signal (306) in response to the ultrasonic signal (304). A threshold comparator (308) receives the electrical signal (306) and produces a phase one signal (310) and a phase two signal (312). An arming circuit (314) receives the phase one signal (310) and the phase two signal (312) and producing an arming signal. A triggering circuit (316) receives the arming signal and the electrical signal (306) and produces a signal detected signal (318).

Abstract: A form void for providing a space between a poured concrete structure and an underlying expansive soil is formed of three sheets of corrugated paper for shipping in a flat "knock-down" configuration and is erected at the construction site simply by inserting one panel into a groove between two other panels. The upper surface is comprised of three panel thicknesses, and the outer support panels are reinforced by a pair of internal support panels. The cross-sectional shape may be trapezoidal, rectangular, symmetric or non-symmetric, or have a sloped top.

Abstract: A two-part collapsible form void for providing a space between a poured concrete structure and an underlying expansive soil is formed of a foldable outer section and a foldable inner section which, when erected, is longitudinally slidable into the erected outer section. The form void may be shipped in the separated and collapsed state, reducing shipping volume by up to 85 percent, and is easily erected by hand at the job site.

Abstract: Apparatus for blindfolding a bird, comprising an elongated handle, a deformable split ring attached to the handle, where the ring includes at least one peripheral flange, and a pliant hood, having an opening in one end thereof, detachably mounted around the circumference of the split ring and where the perimeter of the hood's opening is elastic and is adapted to fit under the peripheral flange.

Abstract: A fluid pressure and temperature sensing probe assembly for a mass flow measurement system comprising, a tubular body, a portion of which is adapted for insertion into the fluid flowing in a confined conduit, and having, within the body, a pair of separated plenums. Openings are provided in the tubular body which expose the respective plenums to high and low fluid pressures in the fluid flow. An electrically responsive temperature sensor, having an electrical signal output, is disposed within the tubular body of the probe. A pressure transducer, in fluid communication with the plenums, converts the fluid pressures in the plenums to at least one electrical signal representative of the difference between the high and low fluid pressures. A transmitter transmits the electrical signal from the pressure transducer and the electrical temperature signal to a remote location.

Abstract: A transaction security system is disclosed which provides protection and security for transaction customers while conducting their business, such as those visiting a remote bank automatic teller machine. The enclosure can accommodate either or both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. A system of detectors and operators open the appropriate door for ingress of an authorized customer and maintain the doors to the facility closed and locked while the customer is transacting business. When the customer exits the facility, door opening mechanisms are again enabled to offer admittance and service to the next authorized customer.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a voltage controlled oscillator (20) in an ultrasonic flow meter (18) includes a comparator (28) for comparing a received signal to an estimate signal, to form an early-late signal (32). The early-late signal (32) is received by a counter (36) to form a count signal (38). A digital to analog converter (42) receives the count signal (38) and converts it to a control voltage output (40) that is coupled to the voltage controlled oscillator (20).

Abstract: In a flow measurement system comprising a primary flow sensor and a secondary electronic conversion apparatus for converting high and low fluid pressure signals from the primary flow sensor to an electronic signal output representative of fluid flow, a process for calibrating the system as an integral unit, comprising the steps of applying a plurality of known reference fluid flow rates to the primary flow sensor over the system's operative range of flow conditions, sensing the electrical output of the secondary electronic conversion apparatus for each of the said plurality of reference fluid flow rates, establishing a correction factor for each of said recorded values of electrical output which will tend to linearize the relationship between fluid flow rate and the electrical output of the measuring system, and storing the correction factors in non-volatile memory in a microprocessor which is part of the secondary electronic conversion apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a flow count in an ultrasonic flow meter has an upstream oscillator (22) with an upstream signal (24) having a period proportional to an upstream transit time and a downstream oscillator (26) with a downstream signal (28) having a period proportional to a downstream transit time. The upstream signal (24) is coupled to a positive increment input (30) of a counter (32) and the downstream signal (28) is coupled to a negative increment input (36) the counter (32).

