Abstract: A disposable pneumotachograph flowmeter comprises first and second tubular mouthpiece members which, when juxtaposed relative to one another, sandwich a fabric screen made from a hydrophobic material therebetween. The screen may comprise a woven fabric formed from expanded PTFE fibers or, alternatively, may be a non-woven mat of polyester fibers. Because of the properties of the screen material, it does not become clogged and occluded with moisture particles during use.

Abstract: Improved turbine comprising plural turbine blades supported by a turbine rotor of a flow meter, each turbine blade having a rounded leading edge, a feathered trailing edge, a concave top blade surface and a convex bottom blade surface, the turbine blade tapered from the leading edge to the trailing edge to form a hydrofoil shaped defined by empirical profile data.

Abstract: A magnetic signal pickup mechanism is presented. The mechanism comprises an orbiting mass fixedly coupled to a cyclically repetitively moving element which by moving through its cycle causes the mass to orbit. A relatively tight but slightly moveable wire is coupled to selected points at each end so as to pass near at least one part of the orbit of the mass. One of the mass and the wire is ferro magnetic and the other of the mass and the wire is a permanent magnet sufficiently powerful so that the wire moves one cycle in an orbit in response to each orbit of the mass. A signal detector is coupled to the wire to count orbits of the wire.

Abstract: An improved bracket apparatus for measuring the flow rate of a fluid comprising an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit for the passage of fluid therethrough. Each conduit has a flange with bolt holes therein. The apparatus also includes a magnetic flowtube having an orifice for the passage of fluid therethrough. The input and output ends of the flowtube each having a flange with bolt holes therein aligned with the bolt holes of the conduits. Electrically conductive brackets are positioned between the ends of the flowtube and the adjacent ends of the conduits with each bracket having an aperture in axial alignment with the orifices of the flowtube and the conduits. Each bracket also has bolt holes extending therethrough axially aligned with bolt holes of the flowtube and the conduits. The brackets are of a size and shape for providing a support for the flow meter.

Abstract: A shaft device for a bellows-type gas meter. A first eccentric cam assembly and an element having a radial groove are both coupled to the shaft. A second eccentric cam assembly having an opening is placed on the shaft. A rotatable insert element is inserted in the opening in the second eccentric cam assembly. A follower is provided on the insert element for engaging the radial groove in the element coupled to the shaft. A radial protrusion is provided for axially locking the shaft by rotating the insert element. The angle between the centerline of the first eccentric cam assembly and the centerline of the second eccentric cam assembly is adjusted by rotating the insert element.

Abstract: An electronic flowmeter system including a turbine flowmeter and a digital controller for making highly accurate flow measurements over a wide range of fluid flows and pressures is disclosed. The flowmeter preferably includes a body having a cylindrical bore in which is mounted a turbine having multiple vanes which rotate transversely to the direction of fluid flow. The clearance between the bore and vanes is selected for minimum resistance to fluid flow at extremely low flow rates. Rotation of the turbine vanes is detected by use of a proximity sensor or an optical sensor employing an artificial light and a photodetector. Flow measurements are made by digitally measuring the time periods between successive input pulses generated by detection of the rotating vanes of the turbine. For high temperature or intrinsically safe applications, the optical sensor is used with a fiber optic cable so that the light source and photodetector can be located remotely from the flowmeter.

Abstract: An arrangement for detecting cycles of operation of a positive displacement diaphragm gas meter sets up a magnetic field which is directed through the non-magnetic housing of the meter toward an internal cyclically moving ferromagnetic element of the meter. The strength of the magnetic field is varied as the ferromagnetic element moves toward and away from the source of the magnetic field. The strength of the magnetic field is detected and an output signal representative thereof is processed to define cycles of operation of the meter.

Abstract: A Coriolis-type mass flowmeter in which the flow tube is vibrated at a resonance frequency approximately equal to the frequency for forced or natural vibration in a higher anti-symmetric mode, such as the second mode. In the preferred embodiment the flowmeter is symmetrical and has sections of oval cross-section that provide low bending resistance to the vibration at the points where the amplitude of vibration is the largest. The preferred embodiment uses electronic signal detection/processing means that generates two signals proportional to flow tube velocity in the direction of vibration of equal distance but on opposite sides of the plane of symmetry of the tube, generates a sum and a difference of the two signals, integrates the sum, demodulates the integrated signal and the difference of the two signals to produce peak amplitude signals, and divides the peak amplitude signals to produce an output that is proportional to mass flow rate.

