Abstract: A flow meter and method for measuring flow in liquids which may have entrained bubbles or foreign matter. The meter performs alternate transit time and Doppler measurements. The transit time measurements are used to calculate flow so long as they are successful. If the transit time measurements are not successful, the Doppler measurements are used.

Abstract: A variable area flow meter has a magnet carried by a piston which is moved to a position representing fluid flow. An array of magnetoresistive bridge sensors adjacent the path of magnet movement senses the magnet position. The bridges are unbalanced by the magnet field. The analog unbalance signals are read and processed in digital form to develop a flow signal. The flow meter circuits are powered from a 4–20 MA current loop or a remote power supply. Each bridge sensor is powered only when the bridge unbalance signal is being read, to minimize the power requirement.

Abstract: In a concrete finishing machine having a plurality of vibrators to be at least partially submerged in concrete or other semi-fluid viscous material for vibration thereof, a monitor is provided for displaying and/or recording operational parameters of the plurality of vibrators. The monitor includes a display, responsive to signals generated by sensors operatively associated with the plurality of vibrators, for providing a visual indication of operating parameters for the plurality of vibrators, and a recording device receiving the signals generated by sensors operatively associated with the plurality of vibrators and recording the operating parameters for the plurality of vibrators.

Abstract: In a vibrator intending to be at least partially submerged in concrete or semi-fluid or viscous material for vibration thereof, the vibrator having a housing open at one end and enclosing a rotating eccentric weight assembly, and a motor attached to the housing open end driving the rotating eccentric weight, a vibration speed sensor includes a magnetic pick-up disposed in a port in an end wall of the motor and adjacent an end of a gear/gear shaft of magnetic material in said motor, wherein the gear/gear shaft has a discontinuity adjacent the magnetic pick-up, whereby rotation of the gear/gear shaft is sensed by the magnetic pick-up. The motor includes hydraulic inlet and outlet ports in the motor end wall with the magnetic pickup port disposed adjacent thereto. An output cable is connected to the magnetic pick-up and extends in parallel with hydraulic hoses attached to the hydraulic inlet and outlet ports.

Abstract: A vibrator for use in concrete or other semi-fluid or viscous material is provided with a casing having an open chamber therein, a cap detachably connected to the casing, a cantilevered stub shaft extended into the chamber from the cap, a bearing on the stub shaft, and an eccentric weight mounted on the bearing for rotation about an axis and the stub shaft for generating vibrations.

Abstract: A fluid flow indicator module 50 for insertion into a transparent conduit 12, the conduit 12 defining a path of a fluid. The fluid flow indicator module 50 has a transparent housing 52 having a fluid inlet 66 and a fluid outlet 75, the housing 52 being insertable into the conduit 12. A structure 54 which provides a visual signal in response to a fluid flow is mounted in the housing 52 in fluid communication with the fluid inlet 66.

Abstract: A remote control handle assembly for remote control of a powered dolly, with the control handle assembly including a handle mount which rotatably mounts a pair of handles. The powered dolly has a pair of spring-centered valves and a pair of mechanical push-pull cables extending between the handle mount and the valves, with a movable inner cable of each push-pull cable connected one to each of the handles. Rotation of one handle controls forward-reverse direction of travel of the powered dolly and the rotation of the other handle controls steering, with the rotational axes of the handles being structurally related whereby one handle counteracts the rotational torque of the other handle.

Abstract: An electric remote readout for fluid flow meters wherein a magnetic follower moves in accordance with the quantity of the fluid flowing through the meter and it carries electric contacts therewith. An electric resistor is positioned in contact with the electric contact to indicate the electric resistance in accordance with the position of the indicator. The resistor and the contact are of low friction material, and the resistor is adjustable in a general setting position as well as in a fine setting position by means of an adjusting screw. A remote electric readout is connected with the resistor an an electric conductor operating therewith, all to give a digital readout of the quantity of fluid flowing.

Abstract: A fluid flow meter having a transparent housing and a piston movable within the housing for indicating the rate of flow of fluid through the housing in accordance with the position of the piston relative to a scale on the housing. Fins are disposed within the housing to receive the fluid entering the housing and to induce the fluid to have a steady and laminar flow and thus present a steady force on the piston for accurate flow readings. A spring urges the piston toward the inlet, and a spring seat is adjustably disposed within the housing so that the spring force on the piston can be readily calibrated and thus the spring will exert the desired force on the piston so that accurate flow readings can be obtained. The entire meter is made of only a minimum number of parts but there is required accuracy and also opportunity to observe the flow through the transparent meter housing.

Abstract: A pole-setting apparatus for raising a pole from a horizontal position and setting it in a vertical position in a hole and having a boom assembly extended between a ground-engaging dolly and a cradle-support structure, with a cradle frame pivotally mounted between its ends to the cradle-support structure, a single binder member for holding a pole in association with the cradle frame throughout manipulation of the pole, a single hydraulic cylinder connected between the cradle-support structure and the cradle frame for causing relative movement therebetween, and a quick-connection structure for pivotally connecting the boom assembly to the ground-engaging dolly.

Abstract: A fluid flow device having a housing with a movable piston therein for indicating the rate of fluid flowing through the housing. A tapered member is on the outside of the housing and moves therealong through the provision of a magnet on the piston and a piece of magnetically responsive metal on the tapered member. Two electric switches are disposed adjacent the tapered member and have actuating arms in contact therewith for moving the electric points on the switches in accordance with the movement of the tapered member along the fluid housing. Electric signals and electric motors are connected with the switches for respectively indicating the condition of the switches and controlling the electric motors and thus controlling the flow of fluid in the system. A graduated scale is on the housing for indicating the rate of flow through the housing, by means of the tapered member moving along the scale in accordance with that rate of flow.