Abstract: The invention relates to a manhole element (a shaft element) (1) for forming at least a portion of a manhole structure (a shaft structure) (2), which manhole element is comprised of a base body (3) delimiting a hollow space; wherein at least one detection device (4), which is designed to detect and determine at least one “detection variable”, as well as an associated transmission device (5), which is designed to transmit the “detection variables” acquired by the detection device (4) to at least one communication partner, are integrated into the base body (3).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring fluid flow parameters. The apparatus can have a plurality of upstream sensors and a plurality of downstream sensors in communication with a computer. By comparing the sensor reading to an ambient condition, or a known fluid characteristic, the presence of fluid can be determined. The computer can utilize measured data from the sensors and known sensor placement to calculate volumetric flow rate and make determinations about equipment health.

Abstract: A micromechanical sensor is described that includes: a substrate; a first functional layer that is situated on the substrate; a second functional layer that is situated on the first functional layer and that includes movable micromechanical structures; a cavity in the substrate that is situated below the movable mechanical structures; and a vertical trench structure that surrounds the movable micromechanical structures of the second functional layer and extends into the substrate down to the cavity.

Abstract: There is provided a node of a network and a method of operating the same. According to the method, data transmissions between a plurality of resources at the node of the network are monitored (400). A pattern in the monitored data transmissions is identified between the plurality of resources at the node of the network (402). A distribution of the plurality of resources at the node of the network the network is adapted based on the identified pattern in the monitored data transmissions (404).

Abstract: Among other things a male urinary protective device for mild and moderate stress and urge incontinence providing extended protection, discreet appearance for active users, single-step reusable adjustment while maintaining skin integrity.

Abstract: A magnetic flowmeter includes a conduit and an electrical coil for generating a magnetic field extending through the conduit. A coil driver is configured to energize the coil and generate a periodically reversing magnetic field. Electrodes are arranged to detect voltages generated by flow of a conductive fluid through the magnetic field. A measurement system measures fluid flow rate using voltages detected by the electrodes. An empty conduit detector receives signals from the electrodes and determines whether or not the electrodes are immersed in the conductive fluid by analyzing the signals from the electrodes. The flowmeter optionally includes a low-flow verification system for distinguishing true low or zero flow rate measurements from measurements caused by the electrodes being exposed above the fluid level in the conduit by assessing whether or not EMF induced by magnetic flux change can be detected.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for passively sampling production fluid from a well is presented. The passive sampling device is used to split two-phase flow and provide a driving pressure differential for a sampling system. Flow through sampling systems require a low pressure differential to be utilized to take a liquid sample, so that the sample retained remains isobaric. When performed in two-phase flow, the pressure differential needs to be relatively high, potentially yielding a non-isobaric sample. By separating out the liquid content of the flow, a low driving pressure is allowed to be used. Thus, this keeps the sample isobaric at a wide range of production flow rates.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring sanitary sewer systems designed to carry away wastewater through a system of buried pipes, often referred to as “sewer lines”, to a sewage treatment facility, the apparatus and method use a weir which facilitates the collection of flow rate data in the sewer lines which in turn facilitates the determination of infiltration and inflow (“I/I”) of rain water, or clear water, into the sewer system in a manner which further allows the identification of specific I/I locations so that repair and construction of sewer systems can be efficiently coordinated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring sanitary sewer systems designed to carry away wastewater through a system of buried pipes, often referred to as “sewer lines”, to a sewage treatment facility, the apparatus and method use a weir which facilitates the collection of flow rate data in the sewer lines which in turn facilitates the determination of infiltration and inflow (“I/I”) of rain water, or clear water, into the sewer system in a manner which further allows the identification of specific I/I locations so that repair and construction of sewer systems can be efficiently coordinated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring sanitary sewer systems designed to carry away wastewater through a system of buried pipes, often referred to as “sewer lines”, to a sewage treatment facility, the apparatus and method use a weir which facilitates the collection of flow rate data in the sewer lines which in turn facilitates the determination of infiltration and inflow (“I/I”) of rain water, or clear water, into the sewer system in a manner which further allows the identification of specific I/I locations so that repair and construction of sewer systems can be efficiently coordinated.

Abstract: The flow rate of water passing into a weir box and over a weir that is mounted on the weir box is determined using a sensor to continuously or intermittently obtain a measure of the water level within the weir box relative to the bottom of the weir notch to thereby determine the head of the water flowing over the weir which, in turn, translates into flow rate. The sensor is located in the interior of the sump which is in fluid communication with water within the weir box. The sump is positioned deeply enough within the ground so that the sensor is below the frost line and is not damaged upon freezing of the water within the weir box.