Abstract: A device of the antifraud sealing cap type in the form of a unit having: a covering skirt (5) provided on the inside face of its upper edge with recesses extended downward by hooks (9) able to engage in shoulder (3) of threaded lock nut (2) provided on the body of the meter; a ring with an inside vertical lip (10) whose pin (11) projecting from the collar come to be inserted in said recesses (8); and a cover (12) whose opening and closing hinge (13) is pivoted in an opening made on the upper edge of the skirt. The device is particularly useful for antifraud covering of water meters.

Abstract: A closed flowtube for measuring the volumetric flow rate of a conductive molten metal that can be split apart, to facilitate cleaning and repair, and then re-assembled.

Abstract: The saddle of a fluid flow detector is held in sealing relation to a conduit through an adapter. The adapter has an aperture that mates with an aperture in the conduit through which the actuator of the detector extends. The adapter is fabricated of a suitable plastic. In another embodiment, a bracket holds the saddle in a sealing relation to the conduit.

Abstract: A fluid measuring device such as a gas meter may be disconnected from its associated inlet and outlet conduits and may either be replaced or serviced without replacement without interrupting service to a point of use by enclosing the meter to be replaced or serviced within an enclosing element which also encloses the inlet and outlet couplings and which is provided with a purge port and a translucent window together with access sleeves through its side wall whereby manual disconnection of the inlet and outlet couplings following initial loosening prior to employment of the enclosing element so as first to bleed entrapped air from the enclosing element and thereafter following closure of the purge port the meter to be serviced is manually removed and replaced by a meter disposed within the enclosing element. If circumstances permit, the meter to be serviced may be serviced within the enclosing element all without interrupting the flow of gas to the point of use.

Abstract: For use in connecting a measuring instrument across a pipeline portion having an orifice therein to create a pressure drop whereby static and differential pressure signals are formed, a unitized connector apparatus is set forth in the preferred and illustrated embodiment and includes an elongate rectangular body having a lengthwise axial passage drilled therethrough. Additional passages intersect the long passage at the ends, and suitable valve means are included near the ends thereof. The structure is a unitized structure adaptable for quick and prompt installation with a minimum of connections made to the measuring instrument. Moreover, the structure is roddable, that is, the passages can be easily cleaned by means of a rod inserted therethrough.

Abstract: A turbine rotor for a flow meter comprises a cylindrical rotor disk having a rotor axis, a plurality of rotor vanes extending radially from the rotor disk and a flat surface between the bases of each of the vanes. This construction permits the efficient start-up of the turbine rotor at flows of low viscosity.

Abstract: A shut-off actuating device includes a stop member biased toward a position where it interferes with the movement of a linkage apparatus of a fluid flow measuring device. The fluid flow measuring device is adapted such that once the linkage apparatus is disabled or rendered inoperative, fluid flow through said device is thereby prevented. A solenoid-operated apparatus is provided which includes a solenoid rod or arm that normally engages the stop member to hold it in a retracted position out of said interference with the linkage apparatus. Once the solenoid apparatus is energized, the solenoid rod is disengaged from the stop member and the stop member is thus allowed to extend into an interfering relationship with the linkage apparatus, thereby disabling said apparatus or rendering it inoperative in order to shut off the flow of fluid through the fluid flow measuring device.

Abstract: A flow rate meter correction device for fluid supply systems, wherein actual meter conditions and/or end use point conditions vary substantially from meter calibration conditions, having a variable length scale for indicating actual (corrected) flow in appropriate units means for calculating a correction factor reflecting the deviation of actual meter indication (pointer movement, etc) from meter indication under meter calibration conditions, and means responsive to the correction factor for interrelating the meter indicator with the variable length scale. The variable length scale indication is positionable relative to the meter indication by positioning means associated with the calculating means.

Abstract: A liquid counter having a rotor pivot operating in a stream of cryogenic medium includes a friction bearing for the rotor pivot loosely mounted in a housing while the liquid counter is operative but arrested in the housing both radially and axially.

Abstract: A vortex generating device has first and second adjacent bluff bodies downstream of a restriction. The bluff body closest the restriction has a flat surface facing upstream.

