Abstract: A method for operating a sensor for recording particles in an exhaust gas flow and a device for carrying out the method are provided, in which at least one measure of the exhaust gas flow is ascertained and in which the measure of the exhaust gas flow is taken into consideration in the valuation of the particle sensor signal made available by the particle sensor. The procedure is based on the knowledge that the exhaust gas flow, for instance, the exhaust gas volume flow, has an influence on the particle sensor signal made available by the particle sensor, especially when the measuring effect is based on the depositing of particles on a sensor surface. Using the procedure, a possibly present cross sensitivity of the particle sensor with respect to different exhaust gas flows is taken into consideration, so that the measuring accuracy is increased.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention is directed to the in situ measurement of fluid density and/or flow rate in tubular conduits, wherein such measurement comprises measuring dynamic fluid level and/or load (weight) in a region of the conduit and correlating these measurements of the fluid with a density and/or flow rate. Such measurements are typically directed toward drilling fluids transported within the tubular conduits—particularly the return flow, wherein the fluid comprises extraneous material (e.g., cuttings, etc.) which can alter the density and flow rate of the drilling fluid.

Abstract: A method for ascertaining volume- or mass-flow of a medium in a pipeline, or measuring tube, of radius (r) via a sound entrainment method, wherein ultrasonic measuring signals are transmitted and/or received along a plurality of defined sound paths (m). During a calibration phase, successive, different flow profiles (v(r)) of a measured medium are established in the pipeline, or in the measuring tube, and wherein, for each flow profile (v(r)), a defined volume flow, or a defined mass flow, is ascertained, wherein, on the basis of measured values (v)x(r1) . . . vx(rm)) ascertained in the separate measuring paths (m), each flow profile (v(r)) established in the pipeline, or in the measuring tube, is described by a characteristic parameter set (a1 . . . an with n?N) and wherein, for each flow profile (V(r)), on the basis of the defined volume- or mass-flow and on the basis of the measured volume- or mass-flow, a flow-profile-dependent correction factor MF(a1, . . .

Abstract: A compound fluid flow metering system including two electromagnetic fluid flow meters is disclosed that substantially increases accuracy of metering total volumes and flow rates and provides consistent accuracy over time. Additionally, the compound fluid flow metering system is substantially maintenance free, and reduces pumping costs associated with maintaining adequate supply pressures.

Abstract: A system for ascertaining absolute fluid flow in a passage way comprises: a force beam that is inserted into a fluid; a carriage to support the beam, the carriage enabling the beam to move vertically in a fixed plane; one or more load cells incorporated with the beam to measure force applied to the beam by the fluid flow; a data recorder and processor for integrating the measurements and for running algorithms that convert the integrated measurements into a value of absolute flow and a controller to operate the system. In some embodiments the force beam may be light and neutrally buoyant in the fluid. Measurements are taken at pre-specified intervals while moving the beam in a vertical plane perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow. One application is the calibration of Winter-Kennedy piezometers in the barrels of large water turbines. A method of use is also provided.

Abstract: In regard to an output of an intake flow meter for an internal combustion engine, a pulsation error can be reduced and dispersion in correction at the time of correction of response delay (a recovering of response delay) is reduced. A digital device is used for pre-processing of a control unit for inputting a flow rate measuring signal. An output voltage of the flow sensor is converted into a digital value, the digital value is converted into a flow rate and adds a response delay. The control unit detects a degree of response delay in reference to dispersion in a clock signal so as to perform response delay recovering and reduce dispersion of the response delay.

Abstract: A system and method for determining functionality and accuracy of a sensor such that monitoring of a sensor is possible without the provision of redundant sensors. Briefly described, one embodiment is an anemometer operable to detect wind speed adjacent to the wind power installation, a calculating unit operable to calculate a calculated wind speed using data from an operating parameter of the wind power installation, and a comparison device operable to compare the detected wind speed with the calculated wind speed to determine the functionality of the anemometer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.