Abstract: An apparatus is utilized for obtaining flow measurements from an individual oil and gas well. The apparatus utilizes pipe segments rather than vessels to separate the fluid components into a gas phase, a water phase, and an oil phase. Separation of the flow stream into the different phases allows the measurement of a particular phase. Because the oil stream may continue to contain a small amount of water, a water cut meter may be employed to determine the water content in the oil stream. The apparatus may be configured as a skid package to facilitate transportation and installation of the unit.

Abstract: A continuous flow measurement recorder is provided for making water flow measurements in an open channel. An ultrasonic sensor obtains pressure head measurements upstream from a flume or weir located in the open channel. A central processing unit receives the head measurements from the sensor and calculates the water flow rate and the total flow. A liquid crystal display device displays the water flow rate and the total water flow calculated by a central processing unit. A common, portable, easy to install housing is used to house and protect the sensor, central processing unit, and display device.

Abstract: A flow-measuring system has a weir wall bounded on a front face by a body of water and having a rear face and a top edge over which water from the body flows. A structure generally formed as an airfoil is mounted on the top edge such that water flowing over the weir wall must flow over the structure.

Abstract: A flow-measuring system has a weir wall bounded on a front face by a body of water and having a rear face and a top edge over which water from the body flows. A structure generally formed as an airfoil is mounted on the top edge such that water flowing over the weir wall must flow over the structure.

Abstract: A liquid/gas phase detector system employing a sensor to detect fluid phase, flow rate, and temperature. A flow conditioner in the form of a pipe segment with an inverted V-shaped section forming a weir is adapted for coupling in a horizontal conduit downstream from a source of liquid flow. When a thermal dispersion technology sensor is used, heated and non-heated temperature sensitive elements extend within the pipe segment on the upstream side of the weir. Fluid flow changes encountering the sensing elements cause temperature changes which produce an output signal relating to fluid phase (gas or liquid) and flow rate. Several different embodiments for the flow conditioner are provided.

Abstract: The container includes a first chamber connected to the liquid source through an inlet port of a given cross-sectional area and a second chamber connected to a drain through an outlet port of at least equal size. The chambers are separated by a partition having a slot which has an elongated portion extending from the container floor in a direction generally parallel to the container side walls. The area of the elongated slot portion is approximately equal to the area of the inlet port. Liquid level or weight sensors generate signals representative of the quantity of the liquid level in the first chamber to a microprocessor to measure the flow rate. The signals are integrated over time to measure the total volume.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the rate of flow of liquid through a liquid/air separator having a chamber space provided with at least one liquid/gas inlet duct, at least one gas outlet duct and at least one liquid outlet duct, includes a measuring receptacle disposed in the chamber into which liquid is received from the inlet duct. The measuring receptacle has an inflow compartment located below the inlet duct and receives the liquid from the inlet duct and a measuring compartment partially separated from the inflow compartment by a partition arranged so that liquid is accumulated and slowed in the inflow compartment. The measuring compartment has an outlet above a surface level of liquid in the chamber space. A suitable measuring device measures the quantity of liquid in the measuring compartment.

Abstract: A device and method for determining the flow rate of gas entrapped fluids delivered in a pulsating flow, such as milk, wherein the invention boasts an improved fluid level detection arrangement for determining flow rates with improved accuracy, and an improved temperature sensing arrangement for determining the temperature of the gas entrapped fluid with improved accuracy.

Abstract: A portable secondary flow measuring device (10) with various attachments and adapters for use in several types of open channel flow installations including flumes, weir plates and gravity flow pipelines. A manometer type flow indicating apparatus (40), an integral flow sensing probe (30) and a separate portable air supply (20) are three basic components of the device.

Abstract: In the embodiments described in the specification, an acoustic transducer unit emits acoustic signals into a moving liquid and receives reflected signals to produce Doppler frequency signals and a depth detector simultaneously detects the depth of the liquid. The Doppler frequency signals are processed in a Fast Fourier Transform unit to determine the average velocity of the liquid and a historical velocity versus depth table is prepared. Thereafter, each new velocity value is compared with an expected velocity value for the corresponding depth based on the historical table. The new velocity value is rejected if the variation from the expected value exceeds a selected variation. If accepted, the new velocity value and the expected velocity value from the table are weighted and combined to provide a new value for the table and also for a velocity versus depth profile unit. The velocity versus depth profile is adjusted based on the new velocity value using a least squares fit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring discharges in partly or completely filled ducts or open channels, utilizing measuring sensors. The device comprises a central simulation system (CS), comprising a numerical model and a high-performance computer and a local measurement and evaluation system (LME) comprising sensors providing measurements of the fluid level or of the pressure head respectively and providing measurements of the flow velocities and comprising a microprocessor providing data evaluation and a data storage device providing the interface between the two subsystems (CS) and (LME).