Abstract: A fluid flow measuring device comprising a hollow cylindrical housing having a plurality of recessed areas extending about a portion of the interior surface of the housing and through only a portion of the thickness of the housing; fluid flow straightening means; means for measuring the flow of fluid through the housing; retaining means having a portion inserted in the recessed area in said hollow housing and having portions substantially conforming to a portion of the exterior surface of said fluid flow straightening means; and fastening means securing said retaining means to said fluid flow straightening means whereby both longitudinal and rotational movement of said fluid flow straightening means in said hollow housing is prevented by said retaining means engaging said hollow housing and substantially conforming to a portion of the exterior surface of said fluid flow straightening means when said retaining means is secured to said fluid flow straightening means by said fastening means.

Abstract: An air velocity gauge for direct measurement of low air flow or draft rates in the range of 20-400 feet per minute comprising a generally flat housing of quadrilateral shape defining a draft way therethrough and a set of opposed draft way inlet and outlet openings that are aligned with the plane of the housing that approximate the size and general shape of the way. A vane formed from a strip of Mylar polyester film is suspended pendulum fashion from the upper portion of the housing adjacent the draft way inlet and is creased longitudinally of same to rigidify the vane to act as such rather than as a flexible flap. The housing itself is in the form of an open centered center frame with open sides, to each side of which is applied a transparent side plate held in place by an adhesively backed opaque scale or scale plate that adheres to lands defined by the housing center frame for this purpose.

Abstract: An orifice fitting of an orifice meter installation is provided, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, with a tamper indicating cover positioned in a manner to obstruct access to the bolts which clamp the seal bar into sealing engagement with the fitting housing. Because the path of orifice place movement into and out of the fiting extends through the position normally occupied by the sealing bar, the tampering indicator also spans the path of movement of the orifice plate. The tampering indicator is made of plastic material having an external surface of one color and an internal surface of contrasting color. To gain access to the clamping bolts and to move the orifice plate out of its seated or operative position, the tampering indicator must be destroyed. Destruction of the tampering indicator is visible from a substantial distance. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the tamper indicating cover is positioned to obstruct opening movement of the clamping and/or sealing bars.

Abstract: Flow straightener for improving the flow profile in a gas line ahead of a flowmeter, comprising at least three plates with regularly distributed perforations and spaced apart parallel to each other perpendicularly to the axis of the line. The perforated plates are mounted with a circumferential sealing (preferably welded) in or on a sleeve which can be inserted in the line with a sliding fit.

Abstract: A turbine meter comprising a casing of substantially hollow cylindrical shape installed within a conduit through which a fluid to be measured is flowing, an axle member supported within the casing and having an annular recess therearound; a longitudinal flow passage formed in the axle member, a plurality of discharge holes formed in the axle member to connect communicatively the annular recess and the flow passage, a supply pipe inserted into said conduit through the wall thereof and functioning to supply a pressurized fluid to said flow passage in the axle member, a vane wheel comprising a hub disposed around said annular recess with minute gaps therebetween and adapted to rotate in a substantially non-contacting state relative to the axle member and a plurality of vanes implantedly fixed at their root parts to the hub, said vane wheel being rotated by a portion of the fluid being measured which flows through the casing, and means for detecting the rotation of the vane wheel.

Abstract: A rotary meter of the vane type having a rotary gate separating the inlet from the outlet. The rotor vanes and the gate are rotated in a predetermined timed sequence by a suitable transmission such as timing gears which interconnect the rotor and the gate. The rotor is journaled in the housing by axially spaced bearings, at least one of which is mounted in the improved spider bearing support disposed on the outboard side of the rotor. The spider bearing is connected to the housing by detachable holding tabs and positioned concentric to the rotor axis. The housing is enclosed by an end bonnet with the spider bearing support connected to the housing axially below the bonnet and intermediate the bonnet and the rotor.The spider bearing support improves the accuracy of centering the rotor within the housing, decreasing the cost, and improving the access while simplifying the assembly.

Abstract: A system for mounting a device comprising two rotors which rotate coaxially in a stator comprising two spaced-apart supports held in the stator, a stationary shaft secured by one of these supports in cantilever manner coaxially with the stator and on which the first rotor is rotatably mounted, a first bearing formed at the free end of the stationary shaft and a second bearing secured by the second support coaxially with the stationary shaft, and a rotary shaft secured to the second rotor and rotatably mounted in the first and the second bearing.