Abstract: An arrangement for calibrating a Venturi valve includes a source of flow measurements and a processing circuit. The Venturi valve has a variable shaft position and is operable to provide an air flow corresponding to the variable shaft position. The processing circuit is operable to provide a plurality of voltages to an actuator, the actuator operable to change the variable shaft position dependent on said plurality of voltages. The processing circuit is also operable to receive from the source of flow measurements a flow measure for each variable shaft position corresponding to each of the plurality of voltages. The processing circuit is further operable to store information representative of the relationship between each of the plurality of voltages and the flow measures.

Abstract: A penetration and removal efficiency calibration unit for a volatile particle remover in a solid particle counting system provides an accurate and efficient approach to calibration. The calibration unit includes an aerosol inlet, a flow meter downstream of the aerosol inlet, and a mixer. The flow meter receives the aerosol flow from the aerosol inlet and provides an output flow to the mixer. The mixer receives the output flow from the flow meter and also has a dilution gas inlet. The mixer provides a mixer output flow for reception by the volatile particle remover or particle counter. A first flow controller controls flow into the dilution gas inlet. The calibration unit also includes a bypass inlet. A second flow controller controls flow into the bypass inlet, and a control loop controls the bypass flow such that the aerosol flow tracks a reference value.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of calibrating a microfluidic flow sensor, in which the flow of a fluid through a flow sensor is stopped and a first value is read from the flow sensor, then the fluid is pumped through the flow sensor sequentially at first and second selected rates, and readings from the flow sensor of the flow rate are taken for each of the rates. The readings are used in a polynomial equation to determine the actual flow rate, which is used to calibrate the sensor. The flow sensor can be connected to a computer programmed to perform the calibration method, determine the actual flow rate of the sensor, and make appropriate adjustments to the flow rate of a pump.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a proportional solenoid valve used in the propulsion system of a windrower, wherein a programmable control module in connection with a valve and a sensor is programmed as part of an automatic calibration routine for directing test control signals to the valve for causing a predetermined displacement of the hydraulic cylinder, the test control signals having values which vary based on the actual displacement of the hydraulic cylinder as compared with a predetermined value of displacement, and operating the hydraulic cylinder using the test control signal that causes the predetermined displacement of the element. The predetermined displacements correspond to the crack points, or the electrical signal levels at which two ports of interest are just beginning to open to one another from a closed position. Of particular interest are the crack points from the supply pressure port to each of the work ports and from the tank port to each of the work ports.

Abstract: A position difference is created by mutual translation of sound transducers and the associated time difference is measured. Radiating surfaces of both sound transducers are arranged acoustically opposing one another in planes that are parallel to one another. The sound transducers are positioned at a mutual distance x0+xd, and sound transit time t1 between the sound transducers is measured, wherein position x0 is the distance for optimum acoustic coupling of the two sound transducers and xd is the deviation from this position that is designated as the deviation. The sound transducers are repositioned at another mutual distance x0+xd+?x, and the sound transit time t2 between the sound transducers is measured. An acoustic calibration factor Ka is calculated from the distance difference ?x and the time difference ?t=t2?t1 using the formula Ka=?x/?t.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the calibration of a flow measurement in a flow system (1), wherein a fluid (2) is conveyed through a flow connection (3) of the flow system (1), and a flow rate of the fluid (2) is determined through the flow measurement from a working parameter of the flow system (1). In accordance with the invention the flow rate of the fluid (2) is determined at a pre-determined point in time with a calibration sensor (4) in a calibration measurement and the flow measurement is calibrated anew with the help of the calibration measurement. Furthermore, the invention relates to a flow system to carry out the method in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flowmeter includes a measuring tube (1) through which a fluid to be measured flows, electrodes (2a, 2b) which are placed in this measuring tube and detect an electromotive force generated by a magnetic field applied to the fluid and the flow of the fluid, an exciting coil (3) and power supply unit (4) which apply a time-changing magnetic field to the fluid, a signal conversion unit (5) which extracts a ?A/?t component from the resultant electromotive force of the electromotive force based on the ?A/?t component irrelevant to the flow velocity of the fluid and the electromotive force based on a v×B component originating from the flow velocity of the fluid, which are detected by the electrodes (2a, 2b), and a flow rate output unit (6) which extracts only the v×B component by removing the extracted ?A/?t component from the resultant electromotive force, and calculates the flow rate of the fluid based on the v×B component.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the velocity of a fluid flow provides electrical charge carriers that are emitted into the fluid flow from an emitter electrode, and wherein an electrical signal caused by this is measured at a sensor electrode. The projection of the envelope of the cross-sectional area of that part of the sensor electrode which projects into the fluid flow into the cross-sectional plane of the fluid flow is small in comparison with the cross-sectional area of the fluid flow at this point, if present at all. The measured current of the sensor electrode is used to serve as a characterizing feature of the velocity of the fluid flow in accordance with a defined allocation function. The measurement method has virtually no delay and can be used in a high temperature and velocity range.

