Abstract: A signal processing apparatus and method for measuring a mass flow rate of a fluid flowing in conjunction with a surface of a Coriolis mass flow meter and a field-provable Coriolis mass flow meter. The apparatus includes: (1) a driver for creating a prescribed vibration in the surface, (2) a motion sensor for measuring a motion of the surface, (3) response characteristic determination circuitry, coupled to the motion sensor, for determining a response characteristic of the surface and (4) flow rate calculation circuitry, coupled to the response characteristic determination circuitry, for calculating a measured mass flow rate of the fluid as a function of the motion and the response characteristic. The field-provable meter employs the response characteristic to monitor or compare meter performance without requiring a separate proving device.

Abstract: In the field of Coriolis mass flow meters, determination of the true zero of the meter has always been problematic due to zero drift effects with changing boundary conditions and fluid parameters. Disclosed are apparatus and methods for determining the true mass flow related component of the signal of the meter separately from errors caused by changing boundary conditions and fluid parameters.

Abstract: A flow meter apparatus for measuring attributes of a fluid using the Coriolis principle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises (1) a body capable of being inserted into and surrounded by the fluid, (2) an actuator, disposed within the body, for vibrating a surface of the body in a radial mode of vibration, the vibrating surface developing Coriolis forces within the fluid, (3) a detector, coupled to the surface, for measuring motion of the surface, the motion being a function of Coriolis forces developed in the fluid and (4) a circuit, coupled to the measuring detector, for determining an attribute of the fluid as a function of the motion of the surface. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a conduit surrounds the apparatus and is coupled to the detector. The apparatus allows precise detection of mass flow rate, pressure, density and viscosity of the fluid surrounding the apparatus.

Abstract: A flow meter apparatus for measuring attributes of a fluid using the Coriolis principle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises (1) a body capable of being inserted into and surrounded by the fluid, (2) an actuator, disposed within the body, for vibrating a surface of the body in a radial mode of vibration, the vibrating surface developing Coriolis forces within the fluid, (3) a detector, coupled to the surface, for measuring motion of the surface, the motion being a function of Coriolis forces developed in the fluid and (4) a circuit, coupled to the measuring detector, for determining an attribute of the fluid as a function of the motion of the surface. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a conduit surrounds the apparatus and is coupled to the detector. The apparatus allows precise detection of mass flow rate, pressure, density and viscosity of the fluid surrounding the apparatus.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining Young's Modulus of a specimen by measuring the speed at which stress waves, either P-waves or S-waves, propagate therein. An embodiment of the apparatus includes two fixtures which are removably affixed to opposite ends of the specimen. A hammer having an accelerometer affixed to its head is used to strike the first fixture to produce stress waves in the specimen. A timing means starts counting in response to an output generated by the accelerometer when the hammer strikes the first fixture. A second accelerometer affixed to the second fixture detects the stress waves and generates an output which causes the timing means to stop counting. Further circuitry extracts the measured time, calculates a dispersion time delay based on material and length, and subtracts the dispersion time delay and a predetermined constant, both dependent on the material in the specimen, from the measured time to form a corrected transit time.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining Young's Modulus of a specimen by measuring the speed at which stress waves, either P-waves or S-waves, propagate therein. An embodiment of the apparatus includes two fixtures which are removably affixed to opposite ends of the specimen. A hammer having an accelerometer affixed to its head is used to strike the first fixture to produce stress waves in the specimen. A timer starts counting in response to an output generated by the accelerometer when the hammer strikes the first fixture. A second accelerometer affixed to the second fixture detects the stress waves and generates an output which causes the timer to stop counting. Further circuitry extracts the measured time, calculates a dispersion time delay based on material and length, and subtracts the dispersion time delay and a predetermined constant, both dependent on the material in the specimen, from the measured time to form a corrected transit time.

Abstract: Test apparatus for proving the performance of Coriolis mass flow meters when measuring high-temperature fluid. Selected heat transfer fluid, preferably organic, is heated to the desired testing temperature and pumped from a fluid reservoir and heater through the meter being tested. A batch tank receives the fluid passing the meter and the tank is weighed before and after the test to prove the meter. All conduits connecting to the batch tank are flexible and the weighing scales operate with a minimum of deflection. An inert gas blanket is maintained in the fluid reservoir and the batch tank to maintain the selected organic fluid in a liquid state. The components of the apparatus are mounted on a platform and the apparatus can be easily transported for testing meters in the field.

Abstract: A protein-based snack food product and its method of manufacture are disclosed. The process negates the need for carbohydrate, starch or farinaceous ingredients in the product formulation. Yet the product will expand or puff and will maintain its structural integrity during deep fat frying.