Abstract: A meter which measures fluid flow by passing the fluid through a receptacle and determining the mass of fluid in the receptacle. The shape of the receptacle, the fluid flow path within the receptacle and the receptacle outlet are chosen to ensure that for a selected fluid the mass of fluid in the receptacle is a linear function of fluid flow rate. The mass is determined by weighing the receptacle. Total mass flow is determined by integrating the mass measurement over time if particular application of the meter is as a milk meter.

Abstract: A distributed, unattended wastewater monitoring system that uses advances in low-energy signal processing and distributed microelectromechanical systems and that involves wireless interrogation of distributed, low-power, normally-off sensors. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of flowmeter stations and at least one rain gauge station are networked through a base station for storm water discharge of infiltration-inflow monitoring. Wireless transceivers are used to transmit radio signals into and out of a sewer manhole.

Abstract: A flowmeter for measuring the volumetric discharge in an open channel makes two measurements: (1) velocity at a fixed point, and (2) fluid level. A level-discharge function which is a function of level alone is then generated in response to the measured level, and the discharge function and velocity measurement are multiplied to obtain the volumetric discharge. For more accuracy, in a conduit through which fluid is flowing, a single velocity measurement at a point has a value v.sub.s, from which is inferred the effects of velocity profile in the conduit. A flowmeter in a second embodiment makes use of this such that a level-velocity-discharge function directly produces the volumetric discharge, using inputs from the velocity and level signals. In a third embodiment, when the conduit is full, the level measurement is dispensed with, and a velocity-discharge function directly produces the volumetric discharge, using input from the velocity sensor.

Abstract: A portable flow measurement system comprising a primary flow metering element and a secondary flow metering element is disclosed that will find application in metering irrigation water use, urban and rural storm water runoff, infiltration/inflow and wastewater flow rates. The primary element comprises a constriction in a closed conduit that produces pressures in the liquid flowing through it that are related to the rate of flow of the liquid. The constriction is preferably configured to cause essentially simultaneous filling of the constriction and the conduit upstream from it upon increasing flow rate and/or filling of the constriction and/or the upstream pipe before the modular limit is reached. The secondary element comprises a system for transmitting and sensing the pressures produced by the primary element, computing flow rates using the sensed pressure as a basis and storing the pressure data and/or the flow rate data.

Abstract: A weir is placed across a pipe section and an electromagnetic flow meter with multiple electrodes is located upstream of the weir. The liquid level and velocity of fluid in the pipe section are evaluated by the electromagnetic flow meter to determine flow rate.

Abstract: A milk flow meter having a measuring chamber which is connected to a milk supply conduit, the measuring chamber communicating with a discharge chamber and a milk sump at the lower end thereof. A calibrated milk discharge opening is provided between the measuring chamber and the discharge chamber and a milk suction conduit is connected to said milk sump. An additional rinsing conduit is provided, the upper end of the rinsing conduit leading into the discharge chamber and/or the measuring chamber essentially on the level of the upper end of the measuring chamber and the other end of the rinsing conduit being adapted to be connected, with the aid of an adjustment means movable between a measuring position and a rinsing position, essentially exclusively to the milk suction conduit in the rinsing position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring flow in a closed conduit under both full and less than full conditions is disclosed. The method and apparatus incorporate a tubular Venturi metering device. The cross section of the throat of the device is configured relative to the upstream section of the meter so that the throat will fill with liquid substantially simultaneously with the upstream section's filling with liquid. The present method and apparatus incorporate an improved pressure transmitting and sensing means, a data logger/controller and a data converter. The pressure transmitting and sensing means is designed to overcome the limitations of prior art means of transmitting and sensing pressures. One embodiment involves using submersible sensors to measure invert liquid pressures and a single bubbler system to transmit the throat (reference) pressure to the ends of the sensor vents (in the instrument case), thus allowing differential pressures to be measured.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for monitoring the rate of flow of storm water in an individual sewer. The apparatus comprises a collector bowl mountable beneath the storm sewer manhole cover and positioned to collect all water entering through the manhole cover. A flow pipe is mounted in the bowl and projects upwardly from the bottom thereof. Water collected in the bowl must rise to a level above the flow pipe before it will flow through the pipe and into the sewer. A flow meter sensitive to the water height above the flow pipe is positioned in the bowl and measures and records the rate of flow.