Abstract: Method and device that by acoustic signal energy- generated by a flowing medium, detects characteristic properties, amounts and the individual distribution between several components/phases, i.e. liquids, gases, particles or any distribution individual and between these. The flowing medium is decided to pass through at least one in a pipe system installed flow conditioner that has at least one restriction and by said passing is decided to release acoustic signal energy. The flow conditioner is installed in such a way that it in an acoustic and/or thermal way is totally or partly isolated from upstream and downstream adjoining sections of the pipe system and/or surrounding construction details.

Abstract: An exciting unit, applies, to a fluid, a time-changing magnetic field asymmetrical to a plane (PLN). An electrode is placed on the plane in a measuring tube, and detects a resultant electromotive force of an electromotive force based on ?A/?t component (A: vector potential, t: time) irrelevant to a flow velocity of the fluid and an electromotive force based on a v×B component originating from the flow velocity of the fluid. A state quantifying unit extracts the ?A/?t component and a variation factor dependent on a parameter to be detected, and quantifies the parameter on the basis of the variation factor. The characteristic and state of the fluid and the state in the measuring tube can be detected regardless of the flow rate of the fluid by using the same hardware arrangement as that of an electromagnetic induction type flowmeter.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system of energy-efficient and constant-pressure fluid-transport machines coupled in parallel, which can flexibly and massively provide gas and water to every fabrication unit. The system of the present invention comprises: variable-frequency centrifugal fluid-transport machines, pressure gauges, power meters, flow meters, and controllers. The performance curves of the abovementioned system of fluid-transport machines coupled in parallel and the system impedance curves of the loads are analyzed theoretically and built in the controllers together with the equal-efficiency curves provided by the manufacturer. When the system is operating, the data detected by the pressure gauges, power meters, and flow meters are compared with the built-in data to obtain the optimal energy-efficient conditions as the operational criteria of the system of the present invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that determines the time delay (202) between the actual flow and the measured flow in a flow meter. The time delay is used to shift the flow measured by the flow meter to correspond to the actual flow measured by a prover or calibration system. In this way an accurate comparison is made between the flow measured by the flow meter and the flow provided by the prover.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for sample analysis. More particularly, the invention encompasses a method and an apparatus for continuous, constant, flow sample introduction of fluid samples of varying viscosity and composition. The invention further includes the option of the apparatus being associated with at least one fluid analyzer system. A temperature controlled environment may also be provided for the processing and analysis of a fluid sample.

Abstract: A flow verifier for verifying measurement by a fluid delivery device under test (DUT) includes a chamber configured to receive a flow of the fluid from the DUT, at least one temperature sensor to provide gas temperature in the chamber, at least one pressure transducer to provide gas pressure in the chamber, and a critical flow nozzle located upstream of the chamber along a flow path of the fluid from the DUT to the chamber. The critical flow nozzle and the flow verification process are configured to maintain the flow rate of the fluid through the nozzle at the critical flow condition such that the flow rate through the nozzle is substantially constant and substantially insensitive to any variation in pressure within the chamber downstream of the nozzle.