Abstract: An extensible surface area structure for expanding the area of a primary surface, comprising, a frame, a primary surface area supported by the frame and having an outer edge, an extensible surface area having an outer an inner edge and adapted for temporary storage in a superimposed position on top of the primary surface area, at least one extensible support beam secured to the frame at its first end, a leveling assembly secured to the extensible support beam at its second end and attached to the outer edge of the extensible surface area.

Abstract: In a compound archery bow which includes a handle and two attached flexible limbs, having first and second lateral sides, the improvement including, first and second rotatable bow string cams, each having a grooved peripheral rim and mounted on a first lateral side of each of the limbs and first and second rotatable power cable cams, each having a grooved peripheral rim and mounted on the second lateral side of each of the limbs for respective rotation with the first and second bow string cams, a bow string carried in the grooved peripheral rims of the bow string cams, where the two terminal ends of the bow string are anchored to the respective first and second bow string cams, a first power cable, having one end thereof anchored to the first power cable cam, trained in the grooved peripheral rim of the first power cable cam and run to the distal end of the opposing limb where the other end of the said power cable is secured, and a second power cable, having one end thereof anchored to the second power cable

Abstract: A method of detecting and aligning a signal in an ultrasonic flow meter (18) generates an oscillator signal (50) and a transmit sequence (54) on a first predetermined trigger point (55) of the oscillator signal (50). The transmit sequence (54) is used to drive a transmit transducer (14, 16) to form a transmit waveform (60). The transmit waveform (60) is received by a receive transducer (14, 16) to form a received waveform. The received waveform is processed to form a received sequence (62). The received sequence (62) is then processed to sense an anomaly (80).

Abstract: A flexible membrane variable orifice fluid flow meter which comprises a body, having a fluid conducting passageway therethrough, where the passageway has a first lateral width and second lateral width, and where the second lateral width is greater than the first, a backing bracket having a flat underside disposed within the second lateral width portion of the passageway perpendicularly to the direction of fluid flow and positioned so as to be superimposed over the first lateral width portion of the passageway, where the backing bracket has a lateral width less than the second lateral width but greater than the first lateral width of the passageway, a flexible membrane having head and toe ends, disposed between the flat underside of the backing bracket and the first lateral width portion of the passageway, and secured at its head end between the backing bracket and the body so that under conditions of zero fluid flow rate, the membrane obstructs the passageway across the second lateral width thereof, and diffe

Abstract: A method of detecting a signal (50) in an ultrasonic flow meter sets a first threshold (52) and a second threshold (54) at a predetermined level above the first threshold (52). An ultrasonic signal (50) having a plurality of cycles is then received. Next it is determined when the ultrasonic signal (50) exceeds the first threshold (52). This time is marked a first threshold time. Then it is determined when the ultrasonic signal exceeds the second threshold (54). This time is marked a second threshold time. A time difference between the first threshold time and the second threshold time (56) is determined. When the time difference (56) exceeds a delta time, increasing the first threshold (52) a delta level.

Abstract: A fluid flow control system which can function under a range of input pressures for regulating the flow of fluid as a function of a variable input voltage and having a feedback feature which produces an electrical signal equivalent to the volume of fluid actually flowing from the control system, comprising a pressure balanced valve, a proportional solenoid having a movable shaft responsive to the input voltage and adapted to open the valve, said valve including, a fluid intake chamber having an intake port and a valve port, a fluid discharge chamber having a discharge port, a valve disk and a cooperating valve seat where the valve disk is connected to the shaft of the proportional solenoid so as to open and close the valve, a flexible diaphragm having a centrally disposed piston in contact with the valve disk a pressure equalizing chamber contiguous to the diaphragm, a biasing spring in contact with the piston and exerting a force thereon in a direction toward the valve disk for normally maintaining the valve

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and related apparatus for the nondestructive determination of n layers of coating of a target having n layers of dielectric coating applied to an electrically conductive base material, comprising; a generator of electromagnetic waves in the microwave frequency range, including a microwave oscillator, a waveguide attached to the oscillator output and having an output aperture, a voltage detecting diode disposed within the waveguide, a flat layer of material adapted to be placed in a position abutting the target and disposed over the aperture of the waveguide and having a thickness t which, together with the waveguide, will provide a fixed distance between the diode and the target, and a display responsive to the output of the detecting diode for indicating the layer characteristics of the dielectric coating on the electrically conductive base material.