Abstract: A fully portable flume for a canal or water channel comprising a horizontal sill across the width of said flume; means to raise or lower the sill while maintaining it in a horizontal position; a movable transverse wall connected at its upper edge to the sill's upstream edge, and, at its lower edge, to the channel's floor. Flow measuring means such as a stilling well may be operatively associated with the sill.

Abstract: A meter for determining flow rates and total volume of fluids normally mixed with a gas and delivered with a pulsating rather than a uniform flow rate, such as milk being delivered from a milking machine. The unit includes a housing having an upper, baffled, receiving chamber which initially reduces flow velocity and a second, lower chamber, having baffles or weirs for turbulence reduction prior to passage of the fluid through a particularly designed, double tapered orifice, to a measuring chamber. Within the second chamber, air and foam is separated from the milk prior to flow measurment. A plurality of electrically operated, vertically arranged probes are provided within the measuring chamber and these probes are rapidly monitored to determine the level of milk as passed through the orifice. The pulsating but relatively laminar flow causes the liquid level to oscillate between probes and the processing of the rapidly scanned probes provides data to determine the true flow rate.

Abstract: A testing device for determining the amount of liquid having been doctored through the Fourdrinier fabric or wire at the wet end of a Fourdrinier-type paper machine. Included is a pick-up for insertion beneath the foil blades of the paper machine, having an opening for insertion into the stream of the liquid being doctored from the pulp. A container is connected in liquid communication with the pick-up. A weir is positioned within the container to divide the container into a collection well upstream from the weir and a discharge well downstream from the weir. The container includes a still well positioned in liquid communication with the collection well. A proximity sensor is provided, and positioned with respect to the still well to sense the level of liquid in the still well. A microprocessor controlled display is provided for receiving a signal from the proximity sensor and displaying a flow rate based on the level of the liquid in the still well.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a weir to divert fluid flowing in a conduit and to convert potential fluid energy to kinetic energy.

Abstract: A portable wastewater flow meter particularly adapted for temporary use at a single location in measuring the rate of liquid flow in a circular entrance conduit of a sewer manhole both under free flow and submerged, open channel conditions and under full pipe, surcharged conditions, comprising an apparatus having a cylindrical external surface and an inner surface that constricts the flow through the apparatus in such a manner that a relationship exists between (1) the difference between the static pressure head of liquid flowing through the entrance of the apparatus and the static pressure head of liquid flowing through the constriction, and (2) the rate of liquid flow through the apparatus.

Abstract: A device for determining a flow rate of liquid discharged from a plurality of discharges comprising a plurality of collectors for the discharged liquid connected by a manifold having a plurality of inlet lines attached to the discharges and a single outlet line; a receptacle having at least a first and a second compartment, each of which has a predetermined fixed volume adapted to hold the liquid and each having a volume indicator associated with at least one liquid level in each of the compartments; a connector for the outlet line of the manifold to the receptacle and an attachment for selectively directing the liquid from the outlet line into each of the compartments.

Abstract: The gravity flow of a liquid in an open pipe is metered during open channel flow, during surcharged flow, and during the transition between the two. A tubular venturi metering device is employed, and when during open channel flow, the liquid depth rises in the section of the pipe upstream from the device, the throat of the device fills with liquid substantially simultaneously with the upstream section of the pipe, so that during the transition, the device continues to provide a flow determination.

Abstract: A flow meter for measuring the flow rate of a liquid, capable of detecting the liquid level in the upstream space with respect to a weir and determining the flow rate of the liquid on the basis of the relationship between the liquid level and the flow rate of the liquid that flows through the weir, wherein the width of the weir is designed so that the ratio of the variation of the flow rate caused by a fixed variation in the liquid level to the total flow rate at the existing liquid level is constant regardless of the liquid level.

Abstract: A flow measuring device for measuring the flow rate of a fluid in a partially filled conduit comprises sequentially disposed inlet transition and converging sections and means for determining the level of the fluid in the converging section. The inlet section has a substantially circular cross-sectional configuration, and the converging section has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration, although it has a gradually reducing width in its longitudinal extent to the downstream end thereof. The transition section has an interior configuration which provides a substantially smooth transition between the circular inlet section and the rectangular converging section to avoid introducing turbulence and irregular flow patterns into a fluid passing through the device. A second embodiment of the device includes removable inserts which further reduce the width of the converging section adjacent the downstream end thereof to adapt the device to operate under reduced flow conditions.