Abstract: A calibrating system for measuring amounts of sprayed material has an array of nozzles for dispensing a sprayed material and a capture apparatus positioned to receive the dispensed sprayed material from the array of nozzles. The capture apparatus has aligned channels configured for receiving the dispensed sprayed material.

Abstract: A precision flow controller is capable of providing a flow rate less than 100 microliters/minute and varying the flow rate in a prescribed manner that is both predictable and reproducible where the accuracy and precision of the flowrate is less than 5% of the flow rate. A plurality of variable pressure fluid supplies pump fluid through a single outlet. Flowmeters measure the flow rates and a controller compares the flow rates to desired flowrates and, if necessary, adjusts the plurality of variable pressure fluid supplies so that the variable pressure fluid supplies pump fluid at the desired flow rate. The variable pressure fluid supplies can be pneumatically driven.

Abstract: A flow verifier for verifying measurement of a flow rate of a fluid by a device includes a flow restrictor that renders the flow rate verification substantially insensitive to elements upstream of the flow restrictor. The flow verifier includes a vessel that receives a flow of the fluid from the device, and a pressure sensor that measures pressure of the fluid within the vessel. An outlet valve regulates flow of the fluid out of the vessel. The flow restrictor is located adjacent to and upstream of the vessel, along a flow path of the fluid. The flow restrictor restricts the flow of the fluid so as to induce a shock in the flow path of the fluid, and sustains the shock during a time period sufficient to render the flow rate verification substantially insensitive to the elements upstream of the flow restrictor.

Abstract: A device and method for calibration of a mass flow sensor (14) employs a flow channel and a holder for the mass flow sensor in the flow channel. An adjustable throttle device is provided between the holder and a connection to a pump during a calibrating operation to operate on the basis of a predetermined time/displacement profile by means of a control device. During operation of the pump, the throttle device generates a supercritical flow with which a flowing medium has the speed of sound in the narrowest cross section of the throttle device.

Abstract: A calibration rig for calibration and/or re-calibration of flow meters (5) and/or flow meter calibration carts (7) is described comprising: a source (1) of pure sterilized water or a source (40) of a sterile conductive solution, a piping manifold (3) connected to the source (1), at least one flow meter (5) connected to the source (1) via the piping manifold (3) and/or at least one flow meter calibration cart (7) connected to the source (1) via the piping manifold (3) and a drain pipe (23) connected to each flow meter (5) and to each flow meter calibration cart (7) to guide liquid from the flow meter (5) and/or the flow meter calibration cart (7) to a drain (23).

Abstract: Impacts with a vehicle body panel are detected by sensing airflow inboard of the vehicle body panel. The airflow can be measured by heated element sensor, a Pitot tube sensor, a venturi sensor or other airflow-responsive sensor. For side impact detection, the sensor is located in a door or pillar on the side of the vehicle; for frontal impact detection, the sensor may be located behind the front bumper. Multiple sensors mounted in distributed locations can be used to determine the location and extent of an impact.

Abstract: Systems and methods for flow verification and validation of mass flow controllers are disclosed. A mass flow controller may be commanded to a specified flow and flow measurement commenced. During an interval, gas is accumulated in a first volume and measurements taken within this volume. The various measurements taken during the interval may then be used to calculate the flow rate. The flow rate, in turn, may be used to determine the accuracy of the mass flow controller relative to a setpoint.

Abstract: A position difference is created by mutual translation of sound transducers and the associated time difference is measured. Radiating surfaces of both sound transducers are arranged acoustically opposing one another in planes that are parllel to one another. The sound transducers are positioned at a mutual distance x0+xd, and sound transit time t1 between the sound transducers is measured, wherein position x0 is the distance for optimum acoustic coupling of the two sound transducers and xd is the deviation from this position that is designated as the deviation. The sound transducers are repositioned at another mutual distance x0+xd+?x, and the sound transit time t2 between the sound transducers is measured. An acoustic calibration factor Ka is calculated from the distance difference ?x and the time difference ?t=t2?t1 using the formula Ka=?x/?t.

