Abstract: Disclosed are a method, device and system for a fluid flow meter. According to some embodiments of the present invention, a fluid flow meter that has a fluid pump to displace fluid with one or more pumping strokes of one or more pumping stroke types wherein each of the stroke types displaces a known volume of fluid from a fluid reservoir. A sensor functionally associated with the fluid reservoir and adapted to generate a signal indicative of a fluid pumping condition within the fluid reservoir, and circuitry to trigger one or a sequence of strokes of the pump in response to a signal from the sensor that the triggering condition within the fluid reservoir has been met.

Abstract: A flow sensor having an inlet and an outlet comprising: a plate moving in response to fluid flow therethrough, being displaced further as flow increases; a sensor for determining moving plate's position and creating an electronic signal related thereto; a biasing device for biasing the plate towards the sensor's inlet end. The sensor may include a sealing device for preventing flow therethrough until a specified differential pressure is reached allowing the device to be used as a bypass mechanism. The sealing device may also constitute a check valve device to prevent flow in an undesired direction. The method using the sensor in multipurpose piping systems includes use of the apparatus in a system incorporating at least one fire sprinkler, the piping system also preferably providing at least one other use in the structure. The other use in the structure may be supplying domestic needs, or supplying heating/cooling water for a heating/air conditioning system.

Abstract: A flow sensor having an inlet and an outlet comprising: a plate moving in response to fluid flow therethrough, being displaced further as flow increases; a sensor for determining moving plate's position and creating an electronic signal related thereto; a biasing means for biasing the plate towards the sensor's inlet end. The sensor may include a sealing means for preventing flow therethrough until a specified differential pressure is reached allowing the device to be used as a bypass mechanism. The sealing means may also constitute a check valve means to prevent flow in an undesired direction.

Abstract: An improvement flow sensor of the type having inlet and outlet ports, a moving plate unit for moving in response to fluid flow through the sensor, a sensor unit for sensing the movement of the moving plate and creating a signal related to its location, and biasing unit for biasing the plate towards the inlet (“base elements”). One improvement comprises the moving plate composed of a magnetizable material and the sensor unit comprised of a steel sensor disposed adjacent to a path traveled by the moving plate for sensing the location of the moving plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for flow detection, measurement and control and method for use of same in a piping and/or fire sprinkler system. The apparatus combines a flow sensor for creating an electrical output proportional to flow through therethrough with a bypass means for allowing flow through an alternate flow path where a primary flow path is insufficient to supply the demand. The apparatus includes a moving orifice plate, which is displaced by flow through the sensor and creates an electronic output by the interaction of a moving magnet moving in tandem with the orifice plate with a normally closed Reed switch on an exterior surface of the sensor, which is opened when the magnet is displaced into sufficiently close proximity to the Reed switch. The apparatus can also be adapted to serve as a double check valve. A moving check is added with a sealing means thereon for providing one check, and sealing means on the orifice plate are provided to serve as a second check.

Abstract: An apparatus for a flow-based fire alarm. A bypass system is provided to allow sufficient water flow where a pressure drop, particularly in a residential or multi-purpose piping system such as a water softener is encountered, by providing an alternate, lower pressure flow path allowing additional flow when the pressure drop through the system becomes too great. Flow detection means are also provided with minimal pressure drop to insure that flow for fire protection need is not unduly restricted. The flow detection means includes either a differential pressure switch coupled to an orifice plate or a moving orifice plate having thereon a magnet, which communicates with a Reed switch in proportion to the flow therethrough.

Abstract: A time and temperature integrating device for providing a visually observable indication of cumulative thermal exposure is disclosed comprising (a) at least two thermally sensitive image-forming areas of differing thermal sensitivity, and (b) indicating indicia in association with the thermally sensitive areas for indicating when each thermally sensitive area of the device has been exposed to predetermined cumulative thermal exposures. Such cumulative time-temperature exposure indicators may advantageously monitor and provide an ongoing record of thermal exposure prior to reaching a state of complete degradation, or other monitored property change, in an associated product.

Abstract: A positive displacement, reciprocating fluid flow meter produces a digital electrical output signal. The meter includes a piston which reciprocates within a cylinder for accurately measuring fuel flow rates over a wide range of rates. The device is particularly useful in measuring the rate of flow of fuel to an engine, and incorporates a valve for bypassing the piston to permit resetting of the meter at the end of each piston stroke.