Abstract: A flow measuring apparatus adapted to be installed temporarily in the end of a sewer pipe or water pipe or conduit is provided with a weir/orifice plate and a bubble tube for sensing the hydraulic pressure at a critical point below the weir/orifice plate to facilitate determination of the flow rate by a calibrated relationship with the measured pressure. A cylindrical support frame is provided for placement in the pipe outlet, together with an inflatable collar which, when inflated, provides a seal between the inside diameter of the outlet pipe and the support frame. A base weir/orifice plate is fixed across the upstream face of the support frame and means are provided for fastening interchangeable weir/orifice plates to the base weir/orifice plate. An extension handle is provided so that the operator can install the measuring device in an exposed pipe or conduit located in a vault or manhole without entering the vault or manhole.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the flow-rate of ferromagnetic granular media in a gravity-fed and/or low velocity peening apparatus by passing the media in the supply line at substantially constant head pressure through an inductive transducer, wherein the current drawn by the induction coil varies in accordance with changes in the flow-rate.

Abstract: An open-channel liquid flowmeter which is not disabled by submergence of the primary device measures flowrate using both critical-flow and velocity-area techniques and compares results to determine the conditions of flow. The device then selects the method offering the greatest probability of accuracy at that moment and computes flow using the selected method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring flow and/or volume of a liquid preferably milk in which the milk is passed from a passageway (3,56) through a gap (5,46) which is long vertically but narrow in width so that a pool is formed in the passageway, the height of milk in the pool being a measure of the rate of flow of the milk. The levels maintained over predetermined intervals of time are integrated to give volume measurements. Measurements of levels are made by providing a resistor (8,32) in the passageway (3,56) so that the impedance is changed according to the liquid level and measuring such impedance.

Abstract: A portable weir for measuring water flow through an irrigation canal is provided in an obliquely disposed check gate shaped to fit the cross sectional configuration of the canal. The weir opening in the check gate is reinforced by a cooperating network of reinforcing members to assure reliable readings from the weir even though it is subjected to rough handling in the field.

Abstract: There is provided a flowmeter comprising a vertically extending inlet chamber having an inlet opening at its lower end, a vertically extending outlet chamber horizontally spaced-apart from the inlet chamber and having an outlet opening at its lower end, a communicating passage between the inlet and outlet chambers along the vertical length of the inlet chamber and a ball disposed in the inlet chamber and afforded slidable vertical movement therein. The flowmeter further comprises coaxially aligned inlet and outlet couplings for connecting the flowmeter to a horizontal fluid line.

Abstract: This invention provides a fluid flow meter including an elongated tube and an element adapted for connection to a fluid line, the elongated tube including one or more orifice openings of predetermined area, and indicia correlated with the area of the orifice opening for providing a reading of fluid flow dependent upon the level to which fluid rises in the elongated tube.In one embodiment the tube includes a plurality of scales for indicating different ranges of flow rates, and an orifice opening corresponding to each of said scales, said orifice openings being of different areas and selectively openable so that said scales can individually be made to show fluid flow rates.

Abstract: In a boiler or an industrial furnace, a temperature detecting sensor is mounted at the heat absorbing side of a heat pipe of a waste heat recovery device which is disposed in part of the path of exhaust gas. With an output signal of the temperature detecting sensor, a flow rate control valve is controlled, and a liquid discharging shield is utilized to maintain the flow rate of the liquid to be supplied in correspondence with the flow rate of the liquid to be discharged. The effective area of the heat pipes coming in contact with the liquid is varied to maintain the temperature at a heat absorbing side higher than the dew point of sulfur oxide, thus preventing the heat pipes from corrosion, exhaust ducts and so on, and allowing heat absorbing operation to be performed in accordance with the exhaust gas discharge temperature.

Abstract: Method for measuring total liquid volume flow in partially full cylindrical pipes, and apparatus for practicing the method.

Abstract: The gravity flow of a liquid in an open pipe is metered during open channel flow, during surcharged flow, and during the transition between the two. A tubular venturi metering device is employed, and when during open channel flow, the liquid depth rises in the section of the pipe upstream from the device, the throat of the device fills with liquid substantially simultaneously with the upstream section of the pipe, so that during the transition, the device continues to provide a flow determination.

Abstract: A portable wastewater flow meter particularly adapted for temporary use at a single location in measuring the rate of liquid flow in a circular entrance conduit of a sewer manhole both under free flow and submerged, open channel conditions and under fill pipe, surcharged conditions, comprising an apparatus having a cylindrical external surface and an inner surface that constricts the flow through the apparatus in such a manner that a relationship exists between (1) the difference between the static pressure head of liquid flowing through the entrance of the apparatus and the static pressure head of liquid flowing through the constriction, and (2) the rate of liquid flow through the apparatus.