Abstract: Systems and methods for flow verification and validation of mass flow controllers are disclosed. A mass flow controller may be commanded to a specified flow and flow measurement commenced. Gas is accumulated in a first volume and while measurements are taken within this volume. Gas may then flow into a second volume while measurements are taken. The various measurements taken during the two intervals may then be used to calculate the flow rate. The flow rate, in turn, may be used to determine the accuracy of the mass flow controller relative to a setpoint. Additionally, these systems and methods may utilize only one volume to perform flow verification by flowing gas into this volume, taking measurements, and calculating the flow rate based only upon this set of measurements.

Abstract: A thermal mass flow meter associated with an inclination sensor that detects an angle of inclination of at least one portion of a thermal mass flow sensor relative to at least one reference axis. Based upon the detected angle of inclination, the output signal of the mass flow meter that is indicative of the mass flow rate of fluid through the sensor may be compensated to account for any inaccuracies relating to the orientation in which the mass flow meter is installed. Inaccuracies for which compensation may be provided include thermal siphoning effects and fluid buoyancy effects. By compensating for such inaccuracies, the mass flow meter may be used in any orientation, and/or may be used in non-inertial (e.g., accelerating) environments. The flow meter may be used as a stand alone device, or incorporated in a thermal mass flow controller.

Abstract: A system and method for a low cost fluid flow sensor is described. One embodiment includes a fluid flow sensor comprising a first resistance temperature detector configured for generating a flow signal, wherein the flow signal is based on a fluid velocity, and wherein the first resistance temperature detector is configured for a fluid temperature range; a second resistance temperature detector configured for generating a temperature signal, wherein the temperature signal is based on a fluid temperature; and a controller coupled to the first resistance temperature detector and the second resistance temperature detector, the controller configured for receiving the flow signal and the temperature signal, wherein the controller takes a first controller action when the temperature signal is within a temperature signal range substantially representative of the fluid temperature range, and the flow signal is within a flow signal range, wherein the flow signal range is determined based on the temperature signal.

Abstract: An automated system for testing a spray pump assembly includes a system computer, a robotic handler, holder tray, actuator, and analytical balance. The system computer issues commands to the robotic handler to handle and to transport spray pump assemblies, collection vessels, waste collectors, and nozzle tip dabbers. The robotic handler includes an electromechanical gripper capable of handling objects of varying sizes and sensing contact between gripped objects and another object. The robotic handler may also perform shaking functions. The holder tray, actuator, and other system elements may include sensors for detecting the presence of testing objects. The spray pump assembly may include a collet with a tapered and threaded aperture for securing the collet to a spray pump. The system may further include an elevator assembly for positioning and transporting the actuator (while holding a spray pump assembly) between a first testing area and a second testing area.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flowmeter calibration verification device for a flow tube comprises a first electrode, attachable to the flow tube, for transmitting, in use, a test current into the flow tube, and a second electrode, attachable to the flow tube, for receiving, in use, the test current transmitted through the flow tube. The device is arranged such that, in use, the test current, when passing from one electrode to another, passes through liquid in the flow tube. The device further comprises a third electrode, attachable to the flow tube, such that, in use, a voltage generated due to current distribution within the flow tube when the test current is passing within the tube is determined, and means for generating an output signal to a user if the voltage generated is outside a predetermined range. A method of verifying the calibration of an electromagnetic flowmeter for a flow tube is also provided.