Abstract: A temperature-sensitive instrument assembly for removable mounting within a vessel, flowline or the like including a flange plate for mounting onto a vessel or flowline nozzle; a hollow mounting tube mounted within and extending through the flange plate into the interior of the vessel, flowline nozzle or the like; a temperature-sensitive element positioned in and extending with the mounting tube into the interior of the vessel, flowline nozzle or the like, the mounting tube having an opening on the downstream side thereof to expose the temperature-sensitive element to fluid conditions within the vessel; and, a shield mounted on the mounting tube opposite from the mounting tube opening for protective positioning upstream of any fluid flow in the vessel, flowline nozzle or the like.

Abstract: A flowmeter of the vortex type in which an obstacle assembly mounted in a flow tube causes vortices to be shed at a frequency that is a function of flow rate. The assembly includes a block fixedly mounted across the flow tube at right angles to the direction of flow, the block having a predetermined geometry whose cross-section is uniform throughout its length. Fitting over the front face of the block is a replaceable adapter cap having a channel therein which conforms to the profile of the block and acts as a socket therefor. The formation of the adapter cap is such as to effectively expand the cross-section of the block without altering the geometric configuration thereof whereby the resultant expanded block restricts the effective area in the flow tube of fluid passing by the block, thereby making it possible to measure flow rates below the normal operating range of the meter.

Abstract: A swirler for a fluid flowmeter comprises a plurality of axially and circumferentially overlapping swirl blades within a flow conduit which impart a swirling motion to fluid passing therethrough. The swirler is constructed of a first element containing selected ones of said blades which are circumferentially non-overlapping and a second element containing the remaining blades which are also circumferentially non-overlapping; the two elements are assembled so as to bring the blades of each element into overlapping relationship with those of the other element.

Abstract: A protective shield and bracket assembly adapted to cooperate with a flowmeter in which a variable-area flow tube subject to breakage in the course of operation is supported in an upright position within a meter body having a rear wall in a manner exposing all but the rear portion of the tube, whereby the vertical position assumed by a float within the tube may be observed to provide a reading of flow rate. The bracket is formed by a strip which lies against the rear wall of the meter body and is secured thereto, the strip being provided with resilient arms which project forwardly from opposite sides thereof and terminate in fingers to which opposing margins of a channel-shaped transparent plastic shield are attached, whereby the exposed sides of the meter tube are enveloped by the shield to define a safety chamber which confines explosion products resulting from breakage of the tube.

Abstract: A water flow meter having a hollow housing adapted to contain counter mechanism, a propeller shaft extending into the housing, a hollow propeller hub mounted on the free end of the shaft, an opening in the hub, a bore extending through the shaft from the hub to the housing, a flexible diaphragm extending over the bore in the hub adapted to contain a liquid lubricant capable of flowing to and from the housing effected by changes in temperature and pressure and seal means mounted on the housing and extending about the shaft preventing the ingress of water therethrough.

Abstract: A flow meter for measuring the consumption of a fluid such as tap water and indicating it digitally at a remote place from the detecting section, having a pulse generator; means for giving intermittent rotation to the rotor of the generator which comprises a cam plate with a dwell portion of the same radius and a plurality of recesses formed at the outer periphery thereof, a driving disc placed coaxially therewith and capable of rotating relatively to the cam plate within a prescribed angle, and an intermittently-driven member provided with a plurality of projections capable of being engaged with said recesses at the outer periphery thereof correspondingly to the cam plate and connected to the rotor shaft of the pulse generator; and a pulse motor capable of operating the indicating wheels by using the pulse voltage from the pulse generator.

Abstract: A flowmeter for measuring the flow of fluids through a conduit is disclosed and includes a body having a passageway therethrough mounted in communication with a conduit. A cover is assembled to the flowmeter body and contains a flowmeter device which measures the flow of fluids in the body passageway. An O-ring is compressed between the body and cover to seal the flowmeter device relative to the body passageway, and the O-ring is also exposed to fluid pressure within the body passageway. When excessive pressure is encounterred within the flowmeter, the resistance of the O-ring to movement is overcome and the O-ring can be moved to a position enabling the excessive pressure to be vented to atmosphere. No damage to the flowmeter occurs when the pressure is relieved, and the flowmeter can be re-set on site without any need for replacement of components.