Abstract: A micro-mass flow controller (10) has a sonic choked flow restriction (28) with an oscillatable valve (26) for repetitiously opening and closing the sonic choked flow restriction (28) in a time-modulated sequence to set or vary mass flow rate of gas through the sonic choked flow restriction (28) over a period of time to something between no flow and maximum mass flow rate. A bimorph piezoelectric actuator (40) is coated in a sputtered dielectric layer (78) and then encapsulated in stainless steel or other metal cladding (80). A closure member (46) on the actuator (40) is registered to a valve seat (70) by actuating the actuator (40) to force the closure member (46) in a puddle of adhesive (86) against the valve seat (70) until the adhesive (86) cures.

Abstract: A vortex detector comprises a generally cylindrical housing or body that defines a flow passage extending from an upstream end to a downstream end. A vortex generator disposed diametrically across the cylindrical housing near the upstream end of the cylindrical housing and oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the flow passage generates a vortex street in a fluid flowing in the flow passage. The vortex street created by the vortex generator impacts a vane located downstream of the vortex generator and connected at one end to the cylindrical housing substantially spans the flow passage diametrically and substantially parallel to the vortex generator such that vibrations or motion are generated in the vane. The end of the vane connected to the housing includes an area of reduced thickness that acts as a resilient, elastic hinged joint for the motion of the vane.

Abstract: A micro-mass flow controller (10) has a sonic choked flow restriction (28) with an oscillatable valve (26) for repetitiously opening and closing the sonic choked flow restriction (28) in a time-modulated sequence to set or vary mass flow rate of gas through the sonic choked flow restriction (28) over a period of time to something between no flow and maximum mass flow rate. A bimorph piezoelectric actuator (40) is coated in a sputtered dielectric layer (78) and then encapsulated in stainless steel or other metal cladding (80). A closure member (46) on the actuator (40) is registered to a valve seat (70) by actuating the actuator (40) to force the closure member (46) in a puddle of adhesive (86) against the valve seat (70) until the adhesive (86) cures.

Abstract: An improved engine load management system that will de-excite the field coils of an alternator that is driven by an internal combustion engine when the battery that the alternator charges is above a required minimum voltage and when the engine is operating under high load conditions such as acceleration or climbing. When the battery charge falls below the required minimum, the system excites the alternator field coils and permits the alternator to charge the battery despite a high engine load condition. When the battery charge is above the minimum required voltage, but below the voltage at which charging is discontinued, and the engine is under high load, the alternator field coils are energized and de-energized in a cycle that reduces alternator drag on the engine, but permits limited battery charging to occur.

Abstract: The improved engine load management system of the present invention includes an apparatus that will de-excite the field coils of an alternator that is driven by an internal combustion engine when the battery that the alternator charges is above a required minimum voltage and when the engine is operating under high load conditions such as acceleration or climbing. When the battery charge falls below the required minimum, the apparatus excites the alternator field coils and permits the alternator to charge the battery despite a high engine load condition. When the battery charge is above the minimum required voltage, but below the voltage at which charging is discontinued, and the engine is under high load, the alternator field coils are energized and de-energized in a cycle that reduces alternator drag on the engine, but permits limited battery charging to occur.

Abstract: A steam system management method and apparatus includes a condensate collection reservoir with a pilot operated, pressure actuated dump valve that has a quick, snap action fully open/fully closed mode of operation. The pilot operation of the dump valve is actuated by a very low voltage solenoid actuator powered by a thermal-electric generator which thermionically converts heat from the steam system directly to electricity. Condensate dumps are controlled by liquid level sensing switches positioned near the top and bottom of the reservoir and electrically connected to a relay logic that turns the solenoid on and off. Temperature sensors positioned in the steam system and adjacent the thermal-electric generator are utilized in combination with the thermal electric generator and a microprocessor to monitor the air content in the steam system and to open the dump valve to purge excess air from the steam system.

Abstract: This invention discloses a vortex shedding flowmeter comprising a vortex generating member disposed across one cross section of the flow passage and a pair of vortex sensing wings respectively disposed across two cross section of the flow passage straddling the vortex generating member in a parallel relationship thereto, wherein one extremity of each wing is secured to a stocky container member housing a piezo-electric element by a flange of a thin diaphragm construction, which stocky container member is rigidly secured to the wall of the flow passage, while the other extremity of each wing is secured to the opposite side wall of the flow passage in a resilient manner.

Abstract: This invention discloses a vortex shedding flowmeter comprising a vortex generating member disposed across one cross section of the flow passage and a vortex sensing member including a wing disposed across another cross section of the flow passage parallel to the vortex generating member, wherein one extremity of the wing is secured to a stocky container member housing a piezoelectric element by a flange of a thin diaphragm construction, which stocky container member is rigidly secured to the wall of the flow passage, while the other extremity of the wing is secured to the opposite side wall of the flow passage in a resilient manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring steam quality of wet or two-phase flowing steam includes a flow-through densitometer comprised of two parallel tubes connected to two common nodes, a vibrator for causing the tubes to vibrate, and a transducer for detecting the frequency and amplitude of the vibrations. A temperature probe detects the temperature of the steam, and a computer is used to monitor the vibrations and temperature and to calculate steam quality. The computer can also be used to control the vibrator. An intake sampler is positioned in a flowing steam line to divert a representative sample of the wet steam into the densitometer. The bulk density of the steam is determined as a function of the fundamental frequency of the densitometer with the steam flowing therethrough, and the steam quality is determined as a function of the bulk density and vapor density, which is a function of temperature.