Abstract: A water leak detection system for generating a control signal indicative of a water leak detection. The system is connectable to a power line carrying an AC power signal. The system includes a master unit connectable to the power line for generating the control signal indicative of a water leak detection. One or more slave units are connectable to the power line for communicating with the master unit. One or more sensors are connected to the slave unit for detecting a water leak. A communication system transmits and receives data signals between the master unit and each slave unit in the AC power signal. The communication system includes an encoder for encoding outbound data into the AC power signal using frequency shift keying (FSK) signals and a decoder for decoding inbound frequency shift keying (FSK) signals from the AC power signal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for allocating revenue or taxes to individual fluid streams commingled during an oil and gas production process, the method includes commingling fluid streams to produce a commingled fluid stream; (2) utilizing a process simulation model to predict a phase change of each fluid stream in the commingled fluid stream, wherein the process simulation model predicts the phase change of all the individual fluid streams in the commingled fluid stream the phase change of each individual fluid stream in isolation of the commingled fluid stream, the phase change of all the individual fluid streams in the commingled fluid stream absent a single fluid stream; and (3) determining the difference in phases between the calculated phase change of all the in individual fluid streams in the commingled fluid stream and calculated phase change of all the individual fluid streams in the commingled fluid stream absent a single fluid stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the accuracy of meter factors of a flow instrument in conjunction with a prover having upstream and downstream prover detection switches and a flow computer including a computer program for correcting errors in a meter factor measured in a proving run and/or correcting effects of flow rate changes during proving. A computer readable medium whose contents causes a processor to increase the accuracy of meter factors of a flow instrument in conjunction with a prover having upstream and downstream prover detection switches and a flow computer, by performing the steps of receiving signals from the upstream and downstream prover detection switches and the flow instrument. There is the step of correcting errors in a meter factor measured in a proving run. A method for increasing the accuracy of the meter factors of a flow instrument in conjunction with a prover having upstream and downstream prover detection switches and a flow computer.

Abstract: A reference leak includes a leak layer formed of one of a metallic material, a glass material, and a ceramic material. The metallic material is selected from the group consisting of copper, nickel, and molybdenum. The leak layer comprises a number of substantially parallel leak through holes defined therein. The leak through holes may be cylindrical holes or polyhedrical holes. A length of each of the leak through holes is preferably not less than 20 times a diameter thereof. A diameter of each of the leak through holes is generally in the range from 10 nm to 500 nm. A length of each of the leak through holes is generally in the range from 100 nm to 100 ?m. A leak rate of the reference leak is in the range from 10?8 to 10?15 tor×l/s. The leak through holes have substantially same length and diameter.

Abstract: Calibration wafers and methods for calibrating a plasma process performed in a plasma processing apparatus, such as an ionized physical vapor deposition apparatus. The calibration wafer includes one or more selective-redeposition structures for calibrating a plasma process. The selective-redeposition structures receive a controllable and/or measurable amount of redeposited material during the plasma process.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus and method for use in measuring diffusible hydrogen concentrations in materials, structures, and other objects. In an embodiment of the invention for use in welding applications, the measuring apparatus (10) includes a sensor assembly (20) that, with an included sealing member (40), defines a sample area (17) on a weld bead (16) from which hydrogen evolves into a sample volume (18) defined by the sealing member (40), a sensor housing (34) and a sensor (22) of the sensor assembly (20). The hydrogen reacts with a sensing layer (28) and a reflector layer (30) positioned on the end of an optical fiber (24), all of which are included in the sensor assembly (20) and are sealably positioned within the sensor (22).

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for a system for measuring aberrations in a wave front. In the improved system multiple closely-spaced, small-aperture laser beams traverse an aberrating flow that introduces deflections of small-aperture laser beams from which aberrated wavefronts can be constructed. These beams may then be focused on position sensing devices using focusing lenses. The position sensing devices may then detect the positions of these beams and a difference between the detected position and the unaberrated position of the beams detected. This information may then be used to determine information regarding the optical aberrations introduced by the flow that may be used, for example, in improving communications systems and/or laser weapon systems.

Abstract: A method for performing system characterization in situ for a system comprising a actuator controlled by a proportional controller. The system includes a quasi-linear region characterized by a slope of the system response and by a delay in the quasi-linear region of the system. The system includes at least one dead zone (DZ).

Abstract: An engine lubrication system simulating device is provided, having a reservoir configured to contain engine oil. The simulating device may also include an agitation device configured to agitate oil in the reservoir. In addition, the simulating device may include a circulation system configured to circulate oil between the reservoir and a reserve tank of an oil consumption measuring device and maintain a constant level of oil in the reservoir. Further, the simulating device may include an output port configured to facilitate removal of oil from the reservoir at a known, controlled rate and transport it to a location separate from the reservoir and the oil consumption measuring device.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of monitoring a sensor for sensing the flow speed of a medium. The invention further concerns an apparatus for carrying out that method. In order to be able to monitor the sensor, without providing redundant sensors, the flow speed of the medium, which is specified by the sensor, is correlated with at least one operating parameter of an installation operated with the medium. For that purpose the apparatus according to the invention includes a sensor for detecting the flow speed of a medium, an installation operated with the medium and a correlation device for correlating the flow speed of the medium, which is specified by the sensor, with at least one operating parameter of the installation.

Abstract: A precision gas flow meter that is capable of measuring small flow rates of gasses precisely in the range of 0.01 to 10 L per minute. The meter is designed to measure the gas flow in small volume increments of predetermined value, and therefore can be used to measure a gas flow that is continuous or discontinuous. The flow meter can be used to measure the gas production rates from many processes, including biological reactors, chemical reactors, and thermal-chemical reactors. The device can also be used to meter the gases that are required in small or minute volumes.

Abstract: A leak test arrangement having a leak calibration device is disclosed. The calibration device is connected into communication with the leak test arrangement and provides a controlled source (sink) of fluid at a predetermined amount. The calibration includes a substantially sealed volume of fluid in fluid communication with the test arrangement and a control arrangement for heating and/or cooling the volume to produce the source (sink) of the calibrator.

Abstract: A calibration system includes a tube or other conduit, a gas source, and a computational device. The tube has an end positioned relative to a flow sensor, and is in communication with the gas source. The tube and gas source introduce calibration gas into the tube at a repeatable mass flow. During a calibration operation, the conduit directs at least a portion of the calibration gas onto the flow sensor. The computational device is used to calculate an estimated flow rate of the calibration gas based upon the measurements obtained from the flow sensor.

Abstract: An integrated micropump or a plurality of integrated micropumps are communicated to a plurality of analysis chambers. A plurality of integrated analysis chambers include integrated analysis devices to test a fluid for an analyte. The micropumps continuously or periodically pump the fluid into the analysis chambers and flush the analysis chambers after analysis of the analyte. In one embodiment, the analysis device comprises an integrated LED and an integrated optical detector. The LED and detector are tuned to an optical absorption line of the analyte. The micropumps are composed of nitrides of B, Al, Ga, In, Tl or combinations thereof and fabricated using photoelectrochemical techniques. The analysis chambers, and micropumps including the analysis devices are simultaneously fabricated during which fabrication of the micropumps and the analysis devices are masked from the photoelectrochemical techniques.

Abstract: A computerized method generates unbiased estimates of parameters such as position, velocity, and acceleration of a vehicle. The method assigns initial vehicle states. Unbiased vehicle state estimates are obtained using a model incorporating a unique parameterization of the vehicle motion and state dynamics, and sensor registration bias states. Sensor measurements of the vehicle are used to iteratively update the vehicle states and covariances. Previous vehicle state and covariance, are propagated to produce current state and covariance estimates. If needed, a new vehicle model is adopted. Sensor registration biases are estimated to generate corrected measurement information. A measurement matrix and a measurement residual is determined. The Kalman gain matrix is determined, and used with measurement residual for state update. A new current state is generated. State covariance update is determined the same way, and used to generate a new current state covariance.